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    • Mar 21, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      BoatUS Comments on Proposed Budget Cuts

      NEWS From BoatUS
      Boat Owners Association of The United States
      880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria VA 22304

      Boat Owners Association of The United States Says Budget Proposal Raises Concerns for American Boaters

      US Coast Guard faces 14% budget cut

      WASHINGTON, DC, March 21, 2017 – After its first look at the Trump administration’s new budget blueprint released March 16, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says that boat owners should be aware of potential budget impacts that could affect boating safety, access and the health of our waterways.

      “The administration’s budget proposal clearly reflects a different set of priorities over previous years,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “Proposed cuts to agencies such as the Departments of Commerce and Interior, Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency could lead to changes for many programs that matter to boating.”

      Added Kennedy, “Considering boating’s $121.5 billion impact, we believe this would be short sighted and negatively affect the boating experience for our nation’s 12 million boat owners.”

      Kennedy notes that under budget proposal’s shifting priorities, US Coast Guard funding could be slashed 14 percent to just $7.8 billion, while the service’s “parent,” the Department of Homeland Security, is increased. “As the budget process continues, boaters may need to communicate with their members of Congress regarding programs that fund clean-water efforts, clean marina programs, navigation improvements, regional waterway restoration such as the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes and Puget Sound, and boating safety programs. We are keeping a close watch.”

      BoatUS will continue to monitor the budget process, ensure that the recreational boater’s voice is heard and advise its more than half-million members of boating-related budget items.
      Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Stephen W Miller -  March 24, 2017 - 1:58 pm

        Yeah, let’s built another aircraft carrier; and cut anything related to citizens’ health and safety

        Reply to Stephen
    • Mar 21, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.2747,-82.55789999

      New Trolley Service for Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL GIWW Statute Mile 70


       View In Chartview

      This new trolley service is good news for cruisers utilizing any of the several anchorages in Roberts and Little Sarasota Bays off the eastern shore of Siesta Key. Siesta Key lies south of Sarasota Bay and Big Sarasota Pass.

      CLICK HERE FOR THE REPORT from YourObserver.com

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Siesta Key

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    • Mar 19, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.7864,-80.15179999

      Report and Excellent Advice from Monumental Island Anchorage, near AICW Statute Mile 987


       View In Chartview

      Hibiscus Island and Monumental Island anchorage are on the north side of the MacArthur Causeway in northern Biscayne Bay. The anchorage is northeast of Monument Island, accessible from the north and from the Waterway west of the area. Our thanks to Janice Callum, who is replying to Crackdown on Dinghy Landings Access, for this report and for her excellent advice on being good citizens while visiting “foreign waters” lest we be labeled as the “ugly boater.”

      We are anchored off Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach. No visits from police or problems with anything! Boats are anchored off Star Island and the Collins Canal, no hassle. Many more derelict looking boats are anchored on the north side of the East Venetian bridge, but they also seem to be left alone. We saw one trawler named Lady J get pulled over by the water police…the officials are especially protective of the sea grass seedlings in this area and the No Wake zone in Maloy Channel, so crawl along those shores! Sunset Lake remains boat free; as well as free of the dinghies that were anchored around to obstruct cruiser’s anchoring. How ’bout if we all just leave that spot alone until the “unwelcome” (caused by the fellow who considers himself a Cuba expert who sails a near derelict red boat) wears off (and do let him know if you see him that none of us Snowbirds have appreciated the mess he’s caused for us down here). The good news, that we have not seen posted anywhere on the www, is that there is a wonderful dinghy dock up the Collins Canal across the street from the boater-friendly Publix….not just a chain, a real dock! But, fellow cruisers, please, PLEASE stop jamming your trash into the waste receptacle on the street by the dock! It’s beyond comprehension that anyone thinks this is an appropriate spot for trash bags; and, you are risking this spot to tie up for all of us! The police docks and park wall under the bridge (on the other side of the canal) are all posted Tow Away Zone or 20 Minute Loading Zone No Mooring. Let’s all be welcome visitors and do something helpful while we are here! Pick up your dog’s waste, keep your stereos down, anchor well off folk’s backyards and go somewhere else if you can’t handle the wakes.
      Best regards, Janice Callum, “Calamus”

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Monument Island

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Monument Island

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    • Mar 19, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      FWC Advises Taking Boater Education Classes

      Another reminder of this important advice, see 2017 NC Public Boating Safety Classes.


      FWC encourages boaters to ‘Spring Aboard’ by taking a boater education class
      March 17, 2017
      World-class fishing, crystal blue waters, endless sunshine – there’s so much about Florida’s waterways to enjoy. During the week of March 19-25, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourage all boaters to take part in the national “Spring Aboard” campaign by taking a boating safety course.

      “We know that an educated boater is safer on the water. If a boat operator has taken a boating safety education course, the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe and enjoyable experience is much greater for them as well as their passengers,” said Stephanie Weatherington, president of NASBLA. “March is the perfect time to take a course before the summer boating season begins.”

      Many course providers will offer incentives or course discounts for students who enroll in or complete a course during the “Spring Aboard” campaign. For a summary of Florida’s regulations and available courses, go to MyFWC.com/Boating.

      “In Florida, boaters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, are required to complete and pass a boater safety education course. But everyone interested in boating should take a course – it’s the smart thing to do,” said Maj. Robert Rowe, FWC’s Boating and Waterways section leader. “Boaters have many ways to get educated, from classroom courses offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons to online offerings available anytime day or night. There’s no reason to head out on the water without this knowledge.”

      Florida boating accident statistics from 2015 indicate that, when the level of operator education was known, 72 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction.

      About NASBLA
      The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The association offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, NASBLA affects the lives of over 73.5 million American boaters.

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    • Mar 18, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.6218,-80.80359999

      Report from Titusville Mooring Field, AICW Statute 879


       View In Chartview

      Westland Marina is located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Titusville, Florida. Near Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral, Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach

      The Titusville Anchorage/Mooring Field lies south of the Titusville harbor entrance channel. Our thanks to Roger for this report. Titusville is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Westland Marina.

      Looks like most of the mooring are stored behind the dumpsters [onshore].
      There are about 15 in the field, a long way from the tiny dinghy dock. Went in one day and a 14 ft sailing trihull was straddling the dinghy dock. Since I was going to be on land a few days, I asked about leaving my dinghy someplace out of the way. The guy said leave it where it was.
      Watch your depth near the dinghy dock ramp.
      Roger

      Click Here To View the West Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Titusville Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Titusville Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Westland Marine

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Westland Marine

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    • Mar 18, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Bahamas Chatter: Planning first trip to Exumas!

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      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: Planning first trip to Exumas!
      Planning first trip to Exumas!
      Posted: 16 Mar 2017 03:11 PM PDT
      I have done so much reading… and then more reading…

      320 EC World Cat – Two Adults – Two Children (6 & 8)… Past experience is running from Deerfield Beach FL to Fort Myers (Lake O, Ditch, etc.) as well as Deerfield Beach to Ft. Jefferson (Tortugas). Generator, AC, Ability to ice. Updated charts (Garmin G2 Vision and Raymarine Navionics +) and a Delorme Sat. Tracker… Also have iPad with Active Captain, etc.

      Caves, Pigs, Iguanas, Deans Hole (Maybe), Snorkeling, Lazy Beach Days…

      I’ve read so many different threads and blogs… sorting through things… I just changed wireless carries from MetroPCS to T-Mobile, and it appears that they are pretty good in many of the islands that we are looking at.

      So far we are leaving from Hillsboro Inlet (Pompano Beach, FL) and heading to Paradise Island (Atlantis Marina) for 2 nights. (Kids are begging to try the water park, and it looks like a logical place to do Customs, fuel, etc. (although we may stop in Bimini for fuel depending on circumstances). After the 2 nights in Paradise Island, there are NO PLANS. And this is 100% intentional. We have plans as far as fuel, etc. But we have no set dockage or anchorage plans. We will maintain a list of anchorages and/or dockage based on our location, but we really want to just enjoy the time and do as we please. Our only limitation is fresh water and fuel. We can carry around 40 gal of fresh water in our tank (not *exactly* potable)… and will have upward of 10 gal. of potable at any given time. This does not include our ice bottle system (Engel Freezer).

      So… now that you have a decent idea of our plans. Let’s hear it. The good, the bad, the ugly… My goat with this post is get some ideas as to “don’t miss this” items… and still fit with our laid back no plans ideal.

      Thanks!
      Pete

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. John Jorgensen -  March 24, 2017 - 3:55 pm

        Fuel and water could definitely be a problem for you. Make sure to bring a couple (or more) 5gallon jugs for water. Several places to get water but you may well need to pay. Get current Explorer charts as they will be very helpful.

        Reply to John
    • Mar 17, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9061,-78.3859999

      Low Tide Passage Through Shallotte/AICW Intersection Statute Mile 330


       View In Chartview

      The intersection of Shallotte Inlet and the Waterway has been an infamous Problem Stretch for years, but this report from experienced cruiser, Roger Long, holds promise for a safe Spring Migration.

      I’ve made these passages [Shallotte and Lockwoods Folly] several times and always found plenty of water. Circumstances required us to transit northbound with .2 feet of water in Shallotte and Lockwoods at dead low. I called TowboatUS for their opinion with our 3’ – 9” draft. He said it shouldn’t be a problem if I knew the route and Lockwoods had just been dredged so should be easy.

      We went through Shallotte and never saw less than 5 feet by nearly leaving paint on the first red buoy, R 82. It might have been more difficult with another foot of tide as we wouldn’t have had the bare sandbanks for an additional guide.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Mar 17, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 33.9222,-78.2389999

      Shallow Water Report from Lockwoods Folly, AICW Statute Mile 321


       View In Chartview

      Despite dredging last November, the intersection of the Waterway and Lockwoods Folly, which has been a Problem Stretch for years, remains a shoaling area and a recommended mid-high tide zone. Our thanks to experienced cruisers, Roger long, for this report. His report also shows that even with local knowledge, TowBoatUS in this case, you must GO SLOW AND EASY!

      I’ve made these passages several times and always found plenty of water. Circumstances required us to transit northbound with .2 feet of water in Shallotte and Lockwoods at dead low. I called TowboatUS for their opinion with our 3’ – 9” draft. He said it shouldn’t be a problem if I knew the route and Lockwoods had just been dredged so should be easy.
      Lockwoods was a different matter. Just past the first red, we bumped over a hump and then another. The sounder didn’t show less than six feet. Our transducer is about 4 feet to port so there is a steep slope to these humps. We were about as far to port as we could go so there is probably less water on the green side.

      We got up around the corner and encountered a tugboat stuck between R 36 and G 33 bulling its way through on the tide just starting to rise. We got around and into his wake and then were stopped hard just before the green. The sounder showed properly here and we were able to back off. It took two tries to push through but we left a long trench. I don’t think this stretch is doable at dead low with much more than 2 1/2 feet of draft.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Roger Long -  March 27, 2017 - 7:57 am

        Sorry, I forgot to send this on to you earlier. I got it the day after you posted my Lockwoods report but we’ve been busy and distracted by our generator replacement. I think Jonathan went through a day or two later but haven’t been able to reach him for clarification. When we went through, it looked like the dredge was about to start work or getting ready to move on. It’s quite possible the channel was there but the buoys hadn’t been moved into it. That would explain why TowboatUS said it had just been dredged. Perhaps you can check with the USCG.
        I would not though that there was not sign of dredging where we actually stuck. If there was a channel there, the tugboat we saw pushing through the mud didn’t know about it.
        Roger Long [Dredging began at Lockwoods Folly on Feb 22 and will end Apr 1]

        Reply to Roger
      2. Jonathon Welch -  March 27, 2017 - 7:52 am

        Bad luck for you I think — if you had gone straight in Lockwoods Folly you would have had 12 feet depth; the dredge just did that spot but the marks have not been moved. There’s a report today it is working in Shalotte Inlet.
        Jonathon Welch

        Reply to Jonathon
    • Mar 17, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: First timer

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      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: First timer
      First timer
      Posted: 15 Mar 2017 02:55 PM PDT
      I’m headed to Bahamas from Charleston SC Via Stuart, Fla. Frankly worried about grounding. Have 6.6′ draft sailboat. Have no clue where to first arrive and what best cruise plan/areas are. Could use some advice. I’m used to deep water sailing: Nova Scotia, Maine, New England, Bermuda.

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. David -  April 10, 2017 - 9:36 am

        We spent 8 weeks sailing our boat in the Bahamas; have a 6 1/2′ draft. Did not have a problem. Pay close attention to tides when you plan on entering “skinny water”, study the charts closely and don’t fixate on your chart plotter – learn to read the water (color changes).

        Don’t let the shallow water keep you from going. People run their sailboats up and down the ICW with little more that a foot of water under their keel and can’t see the bottom., but they worry about the depths in the Bahamas. You can see the bottom there and it’s gorgeous! Go! Enjoy the trip. Wish I were there right now instead of northern Michigan!

        Reply to David
      2. Captain Ron Crook -  March 23, 2017 - 7:58 am

        A six ft 6″ draft should not be a problem; I have sailed thru the Bahamas chain with an 8 Ft draft on a 456 Beneteau; you have to keep a good eye towards coral heads and water depth; choose your course well.

        Reply to Captain
      3. CAPT McDonald -  March 17, 2017 - 7:08 pm

        I would read the book “Too Old Not to GO.” It has some excellent advice for 1st timers going to the Bahamas.

        Reply to CAPT
    • Mar 17, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.6768,-82.7619999

      ALERT: Search Suspended for 2 Swimmers Missing, Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach, North of Tampa Bay


       View In Chartview

      News Release
      March 16, 2017
      U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
      Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
      24/hour duty: (305) 965-4672

      Coast Guard suspends search for 2 missing near Pass-a-Grille

      ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The Coast Guard suspended their search Thursday at 7:41 p.m. for two men missing near the Pass-a-Grille channel entrance since Tuesday.

      Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watch standers received a report Tuesday at 6:10 p.m. from the captain of the Jaguar, a 71-foot yacht, stating Andrew Dillman, 27, from New York, and Jie Luo, 21, from China, were missing from the boat.

      Fifteen college students chartered the yacht for the day. When the yacht anchored at Shell Key, five students, including Luo, reportedly jumped from the boat to swim. The current pulled the students from the boat, and all but Luo were able to make it back to the boat. Dillman, a crew member aboard the yacht, jumped in to rescue Luo and was also separated from the boat.

      “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jie Luo and Andrew Dillman,” said Capt. Holly Najarian, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commander. “Suspending a search is the most difficult decision I have to make in my position, and despite our best efforts, we were unable to reunite Andrew and Jie with their families.”

      Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conducted 39 searches totaling 80 aircraft and surface hours and covering more than 1,577 square miles – an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.

      The incident is currently under investigation.
      March 15, 2017
      U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
      Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
      Office: (727) 535-1437 ext. 2143
      After Hours: (305) 965-4672

      Coast Guard continues search for 2 missing near Pass-a-Grille

      ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies continue their search for two males missing near the Pass-a-Grille channel entrance.

      Missing are Andrew Dillman, 27 from New York, and Jie Lou, 21 from China.

      Coast Guard crews and partner agencies have conducted 22 searches over 419 square
      miles.

      “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Andrew and Jie during this difficult time,” said Lt. Jason Holstead, the command duty officer at Sector St. Petersburg. “We continue work closely with our partners to search for Andrew and Jie; all of us have them and their family in our thoughts and prayers.”

      At 6:10 p.m. Tuesday Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watch standers received a report from the captain of the 71-foot yacht, Jaguar, stating two males were missing from the boat.

      Fifteen college students chartered the yacht for the day. When the yacht anchored at Shell Key, five students, including Lou, jumped from the boat to swim. The current pulled the students away from the boat, and all but Lou were able to make it back to the boat. Dillman, a crew member aboard the yacht, jumped in to rescue Lou, and was also swept away.

      Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Station St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are actively searching for the missing men.

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