Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Mar 20, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Burnt Store Marina and Country Club (off the Western Florida ICW on Charlotte Harbor)
The vast complex known as Burnt Store Marina and Country Club guards the eastern banks of Charlotte Harbor, not far from this body of waters’s southerly mouth. There is just about everything to be found here that a cruiser could ask for, except a nearby town or business district.
My wife and I live here so my comments may be a bit skewed as we think this is a wonderful marina. It is certainly one of the largest marinas on the west coast of FL. We are a bit isolated but we have three 9-hole golf courses with a club house where you can get pub type foods and beverages. Portabello’s restaurant is the large restaurant located in the south (main) basin that is next to the ship store and fuel dock. Included with your slip fees are a swimming pool and shower house/laundry facilities. Pump outs are also available at the fuel dock. Tennis is available across the street for a fee at the community health club. The closest grocery stores (Publix) are about 9 miles in either direction off of Burnt Store Rd. There is a lot of room for bike riding and walks throughout the community. The whole property is a gated community with 24 hour guard service. If you need a place to stay for a night or a few months this is a great place to hang out. We discovered Burnt Store in 1995 and have been residents since around 2000. If you boat and golf this is a real bonus marina for you! If not it is still one of the best marinas in SW Florida!
Mike
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Burnt Store Marina and Country Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Burnt Store Marina and Country Club
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Mar 20, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin (off the Western Florida ICW, on Charlotte Harbor/Peace River
Fishermen’s Village is the largest marina in Punta Gorda, and, unlike the Laisley Park Marina, cruising craft do not have to contend with any bridges to reach this former facility. Just next door to the Fishermens Village Marina is an enclosed shopping and dining complex, and the downtown business is a four to five block walk away. Very convenient!
Very nice marina. Good restaurants and shopping next door. The marina offers courtesy bikes for no cost with their own bikes and also through the city of Punta Gorda for no cost as well. A very nice bike path takes you east towards Laishley Park and marina with some beautiful views of the river. The path ends in the historic downtown area of Punta Gorda. We highly recommend Fisherman’s Village marina. PS’¦the locals call it `Fishville’. Now you sound `local’.
Mike
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin
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Mar 18, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Question About Boca Grande Pass Swash Channel
I took one, quick look at Captain Dave’s question below, and knew he was speaking of the so-called, Boca Grande Swash Channel, immediately south of Gasparilla Island. For years and years now, local cruisers have used this cut to short-cut the looonnnggg run out into the Gulf of Mexico via the main Boca Grande Pass channel.
If and only if all goes well, cruisers can turn north immediately west of Gasparill Island’s southwestern tip, run the Swash Channel hard by the concrete piers of the old dock that will passed to your eastern flank, and then continue with good soundings for points north, such as naturally deep Venice Pass.
And, there is some reason to believe that this is a naturally deep (enough?) passage. Hurricane Charley completely filled up the Swash Channel, but a few months later, tidal current had scoured it out again.
Trouble is, to be really safe when using the Swash Channel, captains must know where the good water is “this week.” And, that requires local knowledge. Trust me, this is NOT the spot where you want to ground your vessel. The tidal currents and surf could quickly bring on a life threatening situation after running aground here, not to mention the danger to your vessel.
So, as of late February, 2012, have any of you run the Swash Channel lately? What depths did you discover, and where did you find the best water? Please be as specific with your advice as possible. Send your info to us via clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, or send e-mail directly to “yours truly” at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com. Many thanks in advance!
Cruising News:
At the southern end of Gasparilla Island there appears to be a unmarked channel that is close to the Boca Grand light house and parallels Don Pedro park. which opens in a North westerly direction. Charts show enough water if one stays close to the beach. Does anyone have any experience going through there?
Thanks!
Dave
Haven’t run the swash channel since last fall, but we’ve had no major storms. Sand bars then were at/near as charted, we saw nothing less than 6 feet. Both Isles YC and Sarasota YC publish way points to lead you thru the shoals.
Wind against tide can throw up NASTY chop. Watch the weather
Bill Dixon
I have run the Swash many times over the years. 6 month ago was the last time I used this path. I took the route that the Sarasota Yacht club had layed out and found I was too close to land and running out of water. I went back to my old path that was a thousand feet further off shore and found 5 to 6 feet of water.
Just use your charts and go slowly and watch your depth . You should not have a problem
Robert M. Wilson
I passed through the swash channel on Sunday March 18th and found depths of greater than 6 feet at high tide. Please note, however, that I dont’t have the data on the height of of the tide, and my trimaran sailboat only draws 3′ 2’³ so I wasn’t too concerned and didn’t make detailed observations.
David Tarbox
I’ve run the swash channel for years in a 43 Viking DCMY with 42’³ draft. I always found both ends of the channel to vary in depth over time but always passable. Clearly with deeper drafts you need to play the tide. Although I always had confidence I dropped to 5 knots to make the transit with a close eye on the sonar and plotter.
Tom
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Grande Pass and the Swash Channel
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Feb 29, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Cape Harbour Marina (near western mouth of Caloosahatchee River)
Cape Harbour is indeed one of the best kept secrets on the Western Florida coastline. Yours truly, who has spent years personally research every marina (and anchorage) I could find on these waters never knew this marina was there until a fellow cruiser brought its existence to our collective attention.
To access Cape Harbour Marina leave the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River at marker #92 and follow the marked channel into Glover Bight; break off to the northwest before reaching Tarpon Point Marina and follow canal through a LOCK into Cape Harbour’s well sheltered dockage basin.
After talking with a number of long time Florida cruisers, I concluded this is the best kept secret on the West coast of Florida. Convenient, inexpensive dockage, low diesel prices, fun restaurants and shops right by the docks, and a very cooperative staff. Try it and you will like it. `I guarantee it.’
Charles `Chuck’ Waygood
Amazing place and the people are nice!
Nick
The only disadvantage is the lock you must go through to get to the marina. We had to wait 40 minutes to get out of the marina when we were there last fall.
James Angel
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cape Harbour Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Harbour Marina

Tarpon Point on Dwellable
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Feb 24, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Florida Sailing & Cruising School Chosen as ASA Outstanding School (North Fort Myers, FL – Caloosahatchee River)
Kudos to our good friends and SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR at Florida Sailing and Cruising School, and Southwestern Florda Yachts Captains Barbara and Vic Hansen certainly pilot an exemplary ship!
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
Media Contact: Bill AuCoin
727-522-2371 (voice)
727-521-2035 (fax)
wmaucoin@verizon.net
FLORIDA SAILING & CRUISING SCHOOL CHOSEN ONE OF ASA’S OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS
And its chief captain, Christopher Day, is chosen one of sailing’s best instructors.
NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. ‘“ American Sailing Association (ASA) named Florida Sailing & Cruising School to its honor roll of 2011 Outstanding Schools, saluting it as one of its 20 best sailing instruction programs in North America.
The international accreditation organization also selected FS&CS Chief Captain Christopher Day one of ASA’s 30 top “Instructors of the Year.” Both awards were based on the number of excellent evaluations from students who attended ASA-certified sailing courses at Florida Sailing & Cruising School.
Florida Sailing & Cruising School has been ASA-accredited since shortly after it was founded in 1984.
ASA has been the leader in U.S. sailing education for nearly three decades. The association has grown to include an international network of more than 300 professionally accredited sailing schools.
FS&CS conducts live-aboard sailing courses for up to four students at a time, and has been ASA-accredited since shortly after it was founded in 1984. Florida Sailing & Cruising School offers two and three-day live-aboard sailing courses including Basic Sailing (S-101), Basic Coastal Cruising (S-103), Bareboat Charter (S-104), and Advanced Coastal Cruising (S-106).
`Real world, real time, hands-on learning,’ is how Hansen describes the live-aboard courses. Attendance is limited to four students, two per cabin, and courses are scheduled at the convenience of the students. By day, under the tutelage of the captain-instructor, they learn by doing ‘“ steering, plotting, casting off, tying-up. By night, under a cabin light, they read textbooks and prepare for the big test. She said students `eat, breathe and sleep’ their way to the diploma. “Our students not only learn a lot, they retain what they learn because by living aboard the vessel they are using all learning powers, mental and physical.”
Tuition for live-aboard courses includes on board accommodations, instruction, fuel and course materials. Students are responsible for their meals and personal expenses, dockage at other marinas and other provisions for themselves and the instructor. All live-aboard courses include real-world sailing in the picturesque waters of Southwest Florida. Students often observe dolphins surfing the bow wake and occasionally take note of a manatee rising for air and a look-see.
Students sail Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), the placid channel just inside the Gulf of Mexico that runs north and south past a picture show of colorful tropical vegetation of birdlife, sealife and wildlife. This is the channel that takes sailors past the sheltered barrier island paradise of Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island, Cayo Costa, Gasparilla, Useppa Islands and a hundred others, some just spits of sand, oyster bars and mangroves.
Courses can be combined in various ways to suit the needs of the students. For example, the three-day `Weekender’ combines S101 and S103, the four-day `Islander” combines S-103 and S104. The ultimate course combination is a 12-day course called “The Offshore Adventure” that incorporates a major sailing expedition into the Gulf of Mexico.
Hansen and her husband and co-founder Vic Hansen also manage Southwest Florida Yachts which charters sail and power yachts for cruising the Gulf of Mexico and inland waterway coastlines of Southwest Florida.
Most sailing courses are held aboard vessels from 29 to 34 feet at the school’s fleet based at Burnt Store Marina on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda. Liveaboard power yacht courses are held aboard vessels from 32 to 50 feet at Marinatown Marina in N. Fort Myers.
For course descriptions and charter rates contact info@swfyachts.com, telephone 800-262-7939 or 239-656-1339, or write 3444 Marinatown Lane N.W., North Fort Myers, FL 33903. Website addresses are http://www.flsailandcruiseschool.com and http://www.swfyachts.com
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Feb 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Crossing Western Florida’s Big Bend Discussion
Those of you who have been following the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida sections for some time are probably tired of hearing me say it, but it’s worth one more repetition. If you get six veteran cruisers together, who have already crossed the Big Bend on several occasions, you will get at least eight opinions on the best strategy.
So, what’s the “big deal” about this section of the Western Florida coastline? Well, the “big deal” is that the Western Florida ICW’s northern terminus lies at Anclote Key, and moving north towards Florida’s Panhandle, there is NO protected Waterway until one reaches Dog Island and the charming village of Carrabelle.
Some cruisers argue vehemently that the best plan is to follow the Big Bend coastline (staying WELL offshore to avoid the large shelf of shallows that protrude from this section of the WF coastline), while others are equally passionate that you should cut the corner and head straight from Dog Island to Anclote Key, or the other way around.
My opinion is that there is NOT any one “best” strategy for every boat, and every sort of weather condition. And, in recognition of that truth, there has been a lively discussion of late on the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum about the correct strategy for this passage. Read the advice below, access your preferences, your boat’s capabilities, and the latest weather forecast, and make your decision accordingly. Whichever plan you employ, GOOD LUCK!
We are in the planning stage of beginning the loop in the Spring of 2013. I would like other loopers explanations on why so many people cross directly from Carrabelle to the Tarpon Springs area instead of going around the Bend and stopping at some of the places along the way. What I think I am understanding so far is that water depth is an issue during the winter and winds could pick up and prevent you from the next leg. Other than that, I am wondering why it seems so many people take the straight, long
shot straight over.
Kenneth and Candice Farst
There were many excellent statements made yesterday on the wisdom of picking a straight across route to cross the Gulf versus making the Big Bend route. There are only three points I would disagree. First, do not arrive early in the morning at Tarpon Springs or Clearwater as the potential of being blinded by the sun as you go through the numerous crab pots is too great. Plan to arrive at 10am or later.
The second point concerns the statement of arriving in the Big bend ports of Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, or Crystal River at or near high tide. That is
a true. The same is true for departing those ports, leave at high tide. In the Big Bend, it is roughly 13 hours between high tides. Unfortunately, during the winter months there is not 13 hours of daylight to depart and arrive at a high tide so something has to give, either risk a grounding at less than mid tide, or travel close to shore at night, NEVER a good idea.
Third, winter tides are 1-2 feet less and the 4.5 ft concern level stated by another so you could have only 2.5 feet depending on the wind conditions and the moon stage. That will make lots of things to consider before coming to a conclusion.
Stay safe,
Tom
We have made several trips back and forth from Sarasota, FL and Mobile, AL(we grew up there).
The Big Bend route is a fun route to take. Many quaint river ports and towns and great seafood.
All the river ports have marked entrance channels and are generally easily accessible for a vessel drawing 4 ft. or less at low tide .
Hi tide would allow maybe up to 5 ft. draft-some quite a lot more i.e. St Marks ).
Greater draft >5 ft. would remove a few ports from accessibility even at high tide i.e. Crystal River/ Homosassa River..
Check out (west to east) after Carrabelle:
Panacea
St Marks
Steinhatchee
Withlacoochee/Yankee Town(a Coast Guard location)
Cedar Key
Cross Florida barge canal anchorage
Crystal River
Homosassa River
Then you get to Tarpon Springs
On older charts you will actually find a Big Bend Route with markers and lat/lon but they are no longer there.
You do need to stay farther off shore, but the 20 foot depth line works well.
Just came back this way on last leg of my great loop in January 2011.
Enjoy
Bill
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Feb 16, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Tampa Cruising Destination (Hillsborough River)
Most cruisers visiting Tampa Bay set their course for St. Petersburg, time after time. Tampa, while it boasts some “city” docks around Harbour Island and the adjacent convention center, does not offer much in the way of power and water connections, nor shoreside amenities.
However, Captain Tom Ulanski, who, as he notes in the message below, was kind enough to attend my presentation to the Naples Yacht Club last week, has come up with what sounds like a great spot to coil your lines, near the heart of downtown Tampa!
Has anyone else spent some time at the Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina’s docks. If so, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
Claiborne
Thanks for extending your visit to Southwest Florida to fit-in a presentation at Naples Yacht Club.
A question from the audience came up regarding places to go in Tampa. You mentioned the municipal docks at the Convention center being without amenities
for overnight accommodations. However, just east of the convention center (literally across S. Harborside Blvd., but under a 19’or 20′ fixed-bridge) is the Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. Note the amenities … its gorgeous.
Description for Tampa Marriott Waterside Resort & Marina:
Located on Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa, the marina has 32 slips with floating docks and one outside slip that will accommodate vessels up to 100 feet. The Tampa Marriott Waterside is a bay front hotel in the heart of Downtown. This new hotel offers elegant amenities for work and play, from 50,000
square feet of meeting space and complete business services to a full-service spa and several delicious restaurants. Dockage includes access to all of the
hotel amenities. Monitors VHS Ch. 16.
Published charts and your printed guide state the bridge clearance as 10′. Not so. Its either 19′ or 20′. Please verify the clearance with the dockmaster who is accesible through the hotel’s main number.
Tom Ulanski
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Feb 16, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dinghy Dock at the Roosevelt Channel Anchorage (near Statute Mile 13)
The anchorage described below by Captains Mike and Twyla, is accessed by leaving the Western Florida ICW between markers #37 and ?#39, and the following the well marked Roosevelt Channel to a point south of Tween Waters Marina.
Mike and Twyla’s note contains some GREAT advice about hot to obtain inexpensive dinghy dockage while your hook is resting in these waters. We knew that Tween Waters started prohibiting dinghy dockage some years ago, but the idea of tying up temporarily at the nearby Green Flash Restaurant is a new and inspiring idea!
And, by the way, the Green Flash IS a good place to satisfy a healthy appetite. Some of their seafood entrees are nothing short of YUMMY!!!
Just an FYI for anyone planning to anchor Captiva Island – We recently anchored near the ‘Tween Waters Marina. The Waterway Guide does state correctly that the marina does not offer dingy docking to anyone on anchor.
However it does state that you can take your dinghy to McCarthy’s Marina to tie up so you can go to shore for provisions. What it fails to mention is that McCarthy’s Marina charges $15.00 to dock your dink there! No matter how long you are going to leave it – it’s $15.00 flat fee! So for those of you that find yourself at Captiva Island and in need of provisions (beer?) – there is still hope. We took the dink to the Green Flash Restaurant’s dock. We enjoyed a couple of drinks at the bar and
walked only a few blocks to the Island Store. The bartendar there was very friendly and had no problem with us leaving the dinghy. By the way, it looked like a great place to eat but we only went to the bar.
Safe travels!
Mike and Twyla
aboard NautiNell
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Roosevelt Channel Anchorage
Click on Chartlet Below to Open a Chart View Window,
Centered on the Location of This Anchorage:
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Feb 15, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Warning of Shallow Depths on Indian Key Channel (Everglades City, FL)
Chuck Baier, former Waterway Guide General Manager, and now cruising consultant for MarinaLife, is the author of the brief note below. We ALWAYS pay attention to what Captain Chuck has to say, so those of you bound for Everglades City should indeed call the Rod and Gun Club (see below), before attempting this passage.
The last time we sounded the Indian Key channel,no depths shallower than 5 1/2 feet MLW showed up, but that was a good 3 years ago.
The SSECN would WELCOME some additional reports on depths in the Indian Key Channel from those of you who have visited Everglades City recently. If this describes you, PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
You might want to check with the Rod and Gun Club [239-695-2101] to get the latest on the channel depths into Everglade City. There are some pretty shallow spots. Have a great trip.
Chuck
And, as requested both above and in a recent “SSECN Alert,” here is some additional data from fellow cruiser, Capt. David. Looks like there really are low-mid tide depth issues on the Indian Key Channel. ALL Western Florida mariners, TAKE NOTE!
Last February when I went through the channel to the R&G club, I rubbed a couple of times bottom at 4’6’³ at mid tide. Going out I was careful to plan my departure to coincide with high tide to get me by the bad parts.
Capt David
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For the Rod and Gun Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Rod and Gun Club
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Feb 14, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Gulfport Municipal Marina, Gulfport, FL. Western FL Statute Mile 115.5
Gulfport is a wonderful place to visit on the Sunshine State’s western coastline. There are all sorts of good restaurants, art galleries and very interesting small shops in downtown Gulfport. This little community is truly delightful. The city marina resides on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay and is easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
We kept our boat at the Gulfport Municipal Marina for the past 2 years and cannot say enough good things about it. It all starts with the outstanding staff who understand customer service and truly like working there. We can’t say enough good things about Dennis, both Tonys and Larry(retired now).
The facilities and docks are good and the basin is very protected. We never worried about our boat when we left it in the slip for the past two summers.
The walk to the waterfront restaurants and shops is under a mile and we never had a problem. Most of the time there were many other people doing the same thing. The waterfront area is unique and well worth the walk. We even anchored there a few times and took the dinghy in. And the restaurants are outstanding. Even though we will not return there this year, we will still drive to Pia’s for dinner.
We have fond memories of this marina and will return!
John and Carrie Weiss aboard S/V Zephyr Catalina 320
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
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Feb 13, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage Beach Dinghy Dockage (Charlotte Harbor – Peace River, just off the Punta Gorda Waterfront)

Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage Beach Dinghy Dockage
I recently had the good fortune to visit with several yacht clubs in the charming, boat-rich community of Punta Gorda, Florida, and, during this same visit, I met with “Team Punta Gorda.” Among any number of worthwhile projects, this commendable private – public partnership group is working hard to promote Punta Gorda as a cruising destination. We join with them in suggesting that the cruising community make the acquaintance of this friendly community, which features two commercial marinas, two Florida Yacht Council Yacht Clubs and several good anchorages. What’s not to love!The note and photos below from Captain Jake Dye were sent to us as a result of my presentation to Team Punta Gorda. The anchorage in question lies just off the Punta Gorda waterfront, southwest of (downstream of) the Highway 41 fixed bridges.
Hi Claiborne,Great having you in Punta Gorda and your presentation to TEAM was spot on. I attached a couple of photos from our anchorage and our `beach’ dinghy landing. I think we’re all energized to get something moving on a dinghy dock. Thanks again, and look forward to your next visit.The “beach” dinghy landing is 26.56.102N, 82.3 (56°6.12N / 082°18W).318W, at Gilchrist Park.Jake DyeThere are some of us who stopped here while cruising and ended up buying a house.Mary DixonLooking for a place to live in 1970 and found this place with a job and it had all I wanted, water to sail on, access to the Gulf, access to the coast where one can find a safe place each night with the option to over night to the keys, land to ride motorcycle in the woods, race car track,. What else could one be looking for, oh yes it has golfing also. But top off the list local racing and cruising of sailboats with hoes on the water where my boat could be behind my home. A little shallow for some deep draft boats but then so are the Keys but deep enough for good cruising boats.Dennis PeckWhere did you buy the house. I am wondering about Punta Gorda and the North and South Forks of Alligator Creek. How deep is that water at low tide in winter? Worried about sailboat access.WayneWayne,Tthere is a section of Punta Gorda Isles that is called the sailboat section. There are no bridges to Charlotte Harbor. Any realtor can show you where that is. We are 5 minutes from the Harbor.Mary DixonNot real dinghies’¦ No deflated tubes, no homemade covers and no patches!Bill BettsWe lived aboard in Punta Gorda for several winters and loved the town so much we bought a condominium here on the Peace River ( Emerald Pointe) where we keep our boat.Marsha Case

Dinghies Pulled Up on Beach Adjacent to Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront AnchorageClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
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Feb 1, 2012by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Restaurant Dockage in Fort Myers Beach
Here’s a new one. All the discussion concerning Fort Myers Beach usually seems to center around their popular mooring field, or one of their several marinas and/or repair yards. This is the first we’ve heard about free dockage near a restaurant on these waters.
Can anyone supply a more precise, on-the-water location for the Nervous Nellie’s dock. If so, then please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
If you go to Ft. Myers Beach, there is a wall to tie up to at Nervous Nellies and if you have dinner there they will let you stay overnight. Easy access to the delivery. West Marine is not too far maybe ten miles if someone is available to drive you. Maybe call them ask them the question.
Good Luck,
David
And, as usual, a fellow cruiser responds with the needed information. Many thanks Captain Hellman!
Directions to Nervous Nellies
By Car or Boat
Parking for patrons of Nellie’s and Ugly’s is free, whether you arrive by car or boat.
Dock your yacht with the dock attendant’s
assistance at
Nellie’s Snug Harbour Marina. The GPS coordinates are 26’27’23.41’ N ‘¢ 81’57’15.18’ W.
Tracy Hellman
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Myers Beach
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Jan 27, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
North Yacht Basin Basin/Vinoy Basin Still Has A Pay-for Dinghy Dock (Tampa Bay, Western Shore – St. Petersbrug, FL)
St. Petersburg was selected some time ago as one of five sites for the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. And, it was previously announced their mooring field would be located in the North Yacht Basin/Vinoy Basin, which borders on the northern side of the huge St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) and just south of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina.
Construction has begun on this mooring field, and, consequently, the city of St. Petersburg has asked all the anchored vessel in the Vinoy Basin to leave. HOWEVER, as you will discover below, there is still a way to dinghy ashore. You just have to pay for it!
Courtesy docking is available in the Northwest corner of the South Basin for visitors who don’t need to stay overnight in the South Basin. You pay for docking by the hour.
David Burnham
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the North Yacht/Vinoy Basin
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Jan 27, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Cortez Cove Boatyard & Marina (near Statute Mile 87)
The facility described below is not yet included in our Western Florida Marina Directory, but that will soon change. Its entrance cuts to the east, south of the Cortez Bridge.
Cortez cove boatyard is now under the management of Yachts Solutions. We are a full service yard, with expert fiberglass, Painting, major and minor repairs, antifouling application and all things boats. Please call us @ 941-761-4554 for any questions.
Tom McFadden
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Cortez Bridge and the Above Described Facility
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Jan 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Little Marco Island Anchorage (north of Marco Island – Western Florida)
I agree with Captain Linda completely. As long as you can keep off the bottom while entering this anchorage from the unofficial Marco Island to Naples waterway, this is one of the best places to drop the hook in southwestern Florida. Follow the link below to the anchor down spot’s listing in our Western Florida Anchorage Directory for more information.
During the week, you can have your own private Gulf side beach in this little piece of paradise. This is a very quiet anchorage in the evening. Some shoaling of the long channel coming in but our 6 foot draft s/v made it eventually on a rising mid tide.
Linda
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Marco Island Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Marco Island Anchorage
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Jan 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Markers Still Off Station in Capri Pass (just north of Marco Island, and south of Naples, Florida)
We had two earlier reports here on the Cruisers’ Net that marker #11, on the Capri Pass channel was off station, and issued an SSECN Navigation Alert for these waters (see /?p=77958). Captain George’s report below confirms that this marker is still not where it should be as of 1/16/02!
As of 1/16/2012 this marker is still off station and is very near marker #2 as entering from seaward. In the daytime it is not that confusing, but coming in at night, tired from a long passage and unfamiliar with Capri Pass could cause some confusion.
Thanks
George
s/v John Galt
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Position of Marker #11 at Capri Pass
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Jan 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Question Concerning Everglades Isle Marina (Everglades City, FL – Ten Thousand Islands Region – south of Marco Island)
In February of 2010, we had a posting here on the Cruisers’ Net concerning a “new” marina in Everglades City, knows as Everglades Isle Marina (see /?p=27196). Since that time, no other input has been received concerning this facility, and my own travels have not taken me to this pleasant backwater. If anyone has recent knowledge concerning this facility, PLEASE respond to Captain Steve’s request for information below by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below.
Has anyone stayed at the Everglades Isle Marina? Is there enough depth to get in there and refuel with 39’³ draw?
I want to stop at the Rod and Gun club on my way down from FMB to Key Largo and would love topped off tanks before heading south. I don’t see any other marinas in the area with gas.
Thanks,
Steve
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For the Rod and Gun Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Rod and Gun Club and the Everglades City Waterfront
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Jan 16, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Routes from Marco Island (Western Florida) to Marathon (Florida Keys) (or the other way around)
The brief discussion below is copied from the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association forum. Really, there are at least three different routes from Marathon to Cape Sable and the Western Florida coastline (or the other way around), but the first message below refers to only the easternmost of the three, known as the Yachtsman’s Channel.
In the second message below, our good friend, Captain Chuck Baier, gives some good general advice about this passage!
This is actually the reverse of what you want to do but it gives you some perspective. There is a place called Yachtsman’s Channel which is accessible from Channel 5 which is well north of Marathon. In fact you could take the ICW all the way to Yachtsman.
From that channel you pass by Cape Sable and which is the edge of the gulf.
Name Not Provided
We have made that crossing several times. About the best advise I can give you is to wait for the weather. You don’t have any information that I can find on the type of boat you have, the draft or how fast you can travel so the question is hard to answer. Ideally you want to wait until any fronts forecast on the way are already through and the seas have settled down. You can wait at Indian Key or Shark River to be a little closer. If you have a slower trawler you will want 24 hours of wind and or seas NOT on the beam and 10 knots or less winds. We use 24 hour wind and wave reports from weatherfax rather than NOAA vhf forecasts to make our decision. Best advise I can think of is to not try and outrun any approaching fronts.
Chuck
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Jan 16, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Turtle Cove Marina – Tarpon Springs (Anclote River)
Now, here’s a new one on us. A check for chart 11411 seems to indicate that the marina spoken of so glowingly below, is located on Spring Bayou, which runs off the southern shores of Anclote River, just west of downtown Tarpon Springs. For many years, this was a shallow body of water, and that is why our on-the-water research never led us to this facility.
That will soon be changed, however, as I will be on the scene here during the first part of February, 2012, and you can bet a visit to Turtle Cove Marina will be on the top of my list. In the meantime, if anyone who has visited here has MLW depth info, PLEASE click the “the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
We are presently at the best marina we have encountered so far and that is saying something. Many friends had warned us about the perils of getting into the city dock and the poor facilities and then I saw a chance posting about a looper who had stumbled onto Turtle Cove Marina. I looked at it on Google Earth and said why not. You ease up the Anclote River to Red 50 and turn right just past the marker. Next take the first left and be sure to hug the boats on the port side through the turn as there is a shallow spot. You will dead end at Turtle Cove which has an artificial island in a cove with slips all around . Floating docks, great electrical. I have never seen better pedestals in a marina. It all looks brand new. Secure facility with locked gates. You get a key. They have a clubhouse and pool too. Gas at pumps and diesel with one day notice delivered direct to your boat by a truck that drives on the island and backs up to your slip. Ed is the owner and Peter is the dockmaster. The marina is one short block behind the town. No current, no wind, no problem. $1.50 per foot for loopers and BoatUS. Pumpouts at every slip. Can you believe this? And it is all a hidden treasure. You can call them at 727-934-2202. If you want to see it on Google Earth it is at 827 Roosevelt Blvd. I give it an A+.
Rusty and Jan Carlisle
I’ve always been a great fan of the [Tarpon Springs] municipal marina because it’s so close to the main drag on the island. However Turtle Cove sounds almost too good to be true. I know “the Judge” wouldn’t lie to us. After three times at the municipal dock, with its problems just to be close to “Hellas Greek Resturant” its Turtle Cove next time!!!
Thanks Judge!
Dave
Lisa and I are docked (for a week) at Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs Florida. Based on prior posts on this forum, I thought I’d add our two cents worth as it relates to our positive opinion. Turtle Cove is the place to be in Tarpon Springs if you like these amenities:
1. New floating docks
2. Free washer and dryer
3. Easy walk to sponge docks, restaurants and downtown
4. $1.50 per foot or discounted weekly stay (we’re paying .75 per foot for
a week)
5. Hot tub & swimming pool
6. Free pumps outs
7. Marina will also make arrangements for a fuel truck to come to your boat
8. Free truck and trailer storage (we have a trailerable Ranger Tug)
Jim & Lisa Favors
Ranger Tug R27 ‘“ Kismet
This is indeed a nice spot with wonderful amenities as described in the post below. Ed Spaeth the GM / owner is a very welcoming individual. It was a real treat to be met & welcomed by Ed & his team after our long crossing from Carrabelle.
Note that the approaches to this marina are not as difficult as it would appear from the posts below. Proceed up the Anclote River to red 50 and turn to Stbd and then closely hug the port shoreline passing closely to the vessels tied to shore. Avoid the shallows on the Stbd side of the channel as you enter.
There are a number of larger boats in the marina area that likely draw more than 5 feet.
From the marina it is a short walk into the center of town with grocery stores and bars. The floating dock area where we had tied up was very nice and new. It was however quite a long walk maybe 200 yards to the showers, laundry & clubhouse facilities
The rate of $ .75 per foot (per day?) for weekly stays for Loopers as posted below is incorrect. The correct rate is $7.50 per foot per week. That meant that instead of $199 per week for our 38 footer we were looking at $285 per week. We required a stay of between 2 & 3 weeks. On the very positive side If you pay for two weeks you can stay the next two free. Sort of like pay for 5 days stay for the next 2 free and equally pay for 2 weeks and stay free for the next two weeks I believe?
The Looper daily rate is 1.50 per day per foot which is a discounted rate from the normal $2.00 per foot per day rate
Here is a link to the marina’s site
http://www.turtlecove-marina.com/index2.html
Kismet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tarpon Springs and Spring Bayou
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Jan 7, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Markers Off Station on Capri Pass (north of Marco Island)
We have just had another recent posting here on the Cruisers’ Net about marker #11 in Capri Pass being off station, extracted from the Local Notice to Mariners (see /?p=77777). Captain Bob’s report below confirms this abberation! An SSECN Navigational Alert has already been declared for these waters. Follow the Chart View link below for more details.
Claiborne
Last week, December 30, my wife and I entered the Capri Pass into Marco Island and found next to the red marker #2, a green can bouy with #11 markings. The green can bouy was about 10 meters to the left of the #2 red marker while the #1 green marker was probably at least 70-90 meters to the left of the red marker #2.
When we left on January 1, the green can bouy had moved down near the #4 red marker. I hailed the Coast Guard on VHF channel 22A and was referred to a land line which I think was the Marco Island Fire Department–not really sure. I reported the situation but, having left the area, I have no idea if anything was done about this.
This marking can be very confusing to any vessel entering or leaving Capri Pass–especially if one is not familiar with the markings.
Bob Peterson,
Isles Yacht Club Fleet Captain
As of 1/16/2012 this marker is still off station and is very near marker #2 as entering from seaward. In the daytime it is not that confusing, but coming in at night, tired from a long passage and unfamiliar with Capri Pass could cause some confusion.
Thanks
s/v John Galt
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Position of Marker #11 at Capri Pass
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