Kim’s Marine Canvas is at 277 75th Ave. St. Pete Beach.
While we are on the subject of St. Pete Beach, I just have to share http://www.KimsMarineCanvas.com
Kim Osborne stiched a custom boat cushion for us and the craftsmanship is of the very best quality.
If you are in the St. Pete Beach area and in need of canvas or repairs you can call Kim: 727-418-0579.
I’ll send the Editor a photo so you can see for yourself.
David Burnham
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Those who have read my earlier SSECN comments concerning Western Florida’s Pine Island Sound, or the portion of my “Cruising Guide to Western Florida” describing Gasparilla Island, already know that the village of Boca Gande is one of our very favorite places on earth.
This is Florida at its very best. There are no fast food restaurants, no strip shopping centers and no high rise condos. Instead, visitors to Boca Grande will discover a quaint village atmosphere replete with GREAT places to dine (particularly the Gasparilla Inn), good provisioning and plenty to see and do. It’s the sort of place where you can quickly fill the memory card on your digital camera, and have to haul out that backup card you’ve never used before.
Until now, cruisers have had some difficulty taking advantage of Boca Grande’s many charms due to a building shoal jutting out from the entrance channel’s northeasterly point, as you swing south to visit Boca Grande’s primary pleasurecraft facility, known, appropriately enough, as “Boca Grande Marina” (formerly Millers Marina).
New owners took over here several years ago, and improved the on-site facilities, adding a new restaurant and downstairs bar. Everything was accomplished in an absolutely first-class fashion.
Gasparilla Bayou and Gasparilla Inn Clubhouse
Almost from the first day that the marina changed ownership, the management has been seeking the necessary permits to dredge the entrance channel, and remove the aforementioned shoal. This process has seeming taken forever, BUT WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO REPORT THAT ALL PERMITS ARE NOW IN PLACE, AND DREDGING HAS BEGUN!
The far sighted owners have also taken the opportunity to completely rebuild their docks while the dredging is going forward. Now, that’s the sort of improvements we LOVE to hear about at the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net!
In a telephone conversation yesterday (7/16/13) with Garrett Lown, Boca Grande Marina’s Operations Manager, the SSECN was informed that the marina and on-site restaurant would close while the dredging and dock rebuilding were in progress. The restaurant will probably reopen around the middle of October (2013), with a grand reopening of the marina scheduled near Thanksgiving, 2013.
The truly “on-the-ball” marina management plans to post regular project progress reports and photos on their web site at http://www.bocagrandemarina.net/Boca_Grande_Marina.html. Interested cruisers should monitor this site for the latest info!
We know that we speak for the entire cruising community when we say how much we all look forward to the new, improved and deeper version of Boca Grande Marina this coming fall and winter. This will be a superb addition to the Western Florida cruising scene, and one which many of us will make use of on a very regular basis.
The article and photo below are reprinted from DredgingToday.com (http://www.dredgingtoday.com), a new resource which we highly recommend to one and all who are interested in what’s happening with dredging projects around the nation. This publication’s scope is international, so you have to pull through the weeds a bit to pluck out the USA dredging news, but the format makes that an easy exercise, and the effort will be more than justified!
The SSECN will keep you apprised of Boca Grande Marina’s dock building and dredging project as progress goes forward. Makes your plans now to visit this newly minted facility this fall and winter. See you there!!!
Posted on Jul 15th, 2013
Boca Grande Marina, Eagle Grille and Miller’s Dockside, will be closed for renovations beginning today, and it will be reopened in the fall of 2013.
Construction plans include:
– New docks ‘“ the new layout will eliminate the `stern to’ docks and allow us to accommodate larger vessels (up to 150 feet),
– Dredging of the entrance channel ‘“ allowing for an approximate 7 foot depth at low tide.
The Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Environmental Protection and Lee County have all signed on to the project, which will see a channel dredged from 5 feet deep at mean low water to 7 feet 6 inches.
`Now boats won’t be stuck in the Harbor waiting for high tide to get out,’ said Jerry Taylor, the marina’s general manager. `It will benefit the whole community.’
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Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net first heard about Frank Dudley three years ago, /?p=25501, and we’re glad to know he is still in business. From minor work to major installations, Captain Dudley obviously knows his business. If you need repairs anywhere near Anclote Key and Tarpon Springs, give him a call at 727-741-0775.
Agree with positive comments about Mr. Dudley
We were stranded as transients in tarpon springs on our cruise to orange beach AL and needed complete repowering.
Two new engines were installed perfectly and Frank Dudley saved our boat.
Way too involved for this message but would be glad to elaborate at above email: mickeyc05@gmail.com
Thanks again Frank!!!!!
Michael Chandler MD
Riviera Marina - Click for Chartview
Riviera Marina is found on the waters of Alligator Creek, entered by the charted, “L” shaped channel south of Mangrove Point.
This was once one of the most ill-kept marina facilities in all of Florida. We are very glad to hear that this property has been substantially improved. Captain Robinson does not say whether the army of stray cats which used to haunt the docks are still in place.
Currently there are no half sunken boats clogging the canal system’¦or leaking oil. Each vessel in the basin is in no way blocking the creek or canals. We have been renting a slip there for almost 2 years and have seen the manager of the place improve the site substantially. I am pleased with the location and the commercial fishermen docked there that I have met. They have been helpful and courteous. I have enjoyed the quiet and beauty at this location. I have docked in large marinas with a grid of concrete docks and am glad I have shade of a tree with birds nesting and ospreys raising their young. An occasional otter pops his head up as do dolphins and rays or a manatee. Sunsets are gorgeous. I have had the opportunity to do a number of watercolor paintings at this location. View at my website http://www.facebook.com/CRobinsonART
Catherine Robinson
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Riviera Marina
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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. There is an on-site restaurant, but it is not nearly as simple to walk to all of downtown St. Petersburg’s many restaurants and shops from this facility, as is true from St. Pete Municipal Marina. Nevertheless, the Harborage is a superior marina that many cruisers will thoroughly enjoy!
We have kept our boat at Harborage Marina for the past 8 years, and are now liveaboards. We have a nice mix of seasonal, occasional and liveaboard boaters. We love the floating docks, great swimming pool, on site restaurant and many other amenities. We are within walking distance of downtown St Pete but much quieter than the Municipal Marina. Bayboro Harbor is very well protected and has easy access to the bay. We do not have as much rocking during rough weather as our friends @ other downtown marinas.
Highly suggest you check it out.
Susan & Joe Chilberg
Set Free ’88 Monk 36
I had three consecutive annual contracts in Harborage until October 2007, I was leaving on a 12 month offshore cruise in May 2008 and asked if I could have an extension until then. This was refused on the grounds that ‘ we only do 12 month contracts’ and at some inconvenience I had to relocate for six months. I had never been in arrears and had caused no `trouble’. I completed a transatlantic circuit and you can be sure that I put every one I met who expressed any interest in western Florida in the picture about this and can only hope that this marina now adopts a more customer friendly policy.
David Watkins, s/v `Swift `, Palmetto.
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St. Petersburg Municipal Marina guards the western shores of Tampa Bay, in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, FL. There are many dining possibilities within walking distance.
This is one of the best managed, large municipal marinas it has been my privilege to review over the last 30 years, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.
St Petersburg Municipal Marina is one of the largest liveaboard “approved” marina and offers the benefits of being downtown and within walking distance of all needs and attractions. Keyed gates secured with 24X seven security and cameras. dedicated parking,keyed mail box, etc, etc, etc,.. Plus the St Pete area is a wealth of boat technicians from it’s boat building eras.
What is amazing about St Pete is it’s vibrancy of venues, events, shops, restaurants, museums, performing arts, sports venues, large
hospitals college, etc., etc. etc. I all our cruising we find it to offer the most at a great price point.
Joe Pica
Carolyn Ann
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Laishley Park Muncipal Marina is an excellent facility, located between the twin Highway 41 Bridges, immediately upstream of the Punta Gorda waterfront. The entire downtown business/historic district lies within easy walking distance of the docks.
Sailors should note that their vessel must be able to clear a 45-fixed bridged in order to access this facility.
I would also check out Lashley marina in Punta Gorda. We were there in 2011 for 3 months and had a great stay. Located in the center of town with easy walk to lots of amenities. They are now a legal live a board marina. They also have great floating docks, and in the winter the fixed docks in Fisherman’s Village can be a challenge.
Ray&Linda
on SUMMERTIME
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Snead Island Anchorage - Click for Chartview
Snead Island Anchorage lies along the broad band of deep water northeast of marker #11 in the Manatee River.
Very large anchorage with good depth for large boats. We were able to come in here after dark in a 68′ cruiser.
James Carroll
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Marina Jacks - Click for Chartview
Marina Operations/Marina Jacks abuts the east-northeastern shores, to the northeast of red unlighted daybeacon #8A in Sarasota Bay, in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida.
I love the mooring field, dink over to O’Learys Tiki Bar and walk to Marina Jacks from there. Short walk to downtown and lots to do there. Marina Jacks has the best showers anywhere, if they only had a pool it would be perfect.
Cambren Davis
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Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove - Click for Chartview
Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove lies in the charted, water tank shaped cove, immediately east of the northernmost extreme of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and causeway.
Great little marina, two pools and hot tub, tiki bar and good restaurant. Not much within walking distance. Very reasonable rates, fills up on weekends. Entrance channel a little shallow in spots at low tide, not too bad though if you go slow. Keep left around red at entrance, then ease back to the right.
Cambren Davis
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Bradenton Beach Marina – Click for Chartview
Bradenton Beach Marina lies at the terminus of the charted, L-shaped channel cutting in from the Cortez Bridge’s southwestern corner in Bradenton Beach, FL
Stayed for two nights, had only planned staying one. Good solid marina, friendly staff, great location. Lots of restaurants nearby and cool free trolley on the island, great beach.
I would definitely stay again.
Cambren Davis
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Riviera Dunes Marina Resort - Click for Chartview
While the basin that the marina is located in is not charted, it is not large enough to require charting. The shallowest water found is the channel to the basin. Our boat is in this marina and normally has over 15′ of water under her. The marina is well maintained, the staff is great, the location is excellent.
Rob Homan
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Cape Haze Marina Bay - Click for Chartview
Cape Haze Marina Bay flanks the eastern shores of the ICW/Lemon Bay, south of unlighted daybeacon #9.
Stayed at Cape Haze Marina overnight on May 27, 2013. Friendly staff, very helpful Showers are comfortable and clean, but close at 5:00 pm. This is a well protected marina that is well worth the price.
Manuel Farinas
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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.
Stayed at Twin Dolphin again this year for three nights, and as usual, the service was outstanding. The pool and Jacuzzi is a welcome change of pace from cruising and the occasional anchoring out. This is a top-notch facility with very helpful and courteous staff. Will repeat next year.
Manuel Farinas
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Twin Dolphin Marina
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This is one of the best small town harbors in Florida. When entering Smokehouse Bay from the north, keep on the west side of the bay. There is a narrow, north-south 3′ MLW mud shoal in the center of the north half of the bay. The shoal can be circumnavigated on the edges of the bay. Depths are mostly 9-12′ in slimy mud; be prepared to hose down when retrieving your ground tackle. Allow your anchor to set a while before setting as the mud is soft and deep. There is a 1 hour dinghy dock at the Winn Dixie, and you are within walking distance of anything you desire; West Marine, hardware store, rental car, many restaurants, propane, etc. On island taxis are $10 for up to four people. We’ve lived here 34 years and if we didn’t live here, this would be our premier cruising destination now that anchoring is unrestricted.
Lee Oldershaw
Tierra Verde Marina - Click for Chartview
Tierra Verde Marina is located directly on the Western Florida ICW, just west of the Pinellas Bayway Bridge, northwest of marker #22. This facility went through a major rebuilding only a year or so ago.
Stayed one night on our 31 foot sailboat. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. They only have 50 amp service, but were able to hook up to their outlet. No showers, but is in a nice location when going to/from Tampa Bay and the Gulf Intracoastal.
Manuel Farinas
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Recommendations of this type from fellow cruisers make for some of the best information you can get!
Call Dan Matos, marine engine surveyor (239-461-0366), and Steven Berlin, Accredited Marine Surveyor (239-466-45440 , They are both from Ft. Myers. Reported to be one of the best in Florida. We used them both on our new (new to us) Heritage East 44.
Good luck,
Ron on “Meander”
We have used Dan on two occassions. He is VERY GOOD, thorough and you can have confidence you are getting the best rests
Mary Anne Osborne
Rose Marco River Marina - Click for Chartview
Rose Marco River Marina overlooks the southwestern shores of Marco Island’s Factory Bay, which sits south-southwest of the Marco – Naples waterway’s unlighted daybeacon #15. Marco Island is on the Gulf coast south of Naples.
We spent three nights at RMRM recently. Nice floating docks, great fuel and dock prices and a helpful staff. It is a short walk to a hardware store, convenience store and restaurant. A taxi company offers complementary RT transport to selected local restaurants ‘“ a nice service.
Albert Howes, Chaparral Signature 270 ‘“ JAH Love
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Burnt Store Marina - Click for Chartview
Burnt Store Marina overlooks the eastern end of the charted channel, east of flashing daybeacon #6 on the eastern shore of Charlotte Harbor.
We spent two nights at BSM recently. Very friendly staff and great fuel and dock prices. Unfortunately, the ship’s store was closed. I understand they are awaiting a new concessionaire or manager. Given the location of BSM, having no store is a great inconvenience. We paid $50 in round-trip cap fare to get to the `local’ publix. BSM has a great water location, but they are in the middle of no where on land. A ship’s store or convenience store is critical at BSM in my opinion.
Albert Howes
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Burnt Store Marina
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This posting was prompted by a recent recommendation for a fuel delivery service in the Fort Myers area: /?p=113209. Manatee County is the Bradenton area south of Tampa. Cruisers’ Net would like to hear the opinions of our readers on the issue of truck-to-boat fuel delivery.
Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link found on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
Cruising News:
Our Homeowners Association in Manatee County has banned the delivery of fuel to vessels in our community. I am trying to find out if this ban is legal. I am aware of three locations where such bans were overturned or rescinded. Dania, North Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. The delivery service we were using is fully insured and has been in business for many years.
Les Martin
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