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Information Sought on May River Anchorage, Bluffton, SC, off AICW Statute Mile 560
This non-ICW anchorage and unlisted in Cruisers’ Net’s Anchorage Directories has been mentioned here in the past, see https://cruisersnet.net/34459. Gearry and Stacey are hoping you might have recent experience to share re anchoring there.
We’re considering stopping at Bluffton on our way back to Savannah from Beaufort in a couple of weeks. Any updates/additional information on this anchorage? I’m assuming the public dinghy dock mentioned is the Calhoun Street Dock. Planning to give it a try.
Gearry and StaceyClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bluffton, SC
Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to Roger
I have anchored many times just past the shrimp boats docked at the Bluffton Oyster Company. Plenty of room for our 43 foot trawler. You can leave a dinghy on the beach next to the boat ramp or at the dinghy dock. One of our favorite spots and well worth the run up from the ICW. Anchoring further down the creek could be tight if a shrimper is going in or out.
- Reply to Gearry
Thank you so much for the response! We look forward to checking it out next week.
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Good Review of Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 346
A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Myrtle Beach Yacht Club occupies the northerly banks of Coquina Harbor; Coquina Harbor itself cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite marker #13.
Stayed there over a soggy Memorial Day weekend. Good price ($1/ft with Boat US discount), great facilities, helpful dock personnel (Bud and Lex), friendly locals. Tight entrance, so be careful.
Jimbo Jr.Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
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Georgetown, SC – Best Coastal Small Town, AICW Statute Mile 403
Congratulations to Georgetown, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, home to Harborwalk Marina, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food, and shopping! This recognition as Best Coastal Small Town is certainly well deserved! For more on Georgetown, go to FOCUS ON.
Georgetown wins ‘Best Coastal Small Town’ from USA Today
GEORGETOWN, SC – South Carolina’s third oldest city is America’s No. 1 coastal town, according to USA Today and 10Best Reader’s Choice voters.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
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WARNING: More on Shoaling at Problem Stretch, Isle of Palms, SC, AICW Statute Mile 459
This stretch of shoaling has been a Problem Stretch for some time and just recently, see https://cruisersnet.net/171976. Our thanks to Bill King for this onsite report confirming shoaling and groundings, as well as good advice about mid to high tide passage.
Crept through at 30-minutes after low tide. This entire stretch between the bridges is a very challenging area. We draw 4′. Stayed in center most of the time for 5′-8′, favored the red side opposite the small inlets for double-digit depths. Just south of the high rise bridge, it is shoal on the red side. A sailboat with 5.5′ draft was aground; 50′ sportfisherman was just off center to red side and being pulled off as we approached. Much less stressful to do this stretch at mid-tide or more.
Bill King
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New Listings, Intracoastal Yacht Sales
Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC. You will want to see these new offerings!
NEW LISTINGS !
Click here to visit our Brand New Website!
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Report from Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 460, Isle of Palms, SC
The stretch north of the Ben Sawyer Bridge around marker 118 has been a Problem Stretch for years and, as Phillip Mullins notes, the channel is constantly shifting, negating area dredging very quickly. Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend mid to high tide for passage through this stretch.
Return back to our home Marina yesterday at very dead low tide. Made it through the breach Inlet section but read five and six foot deep at the lowest point. From the Isle of Palms Connector Bridge North to Isle of Palms Marina it is 6 ft for several yards before you get to the marina. Saw 5 and 5.5 feet several places. Was able to stay close to marker 118 as we passed along beside it at 6.1 feet. Does not look like the dredging 2 years ago lasted very long. Thought u might want to pass this along to the cruisers.
Phillip MullinsClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchBe the first to comment!
A Good Ride from Beaufort to Isle of Palms, SC, AICW Statute Mile 536-459
77 Miles in one day – that is definitely a good day’s run, especially through the numerous shallow spots in that stretch. Such tidal luck may be a once in a lifetime occurrence! And that fact that both Downtown Marina of Beaufort and Isle of Palms Marina of Charleston are CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS had a lot to do with it! Well done Phillip.
Left Beaufort South Carolina two hours after low tide from the downtown Marina and caught the incoming tide up the Beaufort River it continued through the Coosaw back into the Waterway and all the way back to Isle of Palms. Could not believe it. 42-foot sail and we averaged 6.6 knots. Saw 7.5 and 8.10 several times. Never had a head current. Could not believe it. Please pass this along to the Northbound Cruisers this spring.
This trip usually takes us two days but on this occasion it took 10 hours.
Phillip MullinsClick Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Marina of Beaufort
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Isle of Palms Marina
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Shoaling Reported at Problem Stretch, Isle of Palms, SC, AICW Statute Mile 459
This stretch of shoaling has been a Problem Stretch for some time, see https://cruisersnet.net/153694. Our thanks to Phillip Mullins for this most recent warning.
Just south of IOP connector high-rise bridge Isle of Palms South Carolina red day mark 118.
Middle of channel on the magenta line it was four feet deep two hours after low tide on May 2nd.
You must hug the Daymark 118 to get around this low spot in the Waterway. It is not marked and I have seen no information about it.
There is 10 to 12 feet next to marker 118.Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchComments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Bill
Crept through at 30-minutes after low tide. This entire stretch between the bridges is a very challenging area. We draw 4′. Stayed in center most of the time for 5′-8′, favored the red side opposite the small inlets for double-digit depths. Just south of the high rise bridge, it is shoal on the red side. A sailboat with 5.5′ draft was aground; 50′ sportfisherman was just off center to red side and being pulled off as we approached. Much less stressful to do this stretch at mid-tide or more.
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Cruising the Carolinas by Jan and David Irons
Our thanks to Great Loopers, Jan and David Irons, for sharing their very attractive blog with our readers. The Waterway photography is exceptional! See The Rock Pile for Claiborne Young’s take on this unusual stretch south of Myrtle Beach.
The “Rock Pile” is a man-made canal-like section of the AICW, officially known as the Pine Island Cut, running between Little River and Waccamaw River. The canal is narrow and lined with submerged rocks and a rock shelf, just a foot or two below the water’s surface.
When the USACOE was building this portion of the AICW in the 1930’s they encountered a sold shelf of granite. The Corps simply blasted through this obstruction, but, over the years, the soft silt above and below these rocky outcropping has washed away, making the canal now appear wider than it really is. Also, over the years, many portions of the rock shelf have broken off, and left all sort of underwater rocks waiting to trap keels and underwater hardware.
Cruisers are urged to hold as close to the mid-width of the Pine Island Cut as possible, and announce their presence on VHF in case large commercial traffic is approaching, which could force you out of the channel’s mid-line and onto the “rocks,” especially at high tide when the rocks are fully submerged. Our suggestion is to keep a sharp lookout for rocks and IDIOTS!
Commuter Cruiser
Scary Stuff! Rock Pile, Lockwood Folly & More: Cruising the CarolinasPosted: 29 Apr 2018 11:48 AM PDT
Cruising the Carolinas, Great Loopers encounter long stretches of ICW lined with cypress swamps & a few scary spots with names like Lockwood Folly & The Rock Pile waiting to snare unexpecting Loopers. Don’t miss Bald Head Island to climb Old Baldy or the Mile Hammock Anchorage where, if you’re lucky, you might see Marines training to protect our freedom.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download NowClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Chart Note Southern End of the Rock Pile
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FOCUS ON – Georgetown, South Carolina, AICW Statute Mile 403
Georgetown, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is home to Harborwalk Marina, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food, and shopping!
Port of Call – Georgetown, South Carolina
There is a town, whose location astride the confluence of several rivers caught the attention of our nations earliest explorers, as early as 1526 when the Spanish recognized its natural resourcefulness and tried but failed to settle successfully. Then in 1729 the English actually laid out the town; its natural shipping port qualities provided an important role in our fight for independence during the Revolutionary War, and it was virtually unscathed during the Civil War, thriving to its prominence today. You don’t want to miss visiting historic and exciting, Georgetown, South Carolina, a delightful escape form 21st century hustle with its southern charm and hospitality.
Sitting where several rivers, the scenic and mysterious Waccamaw, the Great Pee Dee, the Black, and Sampit rivers all yawn lazily into vastness of Winyah Bay, Georgetown constantly calls to mind its rich and storied past. For many years it was South Carolina’s most important port north of Charleston, this jewel of a coastal town retains its character of years ago while a new spirit of success sustains its future. Skippers and Captains who make Georgetown a “port of call” will be greeted with the warm hospitality of this quiet, historic town.
Georgetown County Museum
The heritage of the remarkable rice and indigo eras is important to fully appreciate Georgetown and its surrounding rivers and streams. Anyone who takes the time to examine their charts, will find that Georgetown is perfectly suited to take advantage of waterborne commerce. These same deep and easily navigable streams, today present a multitude of exploration opportunities for pleasure cruises. As you move quietly through these streams they gradually reveal one or more of the fabulous plantation houses that have survived hundreds of years.
As you enter Georgetown’s harbor on the Sampit River, the first marina is Hazzard Marine, which you will see on your starboard side. Located a little further from the historical and dining areas, you are still with in a nice easy walk to the towns central area. Hazzard Marine is a full-service marina and boat yard with transient dockage on floating docks, 30/50-amp power, fuel, and pump-outs. Internet link: www.hazzardmarine.comFurther into the harbor on starboard, is Harborwalk Marina. It is on the boardwalk in the heart of Georgetown’s historic district, shopping, and dining areas. Harborwalk Marina has fuel, pump outs, laundry, lounge, showers, and ships store, along with floating and fixed docks with power services for 30/50/100-amp services.
I must say, at Harborwalk you are right in the heart of town, right on Front Street where you are just a few enjoyable steps to 16 restaurants, 23 stores, 5 museums, and more all downtown.
We strongly suggest that you first stop by the Georgetown Chamber which is on the same grounds as Harborwalk Marina. Pick up a town and tour pamphlet. A little planning can help you get much more accomplished and everyone highly recommends one of the many tour excursions. Ask about the light in the window story surrounding the Heriot-Tarbox House. Ghosts? You will have to see for yourself.
Do a quick check to see what is going on in the Francis Marion Park, where there is often “Music In The Park” concerts and be sure to see what the “Swamp Fox Players” are up to. Could be very entertaining.
You will easily spot the Clock Tower of the Old Market Building which houses the Rice Museum, a most interesting treasure of the community that helps one understand how Georgetown’s rice and indigo production was a good for some, but there was a sad side also. None-the-less, the town has survived many economic ups and downs and serious disasters. See the story of an African-American, born into slavery and later in life became the first African-American elected to the US House of Representatives.
Next door and part of the exhibits is the oldest recovered vessel of colonial times; built around 1730, the Browns Ferry Vessel, a general-purpose freighter in its day, used on the local rivers. It was discovered on the bottom of the Black River in 1974 and has been carefully treated and reconstructed for display.
Don’t miss the South Carolina Maritime Museum in the heart of Georgetown’s Historic District. The SC Maritime Museum is the creation of the “Harbor Historical Association” to help celebrate the maritime history of South Carolina and Georgetown, the states second largest port. On exhibit there is the Fresnel lens from the North Island lighthouse; enjoy the museums many programs and events that tell of South Carolina’s storied maritime history. It is also a perfect place to find that unique nautical gift.
Kids at the Museum
Dining is really fun and a treat in Georgetown, with the local “Lowcountry cooking,” casual waterfront dining, to the finer upscale restaurants. Almost every skipper I’ve spoken to has enjoyed “Thomas’s Café” for either breakfast of lunch as well The River Room, or Atlantic House Restaurant, or Beef O’Brady’s, (all my Irish friends), you name it Georgetown has it, from international specialties to local specialties, you will not be without something special to please your appetite.
Shopping right in the heart of town is fun, no big box stores, most are owned and operated by local citizens, how refreshing. From antiques to local artisans’ crafts, to coastal boutiques for men and women, there is something for everyone. A great place to find that special birthday, Mother or Father’s Day, Christmas, or personal gift for someone special.
If you need to take a night or two off from the live-aboard routine, and that is highly recommended, go get pampered; historic Georgetown is ready to accommodate with a host of fine bed-and-breakfasts inns and motels. Be sure when staying in one of the historic inns to check for the resident ghosts, that so loved Georgetown after their lives here, they have stayed in town.
Georgetown once visited, will always be a part of you. Wonderful memories will be created and the warm hospitality will pull you back someday.
Stop by, for at least several days or more in this coastal port-of-call. Georgetown’s southern charm is calling you.Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
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Wappoo Creek Bridge: Newest Opening Schedule, AICW Statute Mile 470.8
As Charleston area boaters know, the opening schedule for Wappoo Creek Bridge has been in a “state of update” for years. Our thanks to experienced cruiser Larry Shick for this latest, more detailed schedule.
New schedule from regulations.gov reads:
(d) SR 171/700 (Wappoo Cut) Bridge across Wappoo Creek, mile 470.8, at Charleston, SC. The draw shall open on signal [weekends and Fed holidays]; except that the draw need not open from 6 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and 3:31 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need open only once an hour on the half hour.
Note only one opening per hour during the week!
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
Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to Brian
This schedule was correct as of 10/16/2019
- Reply to Nancy
Why was the bridge opened this morning before 9am? 06/29/18
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Question Regarding Current at Limehouse Bridge, Stono River, AICW Statute Mile 480
With a fixed vertical clearance of 65ft, the John F. Limehouse Bridge crosses the Waterway/Stono River at mile 480. If you have local knowledge of the current in that area, please let John and Cruisers’ Net hear from you.
How fast do the tidal currents run on the Stono River at say the Limehouse Bridge?
Thanks.
John of JacksonvilleClick Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Limehouse Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Limehouse Bridge
Comments from Cruisers (5)
- Reply to Ron
Maximum currents in the Charleston, SC area will be about 2 knots. Elliot Cut is an exception where currents can reach 5 knots.
- Reply to Craig
Tagging onto this subject… For those transiting the ICW/Stono River in this region, PLEASE slow down approaching the floating docks at Ross Marine, just north of the Limehouse bridge. Many people fly by there with no regard for the vessels docked there and or the workers aboard them. Thank you!
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Little River Swing Bridge to be Renamed, N Myrtle Beach, SC, AICW Statute Mile 347
With a closed vertical clearance of 7ft, Little River Swing Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 347 and will soon be named “Captain Archie Neil ‘Poo’ McLauchlin Swing Bridge.”
Why the Poo Crew is renaming a bridge after North Myrtle’s Captain Poo from Myrtle Beach Sun News
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Little River Swing Bridge
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Comments from Cruisers (7)
- Reply to Woody
As long as they open on demand I’m OK with it. I have a soft spot for Socastee because heading South it means you’re officially finished with the Myrtle Beach ditch and entering the Waccamaw River.
- Reply to Dale
I live in Little River easy for someone traveling the ICW to say the bridge isn’t needed because you don’t live here. As far as the name is concerned it will always be the Little River swing bridge to me. Just as Ian’s waterway or whatever new name has been assigned will always be Poo’s to me.
- Reply to Tracy
“Captain Archie Neil ‘Poo’ McLauchlin Swing Bridge.†That’s going to be difficult to say on the radio!
- Reply to Ron
It doesn’t matter what they name it, it should be named “gone”. It (and the Socastee bridge further south) are impediments to navigation. They were “replaced” by high rise bridges but then left in place
- Reply to Sid
If you lived here you’d understand why they were left in place. Impediments to navigation?? Have you been to the ICW in Florida?
- Reply to Jennifer
That’s for sure !
- Reply to Tracy
The big bridges were built to replace the swing bridge in LR and Socastee, but after they were completed the locals complained and convinced them to keep operating. I understand their plight, but it would make a whole lot of sense to keep the bridge open (meaning open for boat traffic that is) during non peak traffic periods. 9:00am -11:30, 1:30pm – 4:00pm and after 7:00pm would be my recommendation.
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New Listings from Intracoastal Yacht Sales
Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC. You will want to see these new offerings!
CLICK HERE FOR THEIR NEW LISTINGS
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Big Improvements Underway at Harborwalk Marina, Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403
Harborwalk Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food and shopping. Harborwalk Marina is the third marina on your starboard side as you enter the protected waters of Georgetown, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! And OnSpotWifi is also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
RE: Harborwalk Marina Expansion, Georgetown SC.
Despite this winter’s frigid temperatures and construction issues, we are working to complete the planned upgrades, and despite a slight setback in our time frame, the delay will not keep us from using our current floating docks or our new 200’ floating fuel dock. During the winter months we have also installed “OnSpot Wifi” and have had nothing but great feedback.
We hope to see everyone headed north soon!
Chris Carroll, Operations Manager
Harborwalk Marina
Evening Post Industries
P.O. Box 274
525 Front Street
Georgetown SC 29440
843-546-4250
843-240-2318 (Cell)
www.harborwalkmarina.com
ccarroll@harborwalkmarina.comClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
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Air Conditioning Descaling Service, City Boatyard, Wando River, Charleston, SC
The Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40.
Don’t Sweat Out Another Summer on the Docks
Air Conditioning Descaling Service from The City Boatyard!Scale buildup is the number one reason water cooled systems malfunction on your vessel. Let The City Boatyard’s ABYC Certified Techs free your hoses, coils, and overall system of troublesome deposits with our Air Conditioning Descaling Service.
We can typically flush up to 5 air conditioning units at a time using safe and environmentally friendly Hammer Head Marine Descaler. Our experts allow this solution to reverse circulate for 4 hours, flush with fresh water, then restart the system. The process removes marine growth and other mineral deposits.
Avoid costly repairs with routine maintenance. Contact Bill Darden today at 843-514-7603 or bdarden@thecityboatyard.com to schedule Descaling Service.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
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Canvas Repairs and Replacement, City Boatyard, Wando River, Charleston, SC
The Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40.
The City Boatyard’s onsite Canvas Shop can design and install your next canvas package. We use the most durable products for long-lasting top-quality results. Let 
us repair or replace your:• Cockpit & Bridge Enclosures
• T-tops
• Bimini Tops
• Sail Covers
• Mooring & Storage Covers
• Dodgers
• Upholstery & Cushions
• Frameworks
• Hardware
• and more…Contact (843) 884-3000 or canvas@thecityboatyard.com today for a quote.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
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Advice for Navigating Wappoo Creek-Elliott Cut, AICW Statute Miles 470-472
Noted for swift currents in a narrow, steep walled channel, Elliott Cut is south of the Waterway’s southbound exit from the Ashley River in Charleston, SC connecting with the Stono River. The current flows southbound on a rising tide and northbound on a falling tide. See History of Wappoo Creek. Our thanks to John Stolz for this report and advice.
I came through Elliots Cut today about an hour before low tide, heading south. Tide was furious against me. 36′ sailboat. At 3/4 power I could only manage 1.9-2 knots but could maintain control. Thankful no other boat in cut. Would recommend waiting until slack tide, go like heck and get through.
John StolzClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cooper River Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cooper River Marina
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Jim
Actually, Elliot Cut ebbs to the East and floods to the West. Although the current can be very swift, it is unnecessary to wait for slack tide, the cut is not that long. Typically tugs pushing barges will give a security call before entering the cut. Not a good idea to try to share the cut with a barge.
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Update on Ladys Island Bridge Schedule, AICW Statute Mile 536, Beaufort, SC
With a closed vertical clearance of 30ft, Ladys Island Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 536 immediately north of Beaufort. Our thanks to Mandy Griffin of Downtown Marina of Beaufort, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, for this updated schedule.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Marina of Beaufort
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