Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Wharf Landing Marina Now Open – Lies off the southern mouth of Chowan River, at the southeastern foot of the Edenhouse Bridge

March 25, 2010 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

A brand, new facility, Wharf Landing Marina has recently opened on the waters of Albemarle Sound, and the Chowan River, just west and a bit north of Edenton. The harbor will be found a short hop south of the fixed, high-rise Chowan River – Edenhouse – Highway 17 bridge, along the easterly banks.
And, Wharf Landing Marina is our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Please patronize Wharf’s Landing whenever possible, and don’t forget to tell the marina personnel that you appreciate their support of the cruising community, by way of their support for the Salty Southeast Cruisers” Net!
And, note Captain Jeff’s special weekend getaway deal for boating and yacht clubs!

Come visit Historic Edenton’s newest full service, deep water marina and waterfront restaurant. Wharf Landing is a short 10 minute boat ride from Edenton’s downtown docks located at the foot of the Chowan River bridge. Wharf Landing Marina offers 90 deep water boat slips with shower and bath facilities. Gas and diesel is available on site. Our waterfront restaurant, Mac’s Backdoor Oyster Bar and Grill is an easy walk from marina. Located directly on the waterfront Mac’s offers exceptional views of the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River. A full menu with nightly specials and oyster bar Mac’s offers something for everyone.
Boaters and yacht clubs schedule a weekend getaway with us. Reserve our extra large pier, including cooking equipment, tables, chairs, umbrellas for an incredible sunset social.
Package deals are available. Call for info.
Check us out at http://www.wharflandingmarina.com and http://www.macsbackdooroysterbar.com. We look forward to seeing you!!
Jeff Powell
Wharf Landing Sales
1-252-209-7647
1-800-783-8289
www.wharflandingedenton.com

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Wharf Landing Marina

Fort Lauderdale NOW HONORING FLORIDA STATE ANCHORING LAW

March 18, 2010 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

The two messages below from Captain Faughn are very good news indeed. Heretofore,Â the city of Fort Lauderdale has consistently ignored Florida state law in regards to anchoring. Now, at least for the moment, they are complying. HOWEVER, there is a new threat to Florida anchoring rights on which we will shortly report!

Subject: Ft. Lauderdale Anchoring
Cruising News: Claiborne,
We are currently anchored, and having a great time anchored in Sunset Lake in Miami Beach. We will be heading up to Ft. Lauderdale in a couple of days. So, I read with great interest your postings about the problems and potential problems with anchoring in Ft. Lauderdale. Since this has been a great stop for us in the past, I called the Ft. Lauderdale Marine Division of the Police Department to ask what they are enforcing right now. The officer told me they are no longer enforcing the 24 hour anchoring rule and you may anchor in Ft. Lauderdale and use your tender to land at a dock, which allows you to do so, and enjoy the town and provision your boat. They are in compliance with the new Florida state law with regards to anchoring and cruising boats. To us this was great news since we do enjoy visiting one of if not the largest West Marine Stores and of course Blue Water books not to mention many of the other attractions. I believe this is new information for you. By the way, thanks for all of the info you have on your website.
Jim Faughn
S/V Freedom a Gemini 105M

Cruising News: I emailed previously that I had called Ft. Lauderdale Marine Police and they said they were in compliance with FL State Law. I am currently anchored in Lake Sylvia along with 8 other boats and everything is just fine except for the rain and front passing. It appears this should go back on the list of places you can anchor.
Capt. Jim Faughn

Welcome Aboard Boat Dock Marine!

March 17, 2010 by: Curtis Hoff Leave a Comment

Â We are very pleased to welcome aboard Mobile Boat Repair in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where, “Service Means Business!” Boat Dock Marine makes “Doc” calls and will come to YOUR boat. With over 30 years experience they’re the right call ( 386-690-1132 ) for any repair, service or tune up. “I’m looking for customers for Life,” says Doc Marine. “I will demonstrate an urgent and relentless commitment to achieve total customer satisfaction through superior service and innovative solutions.” Srvices incldue: Alternative Energy Systems Installed, Advanced Corrosion Control, Outboard repairs and Small Diesels serviced. Specializing in cruising sailboats, they also offer professional yacht delivery service.

Give them a call at 386-690-1132 or visit them online at: www.boatdockmarine.com

Welcome to Anchors Away Boat Yard

March 15, 2010 by: Curtis Hoff Leave a Comment

We are very pleased to welcome `Anchors Away Boatyard’ of Hampstead, NC, as a participating sponsor with the Cruisers’ Net. Anchors Away is right on the Atlantic Intra-Coastal waterway for all those making passage through NC. We are really blessed in North Carolina to have some great boatyard facilities on board with us and Anchors Away is no exception. Away Boat yard is located at mile marker 90 on the ICWW. From the North, Marker 90 is approximately 3 miles South of the Surf City swing bridge. From the South, Marker 90 is approximately 20 miles North of the city of Wilmington. Bill or Dennis can help you with most any issues and you’ll certainly like the overall ambiance focused on providing you with a positive boatyard experience. Join us please in welcoming Anchors Away Boatyard !! www.anchorsawayboatyard.com

Little Mud River Shoaling – March 2010 Report (St. M. 655)

March 12, 2010 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

I’ve long argued that Georgia’s Little Mud River section of the AICW, is the single WORST Waterway stretch on the entire run from Norfolk, VA to Key West, FL. Captain Larry’s report below does nothing but reinnforce this opinion!

We came thru here today 45 minutes before high tide. We saw nothing less than 12.4 feet and most of the way was 15+. But at low tide with a 8 foot swing, this cut would be impossible for most vessels with more than a 4ft draft.
Larry Morrow

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Entry for Little Mud River

The Venice Water Nazi Lives, But Now He’s Driving A Cab

March 5, 2010 by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment

Well, this is one of the most jaw dropping reports we’ve ever put up here on the Cruisers’ Net. Will this guy ever go away????!!!!

We were stuck in Venice anchored in Roberts Bay in front of the expensive homes sharing their view when the Sheriff stopped by our boat to ask us a few questions. This was the first few days in March 2010 when those terrible north winds were blowing at over 30 knots, a front was on the way with expected cloud to water lightning, possible tornadoes and water spots which is what the Sheriff and I discussed. He was concerned for our safety and most helpful, even suggesting that we move over to the free dock and tie up to be a bit more secure. He said the city wouldn’t bother us considering the weather conditions. Well we moved to the free dock and it still has a sign limiting the time you can tie up there to 18 hours in a ten day period. Now as to why I’m writing this: The water Nazi still lives but is now driving a yellow cab! Here is what happened. We called a taxi to go down on Venice Avenue where we spent a few hundred dollars on meals and goodies to send to grandkids. When we returning to our boat in a cab, we were talking with the cab driver and we mentioned that the sheriff said we should tie up until the storm was over and the cabbie got real quiet (up until this part of the conversation he had been most friendly)until he dropped us off at Higel Park. Not 5 minutes after the cabbie left there was a siren and a police car pulled up and a fellow got out with a camera and proceeded to take a picture of the name on the stern of our boat. He didn’t say a word to us, just took the picture and left. So did we. We got the ‘˜H’ out of there. The water nazi is still operating in Venice, now he is driving a yellow cab and he will still report you even after giving him a good tip. Wish I hadn’t given him that tip, would have felt a lot better if I had stiffed him!
Total time at the dock? Less than 5 hours, no other boats present. Have to wonder what they are thinking at this point; no dockmaster, no mooring balls, just a beautiful city waiting to be explored and an ordinance that will keep some boaters from a wonderful experience and who loses? The city of Venice and their shopkeepers, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.
Please note, We love Venice! The people are great, the city is beautiful and that is the only negative we have ever experienced here. We are a shallow draft vessel and usually anchor in 2 to 3 feet of water in Roberts Bay. We shall return!
Capt. Phil & Capt. Linda
`BloMee’ (Sailing Catamaran)

I was surprised at the recent commotion about overnight tie up at Higel Park. We were run out of there years ago by a land cop. The `anchorage’ off the Venice yacht club was full of derelict live aboards. Had an ugly confrontation with a waterski jerk who felt he owned Roberts Bay. Couldn’t reach the Sheriff or the Venice CG station with a 65 foot tall VHF antenna. We have avoided Venice for 10 ish years. Never met any of the `friendly’” great’ people that Capt Phil talks about.
Bill

Would it have been considered out of line to ask him what the issue was and why the sirens and photo? I think most states have laws about when to use a siren and I don’t think they are to take photos. Did you get the name of the Sheriff that told you it would be okay to tie up?
John Meirhofer

VENICE IS LOOKING INTO A PAY DOCKING FACILITY
Georg McCay

We recently stayed at the dock in late Feb.& learned that the city was about to change the regs to 6 hrs. We also read via the Venice News as well as this site that there is a plan to put 14 moorings in the area where the derelict boats are now moored. We shall see when that happens. We agree with Capts.Phil & Linda that the city & its businesses are the ones who will lose out big time on this decision.
Capts. Steven & Diane Koch

Sunset Bay Marina (Stuart, FL on the St. Lucie River, South Fork) And the Roosevelt Bridges

March 5, 2010 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

There have already been many postings praising Sunset Bay Marina here on the Cruisers’ Net. For those who don’t know, this facility is the new incarnation of the Stuart City Marina, once known as Southpointe Anchorage. The new version has plentiful slip dockage, plus an extensive mooring field.
What makes Captain Dave’s note below so valuable, is his advice about the nearby Roosevelt Bridges, which lie between Sunset Bay and the AICW. These old spans were supposed to be removed with the adjacent high-rise span opened, but that’s never happened!

Ditto to all the good comments. We agree and will be there for the next three months.
Note of interest: I suggest calling the Roosevelt Bridge for an opening before going under the new 65′ bridge. The bridge tender is very accommodating and will let you know when she is about to open so you can proceed safely. Be prepared to stop and possibly turn around as the railroad bridge closed without warning just after we started to go under the new bridge.
On weekends with many boaters and a strong tide racing thru there, it can get interesting.
Capt Dave

New Marina in Everglades City (Southwestern Florida, Ten Thousand Islands Region)

February 26, 2010 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

I love the backwater feeling of visting Everglades City by water. There is a true feeling of OLD Florida here. Just don’t try this on a still summer night!
Heretofore, waterborne visitors to Everglades City had only choice for overnight dockage, the old Rod and Gun Club. Well, that’s still a possibility, but, according to Captain Jan’s note below, there is now a new “luxury marina” in town known as Everglades Isle.
We would like to know more bout Everglade Isle. Anyone else berthed here. What were your experiences. Please share by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!

Onward to Everglades City, there’s a new luxury marina just before the bridge: Everglades Isle. Actually an upscale RV park, it has 30 or so floating docks, only 6 with 30 amp power, the remainder 15 amp, pool, showers, laundry, bar. On the downside, the docks are narrow; I’ll measure them when we arrive; the strong tidal current makes for challenging docking and the airboats run non-stop until 5pm.
Rod & Gun is okay, except a little rocky with the current and boat traffic, tie-up wall is in disrepair and had
cold water only showers when we visited last New Years Eve.
Cheers
Jan

Good Words About the Dinner Key Mooring Field (Miami – Coconut Grove)

February 14, 2010 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

Both the messages below paint a very different picture of the Dinner Key Mooring Field than what was shared in an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net (/unhappy-times-at-miami-beach-marina-near-government-cut-inlet). There has also been an earlier, very positive posting concerning this mooring field (/great-experience-in-the-dinner-key-mooring-field-miami-coconut-grove-near-st-m-1094-5). Read all this info, and make your own decision, but it certainly looks as the tide of opinion in the Cruising Community is now running in favor of this facility.

While I am in favor anchoring, from time to time moorings have great advantage. And in the case of the Dinner Key area this couldn’t be truer. For years I have passed though this area, but tended to anchor away from the crowds which I might ad looked mainly unseaworth and derlict. I did this because I have experienced many times vessels draging anchor. The dinner key area has really cleaned up for the better. My experience at the dinner key mooring field was terrific. The staff was professional and the facilites were clean. I hope that the moorings continue in the future as I hope to return.
Captain Thomas Ryne
S/V Sea Dog

I stayed at the Dinner Key Mooring Facility all of January 2010 and it was one of the greatest experiences I had in my 25 years of sailing. They have a great staff, shuttle service and a pumpout boat. The view of downtown Miami is increadable!! My vessel is 40 feet LOA.
Why didn’t the 47ft Soulmates stay in the big marina ‘“ funny, they have an expensive boat but I guess their too cheep for their britches.
Capt. Bob

Man of War Cay Entrance – Missing Marker

February 14, 2010 by: Claiborne Young Leave a Comment

Subject: Man of War Cay Entrance
Cruising News: There is a marker missing at the entrance to Man of War Cay. It is the marker referenced in Steve Dodges guide as the “piling with the double arrow in front of the powerboat at the dock. It should be centered in the opening.” This marker is used was a red when going into the main harbor and as a green marker when going into Eastern Harbor. Please note that many markers are really not maintained as green or red in the Bahamas. You have to look for the arrow stick at the top of the piling. The entrance to Man of War it self is narrow thru a rocky pass but easy to navigate. It’s what you need to do after you get thru the pass that this missing marker is causing grief to many a boater. I’ve been here only a few days and have seen at least 3 boats to aground on the sand bar to the North East after entering the pass.
Dennis Lawernce
S/V Thate Wata

The point is that you hve to turn sharp left or even sharper right (more than 90deg.) immediately after you enter. Don’t approach the opposite shore, and be sure you’re at idle speed.
Ted Guy