Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 2, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Visit to Charleston Harbor Marina and a Word for Pet Owners, AICW near Statute Mile 465 – Mount Pleasant Side of Charleston Harbor
The Ehlers have a good suggestion for all pet owners at this or any marina. Like most marinas today, Charleston Harbor Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – requires at all pets be leashed, but that rule is so often ignored.
We have stayed here a couple of weekends with our boat `Keeper of the Stars’ and we found it very nice and staff friendly. There are 2 things that we would like to mention, #1’¦We wish they had a general store on site instead of having to leave the property to buy soft drinks, cleaning supplies etc. #2 and most important to us’¦.I wish they would make people put their dogs on LEASHES at all times’¦.I have 2 small pugs that are on leashes and when ur big dog comes over and gets my dogs riled up’¦your dog better not cause me a problem, because I will protect them at all costs’¦so keep your dog on a leash!!!!!
Jim and Tera Ehlers
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 26, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Uncharted Markers/Shoals on AICW/Ashepoo River, Statute Mile 512

Click for Chartview
Even the latest chartplotters cannot keep up with aids to navigation added to mark shoaling, and it can be confusing to approach a marker that often just does not make sense when looking at the chart. Thanks to Capt. Butler for bringing these uncharted markers to our attention!
New red nun 166 in Ashepoo River to mark shoal and the QR168 where you make the hard turn to port for the cutoff. Also noticed a new G175 in place of the range in Rock Creek.
Karen Butler
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Ashepoo River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker #175
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 25, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Invitation to Explore the Upper Cooper River, off the AICW from Charleston Harbor, Statute Mile 469
If you hurry, you can still catch this river cruise that begins Tuesday, 10/02/2012. Capt. Corgen has titled the cruise “Up the Cooper to Lake Marion and beyond”. Sounds like a great trip!
Claiborne:
I think John Winter, JUST RELAX, mentioned to you maybe 6 weeks ago or so that several AGLCA boats were going up the Cooper. Well that several are 2, YOUNG @ HEART and ODYSSEE. We are leaving from Maritime Center next Tuesday morning, October 2. ODYSSE will leave their home dock on Distant Island Creek in Beaufort Sunday afternoon and spend Monday night in Charleston, YOUNG @ HEART is a James Island boat and will be leaving from their dock on Parrot Point Creek at high tide Tuesday morning. Tuesday night will be spent at Gilligans dock in Monks Corner. Wednesday they will go through the 75′ single chamber lock at Pinopolis into Lake Moultrie. Trip is expected to turn around in the Congaree River above the Hwy. 601 bridge, adjacent to the east end of the Congaree National Park. We’ll be posting our odyssey as we can on our blog, http://www.gorgensodyssee.blogspot.com.
Chuck Gorgen
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Maritime Center
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Maritime Center
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 23, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 346
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club on Coquina Harbor has been a great stopping place and a friend to cruisers for years and a recent dockage rate reduction is certainly good news for the fall migration!. Naturally, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
MBYC is in Little River, not Myrtle Beach. We stayed here on our way north last spring, and then again last week (13 September). Both times we have been very pleased. The staff is knowledgable and very helpful. They drove us over to West Marine late in the day before it closed. Facilities are A-1. Good value. There is a nice walkway for exercise that goes all around Coquina Harbor. People seem to be very friendly. We would definitely go again.
Dunniganj
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Visit to Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377
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!!!!
A great place in a spectacular location. Good food and music on the deck (And they are adding a larger covered deck). Staff is friendly and helpful and anxious to make your stay a great one.
Dan Virga
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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 8, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
All Welcome at Harbourgate Marina, AICW Statute Mile 347
Dockmaster Susie Watkins is one of the most knowledgeable and professional marina operators in all of South Carolina. You can scarcely coil you lines at a better place than Harbourgate Marina, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Always Welcome in North Myrtle Beach at HARBOURGATE MARINA. Call early to make your reservations. 843-249-8888
Transient Rate $1.50 or say you saw our ad on Cruisers’ Net.
A Friend of Claiborne.
Susan Watson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harbourgate Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harbourgate Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 1, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Perspective on Cooper River Marina, off the AICW on the Cooper River, North Charleston, SC
Cooper River Marina is located in what was a backwater section of the old Charleston US Navy Base, and it’s quite a drive to get pretty much anywhere from its docks. Still, the rates are reasonable, and if you have readily available shoreside auto transportation, this facility is a possibility in the greater Charleston area! Captain Harvey gives us a bit of its history.
I have been familiar with the Cooper River Marina since it was new after Huricane Hugo wiped out the old US Navy sailing facility. It was originally built as a US Navy military marina. When the Base closed the Charleston County Parks took over. It is a very nice facility and the employees and manager Matt Driscole are the best. However the county parks has never recognized the military men and women who paid for the marina through non-appropriated funds through the use of commissarys and exchanges. Its just a hard spot with me, but I feel the County should honor the military with a military rate for long term dockage. After all the sailors and airmen paid for it.
Manning J. Harvey III
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Cooper River Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 1, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Stricter Overnight Docking Restrictions at Georgetown Waterfront, AICW Statute Mile 403
Georgetown, SC has done a wonderful job of dressing up their waterfront with a long wooden “Harborwalk” that provides access to the very heart of downtown Georgetown. A number of the town’s leading restaurants and shops open onto the boardwalk which also offers free dinghy dockage for visiting vessels at anchor in the adjacent wing of Sampit River. Putting all this together, Georgetown remains one of our very FAVORITE ports of call, and a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.
However, when you visit Georgetown, please be SURE to pick up a wet slip at one of the local marinas, or anchor in the branch of Sampit River and then dinghy ashore. Overnight tie-up, for vessels or dinghy, has never been permitted at the Harborwalk docks, but obviously too many cruisers have failed to pay heed to the signs. Now, the local government is getting SERIOUS about it!
Cruising News:
I don’t know if it has been reported yet , the city of Georgetown , Sc. has always had signs on the town docks that read ” NO OVERNIGHT DOCKING PLEASE” now they have added signs that read “OVERNIGHT DOCKING PROHIBITED” with an ordinance no. and a fine of $1092.50!!! YES THOUSAND!!
I can only assume they mean to enforce it! Over the years I have seen many boats tied up overnight especially during the boat migration seasons. The town fathers have obviously become boater unfriendly. I wonder if the Chamber of Commerce is aware??
Bill Gaughan
We have this local response from our good friend, Chris Carroll of Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Claiborne,
These docks were always meant to be for stop, shop, eat, etc. but not for overnight stay. Our local tour boats use them if they have a handicap passenger that needs to board as well as local pleasure boaters in for an hour or so.
The problem arose from a few transient and local cruisers staying multiple nights and taking up the docks. One of the local tour captains decided to leave his boat there overnight in order to accommodate a handicap passenger early the next morning (since he was afraid someone else would get it that night). When he arrived the next morning, he had a $1,000 ticket. He went to court to argue the fact, since he watched others do it all the time and it wasn’t enforced. He semi won that battle as the ticket was thrown out and new signs were put up. The amount of enforcement still remains to be seen.
I don’t think by any means this makes the City or county of Georgetown `boater unfriendly’. The docks should be used what they were intended for.
There are (3) nice marinas downtown that offer nightly and hourly transient dockage when available. I should know, I operate one. Thanks.
Chris Carroll, Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Georgetown Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Georgetown Harbor
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Aug 25, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club Lowers Transient Rate, AICW Statute Mile 346
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club on Coquina Harbor has been a great stopping place and a friend to cruisers for years and this rate reduction is certainly good news for the fall migration!. Naturally, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
MBYC has lowered it’s transient dockage to $1.25/foot with a Boat/Us discount of .25 cents
Bud Coonfield myrtlebeachyc@sc.rr.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Aug 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Glowing Review of Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377
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!!!!
This location is quaint and beautiful! The view is simply fantastic and Chef Jay made our visit extremely memorable. The food was delicious and the Chef came over and talked to us, it was so personable! If you have yet to stop while heading south, DO NOT pass this place up!!
Mae M
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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Aug 15, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Don’t Even Think About Anchoring In The Charted “Oxbow” Off the AICW/Dawho River (Statute Mile 500) – Captains Mark and Diana Report
I well remember one delightful October afternoon in 1983 when we came cruising along the AICW’s run through South Carolina’s Dawho River. This stream, along with a man-made canal, serves to connect the AICW between the North and South Edisto Rivers.
Anyway, we were on our initial research trip, seeking out anchorages for the first edition of my “Cruising Guide to Coastal South Carolina and Georgia.” As I always still do to this day before beginning on-site research of new waters, I had poured over (in this case) chart 11518, looking for good anchorage possibilities. And here, hard by marker #128, were several charted oxbows which NOAA reported as having 6 to 12 foot depths.
Well, like Diana and Mark, we arrived, THANK GOODNESS, at MLW. Imagine my astonishment when our first look inside all three oxbows revealed nothing but MUD!!!! To say the least, we warned everyone away from these potential traps and cheats in the pages of “CGSC-GA!”
A check of the very latest version of chart 11518 on the Cruisers’ Net’s “Chart View” module, shows that NOAA is FINALLY showing no depth on the northeastern oxbow at MLW, but is still erroneously promising some MLW depths in the south side oxbow, which is the subject of Mark and Diana’s article below (see chartlet at right – click to open a Chart View page centered on the oxbow in question). It only took NOAA 29 years to correct 1/3 of their error. Need I say more about my opinion of the NOAA charting folks.
So, if you seek to safely drop the hook on the Dawho River section of the South Carolina AICW, please continue cruising west, pass under the Dawho – Edisto Island Bridge, and give Fishing Creek along the northerly banks a try. Even this body of water has a TRICKY entrance. Follow the link below to learn how safe entry can be achieved!

Check Out the MUD!
Hi Claiborne,
No names mentioned here … but someone asked us about anchoring in the oxbow off Dawho River R128.
We told them: In a word, DON’T !!!
As you well know, the closest tide station, Dawho Bridge, has an STR (Spring Tidal Range) of 7.2 feet, which can make a lot of South Carolina and Georgia bad ideas seem like good ones … especially when NOAA charts the oxbow at 7 feet low water.
[See depth-annotated track and NOAA chart screenshot below.]
We’ve heard people chatting about this possibility before, so on our last pass northbound (two months ago), we just happened to be passing R128 near low tide.
As you can see in the chart screenshot and accompanying photo, there is plenty of water in the ICW channel but EVERYTHING dries out in the oxbow.
Again, no recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. Captains are responsible for their own decisions and outcome.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Oxbow Off the AICW/Dawho River
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fishing Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fishing Creek Anchorage
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Aug 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Osprey Marina, AICW Statute Mile 373
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!
We stayed one night on return from Bald Head to Georgetown and wanted to avoid the carnival of Myrtle Beach. What a great spot! We are a 47′ Beneteau and had no problem getting in and out. The most helpful, curtious staff we have ever encountered. Cleanest baths, laundry and marina building possible. Enjoyed an outstanding Italian dinner with pickup and return service. Couldn’t ask for more, every marina could learn from Osprey. We will be back next time.
Bill Saint
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Osprey Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 28, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Port Royal Landing Marina, AICW Statute Mile 540
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!!!
I always stop at the PRLM on my way down the ICW. This is how all marinas should be run, good old southern hospitality.
Try it.
Ed Hart
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Port Royal Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Royal Landing Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 27, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Blackstone’s Cafe (Beaufort, SC) – The BEST Breakfast on the AICW (Statute Mile 536.5)
OK, I’m about to go out on a proverbial limb, and do something seriously DANGEROUS! I propose that the very best breakfast available to cruisers on the entire course of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, from Norfolk, VA to Miami, Florida, is found at Blackstone’s Cafe (205 Scott Street, 843-524-4330), located in historic downtown Beaufort, South Carolina, and within easy walking distance of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Downtown Marina of Beaufort. Yes, in my humble opinion, a better breakfast than Thomas Cafe in Georgetown, South Carolina, than Cox Family Restaurant in Morehead City, North Carolina and even better than the Variety Store Restaurant at Charleston (South Carolina) City Marina.
OK, I know that’s a tall statement, but really, fellow cruisers, you have to taste the white cheddar and fresh mushroom omelet, not to mention the light as a cloud buttermilk pancakes or the awesome “Cajun Shrimp and Grits, not to mention the unforgettable corn beef hash. My oh my, my cholesterol level jumps 10 points by just thinking about a breakfast at Blackstones.
Then, there is the interior decor at Blackstone’s Cafe which I can only describe as eclectic. There are colorful military unit flags sitting cheek by jowl with posters from movies made in Beaufort, such as “The Big Chill.” There’s even outside dining in an open courtyard, which was my chosen spot during a recent July, 2012 visit. The combination of my omelet and the river breezes, well, words just fail me.
Clearly, Blackstone’s is where the local crowd meets for breakfast, of both the nautical and non-nautical variety. You never know what interesting conversation you might run across. Years ago, it was here that I first heard about a strangely named movie that was going to be shot in Beaufort within a few months. Who had ever heard of a story entitled, “Forest Gump?”
Still not enough for you? Well, consider this. Owner/founder Roger Alley came sailing, that’s right, “sailing” into Beaufort, SC some years ago with the intent of only interrupting his cruise for a night or two to sample the many charms of Beaufort. He was so taken with the community that he founded Blackstones (originally a combination gourmet food store and cafe), and he has made his home here ever since!
I WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE TO BEGIN A LIVELY DISCUSSION ABOUT WHO/WHERE YOU THINK THE BEST BREAKFAST ON THE AICW CAN BE FOUND. PLEASE contribute your favorites, by e-mailing me directly at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com, or clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below. Let’s discover together where the best diet busting breakfast spots are to be found. Both yours truly and your fellow cruisers ARE EAGER TO HEAR FROM YOU. So, PLEASE chime in!

Well, the cruising community has heard my appeal to name/discuss their favorite breakfast spots, and the SSECN has been honored with a TON of welcome input. So much, in fact, that this collection of messages is too lengthy to insert at the bottom of this posting.
Instead, click HERE to check out what and where your fellow cruisers are recommending as the best coastal breakfast spots to be found!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Beaufort, SC
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 26, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Thoroughfare Creek Anchorage (off AICW/Waccamaw River) – Statute Mile 389 – Captains Mark and Diana Report
Now here’s a really useful article from our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides. Sometimes we all, or at least I do, get so wrapped up with memories of an anchorage’s natural beauty, rich history and superb shelter, we forget there may be another side to the story.
And, indeed, that is just the case here. Along a river replete with wonderful spots to drop the hook overnight, Thoroughfare Creek vies with Bull Creek for the best of the best in this region. And yet, as you will see below, there may be certain times of the year when a disadvantage or two may show up in these waters. Read on!
The Waccamaw River in Summer: More PWCs than Mosquitoes
Thoroughfare Creek October 15 Versus June 15
We often revel in the changing seasons. Every transit is different depending on the weather, the seasonal cloud formations, the patterns of bird and mammal migration, and the colors of the wooded shores or saltmarsh expanses.
But here’s a seasonal change we weren’t expecting: the Waccamaw River in summer.
For most experienced ICW cruisers, the Waccamaw River is one of their favorite cruising grounds. Anchorage after peaceful anchorage, typically the only boat tucked into a surreal cypress setting draped with Spanish moss. Birds call from the dark swampy woods and ospreys whistle from their huge stick nests.
But that’s the Waccamaw River of early spring or fall. Come summer, especially on weekends, this waterway that is part of a national wildlife refuge becomes a playground for the jet skis, pontoon boats, and Baja cruisers from nearby overflowing Myrtle Beach.
Don’t believe us? We witnessed quiet Thoroughfare Creek anchorage (STM 388.8) become a speedway for party boats to access the sandy bluffs at charted Belin, known to locals as “Sandy Island.” It looked like Coney Island!
So we gave up on anchoring in Thoroughfare Creek, deciding to press on along the magenta line. We departed the Waccamaw with the company of a noisy jet skier, zig-zagging back and forth right off our stern using our wake to “catch some air.”
Sheesh …
Best and see you On the Water!
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
I live in the area and often anchor in Thoroughfare Creek for the evening. It is a beautiful and very special spot. Fortunately for most cruisers, it is quiet and serene during the normal passage times. Just plan to forget it on the weekends from Memorial Day through Labor day’¦.Before and after that, it’s all yours!
Geoff Groat
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For the Thoroughfare Creek Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Thoroughfare Creek Anchorages
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 25, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Barefoot Marina, Myrtle Beach, SC, AICW Statute Mile 353.5

Barefoot Marina
Don’t confuse Barefoot Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, with Barefoot Landing Transient Dock, which is located on the eastern (ocean) side of the AICW in Myrtle Beach, while Barefoot Marina guards the western banks. As Capt. Chace confirms below, the new incarnation is better than ever, and we are very impressed with the marina management. Because of the shoaling at low tide, we have a Navigation Alert posted here.
Barefoot Resort Marina: This was, and will be again, our home marina. We live at Barefoot Resort so this was an obvious choice for us. We have sailed up and down the East coast between here and New England for the last several years. Lately more north than south I’m afraid. We have seen the good, the bad and the UGLY when it comes to east coast marinas. In my opinion you will not find a nicer, cleaner and more upscale facility then Barefoot Resort Marina. Bill Rathburn and George have been friends and honorary crew members aboard Spirit, our C&C 40. They are also very pet friendly with our Labrador Genny. You all know that they are quite competitive regarding dock fees. Spirit has a 7′ draft. (7’3’³ to be exact). She gets in and out at high water. Other times require caution as we have been aground there also. But forewarned is forearmed as I like to say. Just be aware of the height of tide when approaching with over 5′ of draft. It is worth it.
Capt. Bill Chace
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Barefoot Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Barefoot Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 22, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More AICW Shoaling Reported Near Isle of Palms, (Statute Mile 460)
From earlier reports and as Captain Bell confirms, the water gets thin between AICW markers #111 and #119, north of the Waterway’s entrance into Charleston Harbor. While not yet designated an SSECN Problem Stretch, we have established a Navigation Alert for these waters and caution should be exercised through the AICW channel past the Isle of Palms.
Three days ago we had to wait for one hour past low water, which was `0’³ tide, to pass between 117A and 119. Our sailboat has a five foot draft. We made two slow attempts to pass but ran aground mid channel and west or land side of mid channel. NOTE: while we waited for an hour past low tide we made an attempt to bypass the low spot by going around the Atlantic side loop. The chart shows deep water, which there is until you are 100 yards from 119, then there is a shoal that is less than four feet. So back to 117A you go.
David Bell
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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 19, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Dining at Battery Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 542)
Talk about a coincidence. I had the happy occasion to dine at Dockside Restaurant (843-524-7433) the day before Skipper Fowler filed this report. I AGREE, the seafood is awesome, and I also found the service quite good.
The possibility of dining at Dockside Seafood DEFINITELY makes the prospect of anchoring overnight on Battery Creek, a few miles south of Beaufort, SC, an even better bargain!
Hey Claiborne:
We took your advice and anchored on Battery Creek. We are even more glad that you spoke to us about nearby Dockside Restaurant. We blew up our dinghy, and rowed the short distance to this restaurant’s docks which were easy to pick out from the anchorage. Most of the outer dock was taken up by local shrimpers, and those piers were quite high as well. Fortunately, we found some lower, floating docks on the inside, and were able to easily tie up the dink.
We found the restaurant a warm, homy kind of placed, walled and roofed with lots of knotty pine. There was a GREAT view of Battery Creek from the windows.
Even though we visited on a Thursday night, there was a waiting line by 6:30 pm. Fortunately, we were already well into our dinners by then. I got the fried “Captains Platter” which proved to be enough food for the Russian Army. The flounder was some of the best I’ve had anywhere, anytime. Sue got the broiled seafood platter, and she has raved about the scallops and “local” shrimp ever since.
So, it was a good evening all around at Battery Creek, though my waistline is larger for the visit. I would definitely recommend this anchor down spot to fellow cruisers!
Skipper Fowler
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Battery Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Battery Creek Anchorage
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 19, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
News From Downtown Beaufort Marina (Statute Mile 536.5)
We had the happy occasion to visit in person with Captains Mandy and Rick Griffin, proprietors of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Downtown Marina of Beaufort, on 7/18/12. We gathered a whole raft of new and updated information.
First of all, Captain Mandy updated us on the often changing opening schedule of the nearby Lady’s Island Bridge. You can check out the updated regulations at /ladyaeâ„¢s-island-bridge.
Next, we discovered that Downtown Beaufort Marina is running a new, 3-month dockage special. Those who commit to a 90-day stay will pay an appealing $13.50 per foot, per month!
Captain Mandy also updated us thoroughly on the downtown Beaufort Restaurant situation. And, we had the happy opportunity ourselves to dine at Plums for lunch, Blackstone’s Cafe for breakfast and Breakwater Restaurant for dinner. No comment on what all this eating did to my waistline, but all three meals were SUPERB. Downtown Beaufort has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to GOOD dining.
You can check out all Captain Mandy’s other restaurant tips by following the link to Downtown Beaufort Marina’s listing in the SSECN South Carolina Marina Directory, below. Just scroll down to the “Restaurant Recommendations” field.
Next, Captain Rick give us the GOOD news that his facility has received a $100,000.00 community assistance grant. This money will be used to upgrade the marina’s dockside power, particularly the 50-amp hookups, and establish a mooring field west of the dockage basin. Due to the permitting process, the power upgrades are probably six months away, and planning studies are just getting underway for the mooring field. Nevertheless, this is great future news for an already first class facility!
We can say without hesitation that this marina, operated by two of the finest folks in the business, is a great place to visit. We would not take anything for our time spent there and miss the whole crowd down there immensely. Everything you need is close by. Stop in and tell them that Dan and Patsy said hello.
Dan and Patsy Traylor
Winston-Salem N.C.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Beaufort Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good News from Leland Oil Co. Marina – McClellanville, SC (St. M. 430) – Captains Mark and Diana Report

Leland Oil Co. Marina
Here’s another excellent report from our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and originator of On The Water Chart Guides. This article concerns Leland Oil Company Marina, located on the waters of Jeremy Creek at McClellanville, SC. This facility lies about half-way between Winyah Bay and Charleston Harbor.
As has been previously reported here on the Cruisers’ Net, and made clear once again below by Captains Diana and Mark, McClellanville Oil Co. Marina may just be “the” most improved facility in the SC Low Country. Even so, no-one will ever mistake this place for Pier 66, or Morehead City Yacht Basin, BUT with things as they now stand, we can recommend a stop here for those who want to experience a last, little piece of South Carolina Low Country, small town, charm!

T. W. Graham & Co. Seafood Restaurant
Hi Claiborne,
Diana and I were through McClellanville last month and thought you’d like an update on what Dwayne’s up to at Leland Oil.
ICW veterans have long known about the shrimp boat docks at McClellanville, SC (STM 430.0).
In the past, you’d trade beer to raft up for the night In the tiny harbor of Jeremy Creek. But, of course, you’d have to stay up with the shrimpers to drink the beer ‘¦ and then untangle your boat at oh-dark-thirty so they could get off to work and you could catch a few hours of sleep before moving on.
Now there is a more “civilized” alternative. Last year, Dwayne Merritt at Leland Oil put in floating docks to provide a place for recreational boats to tie up for the night, allowing them to keep their beer … and get some sleep.
We recently stayed at Leland Oil and saw first-hand the new floating docks. Very nice! And Dwayne continues to make this facility more welcoming to cruising sail and power boats.
McClellanville is worth a saunter, a quiet village of well-kept houses clustered on a few blocks near the shrimp docks. With its small streets, lack of traffic, and friendly residents, walking the town feels like going back a few decades.
There is one stop in town, the local seafood restaurant, T.W. Graham. In true small-town style, it has abbreviated hours but is worth the wait. FRESH-FRESH seafood!
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Co. Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Leland Oil Co. Marina
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Share:
Be the first to comment!