Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.052,-79.50249999
Depths Report from South of McClellanville, , AICW Statute Mile 433

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Captain Healy’s observations taken at MLLW is good news for most northbound cruisers, because this area has been the source of shallow water reports last Fall. See /?p=145005. SSECN still recommends mid to high tide passage if you draw 5ft or more!
On Tuesday, 4/28/2015, between 10h30 and 10h50 EDST, Sanctuary and crew transited the ICW between R”42″ and G”35″ south of Jeremy Creek, McClellanville, SC, northbound, essentially at the morning low tide (+0.6 at 11h14) for the day. Here is our observation report:

Comments:
1. We met a SB tug/tow at R”48.” Asked him for “tips” for handling the McClellanville shallows. His answer was: “Stay in the middle. Stay off the bottom!” Then he added: “I draw 7 ft, and I float through this stretch.” Well folks, he may float, but I would observe, just barely…
2. Exact path through the area matters; stay well off the markers. Slalom course-line is OK.
* Almanac numbers based on Garmin chart plotter matched to Coastal Explorer’s tide table.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.785,-79.819999
Depth Report from Isle of Palms, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459

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This AICW Problem Stretch has been shoaling badly along its southern and southeastern flank between the Ben Sawyer and Isle of Palms Bridges.
On Tuesday, 4/28/2015, between 07h20 and 07h40 EDST, Sanctuary and crew transited Mt. Pleasant, SC, northbound, between the Ben Sawyer Bridge and Isle of Palms, at mid-tide (falling). Here is our observation report:
Conclusions:
1. Shallowest water is north of G”119″ and nearby but south of Green floater G”117A.”
2. Exact path through the area matters; favor red for best water depths through this entire stretch. Proceed carefully in the vicinity of G”117A” at Swinton Creek.
* Almanac numbers based on Garmin chart plotter matched to Coastal Explorer’s tide table.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently northbound at Socastee, SC
And this from AGLCA’s Forum:
Just north of Charleston is the swing bridge at the entrance to the ICW heading north. Between markers 119 to the next bridge (and mostly around marker 117) it is very shallow. After getting a positive trip report from
Seahorse on a successful trip, we went today. Only difference was an hour difference of tide. We watched a sailboat and a tow get stuck at marker 117. While TowBoatUS says to keep to the red side (port), the key is to go at least 2 hours AFTER low tide. The thicker water (note not a channel) is to the red side, but don’t stray too far. Note that there are shoals at the ocean inlets, so at those points the green side does get thin.
Quo Vadimus
Nowhere OK
Foster and Susan
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.5288,-80.39989999
Report from Fenwick Cut, AICW Statute Mile 511

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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 which Captain Healy wisely avoided by taking the alternate route east around Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound, see /?p=145808. The alternate route adds about 5 statute miles to your route.
Fenwick Cut, northbound at 09h10 DST 4/27/2015:
8.6 ft observed today, mid-channel, south entrance
+1.8 ft tide level per Garmin chart plotter almanac, therefore
6.8 ft MLLW control depth transiting the cut
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
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 This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8726,-78.56969999
Shoaling Reported at Calabash Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 342

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The anchorage at the mouth of Calabash Creek, just below the NC-SC state line, has been a popular stop for years, owing in no small part to the delicious seafood awaiting a dinghy ride up the creek. Sad to have it shoaled in.
21 April 2015, attempted to anchor in the creek but saw that the anchorage had shoaled badly. Rather than anchor within the channel, we went back to Coquina Yacht Club marina for a fantastic rate of a dollar a foot plus three bucks for power with BoatUS. Third night is free. Very nice marina people’¦have scratched the Calabash creek anchorage off the list of possibilities. Too bad, considering we anchored there a little over two years ago and had fine depths and a very pleasant night’¦
Barry Umberger
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For The Calabash Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Calabash Creek Anchorage
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Apr 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.8651,-78.63889999
Good Words for Coquina Harbor Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 346

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Coquina Harbor Yacht Club guards the eastern banks of Coquina Harbor. Coquina Harbor itself cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite unlighted daybeacon #13.
21 April 2015, attempted to anchor in the creek [Calabash] but saw that the anchorage had shoaled badly. Rather than anchor within the channel, we went back to Coquina Yacht Club marina for a fantastic rate of a dollar a foot plus three bucks for power with BoatUS. Third night is free.
Barry Umberger
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Coquina Harbor Yacht Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Coquina Harbor Yacht Club
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Bill Murdoch - April 28, 2015 - 9:11 pm

We have stopped here both coming and going to the Bahamas over the last ten years. We’ve never been disappointed. Sandy Otten, the dock master, could not be more friendly. We rate it one of the best small marinas on the ICW and a great value.
Reply to Bill
Apr 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Nordic Tugs Now in the Carolinas, Intracoastal Yacht Sales
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843-340-0080
888-566-5886 fax
dford@IntracoastalYachtSales.com
Capt. Ric Stanley, CPYB
Intracoastal Yacht Sales
910-297-4444 (cell)
888-893-9755 (fax)
rstanley@intracoastalyachtsales.com
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Ric Stanley - April 22, 2015 - 9:54 am

Thanks to everyone who came to visit us an the 42 Nordic Tug at the Charleston In Water Boat Show. It was a pleasure meeting and talking with all the Nordic Tug fans! What a great family of boaters!
Reply to Ric
Apr 13, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.0877,-80.93219999
Good Depths Reported at Fields Cut, AICW Problem Stretch Mile 575

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Northern Fields Cut, which was listed as a hazard to navigation (see /?p=143997) in Local Notices in August of 2014, is always an area to approach cautiously and at mid to high tide. Our thanks to Skipper Hale for this update. For a another depth report from Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, see /?p=144010
April 11, 2015 northbound. We entered Fields Cut at about 1:45 after low water. We were carrying MLLW+ 2 feet. We stayed mid channel and never saw less than 10 feet. At the north end at R48A, we were half way between the buoy and shore and saw 20 feet. There is a slight shoal just after R48A but we saw 10 feet as we crossed it. We are a trawler drawing 4.5 feet and were running `point’ for a sailboat which drew 6’2’³. They also were fine all the way through.
Cheers,
Tom Hale
Northbound on the ICW
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 12, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.5146,-80.49619999
Good Depths Reported at Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, AICW Problem Stretch Mile 517

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Skipper Hale’s passage is what we can all hope for through this Problem Stretch. However, as recent as this past October (/?p=145007), depths of less than 5ft were reported via ARGUS readings at the south end of the Cut. Tidal range is 5-7ft here and is certainly a factor in deciding to take the Cutoff or use the longer alternate route, see /?p=141157. Be sure to click the ARGUS option at the top of the ChartView page.
Ashpoo Coosaw cut off. We are north bound and arrived at the south end 1.5 hour after low water. We were carrying +1.5′ as we entered. The lowest we saw was just inside G185 we had over 6 feet but we might have been too far to the right. At G177 we had 20 feet of water. Clearly it is quite dependent on where you are, and there were times we were hunting a bit to find the best water. 30 or 40 feet to either side of our track could have been quite different,I think you can still take 4″ draft through at low water. There were three trawlers ahead of us the largest one was 50 feet and she was almost half an hour head of us. I think this passage is doable for most of the tidal cycle. Certainly the 4 hours before high water and 2-3 hours after high water. A sailboat half an hour behind us followed our track and instructions. They saw nothing less than 8.5′
Cheers,
Tom Hale
Northbound on the ICW
Charleston SC
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Eagles & Alligators in North and South Carolina
My family can second these recommendations on observing wildlife in South and North Carolina, as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. These sections are some of the prettiest passages in the Waterway. You can find charts to each the ICW miles given by using the “STATUTE MILE/LAT-LON WIDGET” at the top of our Homepage.
Going north on the ICW in South Carolina near mile 425 up through South Santee River keep your eyes peeled for several eagles who live in the area. Every single time we go through this area we see them. Next section is what I have deemed alligator alley is from North Santee River curve R16 through mile 416, one year in mid-May we spotted 18 on the banks and in the water. Also keep eyes open in the Waccamaw River from mile 385 to 377 we’ve spotted them in this section as well.
Pam & Eric on Pier Pressure
headed home to Beaufort, NC
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Mar 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 12 Comments 32.4277,-80.66929999
Changes in Store for Ladys Island Swing Bridge? AICW Statute Mile 536

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Ladys Island Swing Bridge has had conflicts between road traffic and vessel openings for several years, see /?p=35995. Our thanks to good friend, John Kettlewell, for sending along this article from Sounding’s Trade Only section, prompting several well-said comments. With a closed vertical clearance of 30ft, Ladys Island Bridge crosses the waterway at Statute Mile 536.
See /?p=147653 for a 4/3 response from USCG 7th District.
Coast Guard seeks limits on bridge openings in South Carolina
Posted on March 23rd, 2015
Motorists won’t have to stop as much for openings of a major South Carolina barrier island swing bridge, but operators of large recreational vessels might have to find a new route.
The Coast Guard is planning a trial run in April to limit the number of large boats that pass through the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge in tourist destination Beaufort, S.C.
Known locally as the Woods Bridge, the swing bridge connects downtown Beaufort with Lady’s Island and the outer Sea Islands in Beaufort County. Because of the presence of the Intracoastal Waterway, the bridge is required to open frequently for boat traffic to pass through.
Details of the trial period are pending from officials with the Coast Guard bridge division in Miami. However, local officials believe it will include restrictions on the hours when non-commercial vessels can pass through.
`If it’s a commercial vessel, it’s one thing, but if it’s a pleasure boat, it’s another,’ city interim manager Bill Prokop told The Beaufort Gazette.
Log-book records show that the swing bridge opened nearly 4,000 times during a two-year period, with 660 of those for commercial boats.
In October, Beaufort County and Beaufort city officials sent a letter to the Coast Guard bridge branch requesting a change in when and why the bridge opens, county engineering director Rob McFee said. The vehicle traffic delays cause an estimated $2 million loss annually for the community because of lost time and other economic factors, the letter said.
County and city officials requested restrictions on the passage of non-commercial boats during daytime rush hours.
`Not only do the drawbridge openings affect daily traffic and local economics, it also has a dramatic effort on emergency response. A revision in the opening schedule could potentially resolve many of the resulting daily impacts,’ the letter stated, according to the paper.
Gentlemen;
I’m a resident of Lady’s Island and an active cruising boater. The issue involving the proposed limiting of the Woods Bridge to two waterway openings during the day is ludicrous. Much of the issue involving increased auto traffic out onto Lady’s Island is brought about by allowing the building of big box stores out on the Island. The cost to build a road over a bridge is very high, so why do we encourage increased traffic loads on our bridges by bringing people from the mainland to an Island to shop?
The Woods Bridge is already on a restricted opening schedule during rush hours and on the hour and half hour during the rest of the day. Many sailboats typically spend a night in Beaufort. It’s a two day run for them from Charleston, and a full day run from Savannah, so they arrive late afternoon and leave early morning, and need the bridge opened so they can head north or arrive going south. If they miss these two opening times, they are screwed!
Let’s be good county/city planners, and keep the big box stores off the Island and keep the auto traffic down so we can keep the AICW functional.
Charles Gorgen
ODYSSEE
Consultant, Marine and Industrial Lifting Systems
Gentlemen:
We are active boaters who depend on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (A-ICW) for safe travel north and south each spring and fall. We have recently become aware of a proposal requested by the City of Beaufort, SC, which would limit the opening schedule of the Woods Bridge (Lady’s Island Bridge) in Beaufort, SC, to just two openings during the business day. This letter is based on my understanding that the City of Beaufort has proposed a schedule of openings at 10h00 and 14h00 daily, so essentially, every four hours.
For the USCG Bridge Branch, allowing such a schedule is not consistent with the public interest and would be a violation of the public trust and public responsibility. It would also be a seriously negative precedent for the United States’ network of Federal Intracoastal Waterways.
For the City of Beaufort, it demonstrates an utter disregard for the needs, safety and wellbeing of ICW users. It is irresponsible of the City of Beaufort to propose such restrictive conditions on top of already severe restrictions. Whatever happened to the City’s promise years ago to return to a 1/2 hours opening schedule after the completion of the second span of the south bridge?
Improperly planned over-deveopment on Lady’s Island is not justification to confiscate access to the public trust waterways of the United States. The dual bridges at the south end of Lady’s Island provide access for emergency responders. The second span was justified in part based upon just that access. If emergency response capability on Lady’s Island is inadequate, that is the fault of inadequate city and county planning, not the fault of waterway users. South Carolina has utterly failed to maintain it’s waterways, and many areas near Beaufort have become impassible at low tide in throughout the region. The entire ICW region from the Savannah River in the South through Georgetown in the North has been allowed to shoal and presents a serious hazard to navigation interests at low tide. Being confined by daily waterway closures in Beaufort affects the safe transit of boaters through the entire 200 mile region.
Having to deal with the natural tide cycle against an artificial schedule of man-made waterway closure creates potentially dangerous conditions. The passage of summer thunderstorms does not respect the time-of-day. The proposed confiscatory schedule creates a severe hardship for waterway users. Weather, poor waterway maintenance and short hours of daylight create dangerous conditions for waterway users forced to out-wait lengthy waterway closures.
This proposal is inappropriate and disrespectful of the public trust for federal waterways.
Respectfully,
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Well said Jim. You’re one of the many `regulars’ that use the AICW every spring and fall. If Wal Mart wants to build a store on Lady’s Island, maybe Wal Mart should build a third, high bridge, out to the Island, not create over taxing of the existing bridges such as to further restrict bridge openings.
Hope to see you as you pass through Beaufort in a few weeks.
Chuck Gorgen
Consultant, Marine and Industrial Lifting Systems
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Ladys Island Bridge
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Comments from Cruisers (12)

Miami -  May 24, 2015 - 7:38 am

We are sitting at Beaufort waiting for a 9am opening on Sunday morning since 6 this morning. Three boats have called for an opening.
This is criminal and we must email. call do what ever we can to stop this insanity.
There is no way to make Charleston in one day or come the other way.
Please write all SC relevant politicians, Beaufort officialdom and the CG!
Thanks
Reply to Miami

John Kettlewell -  April 3, 2015 - 11:36 am

I suspect this is just an opening salvo from Beaufort in the hopes they can get the openings cut back to once an hour. Even then, it would cause a bottleneck for cruising boaters. When southbound there are some reasonable anchoring opportunities near the bridge, but when northbound the best bet would be to simply motor up and down the river until the next opening. All of these anchorages are current swept and not comfortable, except in the calmest conditions. Tieing up to the seawall south of the bridge is theoretically possible, but it is rough and not a comfortable spot. Even with the current schedule a lot of boaters get caught waiting for the bridge until after dark during the fall migration.
Reply to John

Capt David Burnham -  April 3, 2015 - 5:50 am

I can see all vessels on the AICW over 30 feet in height quickly becoming registered commercial vessels…eh?
Reply to Capt

Capt David Burnham -  April 3, 2015 - 5:48 am

So the best solution to the whole problem is a new canal from Cowen Creek to the Morgan River. That would move the swing bridge to southeast of the airport on hwy 21 and keep the residents of Lady’s Island smiling…:D
Reply to Capt

Capt David Burnham -  April 3, 2015 - 5:20 am

Changing to a once an hour bridge opening would require a place on the Beaufort waterfront northeast of the swing bridge where boats can tie up to wait for the bridge to open or until a commercial vessel comes along. This is the solution on the Okeechobee Waterway in Florida while waiting for the locks to open on schedule.
I have had to put my 33′ 6.5 foot draft sailboat aground to avoid a commercial tug and barge at the swing bridge when the northbound barge decided to use the northerly side opening that I had lined up to use for my southbound course. Fortunately for me, the second tug detached from the barge and came over and pulled me off the hard sand bottom AND the bridge tender left the bridge open until I cleared the opening.
A 65′ bridge at this location would only bring the ire of owners of vessels who require 70′ or more of clearance…but boaters are used to being the martyrs when it comes to automotive traffic or private waterfront property owners who demand the boating public fall on their swords for their minority interests.
Reply to Capt

Wally Moran -  April 2, 2015 - 6:56 pm

That’s 4 openings a day. Since we don’t know how many are on weekends, or before the scheduled morning shutdown, we can’t evaluate just how big a problem this really is, can we? Frankly, it seems that City Hall is giving in to a bunch of whining.
And this $2 million in lost economic activity? Crap. Who ‘estimated’ that? Where is the proof of it? How about the opposite side of that coin, people staying downtown to avoid an opening and spending a little more? That’s every bit as valid an estimation as this one.
Beaufort SC has made a HUGE deal out of wanting to be ‘boater’ friendly, and have done a superb job of it thus far, as I should know, having led 18 sailboats there on a sponsored rally last fall. The city showed us a wonderful time, for which I again thank them.
One of the participants, now heading north, is making a point of spending two further weeks there to continue exploring and enjoying the town. That’s how great it was. Several more will be stopping for overnights or multiple days.
This may just change their plans – Beaufort risks losing all the ground it has made on attracting boaters with this foolish plan.
Reply to Wally

Jim Healy -  April 2, 2015 - 3:19 pm

Make no mistake, this is another test case pitting boaters and boating interests against shore-side communities. Beaufort has been unfriendly about that bridge for years. (I always called it the Lady’s Island Bridge.) This is the same issue boaters face with “All Aboard Florida.” A precedent here will spread like wildfire along the ICW. Imagine the pain getting through places like Wrightsville Beach, NC!
Reply to Jim

James Newsome -  March 30, 2015 - 8:19 am

The proposal, if accepted and adopted by the USCG Bridge Branch, will change the operating schedule for privately owned boats to the bridge opening only at 10:00AM, 2:00PM, and unrestricted from 6:30PM to 6:30AM. Essentially, boater will only have two opportunities to pass through the bridge during normal traveling hours – 10 am and 2 pm.
Here’s contact information for the folks making this request and the USCG Bridge Branch. I think they need to hear from the cruising community. Also, there doesn’t appear to be a provision for any period of public input other than direct contact with these folks. In particular, I suggest reaching out to the two USCG contacts listed. The ultimate decision is theirs and there is no guarantee that the local government officials in Beaufort will relay our concerns since they are asking for the change.
United States Coast Guard District Seven
Bridge Administration Branch
Miami, Florida
Chief, Bridge Branch
Mr. Barry Dragon
(305) 415-6743
Email: Barry.Dragon@uscg.mil
Bridge Permit Section
Mr. William (Gwin) Tate
(305) 415-6747
Email: William.G.Tate@uscg.mil
Beaufort County, SC Administrator
Gary Kubic
County Administration Building
100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902
Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC 29901
Phone: (843) 255-2026
Email: gkubic@bcgov.net
Beaufort County CitizenGram Feedback Form
http://www.bcgov.net/Feedback/feedback.php?SID=8
City of Beaufort , SC
William A. Prokop
Interim City Manager
1911 Boundary Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 525-7070
Email: wprokop@cityofbeaufort.org
Reply to James

Jill Hough -  March 27, 2015 - 3:35 pm

This bridge is already closed to recreational boats on weekdays from 7-9am and 4-6pm. What further “weekday rush-hour” restrictions can they be asking for?
It seems that South Carolina is determined to make impossible an ICW passage through the state, with the lack of dredging, and now what seems will be an onerous change to an already restricted bridge opening schedule.
Jill Hough
Reply to Jill

Lee Haefele -  March 26, 2015 - 5:55 am

The Ladys Island Bridge is already closed 7-9AM and 4-6PM, I am not sure how they can say that there is a problem in rush hour. There is a particular problem, fully caused by the City of Beaufort, SC. When southbound the bridge blocks access to the City Marina. The bridge is closed until 6PM and then the marina PROMPTLY closes at 6PM, exactly when boats arrive needing dockage. There are long traffic tie-ups in daytime non rush hours at the bridge. This is an area of strong, changing, reversing currents. It is not possible for a displacement boat to estimate their arrival time. If the bridge schedule is cut back, many boaters will have long waits as it is not possible to change speed enough, given the currents, to meet the opening times at this location. It would seem that this is a candidate for a new 65′ fixed bridge.
Reply to Lee

Fran H -  March 15, 2016 - 11:51 pm

I live on Lady’s Island and work in Burton. If anyone traveling from Beaufort to Lady’s Island or the outer Islands thinks there is NOT a traffic problem when this bridge opens and closes, they are delusional. I’ve lived at my residence since 1976. The growth on the Lady’s Island side is enormous and once the Wal-Mart is built, it will be a nightmare. It already is when the Woods Bridge breaks down. The McTeer Bridge is not adequate to accommodate traffic to or from Lady’s Island, St. Helena, Fripp Island, etc. The only solution to this issue is to build another bridge or limit the bridge openings. Traffic backs up well beyond Bellamy Curve during rush hours in the evening. I can’t even imagine what traffic is going to be like should a hurricane head to Beaufort. Well, actually I can. During Hurricane Fred it took two hours to get from Lady’s Island to the National Cemetary on Boundary… and 11 hours to get to Atlanta. People will need to evacuate Beaufort a week in advance of hurricane at the rate the population of Beaufort is growing on the Lady’s Island side.
Reply to Fran

Cap'n Geech -  March 25, 2015 - 8:23 pm

I can see it now… I come up to Lady’s Island bridge on my 135′ commercially documented mega-yacht and I’m denied an opening. The $12 an hour dip schitt on the switch cannot understand the difference between a multi-million dollar piece of hardware and a POS dragger headed for home. Arguement ensues leading to my calling USCGD7 and get the same lame response. Twice an hour, I can handle. Once an hour would infuriate me!!
Reply to Cap'n
Feb 5, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
US Power and Sail Squadrons Honored by BoatUS
USPower and Sail Squadrons provide valuable local community services with their public boating safety inspections and boat handling courses, as recognized here by BoatUS, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
(L to R) C/C Robert Baldridge; Cdr. Sterling Wyland, Ocean City; Lt/C. Bonnie Kanoy, North Strand; Cdr. JB Bagby, Ft. Macon; Cdr. Dick Todd, Lake Norman; Cdr. Jim Strothers, Sanibel-Captiva; D/C Mary Dodd, USPS District 8: Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatUS.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

MD, NC, SC and FL United States Power Squadrons Bestowed With Honors
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., February 5, 2015 — At the US Power Squadrons (USPS) Annual Meeting held recently in Jacksonville, Florida, five Squadrons from across the country and one District were honored with Distinguished Civic Service Awards. Sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the awards are given annually to the USPS District and Squadrons in recognition of exceptional service and public boating safety education and service to the boating community.
`While America’s recreational boaters are enjoying the water with friends and family, Power Squadron members work hard giving up their own time to help make boating safer. They offer boat owners free vessel safety checks, provide boating safety instruction, and more. We greatly appreciate their commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe day on the water,’ said BoatUS Foundation for Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.
Top Squadron honors went to Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron, Florida. Some of their activities included: participating in an on-water wreath laying ceremony honoring lost members of the armed forces, helping a local food pantry, and working to increase safety for paddlers. `They showed how difficult it can be to see kayakers at dusk and in times of limited visibility, and how simply adding white reflective tape to paddle blades can be a real lifesaver,’ said Sensenbrenner.
Second Place for Top Squadron went to Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with youth and bringing a new Sea Scout Ship to the area, as well as support of the `The Dolphin Project,’ a local non-profit that performs surveys to monitor the health of dolphin populations.
Third place went to North Strand Sail and Power Squadron, South Carolina, which hosted shoreline clean up events, collected donations for their local Helping Hands charity and Sea Haven, a residence for homeless teens offering crisis services.
Runners up for Top Squadron included Ocean City Power Squadron, Maryland, for their community participation in parades, clean up events and their work with a respite care home to take families fishing and sightseeing. Another runner up was Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with the local visitors center to spread safety message as well as publishing boating safety stories and reaching out to boating families.
Top USPS District Award, which recognizes the collective efforts of all of the squadrons within a region, went to USPS District 8, which includes South Florida and the Keys. The award is based on the amount of classroom hours logged, community outreach hours and number of vessel safety checks performed. These voluntary and free safety reviews are designed to educate boaters about recommended and required safety equipment aboard recreational vessels and to assess the condition of the safety equipment they have aboard.
US Power Squadrons began with the efforts of Charles Chapman, who in 1914 realized that owners of recreational powerboats needed instruction on how to operate safely and with confidence. Today, the USPS has over 400 regional Squadrons for owners of both sail and powerboats.
About United States Power Squadrons:
Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.
About BoatUS and BoatUS Foundation:
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, and provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe. For more, go to BoatUS.com or BoatUS.org.
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Jan 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Gas Tax to be Used for Dredging in SC ?
With one of the lowest gas tax rates in the country and politicians loathe to raise any tax, this article on raising a SC tax might be whistling in the dark. But, then, we boaters are accustomed to holding our collective breaths waiting on helpful legislation! Will it ever come?!? This article from today’s Post and Courier in Charleston offers some hope that, at least, one official is concerned about the AICW.
Ailing Intracoastal Waterway could be dredged using state gas tax money, local officials say

An increase in the state gas tax that is being considered in Columbia could be used to provide much-needed funds for dredging the ailing Intracoastal Waterway, local officials said.
`I think the gas tax is basically a transportation tax so I do think it could justifiably be used for waterway dredging. I encourage our state leaders to research what has been done elsewhere along the waterway,’ said Charleston County Councilman Dickie Schweers.
Click here to read the full article.
BoatUS and TowBoatUS are SPONSORS OF SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET!
Your BoatUS membership at work!
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Dec 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.0877,-80.93219999
New Reports from Northern Fields Cut, AICW Problem, Statute Mile 574

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Northern Fields Cut, which was listed as a hazard to navigation (see /?p=143997) in Local Notices as recently as August, is always an area to approach cautiously and at mid to high tide. Our thanks to Skippers Lawrenson and Steeves for these updates. For a recent depth report from Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, see /?p=144010
Came through Fields Cut on the 21st and 23 Nov. No problems as I hugged the East side. There is a new red in the water. 48A I believe, so the channel, which is very close to the shore, is easier to find. There was a large trawler in the channel when I returned, and so I chose to wait as I did not want to try to pass in that narrow channel. Had 15 feet or better at about half tide.
Bill Lawrenson, SV Serenity.
There is now a red marker marking that shoal at the location as shown by the Doyles which is quite close to the southern shore. Honor that marker and stay about midway between it and the shore. Went thru at the low and saw no less than 7 feet but running so close to shore may be a bit nerve wracking for some.
Wayne Steeves
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Dec 24, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.788,-79.7929999
Hamlin Creek Anchorage Not Recommended, AICW Statute 459, Isle of Palms, SC

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This narrow creek anchorage, which is rated only One Anchor and only Fair as to foul weather protection in our directory, has been given further demotions by Capt. Tom. If the zero comments about the anchorage we have received is any indication of its unsuitability, then Capt. Tom’s recommendation should be taken to heart: use only in fair weather and with your best ground tackle!
This is not a proper place to anchor while in transit.
– Fixed bridge on NE entrance to creek – CL 28′
– South toward ICW is terrible shoaling and an inlet bridge
with up to 6kts current.
Strongly advise you remove this from site. Tom
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Hamlin Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hamlin Creek
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Nov 24, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.4766,-80.43659999
Detailed Report on Ashepoo-Coosaw Alternate, AICW Statute Mile 517

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Once again we are indebted to Captains Mark and Diana Doyle for this excellent report from the alternative route to Ashepoo-Coosaw Cut-off which is a perennial shoaling spot. As the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cut-off has silted in further, we have had several reports of the use of an alternate route to by-pass the shoaling, see /?p=145074. For a chart of Ashepoo-Coosaw Cut-off, scroll northwest on the chartview and don’t forget to check Argus from the top bar to see the shoaling.
Hi Larry,
Diana and I ran the alternative route out into St. Helena Sound and around the Ashepoo Coosaw Cut-Off the other day … and found deep water all of the way.
For those interested in evaluating the option to avoid this ICW Trouble Spot [Ashepoo-Coosaw Cut-off], here’s a depth-annotated track and survey report:
Ashepoo Coosaw Cut-Off Alternative: St. Helena Sound Route
Diana and I transited the Ashepoo Coosaw Cut-Off Alternative on November 22nd, 2014 with about two-thirds tide and falling. (Small-scale overview, screenshot at upper right.)
The (northern) relevant tide station, Seabrook, has a Spring Tidal Range (STR) of 7.3 feet and our height of tide was 4.5 above MLLW.
Our plan was to run a southerly course, along the deeper charted waters west of Fenwick Island, through the marshes west of the Otter Islands, and into St. Helena Sound to round Combahee Bank and then proceed northwesterly up the Coosaw River to rejoin the ICW near R186 and STM 519.
A few observations on this alternative route:
1. The alternative route is longer than the preferred ICW Magenta Line route but avoids the Ashepoo Coosaw Cut-Off ICW Trouble Spot. At lower water stages, some cruisers may wish to evaluate this option.
2. There are few significant navaids to follow for this alternative route. The route is fairly well charted, but unaided.
3. St. Helena Sound can often be `boisterous’ and busy with shrimping traffic.
4. We experienced water depths of no less than 16 feet (11.5 feet adjusted for MLLW) on the transit. The lowest water was along Fenwick Island, then deepening into the 20s and 30s, and even 40s, 50s, and 60s for the St. Helena Sound and Coosaw River portions.
5. Note that we chose to move farther easterly of the extending shoals at Combahee Bank than some other reports have advised. There are varying reports of success, although also noting substantially less water, by splitting the charted dayboard on Combahee Bank and the charted 15-foot shoal. Shrimpers and other locals have reported substantially more water eastward of the 15-foot pocket, which we experienced during our depth survey (see primary screenshot to right).
Again, no recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. Captains are responsible for their decisions and outcome.
Best,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Local
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.org
CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE:

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Combahee Bank
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Nov 23, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 32.4301,-80.67659999
Beaufort City Mooring Recommended, Beaufort, SC, AICW Statute Mile 536.5

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The Beaufort City Anchorage is a mooring field managed by the Downtown Marina of Beaufort, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! For more on the recently installed mooring field, see /?p=88324
We’ve anchored at Beaufort SC several times’¦. and each time I swear we’ll never do that again’¦. Love the town, but the currents are swift, and the bottom, at least where we’ve anchored in the past is HARD’¦. With a lot of scope out, you do PULL IN’¦ but you spend all you time wondering if just the tip of the anchor (Manson supreme) is all that’s `IN’’¦. Two days ago, with high winds, and lots of fetch (waves)’¦ We watched the two boats in front of us’¦ (toward the town) drag anchor, tangle and go ashore’¦ WE decided to pull anchor and leave’¦. or possibly suffer the same fate’¦
Recommendation’¦ TAKE a mooring ball or slip if going to Beaufort’¦ or leaving the boat’¦. We understand from the dockmaster that Beaufort WILL be putting in more moorings’¦. with better (as in larger) spacing’¦
Dean Perry
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Beaufort City Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beaufort City Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Marina of Beaufort
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Chuck Baier - November 26, 2014 - 10:59 am

Dean, next time, try factory Creek. It’s out of the river, much more protected, close to groceries and shopping, easy dinghy access at the boat ramp or at Lady’s Island Marina and a short walk across the bridge to town. Chuck
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Dean Perry - December 7, 2014 - 11:43 am

WE’ve done FACTORY Creek… and it really IS closer to everything but the town… of Beaufort SC… Thanks… Our friends were all on the MUNI. docks at Beaufort…. (i.e. reason to “TRY” the anchorage “out front” again…. ) .
We have successfully anchored there in years past… But with fetch coming up from Port Royal Sound, and 20+ Knot wind, to boot… Staying there was just not “in the cards”…. Thanks again for note.
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Nov 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.6512,-79.09499999
Free Thanksgiving Meal at Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377

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Bucksport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!, lies south of Waterway marker #36, along the western shores of the beautiful Waccamaw River. This generous free meal is typical of the concern always shown for their boating visitors at this unique and fine marina. Plus a reduced rate for SSECN readers.
Hey Everybody,
The Grand Opening of Captains Seaweeds Restaurant & Tiki Bar presents a Special Thanksgiving Day Meal!!
The meal is free which will be Turkey and all of the trimmings.
The Bar will be open for business. (Come Meet The New Bartender and Staff)
This is a new beginning for Captain Seaweeds, Under new and energized ownership.
Please checkout the New Menu and The Hours of Operation that will be Consistent with Customers needs.
Reduced Fall and Winter Campground Rates are in effect.
Many New and Exciting Activities and Events are being planned.
Examples but not limited to are:
Competition Volleyball Tournaments, Putt Putt Tournaments, Drag Boat Races, Wakeboard Tournaments, Pool Tournaments, Concerts, Bike Swap Meets, Watercraft Rentals, Kayaking and Tours, Jet Skiis, Air Hockey, Darts, Dancing, Corn Hole, Horse Shoes, Classic Cars Shows, Corvette Shows, Fishing Tournaments, Football/Basketball/ Sports Parties and Socials, Weddings and Receptions, Birthday Parties
A new Website is almost up and running with constant updates (www.bucksportplantation.com)
We offer boat and watercraft storage ($75 MONTHLY)
Plus a special rate of $1.00 per foot per night if you say you saw this posted on Cruisers Net.
We offer long and short term Wet storage as well.
Reduced RV REPAIR rates for our customers
Watercraft Mechanic services are now available as well for our customers.
Please call for more information or for Reservations!!
Thanks,
Jeff Weeks
Manager
Bucksport Plantation Marina & RV resort
843-397-5566
bpmrvss@gmail.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
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Nov 5, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 32.7729,-79.84219999
More Tender Woes at Ben Sawyer Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 462

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Boaters in South Carolina have been having bridge tender issues recently, such as this posting about Wappoo Bridge: /?p=144631 and this posting about the Ben Sawyer Bridge: /?p=144808. As noted in this link, steps are being taken to remind bridge tenders of proper regulations.
In the meantime, when holding course waiting on a reluctant bridge tender, try your best to remain cordial and professional, especially if the tender is not particularly so. Circling your vessel in a swift current upstream of the bridge is not easy and usually requires your full “unfrustrated” attention, especially in the presence of other vessels.
We went through the Ben Sawyer Bridge at 1400 on October 31. The bridge tender on duty is still “adjusting” schedules to traffic. She could have easily done a two vessel opening by holding up the powerboat ahead of us about 5 minutes. Instead, she made us wait for a second opening much longer than the powerboat would have waited. She told another vessel on the radio that the next opening would be on the hour.
Roger Long
The comments below by Lisa and Tripp are more typical of the kind of response boaters get at Ben Sawyer.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Ben Sawyer Memorial Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ben Sawyer Bridge
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

Greg & Lyn -  November 11, 2014 - 1:36 pm

We went through the bridge at just past high slack Friday morning 11/7/2014 at the 9:00 opening. Tender was polite, timely and very pleasant. Opening was on schedule with no issues.
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Lisa and Tripp SV Piper -  November 7, 2014 - 12:58 pm

Passed through the Ben Sawyer bridge this morning. Bridge tender opened on demand. She was very pleasant and accommodated a sailboat further down the ICW allowing that vessel to make our opening rather than hold for another. Overall a very good experience and wonderful tender.
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Chuck Baier -  November 5, 2014 - 12:06 pm

The Coast guard regulates the schedules for bridges along the ICW and any issues should be reported to the closest U.S. Coast Guard station. Often a phone call while sitting at the bridge will clear up any misunderstandings the bridgetender might have. Enough calls and reports and a new bridgetender might be on duty the next time you transit. Chuck and Susan. Trawler Beach House
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Nov 5, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.052,-79.50249999
Another Report of Shallow Water South of McClellanville, , AICW Statute Mile 433

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This report from Peg and Jim Healy confirms other recent reports of shallow water through this perennial Problem Stretch (/?p=145005). SSECN’s recommendation of a mid to high tide passage is still valid!
Sanctuary and crew came southbound through McClellanville, SC between 11h45 – 12h15 yesterday, Monday, November 3, 2014. Our Garmin Tide Almanac and Tides and Currents Android app showed us at +1′ on the rising tide.
Based on what we saw, there could be areas less than 4′ at MLLW, and certainly during periods of celestial (spring) lows. Cruiser’s must be attentive through this area.
Details: from G’35’ all the way through, and 1/2 mile south of, R’40’, we saw depths of 6′ or less, and we saw two spots of less than 5′. I do not have a recommended path through the area. We proceeded slowly, and slightly drifted back and forth across the centerline of the channel looking for best depths, but we didn’t find anything that would be helpful to pass along. It seems to be a lumpy, mud bottom.
At low tide, this area will be difficult for deep draft boats. I would say this is very much like the Little Mud River as a significant trouble spot on the A-ICW, except it’s longer than the Little Mud River (or seemed so).
We also saw a sailboat aground at Dewees Creek, but that was a nav error, as he was definitely out of the channel.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Ron - November 5, 2014 - 10:56 am

We came through this area in mid July, 2014 and found very shallow water as well. Of course it was dead low tide so that would make a difference. We anchored for the night in Awendaw Creek (a great anchorage) and had more water the next morning. We only draw 3 1/2 feet so we didn’t hit bottom still, it’s a bit stressful hearing the alarm sounding every few minutes.
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Nov 5, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 32.785,-79.819999
Depth Report from Isle of Palms, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459

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Our thanks to the Skippers Healy for their report from this Problem Stretch. The 2.5ft depths referred to came to us in September of 2013 from Mark and Diana Doyle (/?p=122644), so it is possible that shoals have shifted since that time. However, as recent as May of this year, there have been groundings reported at Marker #117 (/?p=141177). No dredging has been done through this section. If you draw 5ft or less, Skipper Healy’s depth readings are good news, but slow and cautious is still a good recommendation.
Sanctuary and crew came through Mt. Pleasant southbound (Isle of Palms to the Ben Sawyer Bridge) between 13h15 – 13h40 yesterday, Monday, November 3, 2014. Our Garmin Tide Almanac and our “Tides and Currents” Android app reported +2.8 ft at 13h15.
Summary: Slightly favor red, control depth at +2.8 ft was about 8 ft, so no worse than 5.2 ft at MLLW.
Details: (Southbound)
G’117’ – 18′ mid channel
Mt. Pleasant Bridge – 12.1′ mid span
R’118’ – 11.6′ mid channel
Swinton Creek – 8.1′ mid channel
G’117A’ – 9.7′ mid channel
Coneh Creek – 8.4′ favor red
G’119’/Inlet Creek – 8.2′ favor red
G’121’ – 10′ favor red
It seems to me I have seen reports of 2.5′ at MLLW, but on the path we followed, that would not have been the case.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, southbound at Charleston, SC
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Chuck baier - November 5, 2014 - 12:01 pm

A common problem along this stretch is the side currents, especially at Inlet Creek. The current can quickly set the boat out of the deeper water without notice if someone isn’t looking both ahead and astern to be sure the boat is still in the channel. Looking only ahead will give the impression that you are still in the channel when in actuality, the boat has been pushed into shallow water. Chuck and Susan, Trawler Beach House
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