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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


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      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


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      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


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      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


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      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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    • Mar 26, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Bahamas Chatter: Isles General?

      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: Isles General?
      Isles General?
      Posted: 25 Mar 2016 09:48 AM PDT
      Hi,
      We’re heading for SCYC soon. We’ve heard that Isles General’s hours have become unpredictable. Is there any truth to this? If true, what are the alternatives?
      John (Duetto)

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Gigi Leader -  March 27, 2016 - 10:10 am

        We have been here most of the winter and have not had any issues.

        Reply to Gigi
    • Mar 26, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      BoatUS News: What Does 50 Years of Boating Look Like?

      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

      The April/May issue of nation’s largest recreational boating publication, BoatUS Magazine, takes a look back at 50 years of boating history.

      The April/May issue of nation’s largest recreational boating publication, BoatUS Magazine, takes a look back at 50 years of boating history.

      What Does 50 Years of Boating Look Like?

      BoatUS Magazine’s 50th Anniversary Edition

      Chronicles People, Boats and Industry Innovation

      ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25, 2016 — If you wanted to look back at the last 50 years of boating, what would it look like? Turn to the just released April/May 2016 issue of BoatUS Magazine and you’ll find the answer. To celebrate the national boating advocacy, services and safety organization’s 50th Anniversary, the special issue includes a trip down memory lane with a look at the innovations, the people, and the big news of the last 50 years in boating.

      Two features that share the history of recreational boating:

      “Timeline 1966-2016” shares 50 years of boating innovation, records and top news across the world of boating and fishing. Through it all, BoatUS has been fighting the good fight, with policy, safety and clean water victories. Click here to view.

      “Leaders and Legends”: The world of boating has attracted impressive individuals who’ve helped to make this the lifestyle we enjoy today. BoatUS selects 50 of the boating world’s most provocative innovators and newsmakers, and presents 27 behind-the-scenes profiles to entertain and inspire. Additional profiles will follow in upcoming issues. Click here to view.

      BoatUS Magazine is the nation’s largest-circulation boating magazine with more than a half million readers, and is an exclusive member benefit.

      To celebrate BoatUS’ 50th Anniversary, the latest issue of BoatUS Magazine includes a trip down memory lane with a look at the innovations, the people, and the big news of the last 50 years in boating http://goo.gl/kCmme9

      About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

      Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.

      2 Facebook Likes, 2 Facebook Reactions

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    • Mar 26, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 8 Comments

      A Boater’s Worst Nightmare!

      This is one of those “worst case scenarios” the likes of which we can all imagine, but hope and pray it never happens to us. James, you have our sympathy.

      This is an SOS and regards Florida impounding procedures for sailing vessels. My name is James Vause my vessel is the Lady Linda a ’72 Cal 33 racing cruiser registered in Florida and titled, I have lived aboard her for the last three years but have not made any legal steps to claim liveaboard status. on the 6th of March 2016 St Andrew Bay had severe weather. i had two anchors out one broke loose before dawn the other fouled and my vessel was pushed towards shore and between to docks i kept off both dock but tied to one in emergency restricted in ability to maneuver circumstance. the dock owner had me trespassed by the municipal police. as soon as able i un moored from his dock. Vessel aground i spent the next three days winching off a pilling of the other dock getting my vessel turned bow out to open water but still aground tho not hard. exhausted i left the boat moored to the pilling going to shore for rest and recuperation having spent alot of time in the water and being trespassed by both dock owners. upon my return to my vessel on the 15th march 2016 before dawn she was not there i reported the vessel stolen to the municipal police department on the following friday an investigator contacted me. his position was one of i am wrong for my boat being there after the verbal trespass warnings and my boat was probably towed. We both contacted coast guard and FWC offices. the FWC had impounded my boat having it towed the officer did try to contact me he said. Monday 21 i was given the information on the towing company to find that it cost 1200$ to tow and 150$ a day. at present its at 2550$ i have been cited with abandoned vessel and and nuisance to public charge and a court appearance. I am unemployed and on state welfare. it was under 48 hrs for the FWC to claim my legally registered and titled vessel to be abandoned and have it impounded. this is the future of boating in Florida waters.
      James Vause

      Comments from Cruisers (8)

      1. Chris -  April 15, 2016 - 7:51 am

        Larry,
        Having attended a few of the meetings hosted by the FWC on this topic, I did miss the sarcasm, simply because these are the asserted behaviors ascribed to cruisers in Florida by both land-based detractors and law enforcement. While most folks from out of state are miffed at their inability to do anything they please anywhere they please, many folks here in Florida with waterfront interests view them as either sheep for shearing or vermin for eradication. The only boats welcome here come with mega as a modifier or have center consoles and are billed for a slip or mooring. And when cruisers pull the cruisers won’t spend their money here if they are mistreated, people just snigger…what money? Cruisers spend far less in a year than Disney makes in a day. Cruisers in Florida who anchor are viewed as waterborne equivalent of street people and a few go out of their way to dress and act the part.
        So I found Tim’s remark to be reinforcing of a stereotype rather than sarcasm.
        Just one guy’s view. We no longer ply the AICW to any greater degree than necessary to get to the Abacos.
        Keep up the good work.
        Chris

        Reply to Chris
      2. R. Austin -  April 4, 2016 - 6:29 pm

        Let me add a constructive comment. A sail boat is generally easier to get off from being aground that a power boat. Set two anchors out–one in the direction of the deeper water, the second forward of the beam. Take the spinnaker halyard to a bowline in the anchor which is set forward of the beam. Use the halyard winch to heel the boat over, as you take strain on the forward anchor. It does not take much heeling effect to reduce the draft enough to let the boat work free. This assumes that you have at least two spare anchors. Every cruising boat should have at least 4 anchors–Two bow, a stern and a kedge.

        Reply to R.
      3. Tranquility -  April 1, 2016 - 8:21 pm

        Sorry for your plight, but it is because of boaters like yourself that Florida has taken the position it has. I don’t want to be mean and offend anyone, but there are several things this boater did wrong that landed him in this position. While he may not have been treated well by the locals, he had a duty as a boater to exercise due care and be responsible. The emergency happened and he was correct in his position at first, but when he left his vessel, even thou exhausted at trying to correct it’s peril, it became abandoned. This situation could have been avoided if the captain had a towing service policy which would of allowed him to get out of his situation in a timely manner. True, this cost money, but we all know that the freedom to boat is not necessarily free. Now the captain will have to pay after the fact to recover his vessel. In Florida’s eyes, this might very well have become another vessel that was abandoned. I have long been a proponent that Florida should require abandoned vessel insurance on all vessels registered in Florida. My sympathy is with this captain, however his actions led to this ultimate outcome.

        Reply to Tranquility
      4. Kris -  April 1, 2016 - 7:38 pm

        And yet the authorities let obviously abandoned/derelict boats sit for months in places where they are a problem and even other boaters want them removed!! Go figure…

        Reply to Kris
      5. R. Austin -  April 1, 2016 - 5:36 pm

        Unfortunately you abandoned your boat. I wonder what the interaction was between you and the owner of the docks? You had inadequate anchoring gear.

        Your only recourse is to negotiate a settlement with the person who towed your boat. If you feel that it was unjust, then your have the option of legal action. Most likely you will loose.

        You are fortunate that the person who towed your boat did not claim salvage.
        Yes, I feel for your plight. But you should have never abandoned your boat. Part of being a responsible boater, cruiser is taking proper precautions to avoid such a situation. If it occurs, then you have to have the insurance and resources to handle the situation. What if you had caused $10,000 in damage to the property owners dock? What if you sunk his $ one million dollar boat?
        Unfortunately the cruising life is not free. It has responsibilities.

        Reply to R.
      6. Michael Bennett -  April 1, 2016 - 2:26 pm

        I for one am less than sympathetic. Mr. Vause embodies precisely what is wrong with some boaters who become lightning rods for homeowners and ruining boating for everyone else. He trespassed on two properties, denying those owners the use and enjoyment of their private property. It matters not how little time it might have been or why. His obligation is to get his boat off their properties. But, after three days aground he decides to go ashore for rest. If I were the property owner, I would not assume for a second that Mr. Vause had not abandoned the boat.

        Owning a boat requires great responsibility and not insignificantly, a financial one as well. If you cannot afford to get your boat towed or if you lack the requisite seamanship skills to kedge off someone else’s property, you have no business being on the water. You have no right to infringe on others.

        Folks with lower incomes are certainly entitled to own boats if they can afford it. Unemployed and on welfare? I’d say that is prima facie evidence that you cannot. You are out boating on working taxpayers’ dime? And you want sympathy? Unbelievable.

        I applaud the Government officers who will finally address this epidemic of those, who in the exercise of their boating freedom give little thought to the rights of anyone except themselves.

        We took our first trip to Florida this winter, from St. Mary’s River to Key West and disgusted by the shear number of abandoned and derelict boats. There is nothing else like it on the east coast. While I don’t condone the overreaction of influential property owners, I can understand their outrage and it is people like Mr. Vause who do nothing to ameliorate it.

        Reply to Michael
      7. Jerry -  April 1, 2016 - 2:13 pm

        James, so sorry to hear of your plight. Yes, I believe you are correct. Boating in Florida waters is becoming a nightmare. I’m a boating snowbird and used to travel south in my boat in the winter to south Florida. Over the years. It became apparent I wasn’t wanted there. They wanted my money but not me and my boat. So I don’t go there anymore. There are other places to boat in winter. With Cuba opening up to boating, I think that will be a nice place to visit. Apparently, the state government doesn’t want us in Florida either, from what I’m reading. My solution would be to try to boat elsewhere. I have a good trawler that suits me fine. If I decide to sell it and buy another one, you can bet I will do neither in Florida! If they don’t want us there, then let’s spend our money elsewhere. Let’s buy and sell our boats where we use them. A boycott of Florida boat dealers and brokers might do more than anything else to address the boating situation in Florida. Good luck with the powers that be in Florida, but don’t expect too much compassion. They seem to be on a quest to stop boating in the state.
        Respectfully,
        Jerry

        Reply to Jerry
      8. tim -  April 1, 2016 - 1:26 pm

        steal your boat back under cover of darkness and move it to another state. deny any knowledge of the matter and then sell the boat and get another out of state

        Reply to tim
    • Mar 26, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.9796,-81.05619999

      Good Words for Isle of Hope Marina, Savannah, GA, AICW Statute Mile 590


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      Isle of Hope Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of Waterway marker #46A. And in case you missed their FOCUS ON, see /150925.

      Have been at ISLE of hope now for about 2 1/2 years the staff is and has been great. The showers are always kept clean (you can always come in behind some one who leaves it messed up but the staff jump on it and make sure it’s cleaned. Restraints are close and downtown is full of things to do. Thanks and will probably keep coming back as we start our island hopping.
      Nick on the Cavalier

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina

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

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