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    • Apr 3, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      BoatUS News: Three “406 MHz Beacon Awareness Day” Tips

      Boat U.S.BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR!

      NEWS From BoatUS
      Boat Owners Association of The United States
      880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
      Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

      A Personal Locator Beacon is designed to be worn by a crewmember and can summon help far offshore.

      A Personal Locator Beacon is designed to be worn by a crew member and can summon help far offshore.

      Three “406 MHz Beacon Awareness Day” Tips
      ANNAPOLIS, MD, April 1, 2016 – Many an offshore boater, sailor, or angler has appreciated the benefits of 406 MHz technology, which lies at the heart of every Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Since 1997, the BoatUS Foundation EPIRB Rental Program has experienced 29 activations and 71 lives saved. To help promote the use of this life saving technology, the Foundation is supporting “406 MHz Beacon Awareness Day,” which aims to share three wise pre-season maintenance tips and offer ways for beacon owners – from circumnavigators to kayakers – to share their stories.
      The April 6 Awareness Day was conceptualized by US beacon manufacturer, ACR Electronics, in an effort to support the National Safe Boating Council’s “Saved by the Beacon” Campaign, currently funded by US Coast Guard grants.

      Three Beacon Spring Maintenance Tips for EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs):

      1. Test your beacon: It won’t bite, or get you into trouble. All beacons have a simple self-test feature that won’t call in the cavalry. Use it. You’ll sleep well knowing it will be there for you when you need it.

      2. Check the battery’s expiration date: No tools needed. If your battery is expired and it is not a user replaceable battery, contact the beacon’s manufacturer to find an authorized repair center near you.

      3. Update the beacon’s registration with NOAA: While a computer is required, it’s a simple task at sarsat.noaa.gov/beacon.html. Outdated information could slow your rescue so it’s good to look at your registration data once a year with fresh eyes.

      The BoatUS Foundation Rental Program offers both ACR and McMurdo GPS-enabled 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and EPIRBs for rent for $45 and $65 respectively per week at BoatUS.org/EPIRB.

      About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
      The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 34 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.

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    • Apr 3, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: “New restaurant open at Spanish Wells Yacht Haven” plus Navigation Question

      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: “New restaurant open at Spanish Wells Yacht Haven” plus 1 more
      New restaurant open at Spanish Wells Yacht Haven
      Posted: 02 Apr 2016 06:27 AM PDT
      The Spanish Wells Yacht Haven restaurant (Wreckers) has just opened. It’s already apparent that they have too much landscaping and not enough parking along the road. Prices are not cheap, but not at Harbor Island rates. Food getting a good review, interesting presentation, some Greek leaning but with other offerings. A Spanish Wells pizza has all sorts of seafood on it. The restaurant is all open, but appears to have plastic curtains for inclement weather. The whole marina is quite attractive. It could be a game-changer for the Spanish Wells/Harbour Island area if it is managed well. (Information provided by a Spanish Wells resident)

      Transiting the Devil’s Backbone
      Posted: 01 Apr 2016 02:35 PM PDT
      We are in Spanish Wells, waiting out the winds to head north to the Abacos. There is a north entrance that goes through the Devil’s backbone, but the guide books warn you to not do that; hire a pilot ($120) to guide you through, or go south around Egg Island, then go north to the Abacos. I’ve been looking at the charts and I’m really tempted to save the 20 miles going around to make our transit to Little Harbour easier. We are on a 36′ Grand Banks trawler with a 4.5 foot draft. Any thoughts from anyone?

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Nanci Whitley -  April 8, 2016 - 6:19 pm

        Just did the north passage last week. 3 boats, 5.5 and 6 ft. Follow way points on Explorer charts, no problem.

        Reply to Nanci
      2. Roger Howell -  April 4, 2016 - 6:23 am

        We have a 36 GB and have done both routes. Unless you have the urge to see some coral heads up close and personal (with or w/o a pilot) we would recommend repositioning at Royal Island , and sneak out Egg Island cut to the north of Little Egg Island. We left at first light and arrived Little Harbour Abaco by 1200 with little trauma.
        Roger Howell

        Reply to Roger
    • Apr 3, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Catamaran Skipper Seeks Boat Yard near Brunswick, GA

      Skipper Ted is looking for a DIY boat yard for his catamaran. Let us know if you have recommendations.

      Would like to know how to find out or post a message to find best marina in the New Brunswick GA area that can accommodate 24′ beam Cat for haul out and allows DIY bottom painting. Any help?? Thank you in advance. Ted

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    • Apr 2, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 24.8128,-80.91189999

      Report from Channel Key Pass, Florida Keys Inside Route, Statute Mile 1179.5


       View In Chartview

      George is responding to a request for information on Channel Key Pass made several years ago by our friend Captain Charmaine Smith, see /58003. Channel Key Pass allows passage from Gulf to the Atlantic across Channel Key Banks north of Duck Key.

      I came through there in August 1992, 2 days after Andrew had swept through Everglade City and pounded me on Marco Island. That leg of my journey, I traveled from Marco Island headed for “someplace” in the keys. As I approached this challenging bit of navigation on the chart, I decided to lower my sails and approach it under power for greater control. Our big difference is that my 25′ Capri only had a 4 foot draft. I must admit, I was so intent upon avoiding the reef (with concern about possible unexpected current shifts), I don’t recall ever checking the depth. After I emerged and approached the Channel 5 Bridge, a coin toss decided whether to head to Key Largo or to Key West. Key West won, but I actually lived at Faro Blanco in Marathon for one year. Considering the damage a reef can do to your boat and vice versus, I would always recommend taking it slow and staying within the markers as close to the middle as possible.
      George

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

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    • Mar 31, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.6478,-81.86979999

      More Good Words for Fort Myers Yacht Basin, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135


       View In Chartview

      City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east. Our thanks to Tim and Lisa Keith-Lucas for this report.

      We have difficulty entering marinas because we can’t maneuver easily. We visit most marinas once, and most we decide we cannot return to because they are more suited to boats with twin reversible engines and bow thrusters. This marina [Fort Myers Yacht Basin] graciously and cheerfully allows us to tie up on their outside wall. We are headed there for our 4th stay on the way home to the Apalachicola area. It is the only marina we have been in more than once. With all the amenities and fun things close by, what’s not to like?
      MV Santa Catalina de Guale
      Tim and Lisa Keith-Lucas

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft Myers Yacht Basin

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Leif Lustig -  April 1, 2016 - 2:19 pm

        Thank you for the positive endorsement folks. We sincerely appreciate the compliments as you and all the other area boaters are the only reason that we are here for.
        Leif and the FMYB Crew

        Leif Lustig, Dockmaster
        City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin
        http://Www.cityftmyers.com/381/yacht-basin

        Reply to Leif
    • Mar 30, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 31.8609,-81.08359999

      Advice on Hell Gate Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


       View In Chartview

      We are always hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate and recent conflicting reports still indicate problems at low tide. See /153633 and /153843. This report comes from one of our friends in AGLCA. SSECN still recommends MID TO HIGH TIDE as a requirement for navigating through Hell Gate.

      Hell Gate GA
      As a general rule, this section is best attempted with a rising tide. I guided 5 sailboats through there last November 21, 2015 during the Sail 2015 Rally Down the ICW.. We entered Hell Gate at exactly dead low and proceeded slowly. Of the 6 of us all drawing between 4.5 and 6 feet only the 6 footer ran aground. We draw 4.5 feet and several of the other boats with us were 5.5 feet. We were fine at dead low. In my experience, it is best to stay off G 89 about 75-100 feet.
      Reversing that route for north bound, stay center channel as you proceed into Hell Gate and then be on the west side of the as you approach G89, After the G89 continue north for about 300 feet before you actually take the turn towards the east. G89 does not exactly mark the actual bend in the channel After bend continue to stay west but then shift to the center of the channel as you approach the Vernon river.
      The most recent crowd sourced charts show 4-5 feet in the channel at low water. Given that the tidal range here is 9 feet, If you approach Hell Gate an hour or two after low you will have plenty of water in the channel. If you would like to have a copy of my tracks, please PM me.
      Cheers,
      Tom

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

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

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Nelms Graham -  September 25, 2016 - 5:14 am

        Transited Hells Gate on 09/24/16 three hours after low tide, “bumped” in channel approx. 75ft. from marker “89”, in vessel drawing 2-‘6.

        Reply to Nelms
      2. James Newsome -  August 31, 2016 - 11:47 am

        I negotiated Hell’s Gate on Sunday 08/28/16 traveling northbound exactly two hours before low tide. High tide was approximately 7.3′ for this day. Therefore, we calculated that we had 1.25′ per hour x 2 = 2.5′ of water over low tide. The least water we saw was 8′ which means the net low was around 5.5′. We steered pretty much down the middle following the magenta line, not favoring any marker.

        I draw 5’8″ to 6′ loaded which means I could have made this passage through Hell’s Gate an hour before low tide and barely had water under the keel. At low tide I could not have made it through.

        Based on the draft of your vessel, Hell’s Gate is only a concern within an hour or two of low tide, and if you only draw 4.5′ you can travel through here any time of the day, unless there is a negative tide perhaps. Just take it slow and easy on the south side of Hell’s Gate. There is some squirrelly current on the southern entrance to Hell’s Gate, but it’s nothing to be too concerned about.

        Reply to James
    • Mar 27, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.5464,-80.04879999

      A Small Open Vessel and Boynton Inlet, near AICW Statute Mile 1034


       View In Chartview

      The Boynton Inlet intersects the Waterway at statute mile 1034 and access is restricted by a fixed 18ft vertical clearance bridge. Our thanks to Win Blodgett for sharing this experience which is posted here to remind cruisers of the risks involved with small boats and dinghys in inlets.

      I grew up sailing from Maine to the Chesapeake Bay and have used a Boston Whaler Super Sport 170 (17′) for the past 15 years which I use primarily on the intracoastal. On really flat days it’s great to take it out of the Palm Beach inlet and along Palm Beach or Singer Island. Recently, I made a big mistake of trying to go out the Boynton Inlet at low tide with ocean waves of 2′ to 4′ Some breaking waves at the mouth of the inlet were easily 6′ and although I tried to take the waves bow first at an angle I was drenched head to toe and took on several inches of water before quickly turning about and heading back in. For a small boat in these conditions, that Boynton Inlet is quite treacherous!
      Win Blodgett

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boynton Inlet

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    • Mar 27, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 25.1406,-80.9249999

      A Good Visit to Flamingo Marina, Everglades National Park, Flamingo, West Florida


       View In Chartview

      Flamingo Marina is part of the Cape Sable Everglades National Park Service and is located in Flamingo, FL. Because of reported severe shoaling in the entrance channel, this facility has not recommended by SSECN in the past. However, Ken Roddenberry experienced no shoaling with 4ft draft at low tide.

      Since the latest report was Jan 2015 [/146721] I thought we could give an update on what we experienced at Flamingo marina / Everglades NP visitors center. We traveled the west coast of Florida on our way to the middle Keys. From Marco to Goodland then Everglades City to Shark River we cruised into Flamingo on Feb 5, 2016. Our draft is 4 ft and we did not experience any problems at low tide. There are few if any crab pots inside the NP boundary. The marina is managed by a concierge and not the NP. Docks are in good repair. Pedestals need some work as many do not have service. So you will have to find one in service before completing your dock lines. ‘Flamingo Rick’ answered my call even though he doesn’t work there anymore. But he was very helpful in answering my questions. The pump out was not operating but the public facilities in the visitors center are excellent and adjacent to the docks. Showers are under the control of the concierge and were operating but we did not use them. The price is $2/ft. The water is potable and not objectionable. We planned to stay a couple of days but extended it for four nights waiting for a weather window. Wind was constant and probably kept the insects away. However on a bike ride to a back country area we were very uncomfortable and shortened our trip. Insect repellent is required.
      Ken & Jo Roddenberry Monk 36 Friar Tuck

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Flamingo Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Istvan Orosz -  February 13, 2017 - 8:19 pm

        Flamingo is a great place for boaters with draught less than 4′.
        With 4′ to 5′ can enter on high tide only.
        I have been there with my Beneteau-37 ( 4’7″) yesterday and today and would suggest to call this marina.
        Istvan

        Reply to Istvan
    • Mar 27, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.4079,-80.63399999

      Advice Sought on Lifting Restrictions on Port Canaveral Lock, off AICW Statute Mile 894


       View In Chartview

      From the Atlantic, Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. The lock has been closed Monday – Friday from 7AM to 5PM since June of 2015. See /149146. Elizabeth King asks your political advice on changing these restrictions.

      I am a Merritt Island resident. I’ve lived here since I was eleven years old. I would just like to know what we can do as a community to get the Port Canaveral locks opened on a consistent basis, the purpose of which would be to clean our rivers and breathe life back into our estuary. Thank you for any advice.
      Elizabeth King

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Canaveral Lock

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