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    • Feb 25, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.32,-82.59819999

      NavAids Changes to Address Dangerous Shoaling at New Pass, Sarasota, FL, 2/25/2016


       View In Chartview

      Shoaling at the entrance to New Pass was recently posted in LNM: /153973. These changes to existing NavAids are definitely needed and great caution is required until the new markers are in place. New Pass leads directly to the Sarasota waterfront and the entrance portion between the Entrance Light and Light 7 is constantly shifting. Our thanks to BOSN4 Pauly for these notices.

      All concerned,
      I’m seeking your assistance in notifying the public of upcoming Coast Guard changes to New Pass, Sarasota County.
      Please forward this information to county officials, marine police, boating groups, marinas, and any other users of New Pass as you wish. Feel free to publish this information or post on social media. Thanks for your assistance.
      Subject: New Pass info
      GULF OF MEXICO – FLORIDA – SARASOTA – NEW PASS

      Dangerous shoaling exists in the vicinity of the New Pass Entrance Channel, Sarasota County. There are currently no plans by the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain the federal project channel depth. The increased shoaling has created an unsafe situation and the Coast Guard has determined that it can no longer mark “safe water” and will be removing all federal Aids to Navigation from the New Pass (NP) Entrance Light to New Pass Light 7. A Safety broadcast to Mariners will be released notifying the public of the intended start date of this work.

      New Pass Channel Light (NP) (LLNR 1345 [27°18.9185N / 082°35.8861W, 27.315309 / -82.598102]), will be discontinued and converted to a Danger Shoal Marker with a Quick Flashing, White light.
      New Pass Channel Buoy 1 (21590) will be discontinued.
      New Pass Channel Buoy 2 (21595) will be discontinued.
      New Pass Channel Buoy 3A (21600) will be discontinued.
      New Pass Channel Buoy 4 (21603) will be discontinued.
      New Pass Channel Buoy 5 (21605) will be discontinued.
      New Pass Channel Buoy 5A (21610) will be discontinued.
      New Pass Channel Light 7 (21620) will be discontinued and converted to a Danger Shoal Marker with a Quick, Flashing White light.

      Boaters are advised to seek alternate routes to and from the Gulf of Mexico and also use extreme caution while in this area. Please contact Chief Warrant Officer Darren Pauly for additional information or questions. Darren.a.pauly@uscg.mil or (813) 228-2191 ext 8184.

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at New Pass

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Whit Sibley -  February 26, 2016 - 4:02 pm

        So basically, New Pass is closed to navigation . Big Pass is usually a gut-clencher when transiting. Venice now best option for G of M access? Sad state of affairs for Sarasota Bay mariners , and businesses. Why no outcry?

        Reply to Whit
    • Feb 25, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.7543,-80.01179999

      Praise for St. Johns Yacht Harbor, Charleston, SC , AICW Statute Mile 472.5


       View In Chartview

      For those who own a boat and love the water, buying a SJYH wet slip is an easy decision when you consider the benefits. The opportunity to own waterfront access a mere 11 minutes from historic downtoLocated on the western shore of the Stono River just south of the Waterway’s passage out the western/southern mouth of Wappoo Creek – Elliot Cut, and only a very short cruise from Charleston Harbor, St. Johns Yacht Harbor is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! By boat or by car, it is worth a trip just to see these beautiful facilities with probably the nicest Captains’ Lounge and Clubhouse on the east coast!

      Very nice, clean facility. Friendly and helpful staff. Convenient location. Grocery, drug stores and restaurants close by with courtesy car provided. Current can be tricky when tide is running,, but staff will assist with lines when docking. Will stop here again and recommend it highly to others.
      Capt Jack B-H and 1st mate Steve O.
      Aboard the trawler “Whatever”

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Johns Yacht Harbor

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Johns Yacht Harbor

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 25, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      BoatUS Op Ed: Ethanol-free Gasoline

      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!

       

       

       

      From BoatUS Public Relations
      Boat Owners Association of The United States
      880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
      Read this Op-Ed online at: http://goo.gl/lGMA9q

      unnamed

      E0, or ethanol-free gasoline for boaters may be hard to come by this summer as a result of the Renewable Fuel Standard mandate forcing more ethanol into the fuel supply.

      Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

      February 24, 2016
      E0 Gas Is Going Away for Boaters
      Op-Ed: South Carolina Boats, Presidential Candidates and Ethanol Blended Fuels

      Dear Friends:
      I want to share with you the Op-Ed below that was recently offered this week to South Carolina newspapers in advance of Saturday’s Democratic primary. E0 (zero-ethanol) gasoline, which is sold at marinas and gas stations, is in effect being pushed out of boat fuel market to make room for the Renewable Fuel Standard-mandated E15 and higher ethanol blends. This means boaters may see shortages of E0 fuel as early as this summer’s boating season. BoatUS believes boaters need a reliable, trusted fuel to ensure smooth engine operation and safe navigation, and we ask you to share the Op-Ed below in any manner available to you.
      Please call me at 703-461-2864 or email SCroft@BoatUS.com if you have any questions.
      Thank you for your support on this issue,
      Scott Croft
      Vice President BoatUS Public Affairs

      Op-Ed: South Carolina Boats, Presidential Candidates and Ethanol Blended Fuels
      by: Margaret Bonds Podlich, President of BoatUS

      As Democrat presidential candidates turn their attention to South Carolina, it is worth considering how a particular federal law that both candidates support wreaks havoc on the state’s boaters. That law is the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and it has led to some significant, albeit unintentional, negative consequences for owners of the roughly half-million boats registered in the Palmetto State.

      When gasoline containing ethanol and boats mix, boat owners lose. That’s because of something called “phase separation” – think oil and vinegar – that can turn fuel stored in a boat’s gas tank into corrosive, water-soaked ethanol mixture, unusable in any engine. Half of those who responded to a recent informal national survey by the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) said they have had to replace or repair boat engine or fuel system parts because of suspected ethanol-related damage. The average cost for these repairs was $1,000.

      The federal ethanol mandate requires increasing amounts of biofuels – primarily corn ethanol –to be blended into America’s gasoline supply every year. In part because of the mandate, more than 90 percent of American fuel today is E10, or 10 percent ethanol. In addition, higher ethanol-blend fuels such as E15 are becoming more prevalent in the marketplace, even though federal law prohibits the use of 15 percent ethanol in marine engines, ATVs, motorcycles, lawnmowers or any cars made before 2001.

      Boaters have long preferred ethanol-free gasoline to other fuels, so much so that many refer to E0 as “marine fuel.” However, our country’s supply of E0 is projected to be reduced dramatically from over 8 billion gallons in 2014 to just 200 million, possibly as early as this summer’s boating season. E0 is in effect being pushed out of boat fuel market to make room for the RFS’ mandated E15 and other higher ethanol blends. The prospect of this disappearing act has the boating community in South Carolina and around the country extremely concerned.

      Correcting the RFS before it wipes out the availability of E0 for boating families and wreaks additional havoc on marine engines is the responsibility of our next president—perhaps Secretary Clinton or Senator Sanders—and Congress. Ted Cruz, by becoming the first candidate to win Iowa while opposed to the mandate, shows that supporting the RFS is not a political necessity. It is now time to fix this broken law. Thankfully, there are bipartisan ideas to fix the ethanol mandate in Congress, but the question remains whether our elected leaders will act and solve the problem. America’s boaters, and certainly those in South Carolina, hope they will.

      Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, fighting against unfair federal taxes, fees and regulations that single out boat owners. BoatUS is also non-partisan and works with state agencies to promote boating laws that make sense.

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Suzanne Longacre -  March 6, 2016 - 12:52 pm

        There is an environmentally safe option to corn -based ethanol: as Cuba opens up to mutually beneficial trade, that country’s capability in growing large amounts of sugar-cane would have a new expanding ethanol market for trade.

        Brazil’s sugar cane industry taught that it is a much safer additive to gasoline than corn. Now, only 90 miles away, comes a perfect opportunity to turn the whole ethanol industry around. Despite the very effective agribusiness lobby for expanding corn for non-food uses, , it is morally, economically and environmentally far better to use sugarcane as the additive. With hungry global residents, corn products should be used for feeding the hungry, not just making agribusiness owners extremely rich.

        Reply to Suzanne
      2. Phil Doucette -  February 26, 2016 - 8:12 pm

        It would seem to me that all boaters concerned boaters should be voting for Cruse as he is the only true conservative, thus hopefully an early item agenda will be to shut down the IRS, NSA, and the EPA, and to throw the UN out of the country, after demanding they pay all owed moneys to the US,and selling their Bldg. putting it back on NY’s tax rolls. Thus ENDING the ETHINOL FOLLY!!!
        NO more GLOBAL WARMING-COLLING, whatever the LIBERAL- WACHACCO’S wish to call it this week or next!!! Git- er done!!!!!!!!!!!

        Reply to Phil
    • Feb 24, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Sailor Seeks Advice re Offshore from Fort Lauderdale to New York

      If those of you who make passage offshore can offer advice to Len, please let us hear from you!

      Hello to all,
      We’ll be transiting from Fort Lauderdale to New York in late April and would appreciate any insight regarding Atlantic passage.
      I’ve read some information related to some areas such as the Diamond Shoals, is it necessary to transit outside the old light station 13 miles offshore: (appears to be ample water further inland)
      Any input regarding any hazards along the Atlantic coast would be appreciated. jetskilen@yahoo.com
      Regards
      Len

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Norman Quinn -  February 26, 2016 - 5:52 pm

        Depends on what kind of vessel you’re going in…especially your draft

        Reply to Norman
    • Feb 24, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, Abaco, Northern Bahamas

      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht ClubNow that many of you are in southern waters and maybe headed for the Bahamas, don’t miss this opportunity to link with the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!.

      Larry,
      What a magnificent “virtual fellowship” I have had since joining RMHYC over since I saw them as a sponsor of SSEC. I’ve not actually been to Marsh Harbor yet as I am still “caregiving” in Hampton Roads.
      However, several members including their very astute and friendly Membership Coordinator (Val Nucci) have included me in up to date information and engaged me in email conversation.
      SO, Someday!

      Contact them at:
      Membership@rmhyc.com

      Tight Lines!
      Alan V. Cecil
      SIGMACHI
      Hampton Roads

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 21, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Update on HB1051 from Waterway Guide

      The link below takes you to an update on the anchoring ban bill currently in Florida House hearings. See /154906. Thank you Mike Ahart!

      http://www.icontact-archive.com/e3vnSxrRCJeWJ3JqN8k303N0vVAo21CC?w=4

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Capt. Robert Beringer -  February 22, 2016 - 11:45 am

        Here is copy of email I just sent committee chairman Jack Latvala. Feel free to plagiarize.

        latvala.jack.web@flsenate.gov Feb 22
        Dear Senator Latvala

        I am a lifelong sailor and licensed captain who and I write to you regarding CS-1260 which would proscribe overnight anchoring in parts of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Overnight anchoring is why most people buy boats, and there is no place better to do that than our state. Thousands of responsible boaters pass through each year on their way to the Bahamas and Keys. They spend millions here and they won’t appreciate knowing that they can’t do what’s perfectly legal everywhere else: to drop an anchor and spend the night.

        Look closely at the bill, what problems will it solve? It is a thinly veiled “scenery grab” by landowners. But you know sir that navigable waters are in the public trust, they belong to us all.

        I urge you to take a firm stand against this misguided and foolish bill. It will serve no purpose other than to dissuade the many thousands of responsible boaters who travel our state from coming or worse, to compel them to cross the potentially dangerous Gulf Stream before a proper weather window opens. And I have anchored in the Di Lido Isle site; it is a prime place to await safe passage to the Bahamas.

        From Fernandina to Key West to Pensacola, the Sunshine State should remain boater friendly, welcoming recreational cruisers from all over the world—so many businesses benefit from their visits. Write me if you require additional information on this matter.
        I thank you, in advance, for your efforts. Best regards,

        Reply to Capt.
    • Feb 20, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Import duties on alcoholic beverages?

      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: Import duties on alcoholic beverages?
      Import duties on alcoholic beverages?
      Posted: 19 Feb 2016 02:49 PM PST
      Hello,
      We are trying to find out what the rules are for having liquor aboard before we enter the Bahamas. We have a cruising guide (by Wilson) that lists pretty restrictive amounts. We have also seen posts that suggest stocking up before leaving the States due to high prices.

      We tried searching the archives here and on AGLCA. If someone would please direct us to the info or fill us in, we’d sure appreciate it.

      Thank you,
      Kellirae and Bill
      aboard Ocean Dancer
      48′ Ocean M/Y
      Currently in Key West

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Stephanie DiBelardino -  February 26, 2016 - 4:18 pm

        Technically, there are restrictions on the amounts you allowed to bring in. If you are arriving on a 26′ fishing boat and have 14 cases of beer aboard, you have a problem. But if you are arriving on a sizeable boat, we have found that the customs agents aren’t going to delve into your less accessible lockers. If you have an obvious bar, they may look at it, but we have never had a problem clearing at West End — every year since 2002.

        Reply to Stephanie
      2. Kris -  February 26, 2016 - 2:48 pm

        Please do not draw attention to this subject that should probably not be made public!

        Reply to Kris
    • Feb 18, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 25.0108,-80.51999999

      Unhappy with Mangrove Marina, Florida Keys Inside Route, Key Largo, Statute Mile 1150


       View In Chartview

      Skipper Pearsall’s report is the opposite of a 2015 report, see /146935, but facilities and prices at any location can change, see /155306. Mangrove Marina is one of only a very few facilities offering transient dockage on the Florida Keys Inside Route between a point south of Jewfish Creek, and Snake Creek. To access Mangrove Marina, depart the Inside Route just northeast of the Tavernier Creek intersection, between markers #64A and #65. Note that Mangrove Marina also features a full service repair yard!

      We’ve been cruising to Mangrove Marina for many years; the rates WERE reasonable, dockmates were (and still are) very friendly, and the location is excellent.
      NOW, we find rates have gone up after we made reservations, electric is no longer included in the dock rate (they now charge $85/month for 30 amp electric), a swimming pool is only partly completed and is best for mosquito farmers, the “food truck” hasn’t been opened at all since we’ve been here, income seems to be not used at all for maintenance and improvements, parking space has been reduced, and the bathroom/showers haven’t been cleaned in the past few days.
      Adelle Pearsall

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Mangrove Marina

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Sue Ward -  February 18, 2016 - 1:59 pm

        Oh thats so disappointing. We were hoping to book in for next winter season there. Will wait and see if there are any further reports. Thank you.

        Reply to Sue
    • Feb 17, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.4671,-81.9689999

      Report from Matanzas Pass, Fort Myers Beach, FL


       View In Chartview

      Matanzas Pass is the waterway east of Estero Island that connects San Carlos Bay with Estero Bay to the south and is notorious for shoaling, see /97467. Fort Myers Beach, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on the northeastern tip of Estero Island. Our thanks to Lisa Keith-Lucas for this report.

      We cruised offshore from Tampa, arriving at 1am 2/15/16 in San Carlos Bay to anchor for the rest of the night. While sounding our way in,we encountered shallower water than the chart indicated on the side of the entrance opposite the channel to the marina at Ft. Myers Beach. Although the depths were not problematic (except having the depth sounder give an alarm when we thought we were in 10 feet of water) it might indicate that the bar that forms the opening to the bay may be longer than the charts allow. We stayed closer to the channel when departing and avoided the shallow water. We were well clear of the 6 ft “knoll” that appears on the chart at the tip of the bar.
      Lisa Keith-Lucas

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

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Capt Mike Smith -  February 18, 2016 - 4:32 pm

        Charts are basically useless in this rapidly shifting channel, and should not be relied upon other than as a rough guide, unless you’ve been updating with the published LNM. I went through there yesterday, with no depth problems – and so does the local casino boat, and a host of shrimpers. Buoys mark the channel, with good water, although it does bring you close to the beach.

        Reply to Capt
    • Feb 17, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 4 Comments

      Displeasure with Southwest Florida Cruising Expense

      Cap’n Parky expresses his unhappiness that many cruisers are feeling, not only in Southwest Florida, but all along our Southeast coasts as marinas and other coastal retailers boost their prices to reflect the improving economy and the rising costs of maintenance. However, Cap’n Parky tempers his remarks by stating one of the primary reason that so many choose to live south of Orlando.

      Well for the first time in nine years of cruising I finally made it to South West Florida, very quickly realizing two unpleasant facts:

      1) The cost of staying at marinas is roughly twice (and sometimes thrice) what it is on the East Coast ICW. They have all kinds of hidden charges – liveaboard fees, up front deposits said to be “returnable”, high electricity charges, extra cost for “amenities”, insurance and the like.
      2) No matter where you go you are likely to run aground, sometimes even inside the marina! So having SeaTow or BoatsUS insurance is a must. Cruising therefore is much more stressful than say in Chesapeake Bay.

      But of course it is true that winter temperatures are much higher than anywhere north of Orlando.
      Cap’n Parky

      Another cruisers speaks:

      We’ve been cruising to Mangrove Marina for many years; the rates WERE reasonable, dockmates were (and still are) very friendly, and the location is excellent.
      NOW, we find rates have gone up after we made reservations, electric is no longer included in the dock rate (they now charge $85/month for 30 amp electric), a swimming pool is only partly completed and is best for mosquito farmers, the “food truck” hasn’t been opened at all since we’ve been here, income seems to be not used at all for maintenance and improvements, parking space has been reduced, and the bathroom/showers haven’t been cleaned in the past few days.
      Ardelle Pearsall

      Comments from Cruisers (4)

      1. Bruce Longman -  February 21, 2016 - 11:16 pm

        I recently contracted for the install of a swim platform on my 33′ Bertram, along with servicing of several thru hull valves. The selected FMB marine facility, came highly recommended by a fellow cruise club member, but it failed to inform its crew that there was more than one operation to be done on our boat. When confronted with my concerns over the lack of internal communication, the response was “that is the way we operate”. I pulled the job and have since had the service work done “off the beach”.

        A word of caution…Spell out in writing exactly what you want to be done, item by item. If you are not knowledgeable of your boat’s mechanicals, hire a pro to put in writing that which you want to be addressed – examined, repaired, or replaced. The minimal cost to have an experienced boat person evaluate your problem is well worth the few dollars for the inspection. And you have recourse after the job is completed.

        Been there, paid the $$, and are more aware of being taken.

        Reply to Bruce
      2. Nyla Deputy -  February 19, 2016 - 4:07 pm

        Cap’n Parky; most of the people in southwest Florida, who live here and own a boat, keep it on a lift in their back yard or keep it on a trailer in their back yard. Most boats here are under 26 ft and are trailerable. There are no restrictions on keeping boats at your house unless you live in a gated community. The lack of restrictions on boats in the backyard makes it so almost everybody has one. There are thousands of miles of backyard canals here and lots of public boat ramps and that is all the locals need.

        For the boats that are not trailerable, most of them are docked at their community dock in the gated community where they live. Few of the gated communities rent slips to the public. So the only way a public marina with boat slips can make money is from winter snowbirds because locals don’t need a marina. The marinas don’t have repair services like they do in the Chesapeake because mechanics ride around in a van or tow a cargo trailer and go to boat owners home to work on the boat, just like any other service tech that you call to work on something at your house. When we want fuel we get it from a gas station on the highway or have a truck come to the house. It is a different kind of boating here. The locals don’t support the marinas. Snowbirds support the marinas. And when you stop supporting the public marinas, with your $$$ there won’t be any and you will not have any place to keep your boat when you come here. You are the one who needs them. Local’s don’t use them.

        Reply to Nyla
      3. Dick Mills -  February 19, 2016 - 2:51 pm

        I fear that this is part of a trend. With so many boomers retiring, any and all facilities that cater to retired people are overcrowded. Higher prices and poorer service are natural byproducts of a seller’s market.

        This is my 11th year in Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL. For the past three years the mooring field fills quicker and the waiting lists get longer than the year before. This year, all the marinas in Marathon are also fully booked.

        If this trend continues, mooring balls,and slips, and places to anchor will be available only to those who stay there year-round.

        And the complaints of us boaters are small compared to those who must drive cars on Florida highways. The famous Captain Jack, here in BKH is now 94. He says that when he first came to Marathon, 50 years ago, that he could play softball on US-1 and finish the game before a car went past.
        I’m afraid that there are too many people on this planet.

        Reply to Dick
      4. Jim Healy -  February 19, 2016 - 2:10 pm

        If y’all think SW Florida is expensive, don’t even consider Long Island Sound, New England and the Maine coast.

        Reply to Jim

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