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    • Jan 6, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina (Western Shores of Tampa Bay – on the St. Petersburg waterfront)

      The Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina has the advantage of being located on the protected Vinoy Basin. This facility also underwent a complete rehabilitation project just a few years ago. Of course, just next door lies SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, one of the finest city owned and managed marinas it has ever been my pleasure to review. Boy, talk about an embarrassment of riches in St. Petersburg when it comes to quality marinas!

      Stayed at this marina for new year 2012. Arrived December 30 and left January 2.
      What a nice marina! Service was fantastic. Wes and Stefan were extremely helpful and courteous. We felt welcome and they did everything possible to make us feel at home. The showers in the health club were great.
      Will be returning to this facility later on during 2012.
      M. Farinas

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For the Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina

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    • Jan 2, 2012by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Great Info on Derelicts and “Live Aboard Hulks”

      I have been preaching from my pulpit for years now, that the fly in the proverbial ointment when it comes to the struggle for Florida Anchoring Rights, is the very real problem of abandoned vessels (“derelicts”) and what I term, “live aboard hulks” (vessels that are being lived on, but which will probably never move again)! These problem vessels are the excuse that the anti-anchoring forces keep throwing in the mix every time the debate rages about Florida anchoring.
      Many others here on the Cruisers’ Net, and on many other forums, have opined that the problem of derelicts and “live aboard hulks” can be solved with existing Florida laws and regulations, thereby not penalizing all other boat owners.
      Now, our good friend, and true friend of the cruising community, Captain Jay Bliss, member of the St. Augustine Port Commission, has provided us with the means below to research derelict vessels in Florida, on a county by county basis. Thank you Captain Bay for providing this wonderful resource!

      Hi Claiborne,
      Here’s the pertinent website for the identification, procedures, for Derelict, Abandoned,and AtRisk vessels in FL

      http://myfwc.com/media/407584/GeneralOrder21.pdf

      For those that reside in any particular patch in FL, they can get an idea of the problem boats in a particular county by going to this site

      https://public.myfwc.com/LE/ArrestNet/DerelictVessel/VesselMap.aspx

      At that url, examine the Legend (rh side), then clik “Queries”. The page there allows you to type in a FL county. Do that, and press Search.
      Your county will show problem boats as colored circles. Clik on a given circle, and you’ll see further details about that boat. Stats are in the lower left side of the page. You can compare counties, etc. You can learn dates boats were identified, etc. It’s a valuable tool to see how we progress in ridding our Public waters of problem boats.
      Jay Bliss

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. TonyMalone -  March 14, 2019 - 3:26 pm

        These "live aboard hulks" aren't a problem as you describe. these are peoples homes. Shame on anyone who tries to take anyone's home away from them.

        Reply to TonyMalone
    • Dec 19, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      In-Depth Article Now Available About Anchoring on Boca Grande Bayou (Gasparilla Island, near St. M. 28.5)

      It was almost a year ago that we posted an article here on the Cruisers’ Net about the possibility of boaters being denied the right to anchor in popular Boca Grand Bayou (hard by the shores of Gasparilla Island), behind the Pink Elephant Restaurant, due to possible private ownership of the bottomland in question (see /?p=46788). A slightly later article provided more details (see /?p=51002).

      Gasparilla Bayou Anchorage

      Then, over this past Thanksgiving holiday, yours truly and the first-mate, first-mate spent a wonderful week in Boca Grande. I personally observed only two vessels lying at anchor in the Boca Grande Bayou Basin anchorage, where formerly there were many more. In asking around, I began to hear rumors that vessels anchored on the northern end of the basin were being asked to move along, as the bottomland was claimed to be private property.
      Last week, a fellow cruiser sent me a “Letter to the Editor” which appeared in Gasparilla Island’s superb weekly newspaper, the “Boca Beacon.” Here is a link to that article:

      http://www.bocabeacon.com/news/featured-news/4202-the-question-of-the-day-who-can-anchor-in-the-bayou

      Most importantly, I learned in a telephone conversation last week that the “Boca Beacon” editor, Ms. Marcy Shortuse, was working on an in-depth article concerning this very complex issue. I shared my insights on this subject, and sent Ms. Shortuse a link to my “Whence Come The Anchorage Regulations” editorial (/?p=4958). Last Friday, 12/16/11, Marcy’s article was published, and it is linked below. Her excellent, in-depth study of this situation is a must-read for anyone interested in the Florida anchoring issue:

      http://www.bocabeacon.com/news/featured-news/4208-bottomland-on-the-bayou-a-rather-sticky-situation

      We solicit additional input on the issue of anchoring in Boca Grande Bayou from the cruising community, particularly those mariners who frequent the waters of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. Please follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link on the upper right of this page, and share your point of view.

      I deleted Boca Grande from my website, too risky to suggest it as an anchorage.
      Mary Dixon

      Very simply and to the point the U.S. Supreme Court has already spoken on this issue.
      `1.U.S. Supreme Court, Lewis Blue Point Oyster Cultivation Co. v. Briggs 229 US 82
      When overturning a lower court case the U.S. Supreme Court said: `If the public right of navigation is the dominant right, and if, as must be the case, the title of the owner of the bed of navigable waters hold subject absolutely to the public right of navigation, this dominant right must include the right to the use of the bed of water for every purpose which is in aid of navigation.’’
      Robert Driscoll

      Driscoll nails it. It doesn’t matter whether or not the bottom is privately owned, there is still a right of navigation that trumps that. Anchoring is considered to be a normal part of navigation. Take a look at St. Augustine where the city has claimed they own the bottom land since forever, yet they were unable to prevent anchoring in those waters until they built mooring fields over most of the anchoring area.
      John Kettlewell

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    • Dec 19, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cruisers’ Letter to Sarasota County Sheriff’s Dept. Concerning Blackburn Bay Anchoring Incident Pays Off

      Earlier, we posted a letter copy here on the Cruisers’ Net of a missive sent from Captain Arthur Richard, to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s department, concerning a less than happy meeting with a deputy, while anchored on the waters of Blackburn Bay (see /?p=76631). As you will see, Captain Richard’s note got a favorable reply, and it undoubtedly clued everyone in the sheriff’s department to the latest Florida state laws concerning anchorage.

      Reference my earlier report on Anchoring in Blackburn Bay, Sarasota County, FL. It seems that our anchoring rights in Sarasota County, FL are in accordance with
      Florida law. Apparently I experienced and ill-informed, overzealous part time deputy Sheriff.
      I received the following response from the Sarasota County, FL Sheriff’s Office”

      From: Richard Mottola
      Subject: RE:Anchoring in Blackburn Bay
      Date: December 19, 2011 10:31:25 AM EST
      Mr. Richard,
      This is Captain Mottola from the Sheriff’s Office. The Marine Unit is one of the
      areas under my command (Special Operations Bureau). I checked with our two
      full-time boat captains and neither recalls speaking with you about this. It
      could very well be that you spoke with one of our part-time captains. I could
      most likely determine this if you could provide a date and time of the contact.
      Despite that, it appears you are correct in your interpretation of the statutes
      cited.
      I can only surmise that the captain you spoke with, for some reason, believed
      you were actually living aboard your vessel and therefore assumed that county
      ordinance 130-42 may have applied. Otherwise, it would not be applicable.
      County Statute 130-42. Mooring of Vessels used as dwelling units:
      http://library.municode.com/HTML/11511/level3/CD_ORD_SARASOTA_CO_FLORIDA_CH130WA
      _ARTIIIMOVE.html#CD_ORD_SARASOTA_CO_FLORIDA_CH130WA_ARTIIIMOVE_S130-42MOVEUSDWUN
      Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions (861-4049) – Or you
      may contact Captain Shipp with the Florida Wildlife Commission (Southwest Region
      863-648-3203)
      Thank you.

      Arthur Richard

      And, with the comments below received after publication of the above article, the plot thickens CONSIDERABLY! Looks like the Sarasota Sheriff’s Department is using their own version of what constitutes a “live aboard vessel,” and, by the way, this definition is in contravention of Flroida state law!!!

      Hello,
      I would like to make a comment and pose a few questions pertaining to this important subject and more specifically my recent experiences anchoring on Blackburn Bay. I have been visited by the Sarasota county Sheriffs Dept. Marine unit on 3 occasions once when my vessel was not even actually present for apparently violating the 24 hour time limit for live aboard vessels, this most recent warning requires that I move my vessel by December 22 2011 or be subject to fines of 250 to 500 dollars a day. The Deputy asked me with issue of this most recent warning if I understood the reason why he had delivered it, to which I again replied something to the effect that, and to the very best of my knowledge and understanding of the applicable Florida State Statutes regarding anchoring outside of approved mooring fields and the definition of a live aboard vessel, that I have actually never been in violation of any of these law’s. He became visibly agitated and spoke to me as if I were an insubordinate child indicating that it had absolutely nothing to do with the Florida State statutes, I thanked him and said goodbye, I am very thankful that he left. My sailboat is in fact anchored outside of any mooring field and is a fully navigable vessel with all required safety gear. Can anyone comment on the enforceability of these muni-codes in light of the Florida State Statutes regarding anchoring?
      Thanks!!
      Cap’n Ron

      The county code referenced, strictly interpreted, is favorable to people who live in houses and cruise for extended vacations. For those of us for whom our boat is our home, the code invites us to leave in 48 hours.
      Nice of the Sheriff to be civil, though.
      Chris

      Below you will find more from Captain Richard, with his reply to the Sheriff’s department, and their subsequent message to him:

      Captain Mottola,
      Thank your for your response to my inquiry. A Sarasota Sheriff boat visit to my vessel in Blackburn Bay occured on the afternoon of November 30, 2011. The Sheriff’s boat remained at least 10 yards from my vessel, and I was not boarded. The operator of the Sheriff’s boat did not give his name, nor request mine.
      I am pleased to find that my anchoring in Blackburn Bay was not in violation of county ordinances. It would be beneficial to the boating community if all of your officers were made aware of this.
      Thank you,
      Arthur M. Richard

      From Captain Mottola (Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office):
      My pleasure, and yes we are ensuring that ALL boat captains are made aware so that we do not have any further misunderstandings. Happy Holidays!

      Chris: That is incorrect. It doesn’t matter whether or not you are living aboard for more than 48 hours. As long as you vessel is used for navigation and not solely as a residence you are not a liveaboard by Florida law, which trumps any local ordinances. Florida statute says this:
      327.02 Definitions of terms used in this chapter and in chapter 328.’”As used in this chapter and in chapter 328, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the term:
      (17)`Live-aboard vessel’ means:
      a) Any vessel used solely as a residence and not for navigation;
      b) Any vessel represented as a place of business, or a professional or other commercial enterprise; or
      c) Any vessel for which a declaration of domicile has been filed pursuant to s. 222.17.
      John Kettlewell

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    • Dec 15, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Anchoring Hassles on Blackburn Bay (Statute Mile 61.5)

      The note below was copied to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, and shows a letter written by Captain Arthur M. Richard, to the local sheriff’s department. The “Blackburn Bay” anchorage referred to in Captain Richard’s note lies between Venice and Sarasota, directly on the path of the Western Florida ICW.
      If I may indulge in an editorial comment here, it’s a real shame that incidents of this type are still taking place in Florida waters. The 2009 Florida Anchoring Law has been on the books for some time now, and you would think that county sheriff’s departments would have gotten the word long ago!!!

      Recently, I anchored my sailboat in Blackburn Bay. I was approached by a deputy sheriff (in a Sheriff’s Department boat), and politely informed that anchoring in Blackburn Bay is restricted to 48 hours. He said that the local residents did not like boats anchoring for longer periods. Please send me a copy of the County statue which authorizes such anchor limitation.
      Are you aware that under state law, boaters who use their boats for navigation (even if only occasionally) will not have their anchoring restricted by a local city or county outside of permitted mooring fields. Cities and counties are expressly forbidden to `enact, continue in effect, or enforce any ordinance or local regulation … regulating the anchoring of vessels other than live-aboard vessels outside the marked boundaries of mooring fields.’
      Although local governments are allowed to regulate anchoring within the marked boundaries of properly permitted mooring fields, Blackburn Bay is not a permitted mooring field.
      The following laws apply:

      (FL law) 327.60 Local regulations; limitations)
      (2) Nothing contained in the provisions of this section shall be construed to prohibit local governmental authorities from the enactment or enforcement of regulations which prohibit or restrict the mooring or anchoring of floating structures or live-aboard vessels within their jurisdictions or of any vessels within the marked boundaries of mooring fields permitted as provided in s. 327.40. However, local governmental authorities are prohibited from regulating the anchoring outside of such mooring fields of non-live-aboard vessels in navigation.
      (from Chapter 2009-86, section 14)
      (3) However, local governmental authorities are prohibited from regulating the anchoring outside of such mooring fields of vessels other than live-aboard vessels as defined in s. 327.02.
      Therefore, your deputy was in error when he informed me that I could not anchor in Blackburn Bay for more than 48 hours. I recommend that you make yourself and
      your deputies aware of the Florida State Laws on anchoring by boats other than live-aboard and commercial vessels.
      Sincerely,
      Arthur M. Richard

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Blackburn Bay Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Blackburn Bay Anchorage

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    • Dec 14, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marco Island to the Florida Keys

      There is a wealth of good cruising tips in Captain Lloyd’s note below. His description of the “inside” passage navigational challenges, behind Marco Island, is spot on, as is his description of Little Shark River’s shoreline.
      I might also add that as of a few months ago, the entrance channel into Flamingo was still quite shallow!

      You can take the inside route behind Marco Island with a 4′ draft but avoid low tide. Charted depth is 4′ but depth increases by 3′ at high tide. Pay attention after Bear Point bridge as daymark colors switch sides. A red daymark appears to be out of position but it is not!
      Definitely stop at Goodland, an old-time fishing village that is a marked contrast to the rest of Marco Island. Calusa Island Marina is within walking distance of restaurants.
      Some boaters recommend Everglades City but I usually go directly from Goodland to Little Shark River in Everglades National Park. This area of the park consists of mangrove Islands and hardwood hammocks, not acres of sawgrass that one usually associates with the Everglades. There is a very protected anchorage about 1.5 miles up river.
      I have not been to Flamingo since it was rebuilt after the hurricane. The approach was shallow at that time. I recommend a direct route from Little Shark River to Seven Mile Bridge and stop at Marathon.
      Alan Lloyd

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Calusa Island Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Calusa Island Marina

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Shark River Outer Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Shark River Outer Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Shark River Southern Fork Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Shark River Southern Fork Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Shark River Upper Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Shark River Upper Anchorage

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    • Dec 14, 2011by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Englewood Beach Anchorage (Statute Mile 43.5)

      The anchor down spot referred to below by Captains Rick and Donna is listed in our Western Florida Anchorage Directory as the “Englewood Beach Anchorage. They are quite right in describing this spot as a “good anchorage.” In fact, it’s one of the best sheltered along this section of the Western Florida ICW, and there is a restaurant withing dinghy distance as well!

      There are no anchoring restrictions in lemon bay, except in the ICW. There is a good anchorage on the Lemon Bay side of Englewood Beach. To reach it, one bears right [southwest] after passing through [south of] the Tom Adams Bridge, leaving the ICW to your port. Stay in the middle of the channel, and head toward the moored and anchored boats off the mangrove island on your port side. Just past the moored boats there is a secure and safe anchorage. We live in North Port, and cruise Lemon Bay regularly.
      Fair Winds,
      Rick & Donna
      Reprinted from the MTOA List Serve, with permission of the authors
      Find out more about the MTOA at: http://www.mtoa.net/

      Good info, but there is nowhere to go ashore except the restaurant. So you can’t tie up there and go to the beach. Dockage is available at Chadwick Cove Marina adjacent to the restaurant (The White Elephant).
      Denny Botkin

      This is a good anchorage, but since we have a heavy Gulfstar 39 sailboat with a 5′ draft, we want to point out a shoaling area along the western (toward the Gulf) side of the ICW that you have to clear before getting into the deeper water of the anchorage. We have bumped over this bar a couple times, but during higher tides we’ve had no problem. We tend to favor the bridge side of the sandbar before heading into the anchorage and have had fewer problems with access in our sailboat. There is a strong tidal current so set a good anchor with some scope and chain.
      Mark Suby

      And, here’s some good navigational advice on how to gain entry to this anchorage with the best depths possible.

      Beware shoaling south of T. Adams Bridge along the west edge of the ICW. To avoid this shoal [when entering the Englewood Beach anchorage] that has formed further north than shown on the charts, turn toward the moored boats immediately after clearing the bridge (if southbound) and head directly toward the moored boats/mangrove. Note the additional shoaling north of the mooring field.
      Any boats carrying over 4 to 4 1/2 foot draft should avoid transitioning from the ICW at low tide – unless you have local knowledge. The best way to proceed from the bridge is to go directly toward and into the mooring field (idle speed, of course) from the bridge. Favor the south side after clearing the shoaling that parallels and is immediately adjacent to the ICW. Additional shoaling north of the mooring field extends from a point just west of the bridge almost to the docks on the western shore. If going to the White Elephant or to Chadwick Cove Marina, remain close to the docks on the western shore. Cutting the corner can put you hard aground.
      Having said that, the anchorage is protected quite nicely in virtually all weather conditions.
      Kindest Regards,
      “FAIRWINDS”

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Englewood Beach Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Englewood Beach Anchorage

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • Dec 14, 2011by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Thoughts on Florida Anchoring Space

      Captain Feiges is responding, in her message below, to a posting which appeared here on the Cruisers’ Net some time ago, about the victory in St. Augustine, when the city proposed ten day anchoring limit outside the mooring field, was shot down, and changed by the FWC to a thirty day limit.
      Her point in this missive is very different, and very much worth the cruising community’s thoughtful consideration. Beverly speaks of a lack of anchoring “space” in Florida due to the proliferation of private moorings!

      We are cruisers, plain and simple, and seldom stay in one spot for even a week. Even in Georgetown, in the Bahamas, where we may spend a month or more, we switch anchoring spots every so many days, depending on wind or activities ashore. Putting in mooring fields in very popular spots has the advantage of allowing many more boats to safely anchor, but it is also nice to have some room to anchor left over for those of us who may be too big for the spacing and holding power of the moorings, or too high off the water to easily pick up the mooring. Having permanently anchored boats in what is a limited area, even if they must move them every thirty days, does not help the honest to god cruiser who is passing through and wants a spot for a night or two. Even worse seems to be the unregulated dropping of private moorings everywhere it used to be possible to anchor.
      I want the right to anchor, but there must be room to do it, and in allowing people to set their private moorings all over the place, (in Maine some people have as many as five in different harbors), or to stay anchored more than 5 days without a valid reason, then this room does not exist, and you just as effectively have cut off my right to anchor. We had this experience in St. Augustine this fall, almost impossible to anchor.
      Beverly Feiges

      Virtually all anchoring regulations being promoted by FWC are in violation of Florida Statute 370.04 in the wake of two Florida Supreme Court decision favoring boater’s (almost) unrestricted anchoring rights. There is nothing to be applauded here as FWC seems to be forging ahead unempeded with its greed and rise of power with little or no sound rationale or legal foundation.
      Make your resistance known against this flagrant arrigance and disregard for formal constitutional decisions.
      Bruce Bingham

      Perhaps a private mooring can now be considered `the owner is anchored’ and falls under the new regs ?? Interesting possibility’¦
      Dennis McMurtry

      I agree with Beverly. Sure, Florida’s mooring fields are busy in the winter, but for most of the year there are many vacant moorings that eliminate huge areas that used to be available for anchoring. St. Augustine has effectively eliminated all of the best anchoring areas by covering the harbor in moorings, most of which remain vacant most of the year. Same thing in Marathon. I have squeezed into the remaining anchorage there during the off season when half the moorings were empty.
      John Kettlewell

      Laws continue to be changed. FL Statute 370.04 I could not find. Overriding everything is our Federal Navigational Servitude and the Public Trust doctrine which provide, among other things, that navigation includes the right to anchor in all navigable waters.
      FL Statute 327.44 states `no anchoring’¦in a manner which shall unreasonably or unnecessarily constitute a navigational hazard.’
      Jay Bliss

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. David Burnham -  October 30, 2015 - 8:51 pm

        More than a few of St. Augustine’s north mooring field buoys remain empty because of shoaling of the bay bottom. This prevents the marina from being able to assign boats to these buoys because a falling tide MAY have the boat on the hard bottom.
        Because this is a designated mooring area, a shallow draft cruiser that COULD anchor in this space is denied anchoring as allowed by FS 370.04.

        Reply to David
    • Dec 1, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A Quick Vote of Confidence in Salty Sams Marina (Fort Myers Beach)

      Salty Sams Marina is the most upstream facility on Estero Bay. It lies along the bay’s northern shores on San Carlos Island.

      If you want to be close to the beach, select Salty Sam’s Marina(239-463-7333) in Ft Myers Beach….very protected also and good for a short or long term stay.
      Regards,
      Tom Jones
      m/v Marbles

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Salty Sams Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Salty Sams Marina

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    • Dec 1, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Happiness at Legacy Harbour Marina (Fort Myers Waterfront on the Calooshatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway)

      239 461-0775 Legacy Harbour Marina entrance is located on the Okeechobee Waterway East of Marker #49 on the Caloosahatchee River. The Marina is situated two blocks from historic downtown Fort Myers and three blocks from the historic Edison-Ford Winter Estates. The Marina's 131-Slips range in size from 40 feet to 80 feet and can accommodate Transient Boats of 100 feet plus. The large Fairways make our slips easily accessible. Our slips are surrounded by one of the largest 'floating breakwaters' on the Gulf of Mexico. The floating docks are state-of-the-art. Legacy Harbour Marina is a full-featured facility with all the modern conveniences of home including pump-out station, heated pool, fitness center, full electric metered at the slip, cable TV, laundry, air-conditioned showers and wireless Internet connections available. The Boaters' Lounge is available for relaxing after a cruise or for private parties. The view from the lounge is spectacular! Our grounds are beautifully manicured and provide great strolling along the river with benches, Chickee Hut, and excellent access to all of historic Fort Myers. Please take a few moments to browse our website and see for yourself what our beautiful boating facility can offer you the next time you are cruising in Southwest Florida. Of course Captain John had a good experience at Legacy Harbour Marina. These good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      We stayed at Legacy and left our boat their and then decided to stay longeron our return. It was absolutely delightful. The is a new Publix foodstore two blocks away and plenty of restaurants and entertainment.
      Both marinas are good, but Legacy is the most comfortable with floating docks and pump-outs at the slip, etc.
      John Haluska
      M/V Emery El
      DeFever 40 RPH

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Legacy Harbour Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Legacy Harbour Marina

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    • Dec 1, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Crystal River Depth Problems (Western Florida’s Big Bend Region)

      Sounds like Captains Barbara and Jim, plus Golden Retriever Lily, may have run into some lower than usual tides. I don’t ever recall finding such shallow depths in Crystal River. Have you had a similar or dissimilar experience on these waters? Please click the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link on the upper right side of this page, and share your information!

      Our draft is 4.7 and had no problems in Steinhatchee. However, when we reached Crystal River, we had to wait 1 1/2 hours at the entrance to the channel to wait for the tide to come in for enough water for our draft. Boat US heard us talking on the radio to our buddy boats and told us to wait. We docked at Twin Rivers since it was getting dark and did not want to proceed further. The next day we were sitting in the mud. We were told there would be enough water at the docks there, but not so! By the time the tide rose the next day, it was too late to leave. SO, the next day, we headed up to Pete’s Pier. There we had .6 under our keel at low tide. We were lucky to have a good weather window and by leaving at 0900, were able to make it down the river and to the Gulf during high tide. If we didn’t leave that day, we would have had to wait 2 weeks for the tide to roll around with enough daylight to get to Tarpon Springs.
      Both towns were nice and worth the stop, however, the tides would make the deciding factor. It was a bit tricky with the timing.
      Barbara and Jim Benjamin and Golden Retriever, Lily
      Golden Lily, Nordic Tug 42

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Crystal River’s Entrance Channel

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Twin Rivers Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Twin Rivers Marina

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Pete’s Pier/Kings Bay Marine

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pete’s Pier/Kings Bay Marine

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    • Nov 17, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Little Bayou Anchorage Navigation (Tampa Bay, Western Shore – south of St. Petersburg)

      Captain Collins has provided important and helpful navigational advice below for entering the Little Bayou Anchorage, south of St. Petersburg. This posting is in response to an earlier Cruisers’ Net article about anchorage no longer being allowed in St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Basin. As part of that posting, we listed other anchoring alternative in the area, of which Little Bayou is one.
      Having visited Little Bayou myself many times, Captain Mike’s warnings below are correct, and need to be taken seriously.

      There is an obstruction in the middle of this bayou. It’s about 2 1/2 feet off the bottom, so at an average tide it is about 2 1/2 feet below the surface. It is a hard, man made object, roughly the shape of a fin, possibly an old keel without the keel bolts.
      Also, there are several shoals in the bayou. The estimate of 5 to 6 foot average depth is accurate for the rest of the bayou. The deeper water tends to be around the rim, which is why the channel is around the rim.
      Mike Collins

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Little Bayou Southern Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The Little Bayou Southern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Little Bayou Northern Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The Little Bayou Northern Anchorage

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    • Nov 17, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Publix Supermarket Within Walking Distance of The City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin’s Dinghy Dock (Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway)

      Located at Mile Marker 135 on the Okeechobee Waterway, 15 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers Yacht Basin is a well designed and protected marina. It is owned and operated by the City of How typical of a CLASS Operation and a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR like the City of Fort Myers Dockage Basin to provide a dinghy dock. And, thanks to Captain Dunham, we know there’s a Publix Supermarket within walking distance.

      The City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, located on the Caloosahatchee River, has a free dinghy dock. The marina is located in a downtown location and a Publix is .8 mile from the marina.
      Susan Dunham

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For The City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin

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    • Nov 17, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Big Bayou Anchorage Navigational Advice (Western Shore of Tampa Bay, south of St. Petersburg)

      Many, many thanks to “Local Sailor” for providing the very specific navigational advice below to facilitate a safe entrance into the Big Bayou Anchorage. This posting is in response to an earlier Cruisers’ Net article about anchorage no longer being allowed in St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Basin. As part of that posting, we listed other anchoring alternative in the area, of which Big Bayou is one. Now, with “Local Sailor’s” advice, we can feel a bit more confident about this anchor down spot.
      By the by, I checked my notes which resulted from our last research trip to these waters, and “Local Sailor” is right on the proverbial money!

      This is a tricky one, if you’re not very familiar with it.
      1. If you are sailing in from the Bay you would need to approach from the North and make the turn to Starboard.
      2. There is a 90+ degree turn to port at the back side of the bayou.
      3. The anchorage area is pretty full of derelict boats also so’¦.watch your scope.
      Local Sailor

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Big Bayou Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Big Bayou Anchorage

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    • Nov 16, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Info on Burnt Store Marina (off the Western Florida ICW, on Charlotte Harbor)

      Southwest Florida YachtsBurnt Store Marina is a large, well sheltered marina flanking the southeastern shores of Charlotte Harbor, well south of Punta Gorda. To be succinct, this is a superb facility, with two restaurants, an on-site variety/convenience store and some repair capabilities. And, if that’s not enough for you, Burnt Store is the headquarters of two major southwestern Florida charter operations, including SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southwestern Florida Yachts.
      The message below comes from Burnt Store’s harbormaster, Captain Peggy Wark, and was originally directed at AGLCA members. However, I’ve condensed it to info that applies to all cruisers.
      Give Burnt Store a try! You won’t be sorry!!!!

      We are in the middle of our visiting club season so make sure you call ahead to make your reservations. Our ratesare $14.50 per month and $1.50 per day and don’t forget if you stay three days you get the fourth day free. One lucky boater has already taken advantage of this great deal. Make your reservations by calling 941-637-0083.
      We have two restaurants, fitness center and heated pool and if you care todo so you can also play golf. We will provide you with transportation to and from the golf course. We are a secure, gated community with friendlypeople.
      So plan to put us on your list when traveling through southwest Florida.
      Fair winds and calm seas,
      Capt. Peggy Wark
      Harbour Master

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Burnt Store Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Burnt Store Marina

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    • Nov 15, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Happy Words About Smokehouse Bay Anchorage (Marco Island, Florida – south of Naples, FL)

      To successfully enter the excellent anchorage on Marco Island’s Smokehouse Bay, you must make your approach via a well marked, but exacting channel which cuts off from the southern approach to Capri Pass Inlet and runs through the easterly reaches of Collier Bay. Some low water depths on this approach run as thin as 4 1/2 feet (in one spot), but if you can get past these shallows, your reward will be one of the most sheltered anchor down spots in southwestern Florida, with good shoreside access! Follow the links below to learn more!

      Whole heartily endorse the anchorage in Smokehouse Bay on Marco (this is where the Esplanada is. Dinghy under the bridge and Winn-Dixie has a dingy dock you can use. There is also a great Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays – we always plan to hit there on our way through.
      Marty & Jerry Richardson

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Smokehouse Bay Anchorage

      Click on Chartlet Below to Open a Chart View Window,
      Centered on the Location of This Anchorage:

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    • Nov 14, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Words About Naples City Pier (Naples, Florida)

      What a great, one paragraph review of Naples City Pier and the many attractions available within walking distance. This is indeed a great place to coil one’s lines, BUT be sure to call ahead and make dockage reservations as transient space is at a premium!

      Naples is our home port. The city docks are an excellent location. You would be within walking distance of 5th Ave. And 3rd Street for shopping and restaurants. A great foodie type grocery store and hardware store are a short bike ride away. West Marine and Enterprise just a couple miles away. By the time you walk down 5th you are only a few blocks from the beach. Our favorite restaurant (Bleu Provence and their new wine store) is within walking distance.
      Naples is a MUST stop.
      Betty and Rusty Hughes

      Docked there earlier this year on our trip from Ft Myers to Islamorada, very nice stop, friendly people and the trolly ride is well worth the history and the opulence that exists there.
      Dennis McMurtry

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For the Naples City Pier

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Naples City Pier

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    • Nov 14, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Salty Sams Marina and Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field (Fort Myers Beach, Florida)

      Good words below from Captain Tom about Salty Sams Marina in Fort Myers Beach. This facility is found on the northern banks of the Fort Myers Beach channel, northeast of unlighted daybeacon #28. Note also the brief comment about the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field. These good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      In Ft Myers Beach a great stop is Salty Sam’s-239-463-7333…..floating docks, fuel, wifi, fun restaurant with great food and entertainment at times. From the north proceed under the Mantanza’s bridge, turn to port and follow the channel past the shrimp boats to the marina. You can dinghy to 4 other restaurants from there, and there is a dinghy dock under the Mantanza’s bridge on the west side if you want to go to the beach. The Mooring Buoys are also reasonably priced and controlled by the Manatanza’s Inn Marina. You can reach them on VHF 16.
      Regards,
      Tom Jones
      m/v Marbles

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Salty Sams Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Salty Sams Marina

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    • Nov 10, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Diesel Mechanic Recommended in Fort Myers, Florida Region

      I have always said repair recommendations from fellow cruisers are invaluable. When one of our number has had a good experience with a repair firm or individual, chances are the rest of us will have good luck as well.

      I would highly recommend Calusa Certified Marine Marine for anyone requiring Service on a Cummins/Yanmar/Volvo Penta in the Fort Myers/Cape
      Coral area. They did a complete cooling systems service , timing Belt replacement and valve adjust on my Yanmar 300 HP 6LP. The Mechanic GREG
      was extremely well organized, very efficient, very knowledgeable answering all my questions. He took great care servicing the engine and the work
      area was left cleaner than when he arrived. He also discovered a problem with the timing belt tensioner that if had not been corrected could have
      resulted in a catastrophic engine failure. The work was done on time and the price was very fair
      For Service Contact Bob Miller- Calusa Certified Marine, LLC (239) 574-5053
      I have no interest in this company – Just a very satisfied customer
      Darrell Berge

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