The entrance to Cape Coral Bimini Basin is on the north shore of the Caloosahatchee River from Waterway marker 86 off Piney Point. These arrest allegations are unconfirmed at this time. See Bimini Basin Anchorage by Claiborne Young from a kinder, gentler time.
Bimini Basin in Cape Coral is a sheltered, convenient anchorage on the Caloosahatchee River (Florida Cross Waterway-Okeechobee waterway). The news has reported that the city fathers have decided that ANYONE THAT DINGHIES ASHORE WILL BE ARRESTED! August Trometer
Bad behavior has been an issue in Bimini Basin for some time:
What law is being broken? First- we are all for the mooring field. This place needs to be cleaned up. We anchor there for 3 days max to provision. We have a huge holding tank so that’s not an issue but there are too many unscrupulous dregs that ruin it for the rest of us responsible sailors a bad name. It’s a safe harbor for us and we use it as such. We’d rather be sailing the rumbline trust me. Fishbowls we no like.
There has been a growing collection of boats anchored in Bimini Basin. The majority are sailboats that appear abandoned or poorly maintained. There have been a few very nice boats that are occupied and this is what is generating issues with water quality since there are no pumpouts and those folks are not holding it until they go ashore to some facility. The basin is tidal and surrounded by high density housing therefor it is not certain that some or all of the pollution is from anchored boats. Many smaller powerboats pass through the basin everyday. There have been no arrests that I am aware of. There are two concrete docking piers for dingies.
I am in the Turks and Caicos and was surprised to have this message displayed when I clicked on the above link: “Forbidden – Visitors from your country are not permitted to browse this site.†???
Georgetown, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is home to Harborwalk Marina, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food, and shopping!
Port of Call – Georgetown, South Carolina There is a town, whose location astride the confluence of several rivers caught the attention of our nations earliest explorers, as early as 1526 when the Spanish recognized its natural resourcefulness and tried but failed to settle successfully. Then in 1729 the English actually laid out the town; its natural shipping port qualities provided an important role in our fight for independence during the Revolutionary War, and it was virtually unscathed during the Civil War, thriving to its prominence today. You don’t want to miss visiting historic and exciting, Georgetown, South Carolina, a delightful escape form 21st century hustle with its southern charm and hospitality. Sitting where several rivers, the scenic and mysterious Waccamaw, the Great Pee Dee, the Black, and Sampit rivers all yawn lazily into vastness of Winyah Bay, Georgetown constantly calls to mind its rich and storied past. For many years it was South Carolina’s most important port north of Charleston, this jewel of a coastal town retains its character of years ago while a new spirit of success sustains its future. Skippers and Captains who make Georgetown a “port of call” will be greeted with the warm hospitality of this quiet, historic town.
Georgetown County Museum
The heritage of the remarkable rice and indigo eras is important to fully appreciate Georgetown and its surrounding rivers and streams. Anyone who takes the time to examine their charts, will find that Georgetown is perfectly suited to take advantage of waterborne commerce. These same deep and easily navigable streams, today present a multitude of exploration opportunities for pleasure cruises. As you move quietly through these streams they gradually reveal one or more of the fabulous plantation houses that have survived hundreds of years. As you enter Georgetown’s harbor on the Sampit River, the first marina is Hazzard Marine, which you will see on your starboard side. Located a little further from the historical and dining areas, you are still with in a nice easy walk to the towns central area. Hazzard Marine is a full-service marina and boat yard with transient dockage on floating docks, 30/50-amp power, fuel, and pump-outs. Internet link: www.hazzardmarine.com
Further into the harbor on starboard, is Harborwalk Marina. It is on the boardwalk in the heart of Georgetown’s historic district, shopping, and dining areas. Harborwalk Marina has fuel, pump outs, laundry, lounge, showers, and ships store, along with floating and fixed docks with power services for 30/50/100-amp services. I must say, at Harborwalk you are right in the heart of town, right on Front Street where you are just a few enjoyable steps to 16 restaurants, 23 stores, 5 museums, and more all downtown. We strongly suggest that you first stop by the Georgetown Chamber which is on the same grounds as Harborwalk Marina. Pick up a town and tour pamphlet. A little planning can help you get much more accomplished and everyone highly recommends one of the many tour excursions. Ask about the light in the window story surrounding the Heriot-Tarbox House. Ghosts? You will have to see for yourself. Do a quick check to see what is going on in the Francis Marion Park, where there is often “Music In The Park” concerts and be sure to see what the “Swamp Fox Players” are up to. Could be very entertaining. You will easily spot the Clock Tower of the Old Market Building which houses the Rice Museum, a most interesting treasure of the community that helps one understand how Georgetown’s rice and indigo production was a good for some, but there was a sad side also. None-the-less, the town has survived many economic ups and downs and serious disasters. See the story of an African-American, born into slavery and later in life became the first African-American elected to the US House of Representatives. Next door and part of the exhibits is the oldest recovered vessel of colonial times; built around 1730, the Browns Ferry Vessel, a general-purpose freighter in its day, used on the local rivers. It was discovered on the bottom of the Black River in 1974 and has been carefully treated and reconstructed for display. Don’t miss the South Carolina Maritime Museum in the heart of Georgetown’s Historic District. The SC Maritime Museum is the creation of the “Harbor Historical Association” to help celebrate the maritime history of South Carolina and Georgetown, the states second largest port. On exhibit there is the Fresnel lens from the North Island lighthouse; enjoy the museums many programs and events that tell of South Carolina’s storied maritime history. It is also a perfect place to find that unique nautical gift.
Kids at the Museum
Dining is really fun and a treat in Georgetown, with the local “Lowcountry cooking,” casual waterfront dining, to the finer upscale restaurants. Almost every skipper I’ve spoken to has enjoyed “Thomas’s Café” for either breakfast of lunch as well The River Room, or Atlantic House Restaurant, or Beef O’Brady’s, (all my Irish friends), you name it Georgetown has it, from international specialties to local specialties, you will not be without something special to please your appetite. Shopping right in the heart of town is fun, no big box stores, most are owned and operated by local citizens, how refreshing. From antiques to local artisans’ crafts, to coastal boutiques for men and women, there is something for everyone. A great place to find that special birthday, Mother or Father’s Day, Christmas, or personal gift for someone special. If you need to take a night or two off from the live-aboard routine, and that is highly recommended, go get pampered; historic Georgetown is ready to accommodate with a host of fine bed-and-breakfasts inns and motels. Be sure when staying in one of the historic inns to check for the resident ghosts, that so loved Georgetown after their lives here, they have stayed in town. Georgetown once visited, will always be a part of you. Wonderful memories will be created and the warm hospitality will pull you back someday. Stop by, for at least several days or more in this coastal port-of-call. Georgetown’s southern charm is calling you.
Our thanks to Monty Lewis of Explorer Charts, long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, for this update on SVRS in the Bahamas.
SVRS will be replaced by CBP ROAM app Published April 28, 2018 | By Marc-Juno The U.S. Customs CBP ROAM app allows pleasure boaters to report their arrival using their smartphone. After submitting a report of arrival using the app a video chat with a Customs officer will begin.
I called U.S. Customs. The CBP ROAM app is available for use in Florida. In addition, the SVRS – Small Vessel Reporting System – Local Boater Option will be discontinued at some time in the future, if not soon. They are encouraging everyone, including SVRS members, to use the App now.
The exact app name is: CBP ROAM Available for Android and Apple
Larry and Kathryn Byrd request recent information on the Okeechobee Rim Route, so let us hear from you! The Indiantown Bridge restrictions, ending June 12, are the most recent issue Cruisers’ Net has posted.
Has any cruiser run the OWW rim route lately. Any advice is appreciated. Larry & Kathryn Byrd – Aboard SLO M’OCEAN
May be a bit out of date but in late February there was an electric cable across channel by Torry Island road bridge at about 30 feet. Its supposed to be being lifted to 50ft plus but have not heard any updates since. Sorry I have no further info.
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility and A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
NC has one of the country’s most beautiful rest stops – and it’s next to a swamp
The welcome center also serves as a gateway to Dismal Swamp State Park, just across the canal, a 22-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway that connects the Elizabeth River in Virginia with the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City.
Remember these old Evinrude ads? The family “run-about” is exactly how many of us got hooked on boating. Our trips up and down the Waterway with two daughters are highlights of our family’s history. My wife and I are still amazed at how easily the girls, ages 10 and 7, adapted to the confines of a 34ft trawler. Our advice, do not leave those kids at home!
It is always a pleasure to get good news from the Bahamas after hurricane damage many facilities and resorts suffered. Our thanks to William Cannon for this review.
Great time at Chubb Cay Bahamas After watching and hoping Chubb would be finished one day, that time has come . The clubhouse is amazing, with very friendly staff and amazing food. Tito, the Operation Manager , was very proud to talk about even more to come… adding 1000’ Ft to the runway, new spa coming in May. Seems they are really becoming a destination, not just a stop over… so great to see. William Cannon
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
NASSAU, The Bahamas, 24 April, 2018….. News that the Government has suspended the Flats Fishing Regulations has been welcomed by the Association of Bahamas Marinas, which had protested the passing of the regulations when they were passed in 2017 out of concern for a detrimental impact on the country’s appeal as a destination for fishing enthusiasts.
The association regrets that its concern has, in fact, proved to be well founded, given reports of a subsequent decline as high as 40 percent in bookings at bonefish lodges.
Now experiencing a bumper season in marina activity, the association regards the government’s decision as well timed and expects it will give the fishing lodges an opportunity to regain momentum and re-establish The Bahamas’ reputation as a premier fly-fishing destination.
Marina users spend large amounts purchasing goods and services in The Bahamas. Boaters, drawn to The Bahamas to fish will purchase fuel, groceries, supplies and repairs, gifts and souvenirs, entertainment, taxi services, food and beverages. The association recognises the impact the 2017 regulations has had on lodges, taxi drivers and Family Island communities and hails the government’s decision as well-timed.
The ABM expressed relief that onerous and impractical regulations will not now place a damper on the country’s ability to capitalise on the buoyant market conditions in the US and is convinced that regulations can be developed that will serve the interest of both supplier and consumer, while generating even greater economic benefits for the country.
Our thanks to Bill Parlatore for sharing his thoughts on passing skills via his blog, Following Seas. All of us slow-boaters – sail and trawlers – have been victims of skippers in their wake machines who have little no concern for other vessels on the Waterway.
It is about that time when many cruisers will be back on our waterways, heading in all directions. Bringing the boat north for the summer, doing the Loop, or onto SE Alaska, the new season is such an exciting time. On some of our rivers and bays, it can seem like the Wild West. Boats of all sizes are out, going at different speeds and directions, all moving independent of each other.
Our thanks to Norman Mason for this survey of available sources of diesel fuel on the St. Johns River upstream of Jacksonville, FL.
There is no diesel fuel available south [upstream] of Doctor’s Lake Marina on the St. John’s River, including at Monroe Bay Marina in Sanford. Waterway Guide’s 2018 Southern edition shows it available at several places.
Trout Creek Marina near Palatka is accessible if you can get under a 17 foot fixed bridge. This is the listed height on the NOAA chart, however some resources say the clearance is 14 feet. This marina told us their credit card machine was not working and they would only accept cash.
We did not check with Mandarin Holiday Marina, but it is just across the river from Doctor’s Lake.
Georgetown Marina, at the north end of Lake George, told us their diesel system was destroyed by the hurricane. Not sure which one, but no indication it would change.
St. John’s Marina South, north of Hontoon Island, told us their diesel pump was not working, with no indication it was going to be fixed anytime soon.
Sanford Boat Works, which is south of Sanford, may have it available, but there was no answer when trying to contact them on a Saturday. Access to this facility is questionable for deeper draft cruising boats, according to several we talked to.
Anyone cruising the St. John’s should know this, and be sure to fill at Doctor’s Lake Marina, before heading farther south.
If anyone is planning on going south on the St.John’s river as far as Sanford and will require diesel to return, you can call the Monroe Harbour Marina in Sanford (407) 322-2910 in advance, they will call for a fuel truck to be there at their fuel dock. I was on a 57′ Hatteras last week that filled up for a trip to Panama City. The marina called Gentry’s fuel in Deland the day before and we met the truck at the fuel dock at 9:30 in the morning. Several years ago I was buying diesel from Sanford Boat Works at the east end of Lake Monroe in Sanford, and also at the Georgetown Marina at the north end of Lake George, but I don’t know if either of them is still selling diesel. Also, Pier 44 in Deland used to have diesel but I never bought any from them. It might be worth a phone call if you really would like to cruise the southern part of the St. John’s as you’ll find that from Palatka south is the prettiest part of the river.
Cruisers Net shows that Sanford Boat Works is still reporting diesel fuel prices as of April 2018. Vessels going up river may want to call them for latest availability.
Renegades, an upscale RV campground and marina is said to have diesel. Renegades is located on the east side if the river south of Welaka and north of Georgetown near Fruitland.
Comments from Cruisers (4)
What law is being broken? First- we are all for the mooring field. This place needs to be cleaned up. We anchor there for 3 days max to provision. We have a huge holding tank so that’s not an issue but there are too many unscrupulous dregs that ruin it for the rest of us responsible sailors a bad name. It’s a safe harbor for us and we use it as such. We’d rather be sailing the rumbline trust me. Fishbowls we no like.
Any update on this? Are you allowed to dingy to shore?
There has been a growing collection of boats anchored in Bimini Basin. The majority are sailboats that appear abandoned or poorly maintained. There have been a few very nice boats that are occupied and this is what is generating issues with water quality since there are no pumpouts and those folks are not holding it until they go ashore to some facility. The basin is tidal and surrounded by high density housing therefor it is not certain that some or all of the pollution is from anchored boats. Many smaller powerboats pass through the basin everyday. There have been no arrests that I am aware of. There are two concrete docking piers for dingies.
I am in the Turks and Caicos and was surprised to have this message displayed when I clicked on the above link: “Forbidden – Visitors from your country are not permitted to browse this site.†???