Photo of the Week – Manatee River
Taken on Manatee River near mouth of river into Tampa Bay – Winston Fowler
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Two Manatee River Anchorages, De Soto Point and Snead Island off Tampa Bay
De Soto Point Anchorage is found in the pocket of 6-foot waters just inside the shelter of De Soto Point, south and east of flashing daybeacon #12. Snead Island Anchorage lies along the broad band of deep water northeast of unlighted daybeacon #11. Our thanks to Skipper Laura for this report.
This is an excellent anchorage and very popular with locals due to the nice beach and swimming area at the park. Weekends are crowded but it quiets down at night. DeSoto memorial park is worth visiting as well with a free museum and self guided walking tour. If the wind is blowing out of the northeast you could shoot across the way over to Emerson Point [Snead Island] which is another great anchorage with another great park to visit. No provisions nearby but you could head up river to nearby bradenton or palmetto and grocery is nearby via a cab (Publix).
LauraClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of De Soto Point
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Snead Island
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More Good Words for Snead Island Boat Works and Marina, Manatee River, Tampa Bay, Western Florida Coast
Snead Island Boat Works and Marina, Palmetto, FL, is located on McKay Point in the Manatee River off Tampa Bay. 941-722-4450
We keep our small fishing/pleasure boat in a slip at the marina. We recently requested the bottom to be painted in a text message. Within 24 hours we were contacted and the boat had already been pulled and put up on land for the work to begin. The call was a courtesy to ask what color we would like. Professional, courteous and prompt. Highly recommend.
Richard Yrabedrahttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Snead-Island-Boat-Works-Inc/118137701580521
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Snead Island Boat Works
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Good News from Regatta Pointe Marina, Manatee River, off Tampa Bay
What more could you ask? A great marina and now those good West Marine savings all in one location. Way to go Regatta Pointe! Regatta Pointe Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies on the northern banks of the Manatee River, just east of the Highway 41 Business bridge (off the southeastern corner of Tampa Bay).
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Regatta Point Marina
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More Praise for Riviera Dunes Marina Resort, on the Manatee River, off Tampa Bay
Riviera Dunes Marina Resort – Click for Chartview
For the best price and best protected harbor try Riviera Dunes on the Manatee River, up from Twin Dolphins and Regatta Point.
John
SeaWingClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Riviera Dunes Marina Resort
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Good Words for Marjorie Park Marina, Tampa Bay
Marjorie Park Marina – Click for Chartview
Marjorie Park Marina is located in the tadpole-shaped cove making into the eastern banks of Davis Island off Seddon Channel in the northern Tampa Bay.
If you’re wanting to be close to Tampa itself, then Marjorie Park Marina is at the top of the bay, and is a nice, quiet & safe marina.
Jim Wolfe
m/v RickshawClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marjorie Park Marina
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More Good Words for St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, Tampa Bay
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina – Click for Chartview
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a great liveaboard marina located on the western shore of Tampa Bay in downtown St. Petersburg.
For leaving your boat for a time, I would recommend the St Pete Municipal Marina. They have good security, are in calmer waters, and have lots of folks looking after boats with absentee owners.
Stay safe,
TomClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Petersburg Municipal Marina
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Praise for Regatta Pointe Marina, Manatee River, off Tampa Bay
Regatta Pointe Marina – Click for Chartview
Karen and I live on Largo at Regatta pointe, on the Manatee river in Palmetto. Upscale, security, multiple eating/drinking opportunities at the marina. nice, fair people. Power, water, pump out, wireless/cable, gym, nice showers/restrooms, plus business office to use.
JayClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Regatta Point Marina
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More Good Words for Riviera Dunes Marina Resort, on the Manatee River, off Tampa Bay
Riviera Dunes Marina Resort – Click for Chartview
Riviera Dunes in Palmetto up the Manatee river is fantastic. Well protected, pools, bar, restaurant and friendly staff.
Craig LewisClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Riviera Dunes Marina Resort
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Good Words for Lands End Marina, Apollo Beach, Tampa Bay, Western FLorida
Lands End Marina – Click for Chartview
Off the eastern shores of Tampa Bay, Lands End Marina guards the northeastern banks of the Apollo Beach cove, beside Tampa Sailing Squadron.
There’s also Lands End Marina at Apollo Beach. It’s reasonably priced, good restaurant, not much else.
Peter ColketClick Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Lands End Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lands End Marina
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Good Words for the Harborage at Bayboro Marina, St. Petersburg – Tampa Bay, Western Florida
Harborage at Bayboro Marina – Click for Chartview
The Harborage at Bayboro is a very large marina complex, located just south of even larger St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), at the western tip of the Bayboro Channel, west of Tampa Bay’s marker #S. With its on-site restaurant, the Harborage is a superior marina that many cruisers will thoroughly enjoy!
I almost always docked at the Municipal Marina in downtown St. Petersburg, but this last time there was no transient space and we stayed at The Harborage. Incidentally you can make reservations at the Municipal Marina now. I found the Harborage Marina to be a really nice place. The floating docks are much nicer than those at the Municipal Marina and the people are really nice too with WiFi coverage over the entire marina. The dockage cost is almost the same too. Many think it is too far away from downtown St. Petersburg, but they have a nearly free Trolly that takes you all around the city for 25 cents if you are a senior and it it comes by about every 20 minutes. You have to walk about two blocks to get to the nearest Trolly stop near the USF student center which also has a nice cafeteria. The Trolly is fun to ride and you learn a lot about the history of the city. Another nearby resataurant is at the private airport which is excellent. Just north of the airport is the Saturday morning market and Salvadore Dali Museum and professional baseball spring training and Mahaffey Theater. There is a nearby Publix super market and drugstore too. With the Trolly no restaurant is more than a few minutes away. A short distance from the marina is Salt Creek jammed packed with many of the best repair facilities in west FL and the fuel dock. To find this marina look for the USCG station which is about 2 miles south of the Municipal Marina and has its own channel into Bayboro Bay which is well marked.
Mike NegleyI forgot to add this excellent marine supply store which probably no visitor would know about. It is located a few blocks south west of the Harborage Marina and has recently changed locations. Thanks
Mike
Marine Supply Warehouse
1427 4th Street South
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
Phone 727-258-4958
Fax 727-498-8722
service@marinesupplywarehouse.netClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborage at Bayboro Marina
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Around the Marina- Regatta Pointe Marina
Here are some of the events and promotions you will find around the marina in the coming weeks.
St. Patrick’s Party
Regatta Pointe Yacht Club
At Regatta Pointe Marina
Eagle’s Nest
Feb. 14
7 pmPut on your green clothes
and join the Regatta Pointe Yacht Club’s second annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration.Members and nonmembers
are welcome. Bar service
available, call for pricing details.RSVP at the Ship StoreOr call (941) 729-6021Seafood Festival
De Soto Seafood Festival
At Sutton Park, Palmetto
April 4-6, 2014The region’s largest seafood festival comes to Palmetto this year. Enjoy great food,
a market and live entertainment each day.2014
Nautical Expo
Nautical Expo
At Regatta Pointe Marina
April 12-13Mark your calendar now for the 2014 Nautical Expo at Regatta Pointe Marina!The RPM Yacht Brokers are organizing this celebration of our boating community.Join us for great food, a market, incredible speakers and the region’s largest in-water boat show.River Charts
Manatee River Charts
Now Available at
RPM Ship StoreAfter numerous requests, we have created Manatee River / Tampa Bay Entrance charts, which you can now purchase at the RPM ship store for just $5, tax include. The charts are NOAA generated with additional markers & symbols for navigation. They include local weather radio, tidal information and more.Riverhouse Live Music
Music from Steve Sipes
At Riverhouse Reef & Grill
Tuesdays
5:30 pm – 8:30 pmEnjoy a wide selection of favorite pop/rock music performed by one of the top local musicians – Steve Sipes – from 5:30 to 8:30 each Tuesday on the waterfront deck at Riverhouse Reef & Grill.
See more about
Steve Sipes at SteveSipes.com
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Good Words for St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, Tampa Bay
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina – Click for Chartview
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina is great for liveaboards. It would be a 30-45 minute drive to downtown Tampa, depending on the time of day. The facilities are very good including laundry, showers, and a captains lounge. Vinoy Park and the Pier are on the same property. Downtown St. Pete is just across the street. There are resturants, clubs, gyms, banking, groceries, and parks within walking distance.
I pay $505 for a liveaboard slip for boats under 34′. Larger slips are about $100 more up to 45 feet, I believe.
Good Luck,
DavidLast time I checked there was a several year long waiting list to get a liveaboard slip. Has this changed?
Jim BarrentineA phone call to St. Pete Municipal gave these waiting list results:
“A” Slips, 44-55ft, 6-8 months wait
“B” Slips, 34-44ft, 8-10 months waitWe enjoyed St Pete municipal a few years ago. Lots of walkable places of interest to visit .
Steve Willett
Monk 36, GumboWe are currently enjoying a weekend at St Pete Municipal with the Tampa Bay MTOA. 2 years ago we visited most of the local marinas looking for a place to spend the summer. There are a number of options but no other marina has the walk – to attractions as does St Pete.
John WalshClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Petersburg Municipal Marina
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Good Words for Snead Island Boat Works and Marina, Manatee River, Tampa Bay, Western Florida Coast
Snead Island Boat Works - Click for Chartview
Snead Island Boat Works and Marina, Palmetto, FL, is located on McKay Point in the Manatee River off Tampa Bay. 941-722-4450
We left our boat at Snead Island Boatworks while we returned home for the holidays. They hauled the boat out, painted the bottom, waxed the hull and did engine maintenance work. When we returned yesterday, the boat was in the water waiting to continue our great loop adventure. We found the people at Snead Island Boatworks to be knowledgeable, friendly and charged a fair price for all the work that they did. We have no interest in Snead Island other than that of a satisfied customer.
Sharon SimionWe have been launching boats at Snead Island Boat Works for 38 years. They are professional, knowledgable, honest and consistent in their work. We gladly recommend them every chance we get. They are the best of the best.
Ed Masseyhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Snead-Island-Boat-Works-Inc/118137701580521
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Snead Island Boat Works
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Blu Mangrove Grill, Now Open at Riviera Dunes Marina (Manatee River, off southeastern Tampa Bay)
Open Daily at 11am. Happy Hour Monday-Sunday 11-6pm 1/2 OFF!
Blu Mangrove Grill, now open at Riviera Dunes Marina, offers a vast selection of steaks, chops, fowl, fresh seafood and authentic American barbecue and of course, we didn’t forget the accompaniments: crisp salads, savory soups, mouthwatering side dishes and a delicious selection of home-style desserts are not to be missed.
Blu Mangrove Grill delivers the highest quality food and service, like our smoked infused cuisine featuring hardwood grilled favorites cooked low and slow over hickory and apple wood.
Compliment your meal with one of our specialty drinks, domestic & import beers, or fine wines, while listening to Live Entertainment (See our calendar for daily music). We are looking forward to seating you soon!
Happy Hour Monday-Sunday 11-6pm
.75 cent Wings All Day. Happy Hour 11-6pm. Appetizers 1/2 off 3-6pm.
TUESDAYS
$15 Smoked Prime Rib until 11am-10pm. Happy Hour 11-6pm. Appetizers 1/2 off 3-6pm.
WEDNESDAYS
$35 Lobster Special All Day. Happy Hour 11-6pm. Appetizers 1/2 off 3-6pm.
Ladies drink free select drinks from 9pm-1am!
THURSDAYS
$15 Full Rack of Ribs All Day. Happy Hour 11-6pm. Appetizers 1/2 off 3-6pm.
FRIDAYS
$50 All You Can Eat King Crab All Day. Happy Hour 11-6pm. Appetizers 1/2 off 3-6pm.
SATURDAYS
$35 All You Can Eat Snow Crab All Day. Happy Hour 11-6pm. Appetizers 1/2 off 3-6pm.
SUNDAYS
$5 Pulled Pork Sandwiches All Day & Pig Roast. Happy Hour 11-6pm. Appetizers 1/2 off 3-6pmClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Riviera Dunes Marina Resort
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More on Shoaling on Southern Foot of Sunshine Skyway Channel, at the Mouth of Tampa Bay (near Western Florida ICW St. M. 98)
These reports are in response to a Navigation Alert that SSECN posted in May of 2013, /?p=114205. The cautions issued at that time are still applicable as Captains Hines and Davis attest.
We came this way five days ago and the shoaling at this point is worse than I have ever seen it. The middle of the channel looked like a sandbar and could not have had more than three feet of water over it. We draw 4 and 1/2 feet and came to a stop. There was a darker strip of deeper water to the east well outside the channel. We picked our way through by sight and feel and made it past the danger area. It was about mid tide on a strong ebbing tide so it was no place to run around. Caution is strongly advised.
Brad HinesI commented a while back about shoaling adjacent to green 3; since then it seems they have removed the floating red nuns which diverted traffic more easterly near the mouth of the channel. I went through a few days ago and thought I would run aground. Somehow just when the depthfinder said we were done, I got across. This was a little below mid tide, I draw 4.5 feet. Do stay away from green 3, it is still shallow there also.
Cambren DavisBe the first to comment!
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina Recommended (Tampa Bay)
I am amazed by the number of cruiser “snow birds” that skip St. Petersburg Municipal Harbor (an approved live aboard marina) as a “wintering over” port. I guess 5 miles up Tampa Bay is too far off the GICW for many. We and several of our fellow cruisers have found it to be a real nugget of a spot to winter over. If you like beautiful waterfront parks with walking and bike paths and all the conveniences of City amenities you would like St Pete. You are in the easy walking middle of a vibrant big little City surrounded by an urban waterfront park hosting numerous activities all winter long. Easy walking to a major college, Nice Publix 3 blocks from marina, nice air park, the largest farmers market on the Gulf, Salvador Dali Museum, Chahuly Collection, glass hot shop, art classes, Mahaffey Center for the performing Arts, other museums, Vinoy Hotel, a large shopping Cinema Complex, many, many shops, quality restaurants, Sports arenas e.g. Tropicana field, 6 blocks from a major medical complex. etc., etc.etc. Permitted parking is available for marina residents convenient to the docks which are secured and have camera surveillance. Pump out boat service included in dock fee. 50 cent trolley ride to beaches. 20 car mins from Tampa International Airport.
The only draw back is that it can fill so requires some planning.ahead although the Harborage is another option only 6 blocks away. St Pete also has many highly skilled boat repair technicians because of it’s history as a boat building venue. A Yard is available in Salt creek where major restorations can be done.
The winters are very mild but water too cold for me to swim in but hardier souls do swim. Temperatures are very pleasant and cold snaps unusual. Oddly we puzzle over the lack of bugs that had us leaving the boat open many times? Not a complaint for sure
Joe Pica
Carolyn Ann GH N-37We couldn’t agree more! Downtown St. Petersburg, with its dozens of sidewalk cafés and its easy-going style, is the closest thing to a European city a cruiser will find on this side of the pond. And St. Pete Municipal Marina is right in the middle of it all! We’re as happy as clams to be here for the winter.
Jody Argo and Rick Schroath
and Skipper
SV Moment of ZenClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Petersburg Municipal Marina
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Albin Rendezvous at Twin Dolphin Marina, off Tampa Bay on the Manatee River
Twin Dolphin Marina - Click for Chartview
Twin Dolphin Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, sits perched on the southern shores of Manatee River, just short of the Highway 41 Business bridge. In addition to the many recent positive reviews (see /?p=128780), Twin Dolphin Marina will be host to the 2014 Albin Owners Rendezvous.
The 2014 Albin Owners Group rendezvous will be held April 1 to 4 at the Twin Dolphins Marina in Bradenton, Florida. All Albin owners and enthusiasts are welcome. Contact Joe Milbauer at mrjoelinda@aol.com or 239.652.1101.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Twin Dolphin Marina
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Moored Vessels in Seaplane Basin to be Evicted, Hillsborough Bay/Tampa Bay
Seaplane Basin - Click for Chartview
The protected harbor known as Seaplane Basin lies just south of the city of Tampa, on the northern part of Hillsborough Bay. The issue of poorly managed moored vessels there has been festering for years. Some of the boats are in good shape, others in poor condition, and a few completely abandoned. Some of the moored vessels are blocking the seaplane corridor of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. The City of Tampa plans a new mooring field adjacent to the corridor.
Seaplane Harbor is also home to the Davis Island Yacht club.For the full story see: http://www.news-press.com/viewart/20131206/NEWS01/312060023/State-News–Tampa-evicting-boats-in-seaplane-basin?source=nletter-news
I am trying to muster sympathy for the poor yachtsman [in linked story] who feels so hard done by in being evicted from his squatter site in a seaplane landing area, but seriously’¦ If he can’t park a house trailer beside the north-south runway at TPA, and call it home, it would seem likewise inappropriate for him to expect to be allowed to obstruct a seaplane base. Time to think a new thought, Red!
MimiClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Seaplane Basin
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Good Words for Twin Dolphin Marina, off Tampa Bay on the Manatee River
Twin Dolphin Marina - Click for Chartview
Twin Dolphin Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, sits perched on the southern shores of Manatee River, just short of the Highway 41 Business bridge.
We come to Bradenton every year and always stay for a few days at Twin Dolphin Marina. Everything is top-notch and the staff are friendly and helpful. The only difference for us is that this year we extended our stay to a week!
Jean ThomasonI echo Jean’s comments. Our YC visits Twin Dolphins each year as part of our cruise schedule. A great destination, a great facility with excellent amenities, and a great staff.
Whit SibleyClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Twin Dolphin Marina
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Southern Foot of the Sunshine Skyway Channel
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
“Sky Marlin”……….. looks like a huge Marlin leaping from the sea.