With a closed vertical clearance of 31ft, Ben Sawyer Bridge is the last bridge before Charleston Harbor when southbound. Opened in 1945, the Ben Sawyer Bridge serves as the connection from Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island.
2 Your Roots: The Ben Sawyer Bridge
WCBD News 2
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Safe Harbor City Boatyard, formerly Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Safe Harbor Marinas, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40.
Click here for Outboard Service Now Available!
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Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
Please take a few minutes to support our efforts by buying a $3.99 Sea Turtle beach/boat bag to support our coastal cleanup efforts. Better yet if you can buy 3 or 4 and give them to friends and family as an after the holidays thank you gift. After making your purchase, please share the link. Yes. there is a S&H charge but it will help us continue making a REAL difference. https://www.partycity.com/wounded-nature-sea-turtle-tote-bag-895011.html
Your support for what we do is greatly appreciated.
Rudy Socha
CEO
Wounded Nature – Working Veterans
Cell 843-764-7748
Your editor’s personal experience with tax officials in Charleston during the five years we lived aboard was very positive. Tax officials were boaters themselves and took every route to keep our taxes correct, especially after having received incorrect tax bills. Let’s hope these new changes will not affect how taxes are calculated.
Changes to county property tax collections will impact SC boat owners beginning in 2020
Columbia, S.C. (Nov. 25, 2019) — As a result of legislation changing the way that counties collect property taxes on boats, in January of 2020, boat owners and buyers in South Carolina will begin to see changes in the way that boat registrations are issued by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The changes to the registration process will be phased in over the next three years as current registrations expire and will result in an annual registration process for boats that more closely mirrors the system used for automobiles.
The most visible and immediate change for boat owners will be that boat registration renewals will be done on an annual basis, rather than every three years as they are currently. The fee for the new annual registration will be $10 (1/3 the cost of the old three-year fee of $30). Once fully implemented, the annual registration fee will be included on and paid via the boat owner’s county property tax bill, just like SCDMV vehicle registration fees are paid, which should be more convenient for boat owners than getting a separate bill.
Another change is that under the new law, property taxes for boats will be collected by counties in advance (or “prospectively”) for the coming year. Under the old system, property taxes for boats were collected “in arrears,” or for the previous year. Once the property taxes and registration renewal fee for the coming year have been paid by the owner, the county will notify SCDNR to issue a new set of annual registration numbers for that vessel.
These changes to state law were requested by counties to aid them in accurately collecting the property taxes due on boats. SCDNR is currently working with tax collection officials in all 46 counties to help implement the new requirements and ensure that boat registrations are integrated into the new, annual system. It’s important to note that for boat owners with current registrations, those registrations (and the decal and “numbers” issued by SCDNR for their hulls) will continue to be valid until they expire. The new system should also benefit the prospective buyers of used boats, by making it easier to determine if the property taxes on a potential used purchase are current. Buying a boat on which back property taxes are due can cause major headaches when the new owner attempts to title and register the vessel.
Key things for current/prospective boat owners to keep in mind
Currently Registered Boats: Current numbers & decals will remain valid until they expire. Counties won’t begin billing current owners for the annual registration until January of 2021, and only then once their current registration is due to expire. So, for a registration renewed in 2019, that owner’s tax bill should not reflect a charge for annual registration until 2022.
Tax Questions: The change to annual registrations may change the look of your yearly tax notice from your county of residence. Counties will begin issuing the new, prospective, tax notices for boats registered within the county beginning in 2020. Individual counties will determine and implement changes to their tax collection processes as directed by the new law. Please note that questions about a boat owners’ individual tax bills MUST be directed to that county’s Auditor or Treasurer’s Office. SCDNR Boating Office assistants will NOT be able to assist owners with questions about their individual tax bills/notices.
Month of Expiration for New Registrations (new boats or used boats coming from out-of-state): New registrations will be based on the DATE OF SALE. For example: Upon registration, a boat purchased in January will receive a title and registration decal valid through the following January, regardless of when the owner applies for the registration (late fees will apply to registrations initiated more than 30 days after the date of purchase). A tax bill for the year covered by the registration will then be mailed by the county, and in subsequent years the county will mail a bill that includes the annual registration renewal.
In-State Changes of Ownership (transfer of an already-registered boat from one SC owner to another): After purchase, the new owner will need to visit their county tax office FIRST to pay the taxes due for the coming year. The new owner can then apply for title & registration in their name using the paid tax receipt and other required documents. (They will need to apply within 30 days of purchase to avoid late fees.)
Current Owners: The expiration month on the vessel’s current decal will continue to be the month that property taxes are due on that boat. For example, if the boat registration expires in June, then both property taxes and annual registration fees for the coming year will be due in June. (Again, current three-year registrations will be valid until the year of their expiration).
Non-taxable Boats Titled and Registered in S.C.: SCDNR will continue to mail renewal notices for boats that are non-taxable (boats that a county has determined have reached the end of their taxable life or dollar threshold). Their expiration month will not change, and the renewal notices will become annual.
Purchasing a Used Boat: SCDNR strongly recommends that prospective buyers research the registration and tax status and any potential recorded liens of any S.C.-registered boat BEFORE purchasing it, using our free online look-up service. Get the facts before you buy! at: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/boating.html. General information and commonly asked questions regarding S.C. boating laws, titling and registration can also be found at this location.
Shopping for boats at the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic
Springtime is prime time for South Carolinians attending the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic and other outdoor expos to shop for good deals on new boats. Both aspiring and current boat owners need to be aware of changes to how boat taxes and registration renewal fees are collected in the Palmetto State that will be implemented beginning in 2020.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Rembert C. Dennis Building
1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
A transient vessel is just that,,,,,,,,,transient. You pull into port, stay a few days, off-load or load cargo, then depart. If you want to live there and avail yourself of government services, then register with the State/County.
What about documented vessels?
Do documented vessels have to also be state registered?
Documented vessels don't have titles. Is that a problem?
What about people who do not own property in SC?
What about people who live out of state but have vessel in SC?
How long may a vessel be in SC before it is required to register in SC?
What is considered a transient vessel?
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach flashing buoys #34 and #36. Oysters on the Point are very popular gastronomic events in Charleston.
Happy Fall!!
Our first Oysters on the Point kicks off Saturday, November 2nd this year with live music from Weigh Station, other bands are still TBD. We will also be serving steamed blue crabs for this Oyster Roast.
The vendor fee for each event is $25 . I will collect cash or check the day of the event. If paying with Credit Card, I have attached the form for you to return.
Please confirm any and all dates you will be able to attendJ
Here are 2019/2020 dates: 2-6pm on the beach
November 2nd – Weigh Station
December 14th – Parade of Boats and Holiday Market- great spot to watch the boats go by
Jan. 11th –
Feb. 8th –
March 7th –
ADDRESS:
Beach at Charleston Harbor Beach & Resort: 20 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
UNLOADING & PARKING
You can unload under the awning where guests check in… we have a few carts, but please prepare to have something to haul your set up in.
After you unload, please find parking in the hotel lot. I will validate parking.
A FEW NOTES:
You will have approximately a 10×10 space and will need to bring your own set-up…we will not have any extra tables/linen/tents/chairs.
I will be here by 11am, you can begin setting up any time after 11am.
If you are not familiar with the area, please communicate with me to make sure you are in the right spot.
There will be lighting along the sidewalk, and spot lights on the beach. If you have extra lights please bring and we will try to accommodate.
SOCIAL MEDIA::
Please like and share our FB page— https://www.facebook.com/OystersOnThePoint
Instagram & Twitter: CHSHarborevents
Looking forward to a great Oysters on the Point season.
Best,
Amy
Amy Smith | Recreation & Events Manager
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
t: 843.284.7022 | www.charlestonharborresort.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, resumes its free Happy Hour on the Mega Dock. Charleston City Marina is located along the Ashley River’s northeastern banks, northeast of marker #5.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina
Safe Harbor City Boatyard, formerly Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Safe Harbor Marinas, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40.
Click here for Special! Air Conditioning Descaling Service
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Safe Harbor City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Safe Harbor City Marina
Summer heat closed 1 bridge. Could it close more? With a closed vertical clearance of 31ft, Ben Sawyer Bridge is the last bridge before Charleston Harbor when southbound.
Good morning, Charleston
Charleston is known for seriously hot weather, but it reached a new level om Monday.
The Charleston area experienced a high of 100 degrees, with an even higher heat index — hot enough to warp the Ben Sawyer Bridge. “Extreme heat” expanded its steel structure to where it became stuck partially open.
Though other bridges in the state have experienced similar temperatures, Memorial Day marked the first time the Ben Sawyer Bridge bridge was forced to shut down due to the heat, according to the S.C. Department of Transportation. This is a relatively rare occurrence and not a sign of a problem with its structural integrity, state transportation officials said.
The bridge remained shut down to vehicle traffic for four hours during the evening, much to Memorial Day beach-goers’ dismay. It eventually reopened to traffic around 9 p.m., but it remained closed to maritime traffic for most of Tuesday.
“It isn’t common, but it’s not unheard of,” Kevin Turner, a SCDOT construction engineer, said of the bridge’s thermal expansion.
FULL STORY: ‘Extreme heat’ led to Sullivan’s Island bridge closure on Memorial Day, officials say
Post and Courier
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The Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40. Also see Free Bottom Paint Offer.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
The Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40. Also see Free Bottom Paint Offer.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg! Fenwick Cut slices through a narrow neck of Fenwick Island and connects the Ashepoo River with the Stono, north of the infamous Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, a Cruisers Net Problem Stretch.
Today is Saturday, 10/27/2018. Sanctuary and crew traveled 75 StM from Mount Pleasant, SC to Beaufort, SC. High tide in the region was right around 12h00.
The Dredge Tenacious is working at the northern entry to the Dawho River. The Dredge answers on VHF 13 and VHF 65. The Dredge DOES NOT monitor VHF 16, which was a severe surprise and consternation to a lot of pleasure craft today, who nevertheless continued valiantly to try to raise him on VHF 16. Approach the dredge slowly, and follow his directions. Don’t forget to thank him for his work, which of course is to our benefit!
We entered Watts Cut at the McKinley-Washington bridge at 11h30. The minimum we saw in the cut was 13.7′ at +7.7′ on the tide. That makes the control depth (13.7 – 7.7) = 6.0 ft at MLLW. We followed the visual center of the cut except I cut the corner at Green 135. DO NOT cut the corners. Where I was, I would have had a problem of the muddy sort at low tide.
We entered Fenwick Cut at about 12h30. The tide station at Edisto Beach was reporting +5.6′. We saw 12.4′ in the cut, so control depth was (12.4 – 5.6) = 6.8 ft. Southbound, we saw red lateral R162 on a piling. The chart shows a red R162A on a piling and a floating R162B. There is a piling there for R162A, but no dayboard is present. We did not see a floating Red nun there, either. Net is, come down the S. Edisto river, and turn into the center of the cut. There is shoaling along both shorelines, so don’t cut the corners. Line up and go through along the visual center.
The Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff is in two halves. Southbound, we entered the northern half at 12h45, with the tide station in that cut showing +6.2. Depths were in the range of 17 feet, so I didn’t pay much attention there. The southern half was dredged in the spring of 2018. There was severe shoaling at the junction of the Cut with the Coosaw River. We cleared that area at 13h00, with the tide at +5.8. We saw 11.9′ depths in the visual center of the entrance between G164 and R185, so the control depth would be (11.9 – 5.8) = 6.1 ft. I guess I would say the spring dredging helped at the junction of the Coosaw river, but did not do much to otherwise deepen the southern half of the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cut. At least most boats don’t have to do the St. Helena Sound route at this time.
We’re just coming off full moon. We faced strong 2.5 kt ahead currents on and off all day, and particularly up-stream on the Coosaw River. That made for a tedious slog up the river. But at the divide at Brickyard Creek on the Beaufort River, we picked up speed and did very well for those last 8 miles into Beaufort. These strong flood and ebb currents will affect slow boats.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fenwick Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Mt. Pleasant is on the eastern shore of Charleston Harbor. Thank you Jim and Peg!
Today is 10/26/2018. Full moon tides. Sanctuary and Crew Departed Georgetown, SC at 07h30 and traveled to Mount Pleasant, SC.
We transited McClellanville southbound between 10h36 and 19h55. According to Aqua Maps, the tides were +6.08′ falling at 10h36 and 6.0′ falling at 10h55. Virtually high tide; how in the world did I do that?
G35 17.3′
G35A 14.2′ low reading between markers
12.4′
G37 13.1′
11.1′ low reading between markers
R38 11.3′
10.7′ low reading between markers
G39 10.7′
11.3′ low reading between markers
R40 11.9′
11.7′ low reading between markers
R42 14.4′
Subtracting 6.0′ from the least of these depths, MLLW would be (10.7′ – 6.0′) = 4.7′. That DOES NOT account for negative tides during celestial low tide periods. I transited this area in the visual center of the waterway.
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We transited the Mount Pleasant range southbound from Isle-Of-Palms to the Ben Sawyer Bridge between 13h49 and 14h05. Aqua Maps put the tide at +1.9′ falling at 13h49.
Mt. Pleasant Bridge 10.6′
10.2′
R118 10.4′
Swinton Creek 8.9′
G117 9.8′
7.3′
Conch Creek 14.7′
7.6′
G119 7.8′
Inlet Creek 12.2′
G121 9.3′
Subtracting 1.9′ from the least of these depths, MLLW would be (7.3 – 1.9) = 5.4′ We found the best water in the visual center of the waterway, which is different from previous years. Again, additional planning is needed for negative tides during celestial low tide periods.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bristol Marina and the Harborage are all located on the Ashley River near Mile 469 where the southbound Waterway turns southwest. City Boatyard is located on the upper Wando River.
Dear Charleston boaters,
It is with great excitement that I would like to officially announce that Charleston City Marina, Bristol Marina, City Boatyard, & the Harborage at Ashley Marina’s Fuel & Transient Dock are now members of the Safe Harbor Marinas family!
As the largest owner and operator of marinas in the world, Safe Harbor is entirely dedicated to serving our boaters with the highest standards of excellence in every aspect of our operations. We welcome the opportunity to earn your business by not only ensuring that your boating needs are met every time you are with us, but also investing in your experience through improvements and initiatives that enhance your overall enjoyment of these world-class marine facilities. Our commitment to your boating community is strong, and it is our great pleasure to serve you and your family whether you are at your home port in Charleston, or at any other Safe Harbor property across the country.
Furthermore, we are genuinely committed to delivering an unparalleled boating lifestyle experience to all of our Members, and we believe that you will find many of the exciting initiatives and benefits that we offer exclusively for our Members to be welcome enhancements for your life on the water.
Transition Notes:
As we work through our transition process, we would like to inform you that you may notice different legal names appearing on your credit statements for recurring billings and purchases from our marinas.
Additionally, the current local management team at these facilities will stay in place through the transition process. We are delighted to work with the existing staff and provide them with added support from both our regional and corporate teams.
From all of us at Safe Harbor, we cannot tell you how excited and honored we are to have you join our family. If you would like to learn more about our growing network, please visit shmarinas.com. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know, and we will be glad to help you in any way possible.
Warmest Regards,
Rives Potts COO
SAFE HARBOR MARINAS
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These three anchorages lie off the ICW between the Waterway/Ashley River intersection and the Hwy 17 bascule bridge several hundred yards up the Ashley. See Observations for further comments. Our thanks to Robert Pease for this warning!
I was warned by the marina of a lot of crap on the bottom. My anchor got fouled on long lengths of scrap electrical cable. You may want to put a note of caution on this anchorage. Am currently up the Wando river, very good holding.
Robert Pease
SV Journey
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston/Ashley River Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
The stretch north of the Ben Sawyer Bridge around marker 118 has been a Problem Stretch for years and, as Phillip Mullins notes, the channel is constantly shifting, negating area dredging very quickly. Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend mid to high tide for passage through this stretch.
Return back to our home Marina yesterday at very dead low tide. Made it through the breach Inlet section but read five and six foot deep at the lowest point. From the Isle of Palms Connector Bridge North to Isle of Palms Marina it is 6 ft for several yards before you get to the marina. Saw 5 and 5.5 feet several places. Was able to stay close to marker 118 as we passed along beside it at 6.1 feet. Does not look like the dredging 2 years ago lasted very long. Thought u might want to pass this along to the cruisers.
Phillip Mullins
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
77 Miles in one day – that is definitely a good day’s run, especially through the numerous shallow spots in that stretch. Such tidal luck may be a once in a lifetime occurrence! And that fact that both Downtown Marina of Beaufort and Isle of Palms Marina of Charleston are CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS had a lot to do with it! Well done Phillip.
Left Beaufort South Carolina two hours after low tide from the downtown Marina and caught the incoming tide up the Beaufort River it continued through the Coosaw back into the Waterway and all the way back to Isle of Palms. Could not believe it. 42-foot sail and we averaged 6.6 knots. Saw 7.5 and 8.10 several times. Never had a head current. Could not believe it. Please pass this along to the Northbound Cruisers this spring.
This trip usually takes us two days but on this occasion it took 10 hours.
Phillip Mullins
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Marina of Beaufort
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Isle of Palms Marina
As Charleston area boaters know, the opening schedule for Wappoo Creek Bridge has been in a “state of update” for years. Our thanks to experienced cruiser Larry Shick for this latest, more detailed schedule.
New schedule from regulations.gov reads:
(d) SR 171/700 (Wappoo Cut) Bridge across Wappoo Creek, mile 470.8, at Charleston, SC. The draw shall open on signal [weekends and Fed holidays]; except that the draw need not open from 6 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and 3:31 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need open only once an hour on the half hour.
Note only one opening per hour during the week!
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Wappoo Creek Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wappoo Creek Bridge
This schedule was correct as of 10/16/2019
Why was the bridge opened this morning before 9am? 06/29/18
The Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
The Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
Noted for swift currents in a narrow, steep walled channel, Elliott Cut is south of the Waterway’s southbound exit from the Ashley River in Charleston, SC connecting with the Stono River. The current flows southbound on a rising tide and northbound on a falling tide. See History of Wappoo Creek. Our thanks to John Stolz for this report and advice.
I came through Elliots Cut today about an hour before low tide, heading south. Tide was furious against me. 36′ sailboat. At 3/4 power I could only manage 1.9-2 knots but could maintain control. Thankful no other boat in cut. Would recommend waiting until slack tide, go like heck and get through.
John Stolz
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
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Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cooper River Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cooper River Marina
Actually, Elliot Cut ebbs to the East and floods to the West. Although the current can be very swift, it is unnecessary to wait for slack tide, the cut is not that long. Typically tugs pushing barges will give a security call before entering the cut. Not a good idea to try to share the cut with a barge.
us repair or replace your:
Comments from Cruisers (1)
A number of years ago, we were passing through the bridge. I called the bridge operator and asked if she knew she had been voted the best bridge operator by an ICW user group. She was tickled pink, and I told her it was deserved. We have only passed through the bridge a half dozen times or so on our spring-fall migrations, and it was always a pleasant experience (even when I just missed it a couple of times).