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    • Jan 20, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Old Bahama Bay

      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: Old Bahama Bay
      Old Bahama Bay
      Posted: 19 Jan 2017 04:25 AM PST
      Although Hurricane Matthew hit Grand Bahama with a wallop, Old Bahama Bay Marina is able to accommodate traveling yachts. Electricity at the slips is not yet restored, but there is fuel, water, an excellent restaurant, and dockage at the reduced rate of $1/ft. The dockmaster brings Customs forms right to your slip, so clearing in is easy.

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

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    • Jan 17, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 27.5316,-82.64869999

      Caution: Narrow Entrance to Manatee River, off Tampa Bay


       View In Chartview

      The marked channel from Tampa Bay into the Manatee River west of Sneads Island passes 1ft depths to the east, between markers #5 and #8, and can easily snare the careless captain, as the photo below attests. The grounded sailboat is off the point of Sneads Island.

      Off point of Sneads Island

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Winston Fowler -  January 20, 2017 - 10:09 am

        The grounded vessel is a derelict vessel in about four feet of water just off McKay Point a good mile or so into the Manatee River near Snead Island Boat Yard. Stay in the channel and you have ample water. Some of the tightest spots will be at the very entry out in areas between Green 1 and Red 2.
        Winston Fowler

        Reply to Winston
      2. David Huie -  January 19, 2017 - 8:47 am

        I am a 8foot draft vessel looking for dockage at Regatta point up the Manatee river. I saw the grounded sail boat off Sneed Island in your post. My question is can I make it past Marker 5 and 8 in the channel or is the shoaling extending into the channel. I would appreciate any local knowledge regarding my passage as I plan to call this home for a few months. Pintail

        Reply to David
        • Bob Wilson -  January 21, 2017 - 5:51 pm

          Living up the Manatee River, I have not seen the river entrance change much over the past years. If you follow the markers there is plenty of water for boats up to a 7 ft draft. Came up the river this morning and it look like the sail boat has been moved off the sand bar.
          You should have no problems visiting any of the three marines on the river.

          Reply to Bob
    • Jan 16, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Celebrating 36 Years – Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary


      graysreef1101
      Today we celebrate 36 years of protection for Georgia’s special live-bottom habitat that supports wildlife in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast. With your support, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary will continue to be an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life, supported by healthy habitats in clean ocean waters.
      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

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    • Jan 14, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      BoatUS: Fix the Ethanol Mandate Petition

      Add your name to this petition to correct the pending ethanol fiasco!

      BoatU.S. needs your help with a petition to the new Administration and Congress to protect your boat’s engine. Please take a moment to help us send a strong message that it is time for the broken renewable fuel/ethanol policy to be fixed.

      Fix the Ethanol Mandate

      The 12-year-old Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a federal law that forces more ethanol into the nation’s gasoline supply. The only way to meet this government mandate is to add more ethanol to gasoline, beyond the current widespread 10% level, or E10 blend.

      The current RFS policy is trouble for boaters:

      Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol has been shown to damage boat engines A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory conclusively demonstrated that E15 damages boat engines. As the RFS forces E15 and higher blends into the market, the chance of harming your boat’s engine increases.

      You could put the wrong fuel in your boat While gas blends with more than 10% ethanol are prohibited for use in recreational boats under federal law, a 2016 Harris Poll found that 64% of consumers were not sure or did not pay attention to the type of gas they used. Pumps dispensing blends greater than 10% ethanol are only required to display a small orange warning sticker raising the chance of misfueling your boat.

      Higher ethanol blends are becoming more common E15 and higher ethanol blends can now be found in at least 23 states, often at the very same roadside gas pumps dispensing E10 fuel. With only the one warning label, boaters have to be extra vigilant to prevent misfueling with engine damaging ethanol blends.

      You could face big repair bills 87% of readers of a prominent boating industry publication reported seeing customers with engine damage caused by ethanol. While modern marine engines are designed for E10, higher ethanol blends of 15%, 20% and even up to 85% ethanol, will cause even more damage to boat engines.

      Can you count on your engine when you need it? Boat engines that are unreliable due to ethanol issues are a safety concern for every boater. When the weather turns and you need to count on your engine, there should be no question whether it will get you home.

      Gas without any ethanol is becoming harder to find The RFS arbitrarily limits the supply of ethanol-free gasoline (E0), a fuel that many boat owners prefer to protect their engine.

      BoatU.S. is calling on the new Administration and Congress to reform this broken government mandate and make certain there is gas available that will not damage your boat. Use the link below to add your voice:

      Fix the Ethanol Mandate

      The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a law passed in 2005 that requires the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. To keep up with this mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15% ethanol) into the marketplace, but only for some automobile engines. E15 is prohibited to use in marine engines. It is also prohibited to use E15 in snowmobiles, motorcycles, small engines like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, as well as any car or light-truck made before 2001. Click here for more information on the Renewable Fuel Standard.

      Thanks for being a BoatU.S. member and for taking action to tell the new Administration and Congress how more ethanol in gas will affect you.

      Sincerely,

      David Kennedy
      BoatU.S. Government Affairs
      (703) 461-2878 x8363

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Harry H. Stiles, jr. -  May 31, 2017 - 3:31 pm

        The RFS is another federal law that is damaging to our outboard engines which is wrong to force us to use something that is determental to our way of life.

        Reply to Harry
    • Jan 12, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Shared Photo

      Cape Coral Cruise Club

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    • Jan 12, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      Intracoastal Waterway Fixed Bridge Height Variations

      Wally Moran, experienced Waterway cruiser and founder of Sail to the Sun Rally, posted these comments on Seven Seas Cruising Association Facebook page and we welcome your comments and perspectives on the issue of bridge heights. Be sure to access SSECN’s Bridge Directory from the right-hand menu under each state, eg. /category/bridges-va-to-nc-line/

      During the Sail to the Sun ICW Rally this fall, and from comments online, it’s apparent that there are issues with both bridge heights and the marking of same on the ICW. It seems to me that the USCG needs to address this issue. Speaking from experience with my rally group, and from comments here, there was considerable concern about the potential for damage on tall masted boats from bridges that aren’t actually 65 feet – the ICW supposed minimum.
      Any thoughts on how this can be dealt with? At a minimum, I think that bridge heights need to be confirmed, and marker boards properly calibrated by the authorities. In the meantime, perhaps what we need to do as a community is to set up a resource for bridge heights on the ICW.
      Wally Moran

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Perry -  January 15, 2017 - 4:03 pm

        In Florida, bridges are maintained by Florida Dept of Transportation in coordination with the USCG.

        Reply to Perry
      2. George Barr -  January 13, 2017 - 4:33 pm

        Wally is a friend of mine and this discussion has also been going on in his facebook group so for the benefit of others, I’ll note a few things that may be affecting “bridge height” from this discussion:
        1. Apparently at least some areas in FL have revised the markings on their boards due to liability concerns from the high steel on the bridges to the hanging down light at the center of the span which may be a foot or two lower even though easily bypassed.
        2. Bridge height on the ICW is measured from average high water. Tidal areas can easily provide less or more air draft than “average”… especially during full moons, spring tides etc.
        3. Both Tidal and non-tidal areas can be affected by wind driven water and/or high water due to storms. I quick look at fixed pilings/docks, waterway markers etc. can provide a good guess about high water conditions… as can a quick call to your local towboat or seatow operator.
        4. Comments have also been made that other variations in height may be due to settling foundations, subsidence due to depletion of the water table and “global warming”. To the extent any of these are true in a given area…they should be reflected on bridge tide boards as less than 65′ without any need to intervene by humans.

        In my own experience the failure to erect and/or maintain bridge boards is a real problem…especially when your boat is already pushing the limits and you don’t know the state of the water height.
        Wally does this trip a couple of times a year…and his observations over time are worth listening to. Does anyone know WHO is responsible for the tide boards on ICW bridges and WHO we can write or call when we see a problem?

        Reply to George
    • Jan 10, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Florida Fish and Wildlife Management Area System is 75 Years Old

      FWC celebrates 75 years of wildlife management area conservation success

      In 2017, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the wildlife management area system, one of the state’s greatest natural treasures. The FWC oversees this statewide network of remote and scenic lands, managing them for conservation and recreation. To celebrate the milestone and help people discover the opportunities these public lands offer, the FWC is hosting free events throughout the year.

      “Florida has one of the largest systems of public lands in the country at nearly 6 million acres, and these lands are the best of the best of what wild Florida has to offer,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski. “These natural communities span a variety of habitats from longleaf pine uplands and pine flatwoods to the hardwood hammocks and sawgrass savannas of the Everglades. Not only are these areas beautiful, they are managed to provide habitat for many species of wildlife and access for people to enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and more.”

      Florida’s first WMA, Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, was established in late 1941 in Charlotte and Lee counties. By the 1960s, there were 28 WMAs. Today, the FWC is the lead manager or landowner of over 1.4 million acres, and works in partnership with other governmental or private landowners on another 4.5 million acres. These healthy habitats are essential to Florida wildlife – both common and imperiled species. The FWC uses its scientific expertise and a comprehensive ecological approach to manage a variety of wildlife while balancing public access to these wild lands.

      WMAs provide many recreational opportunities including paddling, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, and target shooting at areas with a public shooting range. They also offer a wide range of hunting opportunities including special hunts for families and people with disabilities. Throughout 2017, the FWC will host a variety of events to celebrate Florida’s WMAs. Events include a statewide geocaching challenge, volunteer work days, a photo contest, guided hikes, fun opportunities to explore WMAs, and citizen science bioblitzes where members of the public help document wildlife species at WMAs.

      To learn more about upcoming events or to find a WMA near you, visit MyFWC.com/WMA75. Share your visits to Florida WMAs on social media by using #WMAzing.

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    • Jan 7, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 12 Comments 32.04,-81.04329999

      SLOW DOWN! Speed and Wake Enforcement, Thunderbolt, GA, AICW Statute Mile 583, New Comments


       View In Chartview

      PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this warning is to remind you to slow down and watch your wake wherever you are, not to assist you in avoiding law enforcement. This specific warning of a speed trap is based on hearsay and it’s the first such we’ve had in a long while. However, a word to the wise calls for carefully watching your speed and wake through this area. If you encounter speed/wake enforcement in Thunderbolt, let us hear from you. Our thanks to Steve and Barb Sipe for this report.


      Have heard reports in the past few days of speeding violations being issued on the GA ICW around Thunderbolt, in the area of G33 to G37. Reports indicate LEO’s are stopping vessels for speeding/violation of no wake zones and issuing warnings and in some cases, citations with a fine of $1,000. No specific information as to the enforcement agency conducting the stops, either state or local, not USCG.
      Might be worth a mention on the site as a problem area.
      Steve & Barb Sipe
      Solo 4303 “Maerin”

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker #33

      Comments from Cruisers (12)

      1. Tom Hale -  January 13, 2017 - 4:05 pm

        I was at Thunderbolt Dec 21 and 22. i asked about an unusual or increased enforcement. The marina staff was not aware of ay such activity whatsoever.

        Reply to Tom
      2. H.J. Bjarno -  January 6, 2017 - 6:03 pm

        I am a safe and courteous boater and yes I come from the north, but still south of the Mason/Dixon line.
        I got stopped just passing Thunderbolt with a sog ( that’s speed over ground for you locals) of 3 kts and a good current against. I was told by GDNR sargent that I had to do idle speed! I asked him what idle speed means and he answered 1000 rpm?? I told him if I did 1000 rpm I would be doing 6 kts. and as others have said no solid object can go through a fluid without making a wave. I got a warning, but the Sabre behind me got $1000…. I must not be looking like the 1%ers!

        Reply to H.J.
        • Emory -  March 10, 2017 - 3:57 pm

          Did you actually mean to say $1,000.00 (one thousand dollar) fine??

          Reply to Emory
      3. Ron -  January 2, 2017 - 11:55 am

        I try my best to abide by any no-wake or speed regulations but there are two problems:
        1) Many, many waterfront homeowners have posted their own “no-wake” signs making it hard to distinguish the real ones from the fake ones. I realize that some homeowners are concerned with excessive wakes, but they have no more right to post these signs than I have to post fake speed limit signs in front of my property.
        2) Wakes are subjective, rather than objective. As someone else mentioned, you can’t move a boat through the water at any speed without making some sort of wake. So when does a ripple become a wake? And in whose opinion? How do you defend yourself in court if you get a ticket? We can’t measure a wake height and neither can a LEO.

        Someone mentioned boating into a current. If you’re boating into a two knot current, you have to make two knots just to stay in place and four knots to make two knots over ground.

        Yes, we should do our best to boat safely and obey boating laws. Sometimes, it’s not as easy as it might seem to people other than boaters.

        Reply to Ron
      4. Rich Tanner S/V Feral Cat -  December 3, 2016 - 8:43 am

        I agree with Tracy. They are breaking the law, increasing erosion and sometimes creating hazardous wakes. There are reasons for No Wake and speed limits.
        I absolutely don’t think your publicizing the locations is a good idea.

        Reply to Rich
      5. Kevin R. Quinn -  December 2, 2016 - 6:51 pm

        We call it the Parade. All the boats coming from up north going to Florida. There are a lot of them and it looks like a long parade of boats. We love Yankees the talk fast drive fast have fast women and money. The drive fast thru no-wake-zones and bridges. In Georgia it is against the law to make a wake going under a bridge like the one in Thunderbolt. “No wake Idle speed only” means no bow wake you know the little bitty six inch wake your bow is making; It is a wake. When Yankees slow down from 35 knots to 25 knots that doesn’t count. Thanks for the money. It is only money go as fast as you want. Don’t worry about respecting your fellow boaters tied to the docks in those no- wake-zones

        Reply to Kevin
      6. Mike C -  December 2, 2016 - 4:26 pm

        Just conjecture here: went by there in early November and someone chastised me about my wake over the VHF. I have a sail cat and was doing less than 6 kts. My wake was quite minimal. I wonder if soneone’s complaints is causing a crackdown. Let’s keep the wakes down but not get crazy unreasonable.

        Reply to Mike
      7. tracy hellman -  December 1, 2016 - 1:43 pm

        Why should we warn them? If they are speeding they need to learn a lesson. #noradardetectors

        Reply to tracy
        • Bill -  December 2, 2016 - 3:24 pm

          I couldn’t agree more. How about just a general reminder. If you are caught violating any speed or wake law, you are subject to a fine.

          Reply to Bill
        • Fragrante Delicto -  December 2, 2016 - 7:09 pm

          Because No Wake is ambiguous at best. You cannot move a solid thru a liquid without creating a wake. Add to that a full flood tide on the nose and the Slow Speed – No Wake issue is subjective. That’s how I talked my way out of a citation near Vernon View.

          Reply to Fragrante
          • Bill -  December 9, 2016 - 3:00 pm

            Congratulations, you got lucky. Keep pushing the limits and your luck will run out.

          • Tracy Hellman -  January 13, 2017 - 2:08 pm

            That’s total nonsense! You need to slow down, period!


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