We have actually listed the Socastee Swing Bridge as “Opens on Demand” or some time in our “South Carolina Bridge Directory” (/category/bridges-south-carolina/). How “nice” of them to open on demand, especially as this low-level, break-down prone span should have been removed years ago, when the adjacent high-rise opened. Why spend the millions of dollars to build the new bridge, and keep the old one in place. Siggghhhhh!
The Socastee Swing Bridge tender said today that “unfortunately” there is no opening schedule for spring season. It’s all on demand. Our experience south- and northbound this season is we waited ten minutes for an opening. Captain Jane Tigar
I have always found the Charleston Maritime Center a bit cramped, but others obviously have a different point of view.
Great Marina. Reasonable ($1.50 for BoatUS, deals on weekly and monthly), friendly, helpful staff. Close to very good grocery, city library, coffee shops, restaurants, gym, movie theater and walking distance to historic Charleston’s great old homes, Battery Park, good restaurants, galleries, museums, bus and trolley lines etc. Some pretty good surge on tide changes, but not unreasonable. Definitely the place to stay if you are passing through and want to see some of Charleston. City Marina on the other side is a little far out. Jack Robinson
Charleston City Marina is another long time SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. This facility is located on the Ashley River side of Charleston and is very convenient for visiting the city’s dreamlike historic/business/dining districts. There is also a surprisingly good restaurant on site known locally as the “Variety Store.” All three meals of the day are very good here, and the prices are reasonable!
Stayed here 3/24/2010 thru 3/27/2010. Outstanding service. They don’t seem to be able to do enough for you. Transient dock is easy to get into and out of. Is oriented with the current so you can approach in one direction or another and not worry about a cross current. Shuttle makes trips to the down town area on a regular schedule at no charge. Really a great city to spend a few days. SV Aquarius
Rick and Mandy Griffin, owners and operators of Downtown Marina of Beaufort are among our oldest and best SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS! These good people are truly friends to the cruising community, and we cannot recommend a stop here too highly.
Here on 3/27-30/2010. Agree with all the comments made by Larry Morrow. Lots of beautiful old homes and you can get alot more out or what you see if you take a walking tour or horse drawn cart with guide. Plum’s and Saltus are two outstanding resturants. Both are owned by the same person, but have a little different selections. SV Aquarius
The question and answer below are copied from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page, which was, in turn, copied form the AGLCA mail list. Of course, no surprise here. We particularly recommend Ross Marine, and these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We are heading N from Savannah and just found our daughter inlaw is having our grandbaby a few weeks earlier than expected. We’ll be gone from the boat a few weeks so would like it kept on the hard until we return. Please suggest a Charleston area boat yard or marina for this. Thanks, Roger & Mary Carter Jolly Roger
Hmmm, the clearance at this bridge could be a problem at times for sailcraft skippers piloting vessels with particularly tall masts. Read on!
Subject: Isle of Palms fixed bridge clerance Cruising News: Be advised that the Isle of Palms fixed bridge at SM 458.9 had, according to the height guage, only 63 feet clearance at the morning high tide March 30 (full moon) and that was not the highest of the two high tides that day. We need 64 and waited for 65 by the guage. We did not test it for accuracy! Judging by the marking board scunge line, the 65 foot mark is often under water, rather than being only occasionally covered under exceptional tide and surge. All you tall rigs beware John and Joan Destiny
Here’s a new one on me. I’ve never heard of any shoaling at the AICW/Little River intersection, and we have had no postings here on the Net previously about shallow depths here. This juncture is found immediately south of the North Carolina – South Carolina state line. Anyone else had trouble here. Please let us know your experiences, good or bad, by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below.
Subject: ICW at Little River Inlet Intersection Cruising News: We were heading S. on the ICW on 3/26/2010. Around 12:15, we arrived at marker 119, the north side of the intersection. Upon heading to ICW marker red 2 w/yellow triangle, we contacted the ground. As we had little way, we simply eased off and tried to find a path through, but, could not. A marine officer happened by and said we should have no problem. We eased in behind him at minimum way and grounded in rock. While this is not the point of the posting, he did not lend any assistance. In fact, after he cleared the shallow area we were following him through, he hit full throttle. Nice. The actual point is why in the world could we not pass? I am not a new captain and our boat drafts 39″. No one reported any issues. It is my understanding shrimpers, etc. go through there without issue. Had I been traveling at speed….Please provide insight as this has me troubled. Robert McCoy
Captain Jim Quince has done the cruising community a HUGE favor by putting together a list of “Friendly Mooring Places,” which are usually, but not always, free. Of course, Captain Jim’s list goes beyond the Southeastern USA waters we deal with here on the Cruisers’ Net, but there’s plenty of info here concerning “friendly” places from North Carolina to New Orleans.
The list of free docks, etc. is now the Friendly Moorings List online at :
Thanks to all of you that have provided input to the list. It has been updated almost daily since I first posted it and has had many additions and revisions. If I already have sent you a copy of the list, I suggest you delete that list as an out of date list and use this one. You can cut and paste it into a new document if you prefer….no strings attached! I will continue to add to the list as new information is provided and as we are lucky enough to visit many more places on the list. Please do send any information you think is valuable to other cruisers. I am also including good value stops with relatively low costs like some FL State Parks and Mooring Fields. (Note that we rarely eat at restaurants due to Vaughn’s food allergies. If you know of restaurants with dock space, tell me so I can include them too.) This Friendly Mooring List will hopefully be a good outcome from the change of status for the Venice “free” (overnight) dock!! Thanks, Jim
Moving upstream from Winyah Bay, Hazzard Marine is the first facility cruisers will encounter on the downtown, Sampit River Georgetown waterfront. This facility was rebuilt several years ago, and now is a gar cry from the forgettable fishing craft dock that once it was.
Very helpful people and nice location is you want close access to downtown. We had several meals at The River Room restaurant and were pleased with the quality of their food and reasonable prices. If you like 100+ year old houses, this is the place for you! The older districts of town begin just next to Hazzard Marina. Don’t miss the Rice Museum. Sykes SV Aquarius
Charleston Harbor Marina is located on the Mount Pleasant side of the Charleston Harbor. Thus, you must take a land or water taxi to reach the Charleston historic district and the MANY wonderful restaurants in Charleston. Of course, there are also some good place to slake a healthy appetite in Mount Pleasant and at Patriots Point, where the marina is located.
We have been going to the Charleston Harbor with our boats for several years. We have stayed at the City Marina twice and the Charleston Harbor Marina 4 times. We like the CHM better as they have a pool at the hotel that you have acess to as well as entertainment at the Hotel. The currents can be strong but we’ve never had a problem docking there. Just have to know to navigate the currents with your boat. The rates are only $2.15 per ft with 30Ft minimum so only about $64.50 a night for 30’³ and under plus 7$ a night for Shore power. City Marina has about the same rates. Both Marinas take good care of you at all hrs and make you feel like you have a 100Ft Yacht docked there. We’re heading down again in June and are going back to the CHM. Kent Zessin
Glad to hear Captain Sykes had such a good visit with Wacca Wache Marina. I have not personally tried Russel’s Seafood Restaurant, but will do all in my power to correct that oversight soon! Wacca Wache is located along the AICW’s north to south run along beautiful Waccamaw River. It is one of the only transient facilities between Osprey Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) and Georgetown.
We stayed at the Wacco Wache Marina last night. Some of the nicest people at the marina that I have ever run into. We elected to call Russell who runs Russel’s Sea Food restaurant about 2 miles from the marina. He, personally, came and picked us up, had a table reserved for us (very busy weekend night), and took us back to the marina. Food was great with more sea food options than they serve at the marina restaurant. Capt. Sykes SV Aquarius
The owners of Downtown Marina of Beaufort, Mandy and Rick Griffin, are some of the oldest and staunchest supporters of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. Please patronize their facility whenever possible. And, oh yes, all the many wonderful historic, shopping and dining attractions of downtown Beaufort are within easy walking distance.
Spent the last two nights here because of cold temps and high winds. We were placed on the outside close to the fuel pumps. Aside from a very strong current and water slapping the boat a bit at night, we had no problems. Dock hands and office staff are top notch. We used the courtesy car to get groceries and a few sundries. The laundry room was clean and the machines in great shape. Restaurants and shopping is right next door to the marina, within 100 yards of the docks. Larry Morrow
On Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, March 21st, Dataw Island Marina will host an open house featuring specials on overnight dockage and fuel, tours of the facility, and discounts on new customer leases. The Old Ship Store will offer discounts on selected merchandise and Sweetgrass Restaurant will be offering lunch and dinner specials. While you are here, be sure to go aboard the 93′ Charlestonian. This luxury cruiser offers four king size state rooms, a dining room, bar, gourmet kitchen, lounge with flat screen TV, and an additional bar on the upper deck which provides a panoramic view of the Morgan River. This vessel is available as a bed and breakfast, or can be chartered for cruises, weddings, golf trips, business gatherings, or whatever you have in mind.
Come out and visit one of the loveliest places in the low country, Dataw Island Marina. Remember, we are a public marina in a gated community. Come out and see us!
Transient Boaters
The staff at Dataw Island Marina would like to thank you for you latest stopover at our facility, a public marina in a gated community. The spring of 2009 was the best transient season ever for us and we hope to see you back at our docks this spring and fall.
As a thank you for your support of this beautiful facility, we want to offer our returning transients some special discounts.
For the months of March, April, and May, 1. Daily dockage rate of $1.00 per foot, 1/3 off our usual transient rate 2. Ten cents off each gallon of gas or diesel fuel 3. If you bring another boater with you, they will receive the reduced rate and you will receive either a second night of free dockage or an additional ten cents off per gallon of fuel purchased.
We hope to see you back at Dataw Island Marina. Maybe you will decide to stay with us for good! Just bring this letter to the marina office when you check in to receive your discounts. Also, don’t forget that we have a full service boat yard complete with a 50-ton travel lift and 20,000 lb Hoist forklift. Call ahead if you like at (843) 838-8410. We monitor VHF channels 16 and 68. Here’s wishing you days full of sunshine and smooth sailing!
Boat Shed Marina is one of several very fine facilities along the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront. Please also consider Harborwalk Marina, a bit farther upstream. This facility is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Because of high winds and very cold temps we pulled in to Boat Shed instead of dropping the anchor. This is our second stay here and we find it a great place to tie up. They have changed the marina office to a larger building and now have a super stocked ship’s store. Cost of $1.40 per foot includes electric, WiFi, water, and cable TV hook-up. The fuel hoses can easily reach any boat on the dock. Several trash containers spaced along the pier. Friendly staff and close to town and all the restaurants. Larry Morrow
Please note the Barefoot Landing Transient Dock guards the AICW’s EASTERN banks, opposite the one-time Barefoot Resort Yacht Club and Marina. This latter facility is currently undergoing a change in ownership. Everything is (and has been) stable at the facility featured in this posting, which backs up to the huge Barefoot Landing shopping complex.
Arrived here about 1500 and were greeted by Mark the Dockmaster. He expertly helped us tie up our dock lines and adjust fenders. Price is $1.50 per foot and that includes electric and WiFi which makes it a great deal. The welcome pack includes info on the shopping area and a great discount coupon to T-Bones. The docks are in great shape and very easy to approach from the waterway. Larry Morrow
McClellanville remains one of the most charming ports of call in all of South Carolina, a coastline filled with charming ports of call. As for Leland Oil Company marina, it’s certainly considerably better than it was a few years ago, but don’t look for any posh accomodations.
We stayed at Leland Oil Co. on January 7, 2010. What a beautiful location! Claiborne Young’s Cruising Guide to South Carolina and Georgia was what lured us in, and we agree, McClellanville is mystical and magical. Time has completely forgotten it, and that is a joy to experience. The Episcopal Church, overhung with Spanish Moss and live oaks, is spectacular. Don’t fail to go in. Leland Oil Co. is very friendly and most accommodating. The restroom is basic, but provides a shower and all other necessities. We will certainly Return on the return north to Norfolk. Norman Mason
And the hits just keep on coming here on the Cruisers’ Net for Osprey Marina! I’m not sure if there is a more praised facility in all of South Carolina. Osprey Marina is located at the southern foot of the Pine Island Cut canal, and at the extreme northern end of the Waccamaw River portion of the AICW. You must traverse a deep canal from the Waterway to reach Osprey’s sheltered harbor. Among all its many other fine attributes, this is a great place to ride out really heavy weather.
Osprey Marina is one of our two favorite marinas. We were there on January 6, 2010, and had to break through a half inch of ice leaving in the morning. You cannot find a cleaner or more well kept facility. The onsite restaurant and ship’s store is excellent and most welcoming. The rest rooms are with the best we have ever seen. A very clean and complete laundry is also available. Considering that this is all available at $1.00 per foot, Osprey Marina is not to be missed. It is simply superb. Claiborne Young’s South Carolina and Georgia Cruising Guide drew us in, and it was a great choice. We recommend it to all we meet, and look forward to returning in the spring. Norman Mason MV Peggy Sue Monk 36
Captain Lipton is responding below to an earlier report here on the Net, which described marker #186 as “missing.” Clearly, that problem has now been corrected, and it looks as if, at least so far, the 2009 dredging is holding depths on this perinneal “problem section” of the South Carolina AICW.
I came through here yesterday. Depths were around 8 ft. about 2 hours before low tide. Of course, we’ve had a lot of rain lately. Also the 186 marker is CLEARLY there. Mounted nice and high on a pole. You can’t miss it now! Lois Lipton
It’s interesting to me how many cruisers like to stay at the Charleston Maritime Center on Cooper River. We prefer the Charleston City Marina on the Ashley River side, but, hey, that’s just us. As Captain Felix points out below, there’s lots of shopping and sightseeing readily accessible from the Maritime Center.
We are currently staying at the Maritime Center in Charleston, SC. The price is reasonable ($1.50 per ft for boat US, 5 days pays for a week and two weeks pays for a month), the staff is very friendly and helpful and the location is great. (Did I mention free use of the washer/ dryer?) We are in easy walking distance of a great grocery store and the county library (you can get a card with a marina letter and check out DVD’s). Lots of small restaurants and coffee shops nearby. Slightly longer, but still close and an easy walk to lots of very good restaurants and museums. Also a good place to walk from to see all the great old town Charleston old homes and other sights. It is right next to the Fort Sumpter tour boat and the Aquarium so the low-priced downtown trolley stops here. The only down side – some surge from passing ships and tide changes. We are a 34 foot catamaran and hardly notice it; friends on a Pacific Seacraft 27 commented on it a lot. Captain Felix
Wacca Wache Marina is one of the best faciltiies on the AICW/Waccamaw River. It overlooks the eastern banks, south of Prince Creek. The new restaurant Captain Crouch speaks of below has been, if memory serves, in place for some time, but like John, others may not have heard about this addition before now.
Claiborne, This may be old news, but we recently visited the new restaurant at Wacca Wache Marina in SC. It used to be a dingy beer-biker hang-out, but I am pleased to report that it has improved by leaps & bounds. The new restaurant is Hannah Bananas Sunshine Cabana. It has been cleaned up and redecorated. There is a full service bar, great menu and outstanding food. The outside seating on the river is very nice, and they do provide live entertainment. I would suggest it to anyone traveling down our beautiful river. Kindest regards, John B. Crouch, Jr
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