Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Mar 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.3638,-79.28169999
Georgetown Restaurant Praised, Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403

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As Claiborne would have said, news of good food is always welcome! So we thank Bob and Susan Crenshaw for these good words for a new Georgetown restaurant, especially as this lovely port is recovering from a devastating fire in 2013 that destroyed a number of waterfront cafes. Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is the northwesternmost marina on the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront.
Cruising News
Great new restaurant in Georgetown DiAngelo’s
We just had a wonderful dining experience at DiAngelo’s on 929 Front street in Georgetown. We had opportunity to meet the owner, Pat DiAngelo and his wife Debbie. Also the chef, Tony came out and introduced himself. A.J. was our server.
Wonderful home made Italian food that was fantastic. Chef Tony prepared us a sample of his yet unnamed dumpling gnocchi dish that was fantastic.
Then to top off the nite he brought us some samples of Zeppoli, an Italian doughnut that melted in your mouth. These are wonderful people who need to be supported to make their business successful. The owner, Pat, was very gracious and appreciative of his customers. We cannot recommend a better dining experience than one we had.
The kicker is that Chris, Dockmaster at Harbourwalk recommend we try them out. You will not be disappointed.
Bob & Susan Crenshaw
Carolina Girl
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
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Mar 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.052,-79.50249999
Shallow Water Reported at McClellanville Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 432

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This Problem Stretch is perennially the source of shallow water reports and over the years we have received numerous complaints of skinny depths in this narrow Waterway channel, from south of the intersection with Jeremy Creek and McClellanville to Statute Mile 435. As always, SSECN recommends mid to high tide passage if you draw 5ft or more! Our thanks to Captain Bob Crenshaw for this onsite report.
Cruising News
Extremely low water at SM 430 between 430 and SM 432 at Jeremy Creek
We were coming north in our 42 trawler with 4 foot draft and encounter extreme low water with ranges from 4 to 6 feet. This occurred between SM 430 and 432 at Jeremy Creek near McClellanville. We had to monitor depth finder and pull back to idle speed as we mover thru the low water.
This occurred at two hours before low tide. It was extremely nerve racking trying to find the deep water. When we arrived at our destination at Georgetown we were told,that two boats that had planned to stay at Georgetown had called in and said they had gotten aground in this area and had to wait for tide to come back.
We are unable to provide safe path in this area except monitor depth finder and try to search out low water.
Carolina Girl
42 Trawler
Captain Bob Crenshaw
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Waterway south of McClellanville.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Mar 9, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.8271,-82.27019999
Update on Boca Grande Causeway Swing Bridge Construction, GICW Statute Mile 34.5

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The old Boca Grande Swing Bridge (Gasparilla Island Swing Bridge) crosses the GICW at statute mile 34.5 in the northern Gasparilla Sound. A new bridge was recently constructed adjacent to the old bridge. The old bridge was removed in February and the channel was closed for week, see /154973. Our thanks to Greg Allard for this update and photo.

Boca Grande Causeway Bridge Construction Update- March 8, 2016 – West Coast of Florida, Statute Mile 34, GIWW
A new swing bridge has been under construction at this location. The new bridge is in operation, and the old bridge’s center span has been removed. The contractors are still on-site, working working to remove the old bridge supports. Current bridge openings are on the hour and half hour, on request.
I telephoned the bridge operator who advised that there has been no “official high water clearance” established for the bridge, but they are “unofficially” saying that it is 22’. I suspect that estimate is based on “low steel”. Because of the nature of this swing bridge, the “high steel” (which can give extra clearance under the center of a bascule bridge) is at the outer ends of the swing bridge; that extra clearance is really not usable with a spring bridge of this type, since it is a variable distance (the bridge support is curved) and it would require passing dangerously close to the bridge’s fender system.
When we passed through, the bridge tender had us use the opening on the north side, since there were two contractors hanging in a bucket under the south span opening (see photo).
Adding to the adventure is that there are NO TIDAL HEIGHT BOARDS in place on the fenders, on either side of the bridge. Curiously, when we called on Channel 9 for an opening, the bridge tender asked how much clearance we needed, which was silly, since we our air-draft was certainly close, and they have established neither an official high water clearance nor have they installed tidal height boards. However, the bridge operator was very helpful and courteous, and readily agreed to open the bridge when we indicated that the clearance was too close. In addition to Channel 9, the operator can be reached by phone at 941-697 2271 (listen for the prompts, and you will be routed directly to the bridge operator.)
Greg Allard
M/V Meander
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Boca Grande Swing Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Grande Swing Bridge
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Raymond W Smith-“Fire Dog” - March 10, 2016 - 11:14 am

Passed through the new bridge on 2/6/2016 and boy what a difference. 22 foot clearance. The bridge tender was very helpful concerning the new bridge.
The “Fire Dog”!!!
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Mar 9, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.4632,-81.96549999
Cape Coral Cruise Club Returns to Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Matanzas Pass, Gulf Coast

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The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
Cape Coral Cruise Club Returns to Pink Shell Resort Marina
Taking advantage of SW Florida’s beautiful sunny weather and calm seas, 16 eager captains headed out the Caloosahatchee River toward Ft. Myers Beach and the Pink Shell Resort Marina February 16th for 3 days of fun, companionship and relaxation. Pink Shell is one of CCCC’s favorite destinations and this cruise is eagerly anticipated by Club members and fills quickly.

As a result of Pink Shell’s popularity, cruise leaders Gary and Kathy Taake always have a wait list of cruisers hoping to go. The lucky ones this year included Larry & MaryAnn Habich, Phil & Lyn Quick, Hal & Dee Moss, Armond & Pam Sikes, Phil & Pat Kryger, Ken & Anne Millisor, Jeff & Joanne Ziemer, Ted & Bev Hutson, Walt & Lynn Engle, Rusty & Marlene Glover, John & Linda Furey, Len & Sharon Palmisano, Bob & Susan Ibanez, Joe & Kelli Miller,and Paul & Stephanie Carrico.

Tuesday evening began with docktails at 4:30 followed by one of Gary’s famous entrees – grilled pork loins. The remainder of the meal was rounded out by potluck contributions provided by fabulous first mates. What a feast! Everyone outdid themselves in the food department and no one went away hungry. Too stuffed to do much bar hopping down the Beach, many were content to take on a hot game or two of cards. For some reason, this group is very competitive when it comes to table games involving quarters, nickels and dimes.
As is customary the cruise leaders provided a hot breakfast in a room provided to the Club by Pink Shell both Wednesday and Thursday morning for anyone ready to get moving by 9:00. The days were free to lounge by the several pools, ride the Beach Trolley, or walk to Times Square for lunch. Rumor has it that one establishment in the Times Square area has the coldest beer on the Beach!

Several members joined us by land yacht for docktails Wednesday evening. Kathy finalized reservations for the now-expanded group of 38 for dinner at Mantanzas on the Bay. Mantanzas never disappoints and every one enjoyed a wonderful meal. The highlight of the evening was a surprise birthday cake to honor Ted Hutson’s 85th birthday!
After another day of leisure, Thursday evening found the group scattered to various locations for dinner, followed by a final get together back at the marina for conversation and several hands of cards. This crowd is really competitive when it comes to card games. Plans were made for the next morning’s departures and everyone said a fond farewell. Another excellent Pink Shell Cruise gets logged into CCCC member’s memories.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
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Bruce Longman - March 9, 2016 - 8:43 pm

Looks like an awesome destination in S W Florida
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Mar 9, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission Requests Your Assistance
This request is aimed at the beach combers and marine wildlife lovers among us, providing you can find a place to anchor after dark. Contact information is in the link below.
Be a citizen-scientist: Help FWC monitor horseshoe crabs spawning on beaches
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 03/08/2016 01:00 PM EST
For immediate release: March 8, 2016
Media contact: Frank McCloy, 727-502-4789
A ritual dating back millions of years takes place again this spring on Florida beaches. Spring marks horseshoe crabs’ mating season, and biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) want the public’s help identifying spawning sites.
Beachgoers will likely have the best luck spotting mating horseshoe crabs around high tide, just before, during or after a new or full moon. The conditions around the new moon this Wednesday, March 9, and the full moon on March 23 will create ideal opportunities to view the spawning behavior of horseshoe crabs.
CLICK HERE to view photos and read the entire article.
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Mar 8, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
BoatUS News: Another Setback in Florida Anchoring Issue
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR! See /155536 for more on this issue.
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
Despite Anti-Anchoring Vote, BoatUS Optimistic For Uniform Anchoring Solution for Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 7, 2016 – Despite a second setback today on the Florida anchoring issue, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says it’s looking forward to the results of the state’s on-going Pilot Anchoring program this fall. The Florida Senate voted this morning to pass Florida House Bill 1051 – which was accepted in the House on Friday – that carves out special “no anchoring” ordinances on waters adjacent to privileged groups of homeowners.
“Even after hearing from thousands of Florida boaters requesting they not approve this legislation, the Florida Senate has just decided to treat a few areas differently than the rest of the state when it comes to public access to the waterways,” said BoatUS President Margaret Bonds Podlich. “Despite today’s vote, we remain committed to seeing the Pilot Program through to completion. We want to work with all communities so that responsible cruising boaters are welcome in their waters.”
The Florida Mooring and Anchoring Pilot Program, created through legislation in 2009, allowed five localities to experiment with anchoring ordinances to find practical recommendations to develop a uniform statewide anchoring solution. At the same time, it limited other local governments from enacting general anchoring restrictions. Originally scheduled to end in 2014, the Pilot Program was extended until 2017, with recommendations due from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission to the legislature this fall.
Florida HB 1051 prohibits anchoring from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise on the Middle River N.E. 21st Court and the Intracoastal Waterway in Broward County; Sunset Lake in Miami-Dade County, and sections of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County between Rivo Alto Island and Di Lido Island, San Marino Island and San Marco Island, and San Marco Island and Biscayne Island.
The bill contains a provision that will remove these anchoring restrictions once statewide anchoring regulations are enacted.
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.
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Wally Moran - March 11, 2016 - 4:17 pm

We were promised in 2009 that when the Pilot Program came into effect, we WOULD NOT SEE local rules outside of the Pilot Program areas. One of your writers here said we were being decieved even then. So, as we can see, we were lied to then, and we are not being very bright if we allow this to happen again.
Let’s recognize the reality of this situation. There are people in Florida who absolutely DO NOT WANT and will not accept, boats anchoring near their properties. We know who they are and that they are behind this.
However, they do not own these waters and to give them any rights over us is illegal, unconstitutional and against the Public Trust Doctrine which dictates in part how the water is to be used.
It is time to stop being politically ‘nice’ with these people, including the politicians who imply we are pedophiles and bums – it is time to act, to put these people in their proper places by taking appropriate action — politically, and via civil disobedience where necessary.
For the record, I know of no cruisers who are pedophiles – but do know of two who are or were members of the Florida legislature. Maybe we should be demanding that they not be permitted to live on the water, in order to protect ourselves from them. (sarcasm meter pinged!)
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Mar 8, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Hazard in the Barraterre channel

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: Hazard in the Barraterre channel
Hazard in the Barraterre channel
Posted: 07 Mar 2016 04:14 AM PST
A 20′ X 2′ X 1/2″ piece of fiberglass with one end in the mud bottom & one end at the surface has been found to exist in the channel north of Barraterre. The object is just west of the recommended route to Barraterre near 23° 42.167′ N 76°02.919′ W. See Chart EX 27, page 43, Explorer Chartbook Exumas and Ragged Islands, Seventh Edition.
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Mar 8, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Vessel Safety Inspections by Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron, Lake Norman, NC
In addition to Boater Safety classes, see /155450, Lake Norman USPS also offers free Vessel Safety Inspections. See the schedule below and their website linked below for more information. The work done by this Power Squadron to promote boating and boating safety is outstanding.
Sincerely,
P/C Steven Stuart, AP
Executive Officer LNSPS
www.usps.org/lakenorman
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Mar 7, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
Vessel Inspections Underway in Florida Keys Anchorages
A big Heads Up! if you are anchored in the Keys. According to this article by Kevin Wadlow in KeyInfoNet on Operation Liveaboard 2016, 210 vessels were inspected and 115 (!!) received citations.
Boat inspections yield dozens of citations
BY KEVIN WADLOW
kwadlow@keynoter.com
March 5, 2016
Marine officers inspected 210 boats during the recent Operation Liveaboard 2016 in the Florida Keys.
Three agencies — the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office — checked waters with the highest density of liveaboard vessels from Key West to Key Largo. It was done over six days in recent weeks.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE AND COMMENTS
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Dave Boxmeyer - March 18, 2016 - 11:02 am

This whole boating mess in FL is getting totally out of hand. We just spent 3 months in Cape Coral. We had some mechanical issues and spend over $6000,00 on repairs, figure another $1000.00 for boat detailing and $700.00 in marina fees. Add to that car rental, groceries, dining and other items and it all adds up to over 410,000.00. The weather in January sucked, over 12 inches of rain when less than 2 inches is normal. It has reached the point where I have to worry about a visit from the LEO’s every time I move the boat. We have been doing this trip now for 9 years, but next year we may just skip FL. We will be more than happy staying at Jekyll Island for the winter
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Has Royer - March 11, 2016 - 2:14 pm

Considering the actions of Florida, I will not be cruising south of St. Lucie, east or west coast at anytime in the future
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Mar 7, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 25.7475,-77.85949999
Good Visit to Great Harbour Cay Marina, Berry Islands, Bahamas

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As Tim and Lisa Keith-Lucas attest below, 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. Great Harbour Cay is located mid-way between Freeport and Nassau.
I want to preface this with a statement regarding our complete lack of experience. This is our first trip to the Bahamas and we are using, besides our navigation charts, the Explorer Chartbook for the Bahamas. The book needs some updating in terms of this Marina, so here goes:
We arrived February 29, with no plans to stay here and no reservation. We had anchored out and thought, “why not?”
We are so happy we did. The book did not really give this place the credit it now deserves. Thanks to the “campground hosts” Christel and Gary, this is a vibrant, thriving Marina with both transient and long term residents. The place is beautifully kept and clean, the water looks like an aquarium, there are resident manatees, everything works well including the wifi, and the staff is nothing short of amazing. There are activities almost every day, from dinghy convoys to places to view wildlife, festivals with food and drink from local vendors, potlucks, wine tasting, and pizza night. The marina is quiet from early evening til 8am, and people are gracious and polite. It is refreshingly safe and there is no need to lock things up.
As far as the options offered on the island, the guidebook can tell you that in a minute or two. My reason for this entry is twofold: one, these are fairly recent developments, so the guidebooks might not tell you just how amazing this place has become, and the Berry Islands are not heavily visited. Two, it is clear that reservations are going to be essential from here on, as word is getting out that this is a great place to be, so plan ahead! We are here for one more week, waiting on a spell of Easter Winds to subside, and the Marina has been full since we arrived.
Tim and Lisa Keith-Lucas
MV Santa Catalina de Guale
We’ve enjoyed our stay here. It occurred to me, as we are preparing to leave, that a note about the approach might be helpful. The charts indicate that the entrance to the channel that leads to Great Harbour Cay Marina is marked with a range and a set of red/green markers at the entrance. If you could add that the range is no longer there, the red marker is on a post outside the entrance (as you approach this post keeping it on your right, the channel comes into view) but more importantly, the green marker that the chart shows on the left side of the entrance is gone. To make it a bit more exciting, there is a green square sign welcoming you to Great Harbour Cay, but it is on the right side of the entrance!! If you keep this to your left and the red marker to the right, you will go right into a rock wall.
If you are coming in for the first time, this will be pretty confusing. Best do it in daylight.
Thanks! On to the Eleutheras.
MV Santa Catalina
Tim and Lisa Keith-Lucas
http://www.greatharbourcaymarina.com/
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Winston Fowler - March 9, 2016 - 3:51 pm

Tim and Lisa
Many thanks for your kind note concerning this beautiful island. We first “found” this slice of heaven in 2005, and back then it was just us and one other boat in the marina for over two weeks waiting for a weather break. We had left Chub Cay headed for West End when the weather really started knocking us hard. We had to find shelter and Great Harbour was the closest to us. We now say it was “divine intervention.”
During that two weeks, we met folks from France, USA, the Bahamas who had residences on the island and they all treated us as if we were family.
The beach on the opposite side from the marina is one of the prettiest my bride and I have ever enjoyed.
Thank you for your updates. Trust the remainder of your cruise will be safe and most enjoyable. Thanks for using “The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net”.
Winston Fowler
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