Shared Photo: Hopetown Lighthouse, Hopetown, Abacos by Tony Pozun
Our thanks to Tony Pozun for this lovely photo!
CRUISERS NET
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Caution Still Needed in Jekyll Creek Problem Stretch, GA AICW Statute Mile 683
This long overdue dredging is very welcome, but as Richard Ross confirms, the dredging has not been completed so GO SLOW and KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE DEPTH FINDER! Because the channel through this Problem Stretch seems to shift with each tide and until the dredging proves otherwise, Cruisers Net still recommends mid to high tide passage.
By now everyone cruising the ICW should know that Jekyll Creek is being dredged.
We came thru there today (May 2/19) near high tide and saw 2 ft MLW near the infamous marker 19. The dredge is at the north end and will be working its way south. Completion is scheduled for June 15. So don’t strike this off your list of Georgia problem stretches yet.
Richard Ross
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll CreekClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchAREA SPONSORING MARINA
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina
Comments from Cruisers (3)
- Reply to Richard
In reply to Dave and Bob. Sorry it took so long, we have been out cruising.
MLW depths mean the water depth at low tide. Of course the water was much deeper at close to high tide when we went thru (We draw 5 ft), but I subtracted the tide when calculating water depth. The bottom line is that until the dredging is finished, most boats will not be able to pass this section at low tide.
- Reply to Dave
Can someone please verify this? Seems to be an exaggeration
- Reply to Bob
With all due respect, it is hard to believe that there was 2 ft mlw in Jekyll Creek today near high tide. These kinds of reports are useless to cruisers and actually are detrimental because they do not potray a complete picture. Exactly where near green 19 were you when you saw 2 ft? I suspect you were quite far off G 19 and which direction were u heading, north or south? I travel through here several times a year and have never heard of 2 ft at mlw except if you are out of the channel, off course or have not paid attention to the many tracks and routes posted online to easily traverse this area.
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Incident in Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route
Things that go bump… Normally, the ride through Dismal Swamp is best described as idyllic and unforgettable, but because of its heavily wooded banks, dredging in the Canal can sometimes stir up more than the usual amount of debris. It is unfortunate that vessels occasionally make contact in the Canal, even when no dredging is underway. Our thanks to Loopers Jeffrey and Cathy, Richard and Terrie for sharing their recent experiences with us. Dismal Swamp Canal is home to Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
We came through the Dismal Swamp today and to tell the truth, I can’t recommend the route at all. We went through with three boats. One boat which draws 5ft struck submerged logs numerous times and bent the prop. Our Mainship 40, which draws four feet, struck something twice and ran over a dredge hose in the canal. There is a dredge working the canal but he has a plastic pipe across the canal and I asked him to submerge it. He came back on the radio and said he did sink it. I went over it and hit it both with the bow and my prop. If you take this route please use caution. If I had to do it over again, I would go the Virginia cut. Good luck.
Jeffrey and Cathy Guttenberger
R Time
2005 Mainship 400We came past the dredge a few minutes ago and had no problems … we draw 4.5 feet. The dredge operator was very helpful and contacted us after we passed to ask if we had hit anything. I think he was feeling bad about yesterday’s incidents. My depth finder alarm was set at 6’ and never went off. The lowest depth I remember seeing was 7.2’. We did bump something a couple times but for us it wasn’t a big deal.
Richard & Terrie Dukes
AvalonDirector of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, Donna Stewart, offered this response:
A boater mentioned this second hand to us yesterday, but I had not had any complaints…..at all. We have been consistently asking people, and also have checked in with Robert [Lock master]. Of course, most of our boats are heading north right now, with a few southbound. I’m sorry to hear this report…… After the wind on Friday, we had a report of a tree down at mm19 on Saturday morning, but all boats got through and I’m aware the contractor came and cut the tree to clear passage. I’ve had so many positive comments this season, and it has been so good. This is disappointing.
All the comments we have received from boaters have been very positive, which has been encouraging and we have asked. We are advising boaters the company is monitoring Channel 72 and please contact them for any information in moving through. I’m sorry to hear someone had issues.
Donna Stewart
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Tom
Our boat "Kissed Some Frogs" 42' with 3.5' draft, and 2 others in our group, another 42' with 3.5" draft, and a 53' with 5' draft, all transited the lock and past the dredge with no issues. We saw a few floating logs/sticks, and there was a bump or two with the 5' draft, but no worse than other wooded edge waterways like the Waccamaw River. We also saw three other sailboats (which we assume all had deeper drafts) two south bound and one north bound behind us, that transited without issue.
We called the Dredge Barge on channel 72, they asked us to hold for a few minutes while they got the pipe out of the way, and we proceeded past very slowly. While passing over the pipe, we went into neutral and glided across just to be safe, but none of us had any issues. The Dredge operators were very friendly and helpful.
We stayed overnight at the welcome center with 2 other boats, a cruiser and a sailboat, and it was great. The paths in the State Park are beautiful! All of the staff (Lock masters, Welcome Center, State Park employees), were friendly helpful and were showing real concern for the reported issues. They were not aware, and asked that anyone who did experience issues, contact them as the Dredge Operator carries insurance.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this amazing part of our boating history. Just take it slow, (we kept to about 5 knots), keep your eyes open, and stay in the center of the channel. You'll be glad you did!
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Marina Shore Power GFCI Protection by Jim Healy
Our thanks to experienced cruiser, Jim Healy, for sharing his expertise on this subject as originally posted on AGLCA’s Forum.
Blair has summarized the problem well. His summary should provide awareness for the AGLCA fleet. This problem is becoming more and more common as the years roll by and marina upgrades are done. I have written extensively about this problem over many years, and all my articles are all on my website. All of my articles are free to all.
What Blair has not done is to explain how individual boat owners can test their own boats and then, what to look for as potential causes of sensor tripping (continuous and/or nuisance). I wrote an article for individual boaters to use to test their own boats. Here is a link to that article: https://gilwellbear.
wordpress.com/category/boat- . Owners do not need to come into contact with live electric circuits to perform these tests, but will need basic electrical test tools (less than $100).technical-topics/electrical- topics/boat-ac-topics/ac- safety-tests-for-boats/ There are many, many causes for ground faults/leakage faults on boats. Here is a link to an article that may help individual boat owners to isolate symptoms: https://gilwellbear.
wordpress.com/category/boat- technical-topics/electrical- topics/boat-ac-topics/ground- faults-and-ground-fault- sensors/ In addition to the above, I have articles on ELCI devices as recommended by ABYC, Electric Shock Drowning, reasons it may be quite difficult to hire professional help with these issues, why 240V boats will sometimes find 208V at docks, and much more.
All boat owners should know the basic “somethings” about their boat’s AC Systems. For that, I have two introductory articles. AC Fundamentals Part 1 describes shore power as found in a single family residence (building/condo/apartment). Understand that is extremely helpful to understand boats. AC Fundamentals Part 2 describes how the pieces fit together on boats. These are introductory articles and WILL NOT turn readers into electricians, but they will enable readers to discuss issues, problems and proposed corrections with a professional, and understand what the professional is telling them.
Discussion on this and other forum lists come and go, but the website is always available.
Questions are welcome.
Jim
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.
com
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
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Shared Photo: Money Cay, Bahamas by Greg Allard
Greg Allard is so kind to share his beautiful Bahamas photos with us.
One reason to go to the Bahamas. This photo was taken on Money Cay in the Berry Islands.
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to Winston
Now that is what I call "Island tranquility".
"Mental Floss"…. "Heaven On Earth"…
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Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association Report
Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable. Your membership dollars directly impact their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.
Jekyll Creek, GA Thin-layer Placement Project Underway!Earlier this month, Cottrell Contracting Corporation began work on the $6 million Jekyll Creek Thin-layer Placement Project in coastal Georgia. The beneficial use project includes the removal of approximately 220,000 cubic yards of material from Jekyll Creek and is part of an overall $12.7 million contract that will include maintenance dredging of an additional 680,000 cubic yards in Buttermilk Sound, Hell’s Gate and Fields Cut. Brad Pickel, AIWA Executive Director, was invited to participate in a recent pre-construction meeting with representatives from the South Atlantic Division and Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We were welcomed by Devon Carlock of Cottrell Contracting to visit the thin-layer placement area for the project and learn more about the dredge Rockbridge. The project partners have established an on-site video to view the construction occurring within the thin-layer placement area including a video loop of all previous activity.
Click here for camera streaming. We also invite you to view this link to a recent story by News4Jax in Jacksonville, FL of a 01:45 video clip of the project. We will share information and photos as this pilot project is implemented along the AIWW!
ABOVE L to R: Dylan Davis, South Atlantic Division of USACE; Jonathan Brodie, Savannah District of USACE; Devon Carlock, Cottrell Contacting & AIWA Board Member; Mike Montone, Savannah District of USACE. Rockbridge dredge on Jekyll Creek. AIWA Advocacy Leads to Multi-State Congressional Support for Waterway FundingOne of the most significant goals of our advocacy work is building a coalition of support for waterway funding in Congress. Coalitions are more robust than individual efforts when requesting funding and we are grateful to partner annually with the Florida Inland Navigation District to target U.S. Representatives along the AIWW. This year we engaged with our new partner and AIWA member, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, to pursue support in New Jersey connecting the value of Marine Highway 95 extension along the northeastern U.S. We are pleased to announce our combined efforts were a success! Specifically, we asked Congressional Representatives to join together and request $60 million for three Additional Dredging Needs funding pots for the Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance budget that can be used to perform waterway maintenance by signing a bi-partisan delegation letter. We received sixteen signatories representing all five states along the AIWW and New Jersey! [A snapshot of the delegation letter is below, for a full version simply click on the image.] If you have the opportunity to personally thank any one of the Representatives, PLEASE do so. They are true champions for the waterway and the Nation’s maritime transportation system.
Maritime Administration Awards $6.7 Million
for Marine Highway ProjectsOn April 23rd, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $6,790,000 in grants to three Marine Highway projects. The funding will go towards enhancing existing services in Louisiana and Virginia as well as supporting the development of a new project in New York. “These grants will expand the use of our country’s waterways, which are essential to our economic growth and vitality,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
MARAD’s Marine Highway Program supports the increased use of the nation’s navigable waterways in order to relieve landside congestion, provide new and efficient transportation options, and increase the productivity of the surface transportation system. The program works with public and private stakeholders to achieve these goals. “America’s Marine Highway Program is dedicated to expanding freight movement on the water and this round of grant funding will go a long way towards ensuring that our nation’s waterways continue to be utilized as effectively as possible,” said Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby.
Two of the grant awards are for increased container-on-barge service from our deep water ports to inland areas. The AIWA has advocated for container-on-barge service to leverage the value of our waterborne transportation system and the AIWW (M-95) for a number of years. We are eager to see these services expanding! Learn more about the projects on the MARAD website. ©️Map courtesy of MARAD
SAVE THE DATE
AIWA’s 20th Anniversary!
2019 Annual Meeting
November 21—22
@The Desoto Hotel, Savannah, GA
Support AIWA ~ New Members Sign Up Here! Copyright © 2019. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. All rights reserved.
The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the AIWW [Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway]. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway.
Contact:
5A Market * Beaufort, South Carolina 29906 * (843) 379-1151AIWA The Unified Voice of the Waterway ~ Celebrating 20 Years in 2019
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Sunrise over Riviera Dunes Marina by Coby Gaulien
Love these sunrise photos! Thank you Coby and thank you all!
Riviera Dunes Marina is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
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USCG Rescue by Off-Duty Guardsman
The United States Coast Guard doing what they do best – even when off-duty! Well done Chief Matthew Hare!
Off-duty Coast Guardsman rescues boater from capsized vessel near Cumberland Island
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An off-duty Coast Guardsman rescued a boater from a capsized vessel Friday near Cumberland Island, Georgia.
The Coast Guardsman, Chief Matthew Hare of the cutter Hammer, notified Coast Guard Sector JacksonvilleCommand Center watchstanders he noticed one boater sitting on his capsized 16-foot boat at 7:30 p.m while on his personal boat. Hare retrieved the man from the water and transported him to Fernandina Harbor Marina.
“Even when we’re out of uniform, we as Coast Guardsman are always on duty,” said Hare. ” The maritime community is always there for each other.”
The boater was reported to be in good condition.
The owner of the vessel is coordinating salvage.
For more breaking news follow us on Twitter.
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Explore Your Ocean Treasures at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.
Explore your ocean treasures at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
Upcoming public meeting, student robotics competition, and special volunteer recognition 
NOAA science diver Randy Rudd descending to the depths of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Photo credit: Dr. Peter Auster/UCONN
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council to meet
NOAA’s Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will hold a meeting on
April 30, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Library Auditorium of the University of
Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. The public is invited to attend.Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council holds two in-person meetings every year. The council will receive reports about science activities and results, including a presentation by NOAA research scientist Dr. Jenni Stanley about her work to characterize soundscapes in Gray’s Reef and three other national marine sanctuaries. Council member Bob Crimian from The Nature Conservancy will report on TNC’s recreational angler engagement project.
Public comment will be taken at approximately 4:00 p.m.
For updates including a final agenda, visit
https://graysreef.noaa.gov/management/sac/council_news. html 
Gray’s Reef Southeast MATE ROV Competition
Students from across the southeast will compete in Savannah, GA on Saturday, May 11th with their underwater robots (ROVs) in a mission involving habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, maritime archaeology, and structural maintenance of freshwater dams. Come learn about applied ocean sciences, operations, engineering and opportunities for student learning with Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation at the Southeast MATE ROV Competition!
#graysreef #materov #graysreefnmsf
Gray’s Reef Volunteer of the Year – Katie Miller
Join us in congratulating Katie Miller for being Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary’s Volunteer of the Year! Katie has acted as a dedicated and engaged outreach volunteer since 2015 and is being recognized for her outstanding service to the site in 2018. Katie is a stellar student, now in her first year at Dartmouth College, who is inspired by the ecology of coastal Georgia and seeks opportunities to learn about and protect our ocean planet. We wish her all the best and congratulate Katie on a job well done!
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
graysreef.noaa.gov
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NO WAKE Reminders Needed at Linton Blvd Bridge, Delray Beach, FL AICW Statute Mile 1041
Lenny and Meryll’s frustration really isn’t with faded NO WAKE signs, but with the fact that too many boaters are not being good neighbors in this very crowded area though downtown Delray Beach. So…SLOW DOWN! With a closed vertical clearance of 27 ft, Linton Blvd bascule bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 1041.
The NO WAKE signs on the Intracoastal North of the Linton Blvd bridge in Delray Beach are faded and mostly ineffective. There is only one and it can barely be seen. Would you know who I could contact about this?
Thanks SO much!!
Lenny and MeryllClick Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers Net Bridge Directory Listing For Linton Blvd
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Linton Blvd
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Jake
Ridiculous … even big yachts will occasionally plow right by marina areas … they all know better!! Need signs between Linton and Atlantic Ave bridges.
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Nice photo, Tony.