Here’s a quick word of advice from Captain Joey Presnell about anchoring on the branch of Sampit River, which serves as the downtown Georgetown anchorage.
Run your anchor light or you will get a ticket. It’s getting crazy here reminds me of old days in florida
Joey
Click Here For More Information Concerning Georgetown Downtown Anchorage
This is the most specific posting we have had here on the Net’s “South Carolina” section about AICW shoaling southwest of McClellansville. Everyone PLEASE watch out for the shallows described below by Captains Sami and Barry! And, we would WELCOME more info about this shoal from other cruisers! Please send any info or observations to CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net.
Subject: shoaling red marker 40
Cruising News: The water gets very shallow starting around red marker 40 (north of Charleston and well south of Georgetown)…sorry not to be more specific, but there was very little water there at low tide and we saw a sailboat grounded right at that marker. Also, wow the crab pots are like land mines….over into the channel and dragging all over the place. Just please beware along that stretch…….we came across several bouys which were almost submerged and right in the middle of the magenta line. Love being able to share our info since we get so much out of this site every day!
Sami and Barry Shreve
Subject: AICW Shoaling southwest of McClennanville
Cruising News: We are presently aground! An hour before low water. We draw six feet and are next to the magenta line at 33 04.248N 79 28.394W. Can’t decide if the deeper water is left or right. Guess we’ll be here a couple of hours until the water rises!
S/V Lady
I e-mailed Jenny and Charlies as soon as the message above was received, and sent along my hope that they were floating again. I received the reply below:
Cruising News: Claiborne,
Just a few accolades from us about the Port Royal Landing Marina in Beaufort, SC. They are a most accomidating place and on Friday evenings the local boaters invite the transits to barbecue with them. You just need to bring your steak and drink and they have all the sides. We had a blast the Friday we were there and met many new friends. The marina also lets you take their truck for a few hours to shop or visit the town Of Beafort. They also give discounts for Boat U.S and /or MTOA members. It is worth the visit.
Dick and Elle Lassman
Click Here For More Information Concerning Port Royal Landing Marina
Why am I not surprised that there is confusion about the Socastee swing bridge opening schedule. What else can you expect from a span that should have been removed the minute the adjacent high-rise bridge was completed!
Subject: Socastee Bridge Opening
Cruising News: Two weeks ago, having seen your comments that the opening of the Socastee bridge is now "On Demand" versus every half hour, I rang the Bridge for myself and they confirmed that that was the case except maybe during school hours.We were due to go down that next weekend and the Operator told me it would be an "On Demand" schedule. We transited south last week and when we got to the bridge, we requested an opening and were told it would open in 15 minutes. On the way back up north, we were told that it would open in 10 minutes. I called the Bridge and asked what the policy was and this Operator told me that the Bridge will open again 15 minutes after it last closed. So, I guess it's a semi on demand process, but certainly confusing. Maybe you could clarify the policy for everyone!
David Kelly
Captain Margaret has got it right! There are few places I would rather coil our lines than Georgetown, South Carolina. And, both the city of Georgetown and Harborwalk Marina are both SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSORS
Subject: Georgetown
Cruising News: I'd like to comment on docking in Georgetown. I
Georgetown is an amazing little Southern town. It has some great restaurants, fun shops, history, tours — from history to pirates to wildlife or almost anything else that might interest you. Yeah, the paper mill is there, but you really do get used to the smell. Now, when I smell Geownetown, it feels more like coming home than something to race through. For my money, both McClellanville and Georgetown are jewels in the rough, places definitely not to be missed.
Margaret. B. Smith
Messing About
McClellanvile is indeed charming!
Cruising News: I’d like to comment on docking in McClellanville. I don’t think there is any place I’ve enjoyed docking more than in McClellanville. It is, indeed, rustic, but that’s its charm. Dolphins swam around our boat for hours, the sunsets were glorious, the shrimpers were great to watch coming in and going out, the town is beyond quaint. To me, that’s cruising at its best.
Margaret B. Smith
Messing About
Hi Claiborne,
We paid $2.12 including tax at Leland Oil in McClellanville this afternoon; noticed you didn’t get info from them this week. Â Had a wonderful lunch at TW Graham in town. As another cruiser wrote, this is a great change of pace stop and or just a nice transition from anchoring out as we have for the past few days: Cumberland River, Wahoo River, Vernon River, Beaufort and Church Creek in our case. By the way, we had good room and holding for our 56 footer in each spot, and winds have been in the high 20’s all week.
George and Ann
“Incentive” Hatteras 56MY
Click Here To View the South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, a transient friendly facility, with great fuel prices (and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) is located in Little River, SC, in Coquina Harbor. Below, Captain Chris gives this facility very HIGH marks!
Subject: MYBC Officers’ Club
Cruising News: Not wanting to get back out in the Myrtle Beach Bikers Rally, we went to the Marina’s Officers’ Club restaurant (actually a private club), and we were very pleased. This was a 4.5 star dining experience. I have had bad luck with gumbo this trip so this time I asked for a taste. I was brought a condiment bowl on a doilied saucer with the gumbo, rice and garnish. It was Seafood Creole (almost a Cioppino). But it was very good creole!
After excellent shrimp with Thai Chili sauce for an appetizer, when the creole dinner serving arrived, it was literally beautiful. A cookbook cover photo. My wife’s stuffed flounder was every bit as well prepared and presented. Ryan, waiter, did a great job.
The Marina has been an excellent place to keep the boat for a week while we took care of land side must dos. We strongly recommend this secure, clean, well run establishment.
I need to add that MYBC’s capital investment in new head and shower facilities paid off. The new arrangement is excellent.
Chris Waln
Click Here To View the South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
The Pine Island Cut is tricky enough, with all its underwater rocks lining both sides of the canal. Throw in some less than responsible speed boat operators, and this can be a real problem!
Subject: Dangerous Behavior MM 347 to 355
Cruising News: Mothers' Day when transiting the Rock Pile at half tide falling, we were passed at 45-55 mph by two 40+ foot deep-vee boats (Cigarette-like, both white one with red and blue and the other with red and yellow graphics).
The first boat passed us westbound 60-70 feet away. When he returned east bound, he was 30-40 feet off our beam.
The second boat came up from behind us at speed as we were approaching the new bridge near marker 15. She passed us 10 feet off our port side throwing water on our deck. The young female operator turned to look back at us with a big "gotcha" grin and looked forward just in time to avoid smashing into the bridge construction equipment. Her speed never varied, and we pegged her on our radar at between 47-53 mph.
I discussed this with a local fisherman the next morning at MBYC. He nodded and said it was a real problem in spring and fall weekends (mostly) when it was too chilly or rough offshore. He didn\'t know of, and I couldn\'t find any reference too speed limits in this rock-challenged congested area.
You can't hear these boats coming unless the wind is behind you, and you are distant from the sound of your own engine. They can travel a half mile in 35-40 seconds. So a glance backwards now and then is only randomly helpful. We've set our radar alarm to warn us of traffic much farther astern now, But that\'s only party useful.
Chris Waln
I just love a cruising stop in Georgetown, and not just because this city is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! This place an embarrassment of riches when it comes to good marinas and GREAT places to eat! Read on!
Subject: Hazzard Marine — Rice Paddy
Cruising News: Huzzah’s for Hazzard Marine. Since 8 Nov 2008 this has been our best marina experience. It’s a small place with a big heart and excellent facilities and management. The Rice Paddy can be described the same way — a big heart, excellent ambiance and management. And the food and service staff puts it in our top three ICW dining experiences. We strongly recommend both.
Chris Waln
Click Here To View the South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Hazzard Marine
Bridge operators like the one Captain Pat met up with at the Ben Sawyer Bridge, north of Charleston, are all too rare!
Subject: Ben Sawyer Bridge – Bridge Tender
Cruising News: Okay – I admit it, I ran aground watching to see if the bridge was going to open (not paying attention to where I was in the river after racing to get there for her 1:00pm opening… After running aground, we refloated pretty close to the bridge (North bound on the south side of the bridge). The bridge opens on the hour, but after watching us aground for about an hour 15 minutes, we hailed the bridge tender that we were now afloat again. This was another 45 minutes until the next scheduled opening, but she opened it for us and let us through. I'm sending kudos to her because she didn't have to do that. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Pat
I had never thought about making a "SECURITE" call when entering Wappoo Creek/Elliot Cut, but with the spend tidal currents boil through here, not to mention the narrow width of the channel, and the restricted bascule bridge. it sounds like a GOOD idea!
Subject: SECURITE at Elliott Cut
Cruising News: For those coming north (east-bound) for the first time it is important to note that the west-bound channel into the cut is obscured to vision and radar by beautiful high trees. It can be very useful to make a SECURITE call (on 16 AND 13) when entering the cut from either direction. We did and received no response. Halfway into the Cut and fully committed, we were greeted by an unannounced towboat, barge and 300 foot string of dredge pipe plus two heavy tenders steering the string. The tow boat took her half in the middle, and we moved as far right as keeping the keel intact would allow. We ended up with 20 feet of clearance on each side. Fortunately, we timed this passage for slack before flood. Unfortunately, so did the tow captain. We don't know why he didn't respond to the SECURITE. We are told by locals difficult to maneuver commercial tows frequently time their trips through Elliott Cut for Slack Water. Suggest folks plan accordingly and make the SECURITE call.
Chris Waln
The anchorage referred to below by Captain Chris, is on the upstream section of Five Fathom Creek, northeast of marker #20. Look like he found a foul bottom there, though we have never had this problem. Take care when anchoring on these waters!
Subject: Five Fathom Foul Bottom
Cruising News: Five Fathom Creek has this same problem [bottom fouled with jetsam] upstream of #20. For us it was a two foot coil of 3/4 inch wire rope.
Chris Waln
Hmmmmm! I can’t remember the last time I threw out the hook in Graham Creek. Looks like the bottom in at least part of this anchorage, may very well be foul. Anchor here with the greatest of care!
Subject: Graham Creek Anchorage
Cruising News: At ICW mile 339 when anchoring in Graham Creek be aware of cement and rebar debris that can foul ground tackle near 0.1 nautical miles up the creek on the starboard side of the creek
Stewart Force
After posting the message above, Captain Stewart sent me the following clarification. Looks like a foul bottom is only a problem on a portion of Graham Creek.
I still will use Graham Creek as an anchorage furthur up the creek where most people anchor. It’s just a problem to starboard and closer to the ICW.
Thanks,
Stewart Force
Subject: Graham Creek
Cruising News: Claiborne, we’ve anchored in Graham Creek any number of times in the past five years and have never “caught” anything. Perhaps we\’re further back in the creek from where Stewart Force reported catching concrete and rebar!
Bob McLeran/Judy Young
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Graham Creek
Factory Creek cuts into the southern shores of the AICW/Beaufort River, just east of the Beaufort – Lady’s Island Swing Bridge. I’ve always found good depths here, unless you accidentally edge out of the channel at the creek’s entrance. I don’t know if that happened to Captains Martin & Betsy, or not, but all should now enter this creek/anchorage with a bit more caution.
Subject: Mile 535.9 Factory Creek, Beaufort, SC
Cruising News: As we left our Factory Creek anchorage this morning we were surprised to find depth of 4.5′ MLW at the entrance off G’1′. Fairly shallow depths continued to the ICW. Fortunately the bottom appeared soft. Molly Blossom draws 5′.
Martin & Betsy Basch,
mv Molly Blossom
I e-mailed Captains Betsy & Martin, and asked if they might have accidentally eased out of the channel as they cruised from Factory Creek back to the Waterway. They sent the response below:
Hi Claiborne,
We were about halfway between the G’1′ and the road bed leading to Ladies Island Bridge. I would just advise people to proceed cautiously through the entrance to Factory Creek at MLW. We got through OK, but were just surprised by depths shallower than we remembered in the past. Trick o’ the tide perhaps. Plenty of water inside for anchoring.
Betsy Basch
Having seen the above two postings, Captain Chuck chimes in with his message below. Looks like he has the answer on how to find the best depths when entering Factory Creek.
Cruising News: As a follow up to Molly Blossoms post regarding Factory Creek, If you enter close to Green Marker #1 you will certainly find shallow water since the shoal is moving out from the marsh. However, if you stay close in to the bridge and the highway as you enter and pass the deserted boats anchored at the mouth, then stay close on the side of the Creek where the marina and private docks are you will find plenty of water, at least 6’+ at low, low tide at the entrance. Once past the public ramp the water is fairly deep close to both sides of the shore. We are currently at Lady’s Island Marina, so holler when you come by.
Capt. Chuck
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Factory Creek
While I have had the pleasure to review any number of wonderful dining attractions in Georgetown, SC, (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR) I am not familiar with Goat Island Grill. I'll be sure to catch it my next time around, however!
Kismet arrive in Georgetown @ MM 403 on the S.C. ICW on Sunday with a hankering for fried green tomatoes. We found our way to Goat Island Grill right in the middle of Front Street where we satisfied our desire. We found the Goat Island Grill to be clean, reasonably priced, a menu that included everything form sandwiches to prime rib. The staff was friendly and the service wonderful. On Wed 4/29 they¹re having ³Exploration of Asia Dinner² for those that might be in the area. We have no vested interest in this eatery and only pass this info on because it stood out in comparison to
most.
Jim & Lisa Favors – Kismet
Fathom 40
If you have not visited Hazzards Marine (on the downtown/Sampit River waterfront) for several years, you won’t believe the changes. This is now an excellent facility.
Moving a move north we stopped at Hazzard’s Marina in Georgetown. Great facilities on long floating pier. Laundry and showers clean, working and near pier. They have Captain’s lounge and free wifi but you need good antenna to get it from out on pier. Just a 4 block walk to town. The dockmaster on a Sunday was there to help us tie up but was not knowledgeable about the town. We enjoyed Hazzards. Good stop.
Sincerely,
Phil and Carey Bolin
Apolonia, 43′ Vista
We have stopped at Georgetown a number of times and always enjoyed it. We found Hazard Marina to be the best place for us of the 3 we tried. We probably wouldn’t stay there for a week but a night or two has always been a good stop.
May you have fair skies and calm seas,
Capt. Jackie and Capt. Lynn Millikin
Nauti Dreams
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hazzards Marine
Georgetown Landing Marina is located on the Pee Dee River side of Georgetown. As noted below, this location puts you away from the downtown business/historic district, but it is walkable (if you are up to a hike).
We are currently at Georgetown Landing ($4.50/ft/wk with BoatUS). They can’t do enough for you here. It’s furthur from town but still walkable. We’re on a nice floating dock, a large “t” straight out from the office. The current is strong and it appears exposed but we weathered one really bad blow very well. The charter captains have been great and we enjoyed the excitement of a really large tournament and subsequent partying last weekend. We saw lots of beautiful dorado and wahoo. There is a very nice butcher on Fraser (hwy 17) who went out of his way to get us what we were looking for. He also said to call and since they deliver to the Front st restaurants they could drop an order off at the marina. We have taken advantage of Enterprise’s weekend special for car rental and locals have given us lots of places to explore. We have enjoyed our stay here. The old houses and churches are nice. It’s a short car ride to good plantation tours south and Brookgreen gardens to the north. Charleston is an hour away by car and Murrell’s Inlet a half hour. We would come back to Georgetown again and stay at Georgetown Landing Marina.
John & Ellie Wheeler
ADIOS
Captain Bob's message report below of shallow water at the intersection of the Dawho and North Edisto Rivers is not good news. This stretch of the Waterway was just dredged recently, and it appears as if shoals are already encroaching on the AICW anew. Take great care when transiting this section of the Waterway, and if possible, time your passage for high or at least mid-tide.
Subject: ICW 496.5 Shoaling
Cruising News: Today, approximately 1 hour before low tide, we went aground as we exited the Dawho River to the North Edisto River at approximately ICW Mile Marker 495.5 The chart shows 15-17 feet and we went agound with a draft of 4.5 feet. Warned other boats as they came down the Dawho River and they were successful by aiming at Red daymarker 110 from Green day marker 111 and passing daymarker 110 to port by about 50 feet. We were probably 200 feet to the south of this marker.
Bob Hermans
on "Sojourn"
And, here's another report concerning the same shallows, received within hours of Captain Bob's message above:
Subject: AICW/Dawho River (near Statute Mile 500)
Cruising News: At appoximately two hrs to before low tide we passed this area today. From Marker red 116 to Marker Red 112 the depth was 5 ft and less ( as low as 3' 8".WE were unable to find any deeper water towards Green marker 115 at all. Afer Marker 112 the depths shown on throm Red 110e east side of the channel as 14, 15, and 17 do not exist. As 44 ft trawller was aground on the 17 depth marker south east of marker RED 110. A slow trip found deeper water towards the West bank and staying about 30 feet from Red 110. It appears the shoal on the East bank has encroached way out into what was the deepest part and caution says stay west of the Magenta line till the RED 110.
John E. Burns
Gpsy Time
Well, let it never be said that the Army Corps of Engineers is not responsive. Within three hours of posting the above two messages, Captain Mike Verdolini, of the Charleston ACOE office called our office. Turns out he reads the "South Carolina" section of the Cruisers' Net every weekday. That's quite a compliment.
Anyway, Mike allowed that the latest ACOE survey map does not show anything like the "15" and "17" foot soundings southwest of marker #110, pictured on NOAA chart 11518. His surveys show the AICW channel far closer to #110, just where Captain Hermans (see above) found the better depths. So, clearly, the trick is to stay away from the southern shores of the Dawho River, as you cruise east into the North Edisto River.
Captain Mike also speculated that the shoal depths reported above by Captain Burns between #15 and #17 might have been the result of his accidentally getting into the correctly charted shoal that stretches southeast from #117. These shallows lie southwest of the Waterway channel.
The AICW/Dawho River passage has always been at least a bit challenging, and, clearly, current conditions still meet that description.
We are looking for secure, safe, and reasonably priced storage either in the water or on the hard for our 45 foot trawler somewhere between Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC from June 15 to November 15.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Susan and John Hauge and Lily
currently cruising the St. John’s River, FL
Susan and John,
Try Ross Marine, ICW mm 475, six miles south of Charleston. Nice folks, large Travel-lift, hard pack surface, electric available, very good rates ($8/ft & they told me free haul-out) compared to other storage yards (and we checked them all). Contact Arthur at 843/559-0379.
Phil
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ross Marine
Below you will find the latest in a series of postings which show that the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has only the best in the way of sponsors, of which, Isle of Palms Marina, is a shining example. This facility is located a short hop north of the AICW’s entrance into Charleston Harbor! And, not only is the marina seriously first class, but the on-site restaurant is memorable as well!
Cruising News: We just finisned laying-over our boat for 5 weeks at Isle of Palms Marina,SC(ICW Mile Marker 457). Outstanding service, support and facilites. Best staff I have ever experienced in my 35 years of boating. The Marina just finished a major face lift. The on-site restaurant “Morgan Creek” is worth the stay as well. Need anything, Dockmasters Chase & Ryan are a first class act in customer service! Nothing too fancy, just good ole Southern hospitality!!!
Don & Stacy
“Heavenly Daze”
Defever 53 POC
Baltimore, MD.
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