Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

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.
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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
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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
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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:

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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
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Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For 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
Reply to Chuck

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.
Reply to Dean
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
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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
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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.
Reply to Greg

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.
Reply to Lisa

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
Reply to Chuck
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
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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.
Reply to Ron
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
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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
Reply to Chuck
Oct 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Still Another Alternative to the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, AICW Statute Mile 517
We have had lots of discussion (/?p=141157) on bypassing Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff by heading southeast to Combahee Bank then northwest to return to the Waterway south of the Cutoff. Now Skipper Dammeyer offers another alternative by heading almost due west from Combahee Bank into Morgan River to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Dataw Island Marina. Slipper Dammeyer and I had a chance to compare navigation notes this week just before he headed south from Charleston. If Dataw Island Marina is in your float plan, this is a logical choice of routes.
Larry,
Thanks for the encouragement to take the alternative to Ashepoo Coosaw cut. We arrived at Fenwick [Cut] about 2:30 or a couple of hours before low. We motored out and down the Ashepoo in calm seaway, went below the Combahee Bank and across St Helena Sound all the way to green 11 below pelican bank and found 25-30 ft of water to turn up Morgan Creek to Dataw Marina. Saving us from having to motor up the ICW and then crossing at Parrot Creek.
Thanks again,
Rick Dammeyer
S/V Promise, Catalina 445, 5ft draft
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Combahee Bank
Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dataw Island Marina
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Oct 24, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.4197,-80.65899999
More Good Words for Ladys Island Marina, AICW Statute Mile 536.5, in Beaufort, SC

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Over the last three years, Ladys Island Marina has been undergoing big improvements in the marina portion of this property under the direction of owner, Kelly Ryan, and these improvements have been confirmed by the recent positive comments SSECN has received. Ladys Island Marina is located in Factory Creek just east of Ladys Island Bridge.
Thanx, Larry, that spot [Jekyll Creek] has been troublesome forever. I’m glad you found our observations useful; we’ve gotten so much assistance from this site over the years that its wonderful to be in a position to pay it back, and keep Claiborne’s vision alive.
BTW, can’t say enough good things about Lady’s Island marina (SM536). Quiet, well-maintained, many services within easy walking distance (groceries, hardware store, liquor store, nice bakery and many restaurants, etc). Very accomodating management/dockmaster Steve is going cruising, new dockmaster TJ started on Monday and he’s clearly committed to carrying on the cruiser-friendly tradition. Loaner car and/or bikes. A ***woodshop*** for doing boat projects!!! Longish walk or short bike ride across the swing bridge to historic downtown.
We’re waiting on a part for our autopilot, expected in next Friday. We’ll be staying another week, then if weather permits we’ll be doing a single overnight and bypassing Georgia.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ladys Island Marina
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Oct 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.5146,-80.49619999
Report from Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, AICW Problem Stretch Mile 517

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This report comes to us from Dan and Jaye Lunsford’s log of their voyage through South Carolina, see /?p=145002. And, as reported by our good friends Mark and Diana Doyle: For those transiting South Carolina, Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff continues to be a problem area and carries LESS THAN 5 FEET MLLW. For an alternative to Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, see /?p=134342
SM 517 Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff: Stay at least a couple of boat lengths off G177 at the entry (“square the corner”) for 10′ MLLW. At the exit, R184 was reported destroyed; a new temporary drop aid (floating can) was placed there on Friday — we met the Coast Guard small boat that was doing the work on their way back. Slightly favor that NW side between R184 and G185, but time the tides if necessary, we saw 5′ MLLW here briefly.
Dan Jaye Lunsford
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch
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Oct 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.785,-79.819999
Report from Problem Stretch North of Ben Sawyer Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 460

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This report comes to us from Dan and Jaye Lunsford’s log of their voyage through South Carolina, see /?p=145002. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has posted reports of shoaling in this Problem Stretch (which the ACOE terms as “behind Breach Inlet”) for months now. And, as the Lunsfords confirm, cruisers piloting craft of almost any draft MUST time their passage of these waters for mid to high tide!
SM 460 shoals before Ben Sawyer bridge: 4′ MLLW, so its really important to time the tides here. Favor the north side of the channel from before G117A to G119.
Dan and Jaye Lunsford
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
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Oct 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.052,-79.50249999
Report from South of McClellanville, AICW Statute Mile 433

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We have been receiving AICW shallow water reports for time out of mind, centered on the Waterway channel southwest of McClellanville, SC. As before, we recommend passage at mid to high tide. This report comes to us from Dan and Jaye Lunsford’s log of their voyage through South Carolina, see /?p=145002.
SM 430-435 McClellanville: Time the tides here if at all possible. If you’re really motivated you can tiptoe your way through; we saw 6′ MLLW, but so much simpler to just give it a couple of hours.
Dan and Jaye Lunsford
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek
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Oct 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.2463,-80.74729999
New Transient Rates at Skull Creek Marina, AICW Statute Mile 555

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Skull Creek Marina lies east of the gap between AICW markers #9A and #10 at the northwest corner of Hilton Head Island.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Skull Creek Marina
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Oct 14, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.3956,-80.67879999
Port Royal Landing Marina Thanksgiving Dinner, AICW Statute Mile 539

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This annual Thanksgiving celebration at Port Royal Landing Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a perfect example of true Southern hospitality and of a marina family that cares about boaters! Port Royal Landing Marina guards the western banks of Beaufort River just south of marker #244.
The Port Royal Landing Marina will be holding their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. The marina furnishes smoked turkeys, just bring a side to share and your favorite beverage. Dinner starts at 1:00. The marina is offering buy 2 nights and get a third night free or buy 5 nights and get 2 additional nights free. For more information contact Capt Bill Mote at 843-592-3344, or the Marina for reservations. Everyone is welcome, come join the fun.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port Royal Landing Marina
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Oct 11, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.785,-79.819999
Shoaling North of Charleston, AICW Problem Stretch Statute Mile 460

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Here is an article that Waterway boaters need not read, because we are all very aware of the shallow waters in most inlet intersections along the AICW. Charleston Post and Courier writer, Prentiss Findlay, describes the problem in terms that non-boaters can grasp. Let’s hope some legislators are reading! This area north of Ben Sawyer Bridge has been a “SSECN Problem Stretch” for several years.See /?p=122253
Dry channel plagues Intracoastal Waterway near Breach Inlet
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway near Breach Inlet has been nearly dry at low tide because of shoaling, a condition in which sand builds up and blocks the channel, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The problem has been on the Isle of Palms side of the inlet, where only 25 percent of the channel had water at low tide in soundings taken on Sept. 11. The water there was only 3 feet deep.
For the rest of the story, go to: http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20141009/PC16/141009372
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
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Oct 10, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.7729,-79.84219999
Ben Sawyer Should Open On-Demand 9-4 Weekdays, AICW Statute Mile 462

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Ben Sawyer Memorial – Sullivans Island Bridge crosses the Waterway just north of Charleston Harbor. The USCG has had issues with SCDOT bridge tenders “adjusting” the opening schedules to fit local traffic needs; see /?p=144631. Skipper Cummins submitted this observation from her recent experience at Ben Sawyer Bridge:
The information on bridge openings in SC is inaccurate for Ben Sawyer bridge. They only open on the hour between 9-4 not on demand.
Patricia Cummins
And SSECN received this clarification from Officer Lieberum of USCG 7th District:
According to 117.911
(c) Ben Sawyer (SR 703) bridge across Sullivan’s Island Narrows, mile 462.2 between Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant. The draw shall open on signal; except that, the draw need not open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the draw need open only on the hour.
I will follow up with SCDOT as well.
Michael Lieberum
Seventh Coast Guard District
Bridge Branch
Bridge Management Specialist
305-415-6744
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Ben Sawyer Memorial Bridge
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Sep 28, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.7664,-79.97419999
Update to 3:30 as Last Opening at Wappoo Creek Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 471

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Skipper Schmidt is not the first to be stymied by the complicated opening schedule of the HWY 171 Wappoo Creek Bridge. As I told Ray in my reply: Check SSECN first! We have the correct opening times listed as shown in the link below. Wappoo Creek Bridge with a 33ft closed vertical clearance is south of the Ashley River/ICW intersection in Charleston, SC.
Leaving Charleston the literature I had said the bridge will not open after 4 PM due to commuter traffic. When I got there at 3:45, I was informed that the last opening is 3:30, not 4. I anchored and waited until 6:30 with another boat that had the same incorrect schedule.
Ray Schmidt
9/29/2014 Now this from Capt. John J. Kettlewell:
Larry:
I just got off the phone with the District 7 Coast Guard office (Barry Dragon 305-415-6743) and he confirmed that the regulations call for the Wappoo Creek bridge Mile 470.8 to open on the hour and half hour until 4pm through November 30. When I said that apparently the bridge operator was telling people that the last opening was at 3:30pm, he said “We’ll get that fixed.” He further said that the bridge operators in South Carolina sometimes go off on their own with regard to schedules and they have to be reminded from time to time that they are required by law to adhere to the Coast Guard schedule. I was contacted by a boater who went through there recently and the operator refused to open at 4pm.
John J. Kettlewell
I suggest that anyone who does not get a bridge opening at 4pm immediately report it to the Charleston CG station (843-724-7600), which is right near there. I have had to do that before and the CG ordered the bridge tender to open up. Sure, I’ve seen the traffic backed up there and many other places, but until the regulations are changed the bridge tender has to follow them.
John J. Kettlewell
Stay tuned for a follow-up to this issue!
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
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Sep 28, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.0877,-80.93219999
Navigation Aids Report from Northern Fields Cut, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 574

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Northern Fields Cut at the intersection of Fields Cut and Wright River has been designated a Problem Stretch for some time and we are grateful to Skipper Schmidt for this information re the navigation aids in the area. For a depth survey by Mark and Diana Doyle from August of this year, go to: /?p=144010.
Came through Fields Cut today. There is no green buoy. There are 2 reds. One is beacon 48. The other is a red nun apparently locate on the south side of the “mound” in the middle. I made a straight line from red beacon 48 past the new red buoy carefully compensating for the strong cross current. Was in good water all the time.
Ray Schmidt
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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