Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net lists the closed vertical clearance for the old, decrepit Socastee Bridge at 11ft. However, this has been an unusual year for higher-than-normal water levels at many bridges over the Waterway, aggravated by a number of damaged or misplaced tide boards. When in doubt, take the Tigars advice and call the bridge tender to discuss the clearance and/or to request an opening. In the case of reduced clearance at a fixed bridge, wait for the tide. Socastee swing bridge opens “on demand” UNLESS water traffic becomes heavy, as on a weekend, then bridge closures may be required every 15 minutes to accommodate road traffic.
Cruising News: One guide book says 12 feet, the chart says 11 feet, but the tide board at high tide said 9 feet. Eyeball estimate says 9 feet is probably about right. The bridge tender on duty December 29 was polite and opened early for us. Michael and Jane Tigar
Osprey Marina lies at the southern foot of AICW section known officially as the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile”), just as the Waterway sweeps south into beautiful Waccamaw River. Osprey Marina is one of the finest marinas you will ever discover, and these good folks are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News: Yes, many people have said it, but here it is again. These folks are wonderful! Lowest fuel prices for many miles, plus a Boat/US discount. The grill is closed in winter, but Miles the dockmaster, had made “chicken bog” in a pot — sausaage, rice, chicken and spices — and offered us some. This is the place to stop, just before you take off down the beautiful Waccamaw River. Michael and Jane Tigar
These three anchorages lie between the intersection of the Waterway and Ashley River and the Hwy 17 bascule bridge several hundred yards up the Ashley. As a longtime Charleston boater, Capt. Koerner is very familiar with these waters.
The northernmost anchorage, closest to the City Marina (and their dinghy dock) has the shallowest water during tidal range. Holding ground is pluff mud, but great for catamarans. Off the City Marina you will find deeper water, but strong currents, and it tends to get crowded during the seasons. If you go under the 56′ bridge, you will find it much less crowded, though a much further dinghy ride to the City Marina dinghy dock. The Harborage on the Ashley River (former Ashley Marina) does not offer service to cruisers at anchor. HB Koerner
Our contact at the US Army Corps of Engineers has just forwarded copies of an official USACOE survey of depths on Jeremy Creek taken 11/19/12. Take a look at the first three lines of soundings north of the stream’s mouth, in the enlargement of the survey below. You will quickly see why we have designated this posting as “Important” and have set an SSECN Navigation Alert for these waters. All depths shown on this survey are corrected for Mean Low Water. So, a quick glance will show you that, at low tide, you might be cruising through as little as 2.0 to 2.6 feet depths, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHANNEL! Fortunately, channel depths improve farther upstream. However, until and if dredging can be accomplished on the southern portion of Jeremy Creek, entrance and exit at times near low water will be relegated strictly to shallow draft vessels! Now, why is this such a big deal. Well, Jeremy Creek provides the only water access to the charming village of McClellanville, South Carolina, and its recently improved marina, Leland Oil Company. The shoal depths at the entrance to Jeremy Creek are going to be a real obstacle to visiting both this marina and the adjoining community. Fortunately, there is a 5.5 to 6 foot tidal range in this region, so most cruising craft will be able to navigate southern Jeremy Creek near the time of high tide. Of course, having to time your travel around the tides can be a major inconvenience to cruisers. A telephone conversation with the dockmaster at Leland Marine on 12/28/12 confirmed the surveyed shallow depths, and we were told that deeper draft boats are indeed having to play the tides when entering and leaving. On the other hand, the dockmaster said he had accommodated several boats this fall season with 5-foot draft, but clearly, these vessels did not arrive or leave at low water. The dockmaster went on to say that everyone in McClellanville is hoping that the USACOE will dredge Jeremy Creek this year, but he has not heard of any definite plans to do so. Let’s hope this dredging happens soon! In the meantime, ALL mariners bent on a visit to McClellanville and/or Leland Oil Company, NEED TO TAKE THIS INFORMATION INTO ACCOUNT!
The moon and higher than normal tides this year have been causing problems for our tall masted friends. There are tide gauges missing from a number of bridges in NC and SC. The Coast Guard Chief of Operations of Bridge is aware of the missing boards and hopefully, they will be replaced and/or corrected soon! In the meantime, keep an eye on the tide tables for the particular area and proceed with caution at mid-tide through all the fixed height bridges. The notices to report damage posted at most bridges generally refers to damage occurring to the bridge – usually the fender system – and not, unfortunately, for damages to vessels.
NO GAGE ON THIS BRIDGE FOR HEIGHT. We were told by Port Royal Landing that there was only 63 foot of Clearance at High Tide on 12-12-12. (There is a notice to report bridge damage.) With a phone number??????? Debra Baas
We passed through this bridge on 12/7/2012. No tide gauges. Most of the sixth fenderboard was showing above the water (we were told that if the top of the fifth was showing there was 65′ 5’³ of clearance). Predicted tide at the Beaufort Island tide station then was +1.2 feet. Out 66′ tall antennas passed under the bridge without touching. John Kremski
The critical piece of information that’s often hard to come by is the relation of tide height (relatively easy) to MHW. MHW for a location is printed on some smaller-scale charts, but I haven’t seen it presented by chartplotters or applications (e.g. Wxtide32). We can get MHW indirectly from the NOAA Tides & Currents Datums pages. Careful though! The tabulated numbers are not based on MLW or MLLW, but on `station datum’ so there’s a little extra math. But it sure would be useful to have something more portable that doesn’t require Web access. There’s no substitute for ACCURATE clearance boards, though. As a footnote, with a mean sea level rise per annum of about 2mm, a bridge built 50 years ago at 65′ clearance would have lost about 4’³ of that. Larry Shick
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
Cruising News: Just wanted to let everyone know about the all new Bucksport Marina Around MM379 in SC. Ralph has completely rebuilt the marina from the ground up. Prices are very reasonable, free washer and dryer, 5 plus acres plus to let the dogs run and a great place to eat right on site. Fuel and pump out on site.The outdoor covered pavilion is up and running with a bandstand music every weekend. Complete bar and great service. Ralph also has great prices on monthly slip rentals on floating docks. Got a camper/motor home, bring it also and hook right up. Campground on site. Fantastic fishing right from your swim platform. Trailer boat landing on site.This could be the most reasonable, most bang for your buck stop in NC or SC. Everyone is very nice and accommodating. If you need to leave your boat for a couple of months, no-one will be cheaper. This has become our favorite layover in the Carolinas going north or south or just stay a while. John Beaver
Located in Factory Creek just east of Ladys Island Bridge , Ladys Island Marina has been undergoing a slow and uncertain transition for the last several years. At one time, the owners could not make up their minds whether to keep this place a marina, or turn it into boat-a-miniums. Looks like, at least for the moment, they have opted for the marina route, with obvious good results, as reported by Capt. Jarman.
Anchored close to Ladys Island Marina next am engine overheated so dinked over Marina talked to Dockmaster Ted Alcorn who started the ball rolling with getting me into a slip with the help of Ernie his assistant and talking with mechanic Jim Dehart. Into the fourth week of repairs to a cracked cylinder head, the staff left a lasting impression of people pulling together to help and making a bad moment into good memories . Ted and his wife Shari are seasoned sailors and know how to make your journey a good one. Jack Jarman
Our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and founders of On The Water ChartGuides, have provided us with a sterling review of one of the most praised marinas to be found in the South Carolina Low Country. We agree with everything this professional cruising duo has to say below, and, of course, let’s not forget that Osprey Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Hi Claiborne,
Osprey Marina is aptly named, located along the Waccamaw River (STM 373.3), where you’ll see LOTS of osprey and osprey nests.
I’ll include two photos, showing the facility, marina, and basin:
The facility is built around a quiet, secluded basin tucked down a narrow tree-lined channel. It’s easy to forget that crowded Myrtle Beach is just to the north, over the treetops.
The marina is a great place to leave your boat for holiday travel. Myrtle Beach International Airport is only 14 miles away.
The basin is incredibly protected and the owners and staff go above and beyond to make you happy and take care of your boat.
And the rates are very competitive: cruisers should be sure to ask about their decreasing-by-the-day dockage fees.
When you check in you receive a captain’s bag guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s loaded with treats that show this marina understands what boaters enjoy: goodies like travel packs of laundry detergent, crackers, and homemade local pumpkin butter.
Sherry, we especially enjoyed the pumpkin butter! [ hint ‘¦ hint ]
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Rock Creek has shoaled badly, south of the stream’s first turn to the northeast, north of the it’s intersection with the AICW. Favor the eastern banks in order to stay clear of the correctly charted shoal making out from lower Rock Creek’s westerly banks.
We anchored after the northeast turn. There is a shallow section on the starboard side the channel right where you approach the first trees along the bank. The port side has 15 to 18 feet of water with 7 to 8 feet at 1 hour before low tide past the turn getting shallow on the starboard tide of the creek past the turn. We anchored in 6.5 feet of water 250 meters past the turn. We were having 20 to 22 kt of wind from the north which calmed down to 12 to 15 behind the trees. John Pholeric
Osprey Marina lies at the southern foot of AICW section known officially as the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile”), just as the Waterway sweeps south into beautiful Waccamaw River. Osprey Marina is one of the finest marinas you will ever discover, and these good folks are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
What more can I add? The friendliest staff and great facility. Good fuel prices and cheap dockage too. Twice we have been picked up by Scatori’s for dinner. What a treat and a fantastic grocery store next to restaurant. Highly recommend. Jim Smith
The Harborage at Ashley Marina - Click for Chartview
The Harborage at Ashley Marina lies along the northeastern shores of Ashley River (on the Charleston peninsula), between the charted 56 foot fixed bridge, and the 18-foot Highway 17 bascule bridge. While we certainly have NO argument with either Captain Koerner’s or Captain Jay’s advice to be on the lookout for swiftly moving waters when approaching this facility’s piers, I might just add, “welcome to the South Carolina Low Country.” Strong tidal currents are part and parcel of almost every anchorage and marina from south of Myrtle Beach to St. Marys River.
I keep my sailboat at this marina. Last April she was T-boned by a trawler whose captain used hiS bow thrusters to turn the boat around during a strong ebb tide. Boat never made the turn. A powerboat struck another powerboat yesterday while trying to back in against the current (which seems to run 45 degrees to the shore, rather than parallel). And this morning, a transient sailboat was unable to back ouy against the current and was T-boned against the pier before striking another sailboat in his slip. THIS IS NOT A DANGEROUS PLACE ‘“ JUST RESPECT THE CURRENTS! COME IN ON SLACK WATER, BACK OUT WITH THE CURRENT!! HB Koerner
I second HB’s advice. I’ve stayed at Ashley’s a couple of times as a transient, and usually ask if I can stay on the outside dock so I don’t have to deal with navigating the interior slips with the current. Dennis Jay `Delta Blues’ Annapolis, Md.
Factory Creek Anchorage, hard by the charming community of Beaufort, South Carolina, lies northeast of Lady’s Island Marina, in the body of the Factory Creek’s sharp bend to the north. The mouth of Factory Creek opens onto the southern flank of the Waterway immediately east of Ladys Island Bridge.
Tried this anchorage in 35 kt of winds with a 30 kg mason supreme anchorage on a 40 ft cat and pull through mud till close to docks. Eventually stayed at a dock. John Pholeric
The Marina at Grande Dunes is located on the Pine Island Cut section of the AICW, in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Staff and people were nice. Ten minute walk across the street to a wonderful Lowe’s Supermarket with anything you could imagine. We couldn’t, but the Opry looks like a nice evening show and everything in walking distance. We were not here in the warm weather though, and I don’t know how the access to the beaches were. Bob and Margaret Kaine
The Harborage at Ashley Marina - Click for Chartview
The Harborage at Ashley Marina lies along the northeastern shores of Ashley River (on the Charleston peninsula), between the charted 56 foot fixed bridge, and the 18-foot Highway 17 bascule bridge.
The Harbourage is a great marina. All floating docks, good AC power and fresh water connections at all docks. No wake zone which seems to be pretty much obeyed! Fast tidal flow, so be prepared or come in at high/low water (they used to call this the Crashley marina). There is tons of depth (30’+ on transient dock). Friendly staff, fair bathroom facilities. They run a shuttle van into the tourist area of downtown, and also to West Marine. A fair restaurant about 200 yds away at City Marina (b’fast, lunch, dinner), and another across the river (100yd dinghy ride) with a dinghy dock. Sailboats beware of the of the Keith Rawlings
The following narrative is an excerpt from the blog of Chuck and Claria Gorgen. To see the full journey log go to: http://www.gorgensodyssee.blogspot.com. This is a trip undertaken by very few cruising size craft. Most captains choose to cease their upstream explorations at the “T” on upper Cooper River. HOWEVER, as you will see below, this cruise has its charms, and perhaps should be considered more often.
The Cooper River heads NW from the Charleston, SC harbor up to Monks Corner where it meets Lake Moultrie. Back in 1939, a WPA project dammed up the Cooper and Santee rivers to form two large lakes, Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. This reservoir backed up the Santee River to the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, and created a water route from Columbia to Charleston. The Cooper River is deep enough to support barge traffic up to the hydro power plants that were build at the bottom end of both lakes. The Santee Cooper project was the largest WPA project undertaken. On Tuesday we started up the river at about 10:00. The cooper river was very deep all the way up to Lake Moultrie. 35 miles up the river we came to the first bridge we needed open. To request an opening you need to call the bridge 6 hours before you get there,and then call again as you get close, so the bridge operator can drive to the bridge you want opened, he operates two bridges about 10 miles apart.
Another 10 miles up the river we arrived at Monks Corners, where we spent the night tied up to the dock at Gilligan’s Restaurant, free night dockage with power if you have dinner, what a deal! Wednesday, we needed a second RR bridge opened just before the dam and lock at Lake Moultrie. The same bridge tender arrived to do the honors. As the bridge goes up we can see the 80 foot high dam and lock. We call the lock master and proceed to the lock door. These bridges and lock have no VHF radios so all communication is by cell phone. When this lock was built back in 1939 it was the highest single chamber lock in the world at 75′.
Once in the lock, we tied up to a floating dock that was secured to the locks bollards. YOUNG at HEART rafted up to us and we started up. the lock was very friendly with little turbulence as we went up.
Once to the top of the 75′ lift we can see Lake Moultrie off to the NW. Once on the lake there is a 6 mile buoyed straight channel to diversion channel which connects Lake Moultrie and Marion. Parts of Moultrie are 90′ deep, and when the lake was flooded they flooded over roads, bridges, and towns, all of that stuff still down there.
YOUNG at HEART lead the way out of the lock and across the lake, and enters diversion channel leading into Lake Marion. Lake Marion is not as deep as Moultrie, and they never cleaned all of the trees out before they flooded, so there are trees and stumps all over, it’s important to stay in the buoyed channel.
We spent the first night anchored behind the Santee National Wildlife Refuge at the North East corner of the lake. Thursday morning was overcast and drizzly. We continued up the lake with the intention to get to Santee State Park. About halfway up the lake we go under Interstate 95. At this point the lake was getting shallow except for the old Santee River bed, which winds all over between the trees that continue to stand. Here YOUNG at HEART follows us through the maze.
Friday we set out to see how far we could get up the Santee River and then up the Congaree River. As we approached the far west end of Lake Marion, the channel got narrow and shallow, with lots of growth crowding in on the channel. We found the deepest water on the outside of the river bends and we hugged the growth close.
We anchored in a nice cove behind Santee State Park.
Friday we set out to see how far we could get up the Santee River and then up the Congaree River. As we approached the far west end of Lake Marion, the channel got narrow and shallow, with lots of growth crowding in on the channel. We found the deepest water on the outside of the river bends and we hugged the growth close.
The water was very skinny, running between 6-8′. It look like we wouldn’t be able to get through, but the bottom was very soft mud and many had told us we could get quite a ways up the river, so we slowly continued. They were right, within a few miles the river became a typical river, with a downstream current of 1.5 to 2 MPH, with depths along the deep channel of 12-18′. We knew there were three bridges to get under, the first a RR bridge with a reported clearance of 18′. The water is down about 1.5′, and we found about 20′ clearance. A little further upstream the Santee River ends and the Wateree goes off to the north and the Congaree goes off to the west towards Columbia. We turned left up the Congaree and soon found the second bridge, highway 601, with a new span under construction.
About 3 miles further up the river we came to the third bridge, with an 18′ clearance per the chart. Well, this bridge was also under construction and a temporary span was across the river for the crawler cranes to use. One of the construction guys stretched his tap measure down to the water and announced the clearance was about 15′. We may have been able to get under, but YOUNG at HEART could not, so we decided we were as far as we were going.
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Peter Groen- August 5, 2019 - 9:21 am
The post on traveling from Charleston Harbor up the Cooper River to Lake Moultrie and on to Lake Marion mistakenly keeps referring to Lake Monroe – its really Lake Marion in SC.
Hello, my name is Brent Nilsen and I am very interested in making this trip. Thanks for the post. It looks like you guys made this trip in a couple of days. Do you have any of the contact information on the bridges that you need to call or prices for using the lock system? Any advice helps.
Port Royal Landing Marina guards the western banks of the AICW/Beaufort River, a short hop south of downtown Beaufort, SC. This fine facility is a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!
Oct 12 Port Royal Landings Marina, one of the most friendly marinas we have been in, great place to provision via their courtesy vehicle, Publix is the place to go, also downtown Beaufort is a short ride away. We would highly recommend this marina, also pay for 2 nights get 3 for free, nice since weather has us holed up here. Doug Cordello
Named as a favorite by several contributors, Church Creek anchorage lies 18 miles south of Charleston. Church Creek, with 13-22 ft. depths, indents the eastern flank of the AICW’s hard by marker #77.
Oct 11 Anchored in Church Creek, experience was exactly as previously reported, very quiet night. Doug Cordello
Certainly the Waccamaw River is one of the most scenic portions of the AICW. The dark waters and moss-hung cypress trees take you to another time before GPS and Iphones. Thoroughfare Creek anchorage lie west of the Waccamaw River/ICW flashing daybeacon #73. We think that, along with Bull Creek, Thoroughfare Creek is one of the two best places to anchor along the AICW’s trek down Waccamaw River, in these lands and waters of many, many fine anchorages.
Oct 9 Anchored at Thoroughfare Creek Anchorage, anchored just off the ICW in 16 of water near the mouth of the creek, very quite night. Doug Cordello
Cricket Cove Marina flanks the ICW’s northern banks, immediately east of flashing daybeacon #11, in the heart of Little River, SC. Moving south from North Carolina to the South Carolina portion of the AICW, Crickett Cove is the first marina you will come across in Palmetto State waters.
Oct 7 Stopped at Cricket Cove Marina, nice marina. Doug Cordello
Calabash Creek lies to the north of the Waterway, just south of the SC/NC state line. This anchorage can get very crowded during the busy season, but if you can find a spot, there are two fine seafood restaurants accessible just upstream by dinghy. Please note the Navigation Alert linked below indicating the possibility of shoaling at the intersection of the Waterway and Calabash Creek. Also, we have personally sounded, and other cruisers have reported, as little as 4 feet entering Calabash Creek during MLW.
We attempted this anchorage on 10/6/2012 and found the entrance shallow at mid-tide and with one vessel in the anchorage, did not feel comfortable with minimal swing room for our 44′ sailboat and 5′ draft. The water here shallows up quickly. Capt. Pat Carter
I anchored at Calabash on 10/09/2012. I entered near high tide and saw nothing under 10 feet. I stayed close to the ICW R2, and well off the Calabash Creek R2 as I had reported several years ago. When leaving, it was just past low tide, and I read nothing under 7′. I’m 38′ and draw 5.5′. I will point out that another boat in the anchorage anchored too close to shore and found himself lying on his side in the morning. I anchored in 9′ and had no problem. Bill Raynor
We have been traveling the waterway for 10 years and ALWAYS stop in Calabash Creek for the night. Our boat is at least 43′ long and draws 6′. We have never had a problem anchoring there, even with 6-8 other boats. The trick is to stay out of channel, as the head boats coming out of Calabash at all hours of the day and night, must get through safely. They won’t hesitate to let you know if you get too close for comfort. You need to know exactly what the tide is doing and plan your anchoring depth accordingly. The Seafood Hut is our favorite restaurant; we never miss our dinner of shrimp and flounder (yum yum). Cap’n Norman and Admiral Barbara s/v Blown Away
I’ve always (4 times at least) gone the other way to the Little River Inlet and anchored near marker #18. It’s always worked well for us with only another boat there on occasion. It is important to be out of the channel, since the gambling boats head out that inlet. Capt. Bob Clemons
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the southern section of Jeremy Creek
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