Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 31, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Waterway Shoaling Headlined, Post and Courier, Charleston, SC
The link below takes you to an article by Prentiss Findlay, headlined in the Post and Courier as “Low-Tide Effect Grounds Boaters,” about three of our “favorite” spots: i. e. AICW Problem Stretches at McClellanville, Breach Inlet (Isle of Palms) and Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff. Every SSECN reader can confirm the troubles brought on by lack of dredging all along the Intracoastal. It is somewhat comforting that shoaling is finally making the front page of a SC newspaper. Will something be done? Keep watching your depthfinder and holding your breath!
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140530/PC16/140539917

Skipper Divers sends good news about funds for dredging:
This morning’s Charleston Post and Courier reports that Charleston County Council has appropriated $500,000 towards dredging the ICW at Breach Inlet and McClellanville. Here is the link: http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140529/PC16/140529191
Tom Divers
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the southern section of Jeremy Creek
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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May 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.6068,-77.23079999
Report from AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 237

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Skipper Matthews sends a fresh report on a Problem Stretch south of Swansboro. The intersection of the Waterway and Browns Inlet has been the site of shoaling for some time, as well as a mysterious underwater hazard.
Prop-Eater.
Came through here on May 25, 2014 at 745am. This one spot is mentioned here as a problem. Most advice says `stay to the red side’ which I have during 4 passages without incident. However this last Sunday, going southbound, I passed a trawler going northbound a few miles south of this spot. Later on channel 16, I heard his call to USCG and his tow service with the words `engine runs but prop not turning’. As USCG was contacting him and asking him to verify his position, he did. N34,36.41, W077,13.84. The same spot.
There are multiple references which mention bent shafts and struts, and damaged props. Most shoaling reports merely mention that someone got stuck or kicked up some mud. This is one of the few that consistently mentions damaged hardware.
On a prior visit, I photoed a tug stuck here:

Notice the prop wash to the side. I hailed him but no answer. Saw him later heading south, obviously freed.

Ben Matthews
Came through that spot (Browns Inlet) at low tide with no problem. Draft 5 feet. May 30, 2014.
Raymond W. Smith – The `Firer Dog’
We went through the Brown Inlet area (marker 63) May 23 at near low tide with 10 ft at low tide. Just follow the marks. The problem is the temporary red and green are way off the normal channel and look like the are for a side channel. They are also in a straight line but they are for the intracoastal waterway marks.
Henry Booke
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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May 28, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.0556,-77.92619999
Shortcut Tested, Snows Cut/CapeFear River Intersection, AICW Statute Mile 299

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This shortcut that runs northwest from the western end of Snows Cut to the Wilmington bound Cape Fear River has been a temptation and a hazard for several years, see /?p=105372. Skipper Matthews did not leave all his good sense behind, because he went slowly, kept an eye on the depthfinder, was able to do a 180 and escape the shoal. It’s a tough rule to remember, but all charted channels are not necessarily navigable.
I left good sense behind and tried this channel Memorial Day weekend 2014. It dropped to 3 foot fast! Was lucky enough to turn around and make it back to deep water after a good barnacle scraping. I draw 3-1/2 feet.
Ben Matthews
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Non- Shortcut
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May 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.8789,-81.32129999
New Shipyard and Marina Coming to St. Augustine, San Sebastian River, off AICW Statute Mile 780

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The San Sebastian River departs the Waterway to the northwest at statute mile 780. The new facility will be upstream on the western shore across from San Sebastian marker #20. Land address is 255 Diesel Rd, St. Augustine 32084. For the full story, go to: http://www.staugustineshipyard.com/
St Augustine Shipyard is part of a proposed Merchant Marine Community located on the west bank of the San Sebastian River, southwest of Historic Old St Augustine. In addition to the marina, commercial development plans include a pedestrian `promenade’ offering a variety of shops, restaurants and lodging.
The Shipyard Marina is under construction with restaurants, shopping and offices in various stages of planning and approval and is scheduled to open in September 2014.
Thank you for this wonderful service.
Ron Cousino

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Shipyard
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May 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.7941,-79.79159999
Shoaling Reported, Isle of Palms, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459

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Isle of Palms Bridge – Click for Chartview
This reported shoaling lies north of Isle of Palms bridge in the vicinity of AICW marker #117 and is part of an area declared a serious AICW Problem Stretch in 2009. For a recent survey of the area, go to /?p=125717
Photo by Fran Lavigne
North of Isle of Palms bridge, SC. 3 boats 2 cruisers. 1 shrimp boat grounded in channel. CG in inflatable called me to assist. Our 42′ Chris. Frat. Easy Rider made it through barely. 4′ draft. Low tide now approaching Ben Sawyer bridge. Fran Lavigne.

Photo by Fran Lavigne
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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May 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.464,-80.42139999
More on the Alternative to AICW/Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff Tested, off Statute Mile 517

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An earlier report recommended an alternate route to the Ashepoo Cutoff, see /?p=134342. Skipper Ross also reports on this slightly longer, but deeper water, with a warning about the southeast end of Combahee Bank.
Because we would have been at the Ashepoo Coosaw cut at low tide, we decided to take the alternate route out St Helena Sound before heading up the river beside Fenwick island. There is a spot where the chart is incorrect. Just off the ocean end of Combahee bank, there is a place charted as 21 to 22 ft deep. It is actually 10 ft at low tide. The rest of the charted depths are close to correct. Although this route is 5 miles farther, it is an excellent alternative to `The Cut’
Richard Ross MV Chez Nous
I second the above. You do not want to pass closer than 1/2 mile south of the Combahee Bank marker, and even then keep a wary eye on the depth sounder.
A much less stressful alternative to the cutoff at less than high tide.
Larry Shick
I should have realized when we first published the initial message above from “Chez Nous” that these good people pilot an ARGUS research vessel. As you will see below, ARGUS project leader, John Hursey, forwarded us this very useful chartlet, showing the soundings taken by Chez Nous. Note the color change in the sounding circles at the two spots indicated by the red lines. This shows soundings around 10 feet were taken at these locations!
Hi Claiborne,
This just in from M/V Chez Nous, passing southeast of Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound:
Just off the ocean end of Combahee Bank, there is a place charted as21 to 22 ft deep. It is actually 10 ft at low tide.’
John

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Combahee Bank
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May 21, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New Video Shows Why You SHOULD “Do the Dismal”
PLEASE, if you have even the slightest interest in ever cruising the Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route, follow the link below to see a truly amazing video. The talented sailors who put this together employed one of those new drones for aerial photography. And, in addition to the canal itself, there are some truly stunning aerial shots of our good friends at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center! DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!
http://vimeo.com/94469647
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May 19, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Suggestions on Bridge Communication Etiquette
Skipper Chappell’s comments follow on the heels of a lengthy discussion on a incident at specific Waterway bridge. See /?p=120963. However, the advice offered would apply to any bridge requiring communication with a bridge master.
I do not condone any rude behavior by Bridge Tenders. I can explain a few things though. He probably turned the light off in the tender house to see you better. Also, bridges open on signal. You are required to request an opening via VHF ch9, visual signal, or horn (one prolonged blast followed by one short blast). Please read CFR33 part 117. Also, he asked for your boats name and homeport as required for filling out logs. Additionally, if he felt it was an unnecessary opening (again, see cfr33 part 117) there is a form to fill out for USCG action. Always know the height of your vessel and observe the clearance gauges. Know how to request an opening. Just because you show up at a bridge does not indicate that you request to go through. Frequently vessels approach a bridge, then turn around and go the other way, doing the tourist thing.
Dave Chappell
Dave makes some excellent points. I would add that you should use the VHF radio’“skip the other signals’“use the radio. I call even if there are other boats waiting’“I want to make sure that the bridge tender knows my intentions. Never assume the bridge tender can read your mind’“communicate!
John Kettlewell
One other point I should have made above is that 95+% of the time I have had no issues when passing through a bridge by establishing communication, following the bridge schedule and regulations, being observant of other traffic and conditions (like current and wind), and using commonsense. Yes, you do occasionally encounter a bridge operator having a bad day, but usually a calm voice, saying `please’ and `thank you,’ and using a little patience will make all good.
John Kettlewell
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May 19, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More on Mariner’s Disease – Mycobacterium Marinum
Skipper Hart’s comments refer to a report by Jim Bertch chronicling his frightening experience with mycobacterium marinum, see /?p=118638.
I went through merca with the exact symptoms of your marinum. Doctors were wondering until the culture came back. It entered through a fishing line paper cut just below my left pinky & went right to that middle finger and set in like concrete. Thats when the highly knowledgable Dr. McCallister of Panama City, Fl. started prepping me for my left hand to be changed forever but Doc finally nailed it after 8 days in quarantine & 2 surgeries. Can this come back as marinum if it decides to ?
Jeffrey Hart
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May 19, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
St Lucie Lock and Dam Marina and Campground – Okeechobee Waterway

St. Lucie Lock Marina Slips
About a week ago, I saw a submission by my good friend, Skipper Susan Landry, about mooring their trawler, Beach House, at the inexpensive wet slips immediately west of the Okeechobee Waterway’s St. Lucie Lock (the easternmost lock on this Waterway).
And so, I asked both Susan and her “partner in crime,” Skipper Chuck Baier, to please provide the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net with a fuller account of this facility. The below article is the happy result of my request.
We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
Click Here To Read Susan and Chuck’s Excellent Article!
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May 18, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Manteo Waterfront Marina Produces Superb Video Showing How to Run the Shallowbag Bay Entrance Channel (Roanoke Sound, NC)

SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina has produced a really useful video about how to successfully navigate the Shallowbag Bay entrance channel from the waters of Roanoke Sound to the Manteo waterfront. Not only does the commentator describe the channel via NOAA Chart 12205, but there is a HIGHLY useful on-the-water sequence where navigators can visually review exactly what they will see from the water while running the channel.
This video is especially useful for these waters, as they are populated by a huge collection of aids to navigation, some of which are founded in shoal water, and the channel is narrow, in spots, and changeable.
So, if you have any idea of visiting the popular port of call in Manteo, NC, may we strongly urge you to follow this link!
http://www.tinyurl.com/manteochannel
Thank you so much Claiborne and Manteo Marina. I’ve approached that turn several times with my heart in my throat because of uncertainty with all those markers. I’ll be there next week once again, but this time, I’ll be confident thanks to the video.
Dick Mills
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May 16, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments 29.9642,-81.32139999
Watch Out For Shoal East and Southeast of AICW Marker #49 (Statute Mile 772), 5/16/2014

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On the morning of 5/16/14, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net received a telephone call from Francis aboard “Easy Rider.” She reported that they were northbound on the AICW, and had just observed a larger powercraft hard aground, AT HIGH TIDE, on the charted shoal east and southeast of marker #49. She went on to say that this was the very same spot where they had a grounding problem with their own vessel a year ago.
While we cannot yet confirm this hypothesis, it seems likely that the charted shoal east and southeast of #49 has built out farther towards the AICW channel. Prudent skippers will pass #49 well to its western and southwestern side.
If anyone has any additional information about this hazard, PLEASE use the “Comment” function below and share that information with our fellow cruisers! Our thanks to Skipper Michelle for confirming the advice to favor the west side of the channel.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position Near AIcW Marker #49, North of St. Augustine.
SeaTow mentioned this area as a problem to our group recently. I went up to check it out yesterday and it is very shallow E and NE of green marker 49. Your suggestion is spot on to stay on the west side of the channel.
Michelle
We passed 49 about 150 to the West in about 30 ft of water at just about the beginning of a rising tide without a problem on June 3 at 1140am
Diane Jack Toomey
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May 15, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
St. Johns River, AICW Crossing to Jacksonville – An Article by SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is very pleased and honored to welcome veteran cruiser, Captain Jim Healy, aboard as our first “Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Contributing Editor.” Many of you know Jim from his participation in MTOA and various on-line nautical forums. Many are the cruisers who have sought Jim’s advice about computers, networking and wi-fi aboard.
It also occurred to the SSECN that Jim is just a really GOOD writer as well. In fact, one of the best we’ve come across in quite some time. So, after some conversation at the recent MTOA Rendezvous in Fernandina Beach, Florida, Jim has joined the SSECN team, and it’s really GREAT to have him aboard.
In his first SSECN article as “Contributing Editor,” Captain Healy guides us from the AICW/St. Johns River intersection upstream to the sprawling city of Jacksonville, and nearby Ortega River with its impressive collection of marinas and repair yards! Please check out this very useful account at:
/?p=140723
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