Thank you Bob and Ann Sherer, authors of 2017 ICW Cruising Guide, for sharing a survey from their popular blog, http://fleetwing.blogspot.com/. Last dredged in November of 2016, Browns Inlet is a perennial Problem Stretch and it is wise to follow the advice Cruisers’ Net has been giving for some time: follow the markers and do NOT follow the Magenta Line in this stretch of the ICW! See an April 2017 report.
You guys probably already know this but a new survey of Brown’s Inlet came out 10/3 showing that you can’t just follow the ICW channel anymore through Browns Inlet. We’ll be doing some form of the “S” curve soon!
I wouldn’t say that Brown’s Inlet is no problem. There’s a new survey as of Oct 3 that shows a lot of shoaling in the same pattern as previously.
Looks like we have to do a “dip” away from the ocean, just like two years ago. At any rate, just following the ICW channel is not the best option. Look at G61A, that buoy will get you into trouble!
My wife, Pat, and I passed by Browns Inlet on the ICW on 10/10/2017, 2 1/2 hours after low water. Traveling down the middle of the marked channel, we found no less than 10 feet of water throughout the area.
Crews continue to mitigate pollution threats from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma
MIAMI — The Emergency Support Function 10 (ESF 10) Florida Unified Command continues making progress in its mission to mitigate pollution threats across Florida from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma. Currently, 858 displaced vessels have been removed from Florida waterways. Many of the removed vessels are the result of vessel owners taking it upon themselves to remove their own boats.
This leg of Jim and Peg Healy’s sojourn through South Carolina begins in the Waccamaw River, south to Winyah Bay, then turns west into Estherville Minim Creek and ends on Isle of Palms, home to CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Isle of Palms Marina. Again, our sincere thanks to these very experienced cruisers for sharing their experiences and expertise with all of us. The southbound minimally marked entrance to Minim Creek from Winyah Bay requires careful lookout or you will pass it, especially on an outgoing tide. And as a sidebar on Minim Creek, see Minim Creek Ferry.
Sanctuary and crew traveled south from Socastee, SC, on the Waccamaw, to Mt. Pleasant, SC, on Tuesday, 10/17/2017. Low tide in the region was early afternoon (13h30). The entrance to the Estherville-Minim Canal at Winyah Bay is very shoal for at least the first 1/2 mile. The Esterville-Minim Creek Canal and the Fourmile Creek Canal have both continued to shoal. We saw spots at 6-1/2 ft at 1/3 tide.
We managed – poor planning – to arrive at McClellanville at dead low tide (10/17/2017, 13h51, +0.1 ft above MLLW). Our depth sounder transducer is 30” below the waterline, and it quits when it get’s to 2 to 2-1/2 ft above a soft bottom or weeds. Today, it quit. So, I don’t know how deep the water really is. What I do know is, Sanctuary draws 4-1/4 ft. What I learned for certain is, the bottom of the ICW around McClellanville is soft mud. I had slowed to just above idle, (never approach anything faster than you’d want to hit it). We never got stopped making way, but there were spots where I could feel the soft mud throwing the boat around. One of many times I really, really liked having a single engine boat with a prop and rudder protected by a beefy full keel. We never encountered anything hard; nothing that went “bump” along the hull. The stretch between G”35″ and R “48” is definitely the worst long stretch (4 miles) on the ICW at this point. Not bad when the tide is in, but 4 ft or less at low tide, and worse yet if celestial low tide. Southbound, check the tide station called “McClellanville, Jeremy Creek” before departing (or passing by) Georgetown. To stay clear of the McClellanville mud at MLLW, ditch out up above McClellanville and wait for a better tide if you’ll arrive at low and your boat draws more than 3 ft.
Those who have done this stretch of South Carolina ICW in the past know there are some very impressive, long docks extending from shore. Many show signs of very significant storm damage. Several that had nice multi-deck sun shelters top were tipped over and lying in the water (well, lying in the mud at low tide). Many of the docks and access-ways had decking missing, we assume from waves and high water lapping at them from beneath. We saw sunken floats and many pilings askew. We did not see any flotsam, but I would definitely keep a sharp lookout throughout the region. Crab pot floats are everywhere. In fast currents, floats bob underwater. Be on the lookout…
There has been generally more transient boat traffic than I expected this early in the season. Don’t know if that predicts more traffic later, or maybe they’ve all already come through, so slower later??? The big go-fast boats we’ve encountered have generally been gentlemen about passing, but it’s on you if you’re a slow boat to keep a sharp eye out astern for approaching, overtaking traffic. Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436
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Thanks for your participation in this great group of cruisers willing and ready to share ideas and experiences!
The intersection of Shalotte Inlet and the Waterway has been an infamous Problem Stretch for years and we thank Philip Mullins for this report and observations.
Follow markers very closely. Crossed at low tide and last green can in inlet was aground about 3/4 way though inlet. Made it by, but the shoal was visible as we passed. Phillip Mullins
On 10/12/17, 1 hour after low water my wife, Pat, and I passed by Shallotte Inlet on the ICW and found no less that 6′ of water following the marked channel.
As recovery from Irma begins, Cruisers’ Net will keep you posted on conditions from southeast marinas as received. This posting will be updated regularly.
MARINAS and READERS, please submit condition reports directly to larry.dorminy@cruisersnet.net.
Please note that a number of Florida marinas either are unable to answer the phone or have full message boxes.
NOTE: Condition Reports are in as-received order.
NORTH CAROLINA Port City–removed fuel docks because of dredging in front of marina–will be down for a couple of weeks or more Anchorage is evacuating because of hurricane/will be back in business probably Thursday 9/28/17 Report from Bennett Brothers Yachts, Wilmington, NC
SOUTH CAROLINA Moss Marina in the process of rebuilding docks. Call for availablity and fuel status. Charleston Maritime Center-pumps are now working but septic tank is down Port Royal Landing Marina, Port Royal, SC – fully operational – boaters invited to stop in, linger for a while and enjoy Port Royal. Report from Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina Report from Harborwalk Marina, Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403 Report from Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Hilton Head Island, AICW Statute Mile 565 Report from Isle of Palms Marina, AICW Statute Mile 457 Report from City Marina, Ashley River, Charleston, SC Cooper River Marina, Charleston, is fully operational and open to transients
GEORGIA Hampton River Marina is closed Sunbury Crab Company -still cleaning up after hurricane Isle of Hope Marina, GA, fully operational minimal impact. Morning Star Marina at Golden Isles, GA – spoke with marina director, they are taking precautions as they bring services back on line. Will be fully operational by Monday, Sept. 18th Jekyll Harbor Marina – Mangager Bill Weeks said no significant damage noted at this time, lots of flooding and wind debris..cleaning up and when the island opens later today (9-14-17) they hope to find themselves fully operational. The Blue Goose, St. Marys, GA Lang’s Marina, St. Marys, GA IRMA Photos from Lang’s Marina, St. Marys , GA Lang’s Marina East and West were virtually destroyed by IRMA. No docks and no services. Many boats in the marsh.
EAST FLORIDA Loggerhead Marina at Jupiter–changed to Suntex Marina at Jupiter Loggerhead Marina at Vero Beach–changed to Suntex Marina at Vero Marina Loggerhead Marina at South Miami–changed to Suntex Marina of South Miami St. Johns River: Pier 44 is closed Post-Irma Report, Marineland Marina St. John’s Marina -pumps are down due to hurricane Palm Cove Marina is fully operational Westland Marina is fully operational Update on St. Augustine Municipal Marina and the city of SA. Courtesy of James H. Newsome St. Johns Marina– North side is down and pumps are down Vero Beach Municipal Marina is fully operational Palm Cove- not pumping fuel today-don’t know about the rest of the week Beach Marine-doesn’t have a lot of room for transients Marineland Marina has weathered the storm with no significant issues! St. Augustine Municipal Marina closed until further notice St. Augustine will be closed for 6 months Halifax–doesn’t have a lot of room for transients Coquina Marina (Daytona) is completely destroyed. Many boats with damage/sunken. Hammock Beach Marina with power, running water and no noticeable damage to any boats. Halifax Harbour with the floating docks and protection fared ok. Palm Cove Marina, Jacksonville, FL – no fuel, no ships store, but can help with dockage. Taking all precautions as they restore all services. Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, St Augustine, FL – fully operational Marineland Marina, St Augustine – fully operational for transients Palm Coast Marina – Palm Coast FL – fully operational and fuel available too Titusville Municipal Marina – fully operational fuel, power, water.. Report from Harbortown Marina, Merritt Island Fort Pierce City Marina The Yacht Group, Coral Gables, FL Old Port Cove Marinas, North Palm Beach Update from Old Port Cove Marinas, North Palm Beach Update from Martin County, Stuart, FL
FLORIDA KEYS Marathon will be closed until December or longer Conch Harbor is opening by October 20th or 21st Plantation Yacht Harbor is closed until December Matheson-mailbox is full Gilberts is closed Snake Creek-no answer Postcard Inn-no answer Pilot House-no answer Panchos-not in service Seabird will reopen 10/12/17 Matheson-only has diesel right now and hopefully will be up & running by the weekend Snake Creek-phone is dead Postcard Inn-phone is dead Garden Cove-no answer Fishbuster-no answer Bud & Mary’s-limited schedule/they will call back if you leave message Hawk’s Cay-has cancelled all reservations through 12/31/17-unsure of when they will reopen Key Colony-no answer Key Fisheries-no answer Burdines- IS OPEN NOW Seabird is Closed until Oct 5th or 11th Matheson-Mailbox is full Gilberts is Closed Marathon is Closed Pancho’s Fuel Dock-Mailbox is full Burdines Is Closed Key West Hopes to Re-Open for Fantasy Fest Bud N Mary’s Marina–CLOSED will open back up in October sometime Bud-N-Mary’s Marina of Islamorada, FL, suffered extensive damage to marinas docks. Hawk’s Cay Resort Marina–CLOSED Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages, Key Largo Founders Park and Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina Closed, Islamorada, FL
OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY
WEST FLORIDA C-Quarters Marina: We have been open since IRMA and Nate has left us unharmed. Beautiful panhandle location, jumping off spot for Steinhatchee and Tarpon Springs. Showers, laundry, wifi, diesel and 89 octane non-ethanol. Full ships store
Naple’s City Dock-closed for renovations-should reopen the first of the year Moss is Closed Cape Harbour can’t pump fuel/some kind of legal issue A1 is open Calusa Island is open Maximo is having renovations on their docks/will be open in about 3 months Boca Grande Marina – OPEN – NO DAMAGE; Restaurant closed until October 5. South Seas Island Resort Marina –Closed until 9/20/17 Calusa Island Marina–CLOSED Maximo-no fuel right now-doing renovations/be up and running in a month or so Moss Marina-Ft Myers Beach- Docks are gone. Gas dock is not operating. High and Dry buildings seem OK. Gulf Harbour had very little damage and power was restored this afternoon, 9/16. Tween Waters Marina said they are up and running /no damage Fishermen’s Village will re-open today, Thursday 9/14 Update on City Facilities & Services, Gulfport, FL, Boca Ciega Bay Riviera Dunes/ they are up and running Pink Shell marina and the resort are fully operational. Manager of marina said Salty Sam’s Marina is also open. Legacy Harbor is up and running/open for business Twin Dolphin/ they came through fine/open for business Longboat Key Club Moorings Southwest Florida Yachts, Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral, FL
NORTHERN GULF
Panama City Marina/St. Andrews Marina Both city owned marinas in Panama City suffered NO damage and are welcoming transient guests at this time. Diana Pieper
Marineland Marina is fully operational with no damage from Irma and 20 new slips of concrete floating docks and a new marina building with restrooms and laundry to support the new docks. Dredging also increased the depths to 6.5′. Palm Coast Marina, 7 miles south of Marineland, continues to have the best Diesel prices in the area.
St. Augustine Municipal Marina Marina closed until further notice
Due the impact and damage resulting from Hurricane Irma, the St. Augustine Municipal Marina will be closed until further notice. The south docks incurred irreparable damage and must be removed and then replaced. The main dock, which connects to the fuel dock, suffered extensive damage and will need to be repaired. This includes electrical and water line damage as well as loss of and damage to dock boxes.
As with Hurricane Matthew, our moorings were stressed and strained, whether or not they had boats secured to them. Until we are able to inspect the integrity of the moorings and have re-assigned long-term tenants, the moorings will not be available for transient guests.
While we will be up and running as soon as possible, at this time we can offer no estimated date or time-frame for re-opening. We apologize for the inconvenience and any delays, but the safety and integrity of all our facilities and equipment is priority. Until the marina is safe for our workers and our guests to return, we will not be open to the public. We are not accepting reservations at this time; however, you can send email to marina@citystaug.com if you have any questions. Please allow 3-4 business days for a response.
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 pet policy New pet policy Posted: 15 Oct 2017 03:11 PM PDT I downloaded the form and instructions to receive a permit to bring my dog to the Bahamas. I sent a money order for $15 ($10 for the application and $5 for the fax service). It has been about 5 weeks ago and still no permit. I noticed on this site the the fee has gone up.
Am I still covered? How do I get my permit if they don’t fax it to me? Is there a time frame for the vet’s health certificate? Is a shot record sufficient? Can I get the permit when I get there?
Any response and help is GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Ted Owens- October 20, 2017 - 4:47 pm
Yes, you did it all correctly. Unfortunately, the process does not seem to work unless you FedEx the form and payment to them. Everyone that I have talked to had the same experience. You can try calling them, but do’t expect much. I don’t know where in the system they get lost, but it is your problem to get it fixed. So break out $90 and send it by FedEx. They will have it ready in a day or two. Also, when you got to get your money back on the money order there is a fee that uses up most of what you spent in the first place. Sorry
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: Boat buddy Boat buddy Posted: 15 Oct 2017 05:33 AM PDT We are presently located in NC and waiting on the season to end before heading to the east coast of Florida. (West Palm Beach area) and looking to head to West End in mid to late November. We are looking for other boaters to join in the trip. We are in a 30′ Bayliner and cruise around 20knts. We will eventually cruise our way through to DR and then on to home in Cabo Rojo, PR.
BEST SMALL MARINA Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina is, naturally, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! The marina overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13. Congratulations Pink Shell!
Marinalife Announces the Winners of the 8th Annual Best Marina Contest
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – Marinalife is pleased to announce the winners of the 8th Annual Best Marina Contest. Congratulations to Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, voted 2017’s Best Large Marina and Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, voted 2017’s Best Small Marina.
As a premier marina on the Gulf Coast, Orange Beach Marina offers a safe, fully protected harbor with 161 slips available and family-friendly environment for all types of boaters. Conveniently accessible from the Gulf, Tennessee-Tombigbee, Intracoastal Waterway, Mobile or Pensacola Bay, their state-of-the-art docks, two on-site restaurants, and exceptional laundry and shower facilities offer guests a pleasant experience without leaving the marina.
“For the second year in a row, Orange Beach Marina is honored to be recognized as Marinalife’s 2017 Best Large Marina!” states C. Bennett Long, President. “This award demonstrates that hard work and attention to detail pays dividends. We also couldn’t be more thankful to our dedicated staff who routinely put our customer’s needs at the forefront of our family-owned and operated business we are proud to represent the entire Gulf Coast and our world-renowned hometown, Orange Beach, Alabama.”
Voted 2017’s Best Small Marina, the beautiful pet and family friendly Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida features 41 slips where boaters enjoy a host of amenities and services, whether staying for one night or one week. Just six miles from the Gulf of Mexico, dock your boat (up to 100 feet) and get full-access to the Resort’s pools, restaurants, and spa or soak in the sunshine along the quarter mile of sugar white sand beaches.
“We are honored to have been voted the Best Small Marina in this year’s Marinalife Best Marina contest,” said Pink Shell’s Dockmaster, Dave O’Connor. “We thank the readers and our marina guests for recognizing our commitment to maintaining a prestigious facility and our dedication to providing exceptional service.”
Due to the high number of votes, we recognize second and third place winners in each category. Kingman Yacht Center in Cataumet, Massachusetts was voted second place for the Best Large Marina, and River Dunes Marina in Oriental, North Carolina came in a close third. Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina in Islamorada, Florida was voted second place in the Best Small Marina category and in third place was Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
We appreciate and thank all the marinas and boaters nationwide for participating in this year’s contest. Keep an eye out for announcements starting in the Spring of 2018 for Marinalife’s 9th Annual Best Marina Contest.
###
About Marinalife:
Marinalife brings together the boating community through a comprehensive membership program offering boaters online marina reservation services and valuable trip planning travel tools and resources. Marinalife publishes a quarterly magazine highlighting marina and boating destinations, members’ cruising stories and captain’s tips. Marinalife’s mission is to make boating easy by providing services and information to simplify logistics and alleviate stress for all types of boaters.
Longtime cruiser and Cruisers’ Net contributor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his knowledge and experience in these observations on these portions of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, complete with text and charts! Thank you Jim! NOTE: Further descriptions of the inlet intersections discussed have been designated Problem Stretches on Cruisers’ Net and can be found under North Carolina, NC AICW Problem Stretches on our Homepage. See Report from Shalotte Inlet Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 330.
1. Brown’s Inlet at Camp Lejeune is not a navigational problem for the fall or 2017. I note the USACE made some survey updates dated 2017-10-03 (my birthday), but I can say that I did not see a present or emerging issue when we passed that area on 2017-10-06.
2. Call the range office at Camp Lejeune to confirm the next day’s firing schedule. We were told that boat’s would be allowed allowed to transit on the ODD HOURS. Slow boats (I run 7.3 knots/8.5 mph through still water) can leave Swansboro around 06h15 to arrive at Onslow Beach Bridge for the 08h00 opening. At that point, you’re through the live fire zone before the start of the Marine’s play time.
3. The information for the New River Inlet crossing in ActiveCaptain from Bob423 and the USACE is correct. The suggested A-ICW route for New River drops south (east) at the inlet. As of 2017-10-06, the markers have not been moved and do not reflect the correct route. Some charts show a shoal there, but in real life, it is very clear that you’ll have plenty of visibility and room. Be careful of swift cross-currents; I was being timid, and operating at reduced speed/power. I got swept rapidly inland towards the New River by strong incoming cross-currents from the inlet. Ebbing currents could be hazardous too. This route was reliable, but check again in the spring, because it had several sand piles on the bottom and did not look like it would last long as the best route.
Lime line is Bob423; black route is USACE route I laid in for my own use.
4. Sanctuary and crew transited Snow’s Cut on 2017-10-06 at 1-1/2 hour before low tide. We found R”162″ relocated very dramatically to the south shoreline of the cut. So much so that it appears off-station. We verified it is an ICW marker, carrying a yellow triangle. Southbound, take R”162″ to STBD. We found at least 10 ft of water between the marker and the shore, but estimate the marker is only about 40 feet from what would be expected to be the green side of the channel in that area.
Lime line is Bob423; black route is mine.
5. ALL BOATERS should look at the website for the Wilmington Division of the USACE. They maintain surveys of all of the inlets in their district, which include all of the most challenging inlets in North Carolina (Shallottes, Lockwood Folly, Snow’s Cut, New River, Brown’s). Download the .pdf’s and set up the best route in your chart plotters or navigation software. They are your best chance to find the deepest and safest water in these areas. The website for the .pdf files is: http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/Hydrographic-Surveys/Inlets-Crossings/.
6. Sanctuary and crew transited Lockwood’s Folly this morning, 2017-10-10, 09h00, 1/2 tide rising, +3.0 feet. I followed a route that “split the difference” between Bob423’s route and the 2017-07 waypoints from the USACE. The route takes you within about 100 feet of a large, prominent sand bar with people fishing. The incoming current was at max flood, at least 2 – 2.5 knots. We learned at New River that we’d need full power to manage that cross-current. Furthermore, the markers in the water still mark the old “north” route through the Folly. All in all, the transit is an act of faith. The standers-bye were AMAZED watching us just two boat lengths from them. Our faith was rewarded; the route works well. We saw one sand pile that was 10.5 feet, so the route would carry 7.5 feet at MLLW. This is probably a temporary alternative, as the currents will undoubtedly shift the route by spring.
There are comments in the Lockwood Folly ActiveCaptain thread from a few days ago that suggest the marked north route is about the same depth as we saw on this alternate route. That being the case, I’d recommend to less experienced people that they go with the marked route. To follow the alternative route without markers as physical reference points, you really need a route programmed into a chart plotter and an autopilot accurate enough to closely follow the unmarked alternate in strong cross-currents. The only other choice would be to run at slack where less than full power is needed.
Lime line is Bob423; fuscia line is USACE; black route is mine; blue highlighted line is our actual track.
7. Sanctuary and crew transited Shallotte Inlet this morning, 2017-10-10, 10h15, 2/3rds tide rising, +4.0 feet. The route has only one small change from last spring. G”81″ has been relocated about 100 feet toward the north shore. This makes the course a slight slalom. We saw one sand pile at 10 feet, so about 6.0 feet at MLLW.
The blue highlighted line is our actual track. From it, you can see where we diverted toward shore to pass G”81″ at a distance of 10′ – 12′.
8. USCG Sector Charleston is transmitting a “pan pan” for a storm-damaged dock with debris in the ICW at “Mile Marker 24,” presumably in South Carolina. The North Carolina/South Carolina border is approximately StM 331, and the Rock Pile is StM 553 – 557. So, there is no “Mile Marker 24″ in S. Carolina. We decided they must mean lateral marker R”24.” There is a R”24″ south of Myrtle Beach in the ICW, and it did have a board or two tied to the marker’s piling. There was no evidence of a damaged dock in that area. There is no more than the normal amount of flotsam in the water so far this season.
Hope this is useful.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Socastee, SC http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Comments from Cruisers (1)
My wife, Pat, and I passed by Browns Inlet on the ICW on 10/10/2017, 2 1/2 hours after low water. Traveling down the middle of the marked channel, we found no less than 10 feet of water throughout the area.
Captain George