Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Nov 25, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.9291,-82.06339999
Fishermen’s Village Receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

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Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast and very deserving of this recognition! With celebrations honoring every season, you will feel right at home and will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Punta Gorda on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Punta Gorda, FL, November 23, 2016 –Fishermen’s Village today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.
“Receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Fishermen’s Village! We would like to thank all of our visitors who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Kathy Burnam, Marketing/Events Manager for Fishermen’s Village. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”
“With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions.”
The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
Fishermen’s Village Mall, Resort and Marina is located on pristine Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda Florida. A two level complex, the lower level features independently owned shops, boutiques and waterfront restaurants, water recreation, military heritage museum, live entertainment and special events. The second level sports vacation villas, available for daily/weekly rental. For more information, visit www.fishville.com or call 1 800 639-0020.
TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site**, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors***, and 350 million reviews and opinions covering 6.5 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 48 markets worldwide.
Kathy Burnam
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
mkting@fishville.com
1200 W. Retta Esplanade #57A
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
P 941 575-3007
M 941 258-1327
F 941 637-1054
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
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Nov 22, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
Seeking Deep Water Channel Marina off Northern Hawk Channel
If you have local knowledge of marina entrance channels that can accommodate a 5’5″ draft, let us hear from you. August is asking about Hawk Channel from Biscayne Bay to Marathon.
Our sailboat draws 5’5″. I can’t seem to find ANY marinas on the ocean side We can get in about halfway on the trip. Any suggestions?
August Trometer, email: atrometer@me.com
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Michael Moorehead - November 25, 2016 - 3:34 pm

We too draw 5.5 feet. Best solution I have is to anchor overnight at Rodriguez Key, about half way to Marathon. Marathon and Key West will offer you marina options.
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Mike Curreri - November 25, 2016 - 2:55 pm

Anchoring by Rodriguez Key is the best alternative. Ocean Reef claims to have an 8′ approach at MLW, but I have been told there is a 5′ bump. No personal knowledge yet (going to try it in a few days.
Reply to Mike
Nov 22, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9209,-78.23629999
Report from Lockwoods Folly/AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 312

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The Waterway south of St. James Plantation Marina is a long narrow channel leading into the Lockwoods Folly Problem Stretch that requires keeping an eye on your depth finder. Our thanks to Michael Levy for this report.
Near St James Marina (STM 315-319) – again low tide – I stayed mid channel and had 10’+ 200 yards west of St James – I stayed close to G29, did the wide term between R46A and R46B, kept away from G47 and stayed close to R48…again 10’+ minimum through here.
Michael Levy
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
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Nov 22, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Bahamas Chatter: Changed water depth after Mathew?
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Changed water depth after Mathew?
Changed water depth after Mathew?
Posted: 20 Nov 2016 04:08 PM PST
Has anybody information about changed water depth after Mathew in any area of the Bahamas, especially on the route Memory Rock-Crab Cay?
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Danny Fraino - November 25, 2016 - 2:45 pm

I do not know about West End, However here in Freeport on Grand Bahama some of the canal entrances on the South side of Grand Bahama have had large boulders washed into them from hurricane Matthew and vessels entering these entrances should proceed with extreme caution especially at low tide.
Reply to Danny
Nov 21, 2016by: Curtis Hoff No Comments
NEW Chart View : Overview
This is the first in a series of posts detailing the capabilities of the New Chart View. This post provides an overview of the graphical layout and associated feature areas.
There are six feature areas to become familiar with. Each area is shown in the following graphic and generally described below.
1. Map Type
2. Tools
3. Display Options
4. View Control
5. Weather Overlays
6. Messages
1. Map Type
Map type choice is available in the upper left corner with the three similar options as the past: Charts, Hybrid and Map. Charts are now obtained from the official NOAA site versus through EarthNC in the past. Hybrid is a combination of aerial with street overlays and obtained from Google. Map is a traditional street map view and also obtained from Google.
2. Tools
The tool area is in the top center and provides general functionality including:
- Help
- Local information
- Measuring
- Routing
- ‘Go To Home’ – center at your current location, and
- Latitude and longitude of the current mouse position when the window is active.
Measuring allows you to measure on the map between two locations. You can drag the end points around and instantaneous distance and optionally the latitude and longitude of the points.
Routing enables you to define a route on screen and download it or to upload a previously defined route from a file in gpx format. When defining the route the distance and bearing between each set of points is shown, the total distance to each point and, optionally, with latitude and longitude of each point.
Local information is comprehensive information based on the map center if you click the icon or anywhere you right click the mouse . This comprehensive information includes the local regular weather forecast (daily, next few hours, weekly), marine weather forecast, sun/moon times and characteristics, nearest tide station (predicted, actual, difference) and nearest weather buoy.
3. Display Options
There are many options that can be toggled on / off from this area. Many are the same as the original chart view (marinas , bridges , anchorages , etc) but several are new and innovative. Two of which are:
The Waterways option displays the various waterways (infamous Magenta line, etc.) and also contains dots at every 5 miles via the icon. When hovering over a dot a popup shows the mile marker so you always have a quick reference to your mile marker location.
A second and highly innovative feature is the ability to show hydrographic survey data . Depending on the data available, the survey data can be shown as depth dots like the Argus data or a color contour overlay. You can choose which form to show the survey depths when both types are available.
A separate post will detail these and the other options due to the extensive functionality and capabilities.
4. View Control
View controls are on the right side of the screen, these include:
Full screen option at the top right which allows Chart View to cover your entire screen.
Zoom controls at the bottom right .
Street view is selected via the yellow Pegman. Stree view is enabled by clicking and dragging the Pegman to a location on the map. The map will automatically switch to the street view and the street view control will replace the yellow Pegman. To exit street view click the arrow icon located in the upper left corner .
5. Weather Overlays
Five different weather overlays are currently available.
1. Wind
2. Wave Height
3. NEXRAD Radar
4. Clouds
5. Lightning Strikes
6. Marine Warnings
Data for these overlays are obtained from NOAA.
6. Messages
Depending on your activities various message and information windows may appear. This will generally be shown from the bottom center of the view.

Click here to check out the new Chart View and these features now

Other Posts Regarding the New Chart View:
11-08-16 Announcement
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Nov 21, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.9291,-82.06339999
FOCUS ON Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

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Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast. With celebrations honoring every season, you will feel right at home and will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Punta Gorda on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, the gateway to Southwest Florida!
The Village is Florida’s unique combination of a full-service destination resort and a hometown hang out for visitors and locals alike. Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina can fill a day, define an evening, or pack the itinerary of extended stay.

Conveniently located between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Fishermen’s Village is the waterside event center and launching site for Florida fishing and recreation, culture and entertainment, shopping and dining. See why Fishermen’s Village is the locals’ enduring favorite and the visitors’ top choice.
Find the pride of Charlotte Harbor’s maritime community.
The protected, secure marina at Fishermen’s Village offers more than one hundred boat slips to accommodate power craft and sailing vessels up to 60 feet LOA and 7-foot draft. Family cruisers, fishing boats, sailboats, dinghies, and sport craft all find safe harbor, friendly dockhands, and the modern amenities that keep the jewel of Charlotte Harbor on the “Top 10” lists of sail and yachting magazines year after year.
Slips have 30/50 amp electricity, dock boxes, potable water, cable television and Wi-Fi available. Additional amenities — from pump-outs to pizza delivery — are available upon request. Larger vessels can be side secured and 100-amp service is available.
Gulf of Mexico mariners and inland bay day sailors confirm Dock Age magazine’s rating of Fishermen’s Village Marina as its undisputed “Marina of the Year.”

Recent renovations and dredging enhance the marina’s well-marked entrance channel. Controlling depth at mean low water is approximately 7.5 feet and dockside depths range from 7.5 feet to 3.5 feet at MLW.
Valvtect gasoline and diesel available. Discounts for dock holders.
Fishermen’s Village Marina is located in Upper Charlotte Harbor, near the confluence of Florida’s famous Peace River.
Outer Channel Marker: Red No. 2 at 26 deg 56.1 min N. 82 deg 04.4 min W.
Harbormaster monitors U.S. Coast Guard radio channel 16.
Fishermen’s Village Marina
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941 575-3000
www.fishville.com
email: marina@fishville.com
Outer Channel Marker: Red No. 2 at 26 deg 56.1 min N. 82 deg 04.4 min W.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
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Nov 21, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.6702,-81.46619999
Good News from Fernandina Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 716

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Our thanks to Wally Moran and community leaders for assisting in having a dinghy dock restored at Fernandina Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Fernandina Harbor Marina, heavily damaged by Matthew and offering only limited service, is right in the heart of the many wonderful things to do and see in this special port, see /160351 and call for latest information, 904-310-3300.
Officials in Fernandina Beach decided on Friday to put a dinghy dock in place [at Fernandina Harbor Marina], as I was advised Friday by the president of the local Chamber of Commerce, who sent me the following note she received from the marina –
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A message from Joe Springer at the Marina:
Just wanted you to know we have rearranged boats in the marina and now have a dingy dock area set aside.
This will allow those vessel that are in the harbor, at anchor, a place to come ashore and visit our downtown area.
This area is for dingy boats under 10′ in overall length.
Joe Springer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So – there is now a way for those passing through FB to get ashore and enjoy the city, and just in time for the Thanksgiving crowd coming out of St. Marys, GA.
Note – marina itself is closed, and mooring balls are not available. The only option here is to anchor, or take a slip at one of the other, far less convenient to downtown, marinas. Fuel could be an issue for some and this needs to be noted.
I did promise the Mayor and others on town council and the Chamber that I would see to it that this change was publicized both on my own social network, and with major online boating media.
Wally
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina HURRICANE DAMAGE AND CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
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Nov 20, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 5 Comments
Bahamas Chatter: The end of sport fishing
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: The end of sport fishing
The end of sport fishing
Posted: 19 Nov 2016 04:52 AM PST
The following is an article from The Florida Times-Union: Florida wildlife officials expressed concern Wednesday the government of the Bahamas is in talks with China to split fishing rights in waters east of Florida.
State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Nick Wiley said the potential deal, as reported, could impact Florida’s commercial and sport-fishing industries.
“China, their interests in this, would get exclusive access to fisheries in Bahamian waters,” Wiley said. “A lot of people may not realize this, but the boundary between the United States waters and Bahamian waters is still in dispute. It’s still not been clarified, so that further makes this an issue. The government of the Bahamas hasn’t released details of the negotiations.
The Nassau Guardian newspaper has reported that the government of the Bahamas has given the green light to its embassy in Beijing to pursue agricultural and fishing partnerships with China. The proposal reportedly could bring $2.1 billion in cash, along with agricultural and farming equipment, into the Bahamian economy, over 10 years.
The proposal by the Bahamian government, according to the Guardian, states: “While realization of a reasonable return on an investment in agriculture is a relatively slow process, requiring substantial capitalization over many years, participating companies in the initiative will within months of commencement of operations realize positive cash flow from the sale of seafood.”
Under the reported terms of the deal, the government would lease to 100 companies — each jointly owned by Chinese and Bahamians shareholders — 10,000 acres in Andros Island, along with fishing licenses.
“It is anticipated that the agricultural products and the seafood will be used either for local consumption or will be exported to China or the U.S.A. for sale,” the proposal says. “The management of participating companies will resolve to do what is in their best interest.”
Commercial fishing for conch, lobster, snapper and grouper are mainstays of the Andros Island’s economy. However, the indication is that the Chinese firms want to target dolphin, kingfish, marlin, tuna and wahoo.
Wiley said the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reached out to the government of the Bahamas for additional details.
“It’s something we really need to figure out what is going on. We really don’t understand it yet,” said Commissioner Robert Spottswood, the president of a Key West real-estate development company. “But the potential impact for us in the Keys, in Florida and for the U.S., of the Chinese government getting involved in fishing in the Bahamas could certainly affect the balance of what is going on in fisheries in South Florida.”
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Comments from Cruisers (5)

Michael Albury -  November 29, 2016 - 3:16 pm

According to the latest report, directly from our Prime Minister, this conversation/idea is dead.
It was an idea our minister of marine resources put out to the Chinese for feedback.
There was quite an uproar here in the Bahamas.
I don’t expect to hear much about it except from those that will get the information later and believe it is an ongoing process.
Thank you for making the post.
MOST OF US KNOW WHERE OUR FRIENDS ARE : ))
Reply to Michael

John Todd -  November 28, 2016 - 3:23 pm

Not knowing the actual numbers it seems unlikely China would be willing to compensate the Bahamian population(this affects ALL Bahamians not just the government) for the loss of American tourist dollars brought in by the fishing industry.
I know the Chinese have long held a large tract of land on the tip of Grand Bahama Island where they have oil storage and tanker terminal facilities but surely this is helping China out a lot more than the average Bahamian.
Tell me this is just another fantasy rumor…
Reply to John

Richard Dugan -  November 26, 2016 - 12:18 pm

History has shown us what will happen when Governments , who care nothing for conservation, get involved. Does anybody trust the Chinese to adhere to the catch limits placed on Sportfish ? ! !
Reply to Richard

David Tarbox -  November 26, 2016 - 11:24 am

The US needs to do more to strengthen relations with the Bahamas so they won’t look to the Chinese for support in our backyard. We need to recognize the economic expansionist goals of the Chinese (see South America and Africa) or we will be caught flat footed again.
Pass this article on to Senators Nelson and Rubio
Reply to David

Gregory Yount -  November 25, 2016 - 10:21 pm

Well, that is pretty disturbing!
Reply to Gregory
Nov 19, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.0775,-79.45929999
AICW Crab Traps, Problem Stretch south of McClellanville, AICW Statute Miles 430-433

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Our thanks to Dave Boxmeyer for this report and warning. Dave is referring to George Hospodar’s October comments on this Problem Stretch, /160670. Unlike the Chesapeake, crab traps are not the usual hazard in the Waterway.
I agree with George, we came through here yesterday at dead low tide and found no less than 5 foot of water under the boat. We draw 3 1/2 feet. The larger problem are the crab traps. They are everywhere, shore to shore and the channel is no exception. Took us a lot of “S” turns, but we managed to miss them all. You have to really pay attention to the depth finder and out the window in this stretch.
Dave Boxmeyer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For McClellanville
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Nov 18, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.1548,-81.67979999
New Markers in St. Johns River? Orange Park, FL

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Doctors Inlet is on the west side of the St. Johns just south of Orange Park. If you have knowledge of these uncharted markers, let us hear from you.
Good morning – We live on the west shore of the St. Johns River (FL) just north of Doctor’s Inlet, and have just recently noticed what appear to be new flashing markers (3 red, one green) near the east side of the river, north of Mandarin Point and just north and east of the flashing green “11” on chart 11492.
They are not charted, and I can’t find them on any recent notices to mariners. Anybody know anything about them? Thanks.
Bill Healy
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St Johns Marker #11
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Nov 15, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.0243,-76.69579999
Christmas Flotilla, December 10, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181

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Oriental is home to two SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, Oriental Marina and Nautical Wheelers! and the Christmas Flotilla is the perfect start for the Holiday Season.
Christmas Flotilla in Oriental
There will be a Christmas flotilla as part of the 2016 annual Oriental Spirit of Christmas festivities.
Boats will rendezvous at Oriental marker “1” at 1645 on Saturday, December 10th and proceed on a prescribed route. Those participating and desiring a reserved slip at the free town dock will be provided one on a first to register basis. This dock will be reserved from Friday noon until Sunday noon.
A limited amount of electricity will be provided at this dock for lighting only. We will also have free overflow slips available throughout Oriental for participating out of area or out of town boaters. Please contact Joe Valinoti via email at joesail1@gmail.com for the entry form and flotilla instructions including slip assignments.
Joe

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
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Nov 13, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: New marina in Spanish Wells…
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: New marina in Spanish Wells…
New marina in Spanish Wells…
Posted: 12 Nov 2016 04:08 AM PST
Just wondering if anyone has any reviews, and also pricing for the new Yacht Haven Marina in Spanish Wells?
DenO
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Nov 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.3142,-82.57259999
Farmers Market Brings Produce to Lido Key, Sarasota Bay

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This is good news for cruisers visiting Lido Key which lies west of southern Sarasota Bay and south of New Pass. This notice comes from www.yourobserver.com.
On Nov. 3, the Lido Pavilion hosted the key’s inaugural Veggie Market, a weekly open-air produce sale designed to serve barrier island residents.
by: David Conway Deputy Managing Editor
CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Otter-Lido Key Anchorage
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