Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Nov 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.0146,-80.11929999
The Bad, then the Good from Hollywood Municipal Marina, AICW Statute Mile 1071.5

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Thank you Skipper Clueless for sending what amounts to a retraction to your earlier report. SSECN is glad to hear of the needed improvements to be made. Hollywood Municipal Marina lies south of AICW marker #40, on the southern shores of North Lake.
I’ll start by saying, this is beyond `you get what you pay for!’ Spend the money, and go somewhere else! When we made the reservation, we were told that they had 50 amp electric. NOT! We pulled in late (at dusk), and there was know one to answer the radio. I had called ahead, and was given our slip assignment. Once in the slip, we discovered that they only had 30 amp. We found the `security’ guard that checked us in, and asked about moving to where they had 50 amp service. He laughed and said: `don’t know what to tell ya, except you won’t use much fuel to run your generator!’ Since it was dark at this point, we had no choice than to stay in the slip, and run the generator for power. This place is ridiculous! They also would not take cash! LEGAL TENDER!! Had to use a credit card!! Also, had to fill out 3 pages of legal mumbo jumbo! They insisted on a copy of our insurance! All this, and NO POWER! Ugh! Never again.
Still Clueless
Happy Ending!
I would like to add (or subtract) from my previous post:
Since writing this review, I was contacted by the NEW dock master who explained and addressed each and everyone of my issues. Has also provided a full refund for the stay. This marina is in dire need of several upgrades, and he has assured me that everything addressed will be in the works (if not already) for updating and change. They will immediately start taking cash! I promised, I would return once I have heard of the changes. They are a very inexpensive marina, and in a wonderful location. If you want to give them a try, just ASK about power prior to booking 🙂
Still Clueless
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Hollywood Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hollywood Municipal Marina
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Nov 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9209,-78.23629999
A Report from AICW/Lockwoods Folly Intersection, Statute Mile 321

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The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Recent reports like this one confirm shoaling here, /?p=150841. SSECN stills recommends Mid to high tide for passage through Lockwoods Folly.
The next day, Tuesday 11/24/15 I approached the intersection of the AICW and the Lockwood Folly Inlet. A southbound tug was attempting to go through, but was too close to G47 and hit the shoal several times, but was able to power its way through. The next boat through was a northbound sailboat that went aground, but after approximately a half hour was able to free itself and get through. The sailboat also was too close to G47. I passed through keeping well to the right of G47 and had 16 Ft of water. After passing G47, I turned to port and headed directly to R48, however the depth dropped down to as low as 4.5 ft. Consequently use caution in this area. It was almost low tide when I went through. I have a Mainship390 Trawler with a 4 ft draft.
Capt Bill Favro
EASTNOR
Mainship390
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Nov 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.6063,-77.2359999
Another Report from the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 237

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With the reported groundings and marker confusion at this intersection (/?p=153195), it is definitely wise to follow the advice SSECN has been giving for some time: do not follow the Magenta Line in this stretch of the ICW!
I went through the intersection of the AICW and Brown’s inlet southbound on Monday 11/23/15 at approximately low tide. A sailboat that had gone aground was being assisted by TowBoatUS. I waited until the sailboat was towed off the shoal before attempting our way through following the instructions that were posted by previous boaters. Markers R60 and G61 are in a straight line and look as if they are out of place. G61 is fairly close to shore. However by leaving R60 to starboard and zig zagging around G61 leaving it to port we got through without a problem. I went past G61 by keeping the boat in the center between the shore and G61. There was about 9 ft of water. I have a Mainship390 Trawler with a 4 ft draft.
Capt Bill Favro
EASTNOR
Mainship390
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Nov 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
FEC Railroad Bridge Comment Period and Proposed Regulations
Our thanks to Dave Legrow for sending this information on porposed FEC RR bridge regulations. Note that the comment period ends December 3!
Dave is responding to the posting of Jim Healy’s letter of protest to the USCG: /?p=153911
FEC Railroad Bridge Comment Period and Proposed Regulations
Unfortunately, only the FEC bridge on the New River is being addressed during this comment period. You can add comments until December 3rd at:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=USCG-2015-0271
Proposed regulations:
2. In Â§ 117.313, revise paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) to read as follows:
(c) The following requirements apply to the Florida East Coast Railway Railroad Bridge across the New River, mile 2.5, at Fort Lauderdale, FL:
1. The bridge shall be constantly tended.
2. The bridge tender will utilize a VHF-FM radio to communicate on channels 9 and 16 and may be contacted by telephone at 305-889-5572.
3. Signs will be posted displaying VHF radio contact information and telephone numbers for the bridge tender and dispatch. A countdown clock giving notice of time remaining before bridge closure shall remain at the bridge site and must be visible for maritime traffic.
4. A bridge log will be maintained including, at a minimum, bridge opening and closing times.
5. When the draw is in the fully open position, green lights will be displayed to indicate that vessels may pass.
6. When a train approaches, the lights go to flashing red and a horn starts four blasts, pauses, and then continues four blasts then the draw lowers and locks.
7. After the train has cleared the bridge, the draw opens and the lights return to green.
8. The bridge shall not be closed more than 60 minutes combined for any 120 minute time period beginning at 12:01 a.m. each day.
9. The bridge shall remain open to maritime traffic when trains are not crossing.
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Harold Robinson - December 4, 2015 - 2:15 pm

It is requested the new regulations pertaining to the FEC bridge on the New River also be applied to the FEC bridge over the St. Lucie River. The problems there are similar to the ones to be experienced at the New River crossing.
Reply to Harold
Nov 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7404,-82.69619999
Removing Derelict Vessels from Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport, FL

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Our thanks to faithful contributor David Burnham for sending us this Facebook video by Dan Liedtke of a derelict vessel being removed from Boca Ciega Bay, which is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Gulfport Municipal Marina. The marina and harbor are found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay and are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
https://www.facebook.com/DanRLiedtke/videos/1068989299805807/
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
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Nov 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8317,-80.05499999
Old Port Cove Marina Beckons, North Palm Beach, AICW Statute Mile 1014

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A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.

Thanks to our tropical weather, boating and beaching opportunities never end here in the Palm Beaches. Take advantage of these handy links and enjoy all that our local waters have to offer whether on or off your boat.
Dive Palm Beach! What is an Artificial Reef? Palm Beach County has sunk 54 ships, about 105,000 tons of lime rock and about 77,000 tons of concrete to build about 100 reefs. Deep-water reefs several miles offshore are for certified divers, while snorkelers can see all kinds of sea life at underwater sheltered parks recently built at Phil Foster Park and Peanut Island. Artificial Reef Map

How did Peanut Island get it’s name? Learn more below and explore all things “Peanut.” Download the PDF at our link.
Explore All Things Peanut Island
The park is a favorite destination for boaters and provides numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. Fishing and snorkeling are popular activities in the beautiful clear waters that surround the island.

Are your Kids or Grandkids visiting? Beaches and State Parks are a great way to spend the day if you’re not taking the boat out. Check the handy links including web cams.
BEACHES & INLET CAMS OF P.B.CTY.
Know before you go! Check in with Cam! Play in the waters and the waves! Our beaches offer a little bit of everything for everyone.
A Little Bit of Everything Beaches
Beaches & Web Cams
Enjoy the Beautiful Palm Beaches!
Brought to you by:
Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc. M A R I N A S
Proudly Serving the Boating Public Since 1973
Old Port Cove Marina– 561-626-1760
Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant & Bar 561-626-2280
North Palm Beach Marina – 561-626-4919
New Port Cove Marine Center – 561-844-2504
Share Your Pics to our Facebook Pages !

MARKETING CONTACT: Sue Morgan, Marketing & PR Director marinas@opch.com
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
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Nov 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
Phil Herl Reviews Sherer’s 2015 ICW Cruising Guide and Robert Sherer’s Response
Phil and Sandy Herl have been submitting marina reviews along their 2015 Fall migration and SSECN is grateful for their page by page comments on the Sherer text. Robert Sherer is author of 2015 ICW Cruising Guide: A guide to navigating the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. See /?p=150181.
CLICK HERE for the complete Review for Bob and Ann Sherer’s 2015 ICW Cruising Guide, as well as Author Sherer’s response.
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Stein A Holtbakk - November 27, 2015 - 5:53 pm

Hi
I do not know where the 140 hazards are. I have been up and down the ICW a few times and have a hard time thinking of 10 areas that are hazardous. I am sick of all the “experts?” making less experienced cruisers worry about the trip up and down the ICW. Whoever can find the 140 hazards would be better off staying home, at least better for the rest of us.
Happy cruising
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Robert Sherer - December 1, 2015 - 1:16 pm

Hi Stein,
I agree that traveling the ICW should be a pleasant experience with not having to worry about hazards along the way. In fact, if you travel through the shallow spots only at high tide there are no hazards, so far there is still enough water everywhere. Unfortunately, I cannot quite make all the shallows at just high tide and hit some at 1/2 or low tide. Such low spots are marked in Active Captain by a yellow marker (as well as missing markers and obstructions) which allows for comments by boaters. Whenever I pass through a yellow marker I update the Active Captain database for reference by other boaters. If you look at the shallow hazards in AC, almost all will show at least one boater and often more that went aground at that location.
Now some are more severe than others with some impassable at low tide like Hell Gate and, up until the dredging, the shallows north of the Ben Sawyer Bridge in Isle of Palms. Through others you may drag your keel at low tide depending on your draft like through Mud River, Ashepoo-Coosaw Cut Off, Jekyll Island and several others. It’s still good to know the best path for depth through these areas.
For other areas not so severe, there have still been boats going aground from encroaching shoals from one side or the other in the channel. In such cases there are deep water routes if you know them. The most famous one in this category are the shallows south of Fernandina where there is a shoal to 3 ft in the middle of the channel, recently marked on charts by the Coast Guard with a 3ft warning at low tide encompassing the entire area. However, there is a 10 ft route that avoids all the shoals (there are several shoals, not just the one in the middle) which I published on Cruisernet last month and is also posted on Active Captain.
After 5 years of traveling up and down the ICW I found many boaters use my posts on AC and several asked for all the information to be in one location. Looking around I found Amazon to be the easiest to use so I published a guide book there, “2015 ICW Cruising Guide”, both in hardcopy and ebook format. The ebook is only $4.95 but the hardcopy is $29.95 due to all the color pages.
Traveling the ICW should be a pleasant experience and knowing how to best avoid touching bottom keep you on an even keel, so to speak, allowing for more enjoyment along the way.
Good boating! Bob Sherer
Reply to Robert
Nov 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.1238,-80.40669999
High Praise for Crew at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, FL

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The entrance channel to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Marina is found off Hawk Channel, on the east side of Key Largo, at flashing red marker #2 which lies west, northwest of Hawk Channel marker #35 off Mosquito Bank.
I needed desperately to get to the pump out at the marina. I called ahead and told them I did not have a lot of experience running the 44 ft catamaran I was sailing thru keys with my family. They told me where to find the pump out dock. I asked about the wind and they informed me it was blowing hard onto the dock. Tough conditions. When I got in they had three captains at the dock to lend a hand. After one aborted attempt we docked well and safely in very challenging conditions. I sat and talked with them all about the exit off the dock and got some great advice. Got off safe and well. They are truly a fantastic group.
Cat Hopeful
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For John Pennekamp Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Largo Sound
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Nov 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.0772,-80.69999
Good Words for Melbourne Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 919

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The Melbourne Harbor Marina entrance channel cuts west, abeam of unlighted daybeacon #6, south of the Melbourne twin, high-rise bridges.
This is a good marina, close to the great restaurants and good shops of downtown Melbourne.
Jane and Michael Tigar
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Melbourne Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Melbourne Harbor Marina
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Nov 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
“Lobflourabimp,” or maybe the “Shricraflouster”?
Here’s a nice bit of humor from Boatnation.com. At least it should aid in settling your tummy after yesterday’s gastronomic orgy!

“Lobflourabimp,” or maybe the “Shricraflouster”?
Most Americans already know, the end product of stuffing a boneless duck, inside a boneless chicken which is then stuffed inside a boneless turkey is a Tur-duck-en or Turducken. The men over at Guy Gourmet came up with a brilliant seafood version, but what do we call it?
It’s basically a crab cake mixture, including stuffed shrimp, stuffed into a flounder, which is then stuffed into a lobster. If you can come up with a better, or funnier, name for this delectable dish, post it on our Facebook page.
Why not mix things up and celebrate with seafood?
Remember, the first Pilgrims had seafood on their Thanksgiving menu.
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