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    • Aug 22, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage (Statute Mile 711.5)

      Just like Captains Mike and Mary (see below), we dearly love the anchorage off Cumberland Island’s so-called, “Sea Camp Dock.” Going ashore and just experiencing the lush, maritime forest, walking to the beach, and exploring the old Carnegie mansions, well, it just doesn’t get any better than this! Don’t miss this anchorage!

      We recently took our trawler, the Patricia Ann, on a 4-day cruise over to Cumberland Island, our favorite anchorage. We wanted to look for the white deer and walk the deserted beaches at dawn. We saw the white deer several years ago…actually we just caught a brief glimpse of them in the distance. Ever since, we have gone in search of white deer! They are not albinos but real white deer.
      We were up at 5 AM each morning as usual; the coffee was just beginning to brew and the aroma was delightful. And just a little while later, with coffee in hand, we watched from the flybridge as the sun began her climb over the horizon. A beautiful day was beginning with not a cloud in the sky.
      As we began our day with showers and breakfast, it dawned on us just how fortunate live-aboard cruisers really are. We can leave the dock for days on end and truly understand the term “freedom” and “independence”.
      Read more of our exploration of this island wilderness………
      http://paradiseyachtsales.blogspot.com/2011/03/trawler-living-aboard-tip-exploration.html
      Mike and Mary Dickens
      Paradise Yachts

      Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage

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    • Aug 19, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Florida Keys Inside Route Discussion

      Over the week of August 13-18, several posts appeared on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) Mail List concerning the general cruising characteristics of the Florida Keys Inside route. Those messages are reproduced below. Incidentally, the entire SSECN staff highly recommends the T&T list if you own one of these roomy, fuel efficient vessels.
      Just to add my 23 cents worth, I have always considered a 5-foot draft to be the cutoff for safe cruising of the Florida Keys inside route. On numerous occasions, I have sounded 5-feet directly between the markers in the Key Largo region, particularly where the main channel passes the marked entrance to Tavernier Creek.
      If your vessel draws 5-feet or preferably less, don’t let these soundings discourage you. Some of the most wonderful anchorages, not to mention the views, you will ever enjoy lie off the FLK inside route!

      Looking for info on the practicability of taking the inside route from Miami to Marathon.
      I draw 5 feet. What is the opinion of the boaters that have done this route. Is it doable?
      Thanks
      Larry

      Larry,
      We’ve done the inside route and we draw 4’9″. Never had a problem, but then we watch the water, not a screen. It is marked adequately. Neither Jill or I can recall anyplace where another 3″ would have made a difference. There is a tide down there, though I doubt it is much more than 2 feet. If those 3″ might make a difference, plan to transient at high tide during a new or full moon, might want to consider spring tides too.
      Rudy
      Briney Bug- Panama City, Fl

      Larry,
      I have gone the inside route from Miami to Marathon a number of times, both in Pooh (draft 4’8″) and my previous sailboat with 5′ draft. Should be little problem. Not to say the water isn’t skinny; we often are reading
      depths of 5.0 to 5.2 feet on parts of this route (shallowest is just north of Islamorada), but haven’t touched bottom.
      Steamboat Pass, just south of Islamorada used to be a problem, but this has been dredged and is now good for around 6 feet (deep water ;-).
      Mark Richter

      Sorry Larry, but I disagree. I carry 5′ draft and have soft grounded in the center of the channel on two different trips on the inside route several years apart. I won’t try it a third time.
      Paul

      Time of year can make quite a difference. In the winter, northers will blow water out of Florida Bay. But don’t let that discourage you. It’s wonderful cruising!
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      Morning Star

      The trick is to wear polarized sun glasses, use you eyes.
      The water is usually clear, and it looks scary shallow, it is, but with 5 ft u can make it.
      The channels are well marked. The tide is about 6 inches in the upper keys,wind can effect water levels more than the tide.
      Go for it!
      See you in paradise!
      Capt. Sterling

      I don’t know where Mr. Kennedy traveled in the ICW on the inside, we have found the inner passage from Miami to Spanish Key to be a chalky green only rarely clear. We obey the day markers backed up by GPS. If your draft is 6-plus you are cruising for a bruising. If you need Sea Tow they are not allowed to move you until the environmental police arrive. The fines are prodigious..
      We have made the trip back and forth seven times.at different times of the year. Mr. Kennedy obviously has had a different experience.
      One thing is beyond dispute If you need Sea Tow you are in bad trouble
      Peter Denton
      Susie Q
      42′ Draft 4′

      Now that I know that Captain Sterling runs a tourist boat in the Keys, I must defer to his greater experience. I guess I was there at the wrong time. But it remains true that if you are passing over water that is 4,5or 6 feet it is impossible to tell the difference even if the water is crystal clear. Several of the passes are that shallow. Call me naive but I advise extreme caution. Remember you do not have advantage of some one who has local Knowledge.
      Peter Denton
      Susie Q

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    • Aug 17, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Glowing Review of Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377

      At Bucksport cruising visitors will discover all new docks, new power pedestals, a newly reopened on-site restaurant, clean '“ climate controlled showers and laundromat, as well as a warm welcome for the cruising communityMany good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!

      This location is quaint and beautiful! The view is simply fantastic and Chef Jay made our visit extremely memorable. The food was delicious and the Chef came over and talked to us, it was so personable! If you have yet to stop while heading south, DO NOT pass this place up!!
      Mae M

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina

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

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    • Aug 16, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Three Excellent Repair Recommendations for the Tampa Bay Region (Western Florida Coastline)

      Our sincere thanks to Skipper Sue and Capt. Warren for these recommendations. As I’ve often said, tips by fellow cruisers pointed towards talented and fair service professionals are worth several times their weight in gold!

      Dear Claiborne,
      I was cruising out of Bradenton, Fl recently and needed some quick air conditioning repairs and diesel engine repairs. As a result of some local recommendations and my own personal experience, I want to share and highly recommend these two resources.
      For my engine repairs, I learned of a young man named Jon Lynch who runs Florida Marine Power. I called Mr. Lynch and he responded quickly. The work took some time and Mr. Lynch stayed on board with us until 9:45PM until the work was completed and tested for satisfaction. His rates are fair also. What a fine young man. The point I want to make and let other cruisers know, is that I have never met such an honest and talented diesel technician. This skipper would like to highly recommend Florida Marine Power and Mr. Jon Lynch, telephone 941-545-8250. You will not be disappointed.
      Our air conditioning system repairs were met with equal responsiveness. We were told of “Brad’s Marine Air Conditioning” and a Mr. Brad Coats. Mr. Coats worked us into his schedule quickly, even though it meant coming by in the evening. He worked diligently and saved us a lot of money by repairing the compressor, rather than just selling us a new unit. I heard several skippers tell of how Brad had helped others saving money and keeping the crew cool and happy. Brad is located in St. Petersburg and covers down to Sarasota if necessary. His tele: 727-492-2622
      We’ve worked with a number of marine technicians, but these two are definitely stand outs !!
      Skipper Sue
      M/V WinSue

      I also have had wonderful service from Jon Lynch, who specializes in diesel engines, as well as general maintenance. He also works with a very talented electric tech – Eric Stammer, who can be reached via Jon Lynch.
      John Guthrie

      I would also highly recommend Patrick Halbert of Accelerated Yacht Services, Phone: (727) 656-0250
      Patrick’s a whiz at everything boats ‘” from master woodworking to diesel repairs & repowering, and all categories in between. Also, reasonable, competitive rates.
      For Patrick’s bio, check out
      http://www.daviderdmanyachts.com/patrick_halbert.html
      Captain Paul Warren

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    • Aug 15, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Don’t Even Think About Anchoring In The Charted “Oxbow” Off the AICW/Dawho River (Statute Mile 500) – Captains Mark and Diana Report

      On the Water GuidebooksI well remember one delightful October afternoon in 1983 when we came cruising along the AICW’s run through South Carolina’s Dawho River. This stream, along with a man-made canal, serves to connect the AICW between the North and South Edisto Rivers.
      Anyway, we were on our initial research trip, seeking out anchorages for the first edition of my “Cruising Guide to Coastal South Carolina and Georgia.” As I always still do to this day before beginning on-site research of new waters, I had poured over (in this case) chart 11518, looking for good anchorage possibilities. And here, hard by marker #128, were several charted oxbows which NOAA reported as having 6 to 12 foot depths.
      Well, like Diana and Mark, we arrived, THANK GOODNESS, at MLW. Imagine my astonishment when our first look inside all three oxbows revealed nothing but MUD!!!! To say the least, we warned everyone away from these potential traps and cheats in the pages of “CGSC-GA!”
      A check of the very latest version of chart 11518 on the Cruisers’ Net’s “Chart View” module, shows that NOAA is FINALLY showing no depth on the northeastern oxbow at MLW, but is still erroneously promising some MLW depths in the south side oxbow, which is the subject of Mark and Diana’s article below (see chartlet at right – click to open a Chart View page centered on the oxbow in question). It only took NOAA 29 years to correct 1/3 of their error. Need I say more about my opinion of the NOAA charting folks.
      So, if you seek to safely drop the hook on the Dawho River section of the South Carolina AICW, please continue cruising west, pass under the Dawho – Edisto Island Bridge, and give Fishing Creek along the northerly banks a try. Even this body of water has a TRICKY entrance. Follow the link below to learn how safe entry can be achieved!

      Check Out the MUD!

      Hi Claiborne,
      No names mentioned here … but someone asked us about anchoring in the oxbow off Dawho River R128.
      We told them: In a word, DON’T !!!
      As you well know, the closest tide station, Dawho Bridge, has an STR (Spring Tidal Range) of 7.2 feet, which can make a lot of South Carolina and Georgia bad ideas seem like good ones … especially when NOAA charts the oxbow at 7 feet low water.
      [See depth-annotated track and NOAA chart screenshot below.]
      We’ve heard people chatting about this possibility before, so on our last pass northbound (two months ago), we just happened to be passing R128 near low tide.
      As you can see in the chart screenshot and accompanying photo, there is plenty of water in the ICW channel but EVERYTHING dries out in the oxbow.
      Again, no recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. Captains are responsible for their own decisions and outcome.
      Best and see you On the Water,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Oxbow Off the AICW/Dawho River

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fishing Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fishing Creek Anchorage

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    • Aug 11, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Excellent Dining Report from Ocracoke, NC, Pamlico Sound

      Entering Ocracoke's Silver Lake Harbor

      Captain Rick is responding to the comments below by Captain Ben and then adds a detailed dining guide to several other eating establishments – which he obviously enjoyed! – in Ocracoke.

      On a separate note we had an decent if unspectacular meal at Jolly Roger’s Pub, a bit overpriced in my humble O for average fare (lots of fries with my humble mackerel). We figured we made up for the average fare with a very nice view. Not bad food, just ok. Probably next visit would just order appetizers and beer. Ocracoke beautiful as always.
      Cheers,
      Capt Ben and his Motley Crew.

      I sail over to Ocracoke 3 or 4 times each year, and I sailed to Ocracoke the week after Capt. Ben was there. I tend to agree about the Jolly Roger. It is really more of a spot for beer and music on the waterfront ‘“ and the food is pretty average.
      A better bet for beer and burgers is the bar at the docks of the Anchorage Inn & Marina. Great burgers, and if you go there in late afternoon you get to watch the headboats come in to unload and weigh their catch, and the pelicans congregate to get the scraps.
      I find the Back Porch Restaurant to be the best restaurant on the island; I’ve never had a bad meal there and the Crab Bignette are to die for.
      Another good bet is Dajio; the food is great (though I think the lemmongrass vinnegrette would be better than the Balsamic Vinnegrette on the Dajio Salad (which has chirozo, fried parmesan cheese bits, and grilled scallops). Dajio also has an outdoor bar and music 2 or 3 times each week.
      For breakfast/brunch try the Flying Melon Cafe. The Panne Perdu (really light and fluffy New Orleans style french toast) with blueberries is to die for. I thought my girlfriend would want to go there every morning before we sailed home.
      Rick Brass
      s/v Imzadi

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Anchorage Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke.

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    • Aug 9, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      FORGET THE CHARTS! AICW and Brickhill River (South) Anchorage Breadcrumbs (St. M. 704) – Captains Mark and Diana Report

      On the Water GuidebooksSalty Southeast Cruisers’ Net strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and founder of On The Water ChartGuides (http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com) share another fascinating excerpt from their very soon to be released two volume AICW Anchorage Guide series.
      Before going any further, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DOYLES ARE OFFERING A PRE-RELEASE 42% DISCOUNT ON THEIR NEW ANCHORAGE GUIDES. THAT SPECIAL OFFER ENDS TOMORROW, 8/10/12. ALL INTERESTED CRUISERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE LINK ABOVE WITHOUT DELAY!
      Back to the article below – Diana and Mark take a good look at the anchorage found on southern Brickhill River, hard by the Cumberland Island National National Park.
      The “dynamic duo” also bring to light some critical info on the Cumberland Narrows “AICW Problem Stretch” (see /aicw-channel-through-cumberland-dividings). Note the AICW soundings on the included excerpt page from their Anchorage Guide below, and how these show the good depths lie on the EAST side of the markers at the intersection of the Waterway and southern Brickhill River, far from the magenta line!

      Hi Claiborne,
      We all accept that paper and electronic charts are notoriously inaccurate. All too often, charted navaid positions and the ICW’s Magenta Line do not correspond at all to the real world.
      Just look at how the ICW is charted to the WEST of the red navaids off Brickhill River’s southern entrance. Ouch!
      Cruisers hear that Brickhill River is “mis-charted” and has a “really shallow entrance” … but, “once inside, has excellent depths.”
      What does that really mean? Do you just “feel your way in” and hope for the best? That might turn out to be a disaster and is almost certainly not worth the stress. So you pass on the anchorage and move on.
      But wait! Brickhill River is a real gem of an anchorage, particularly for active boaters who enjoy hiking in national parks.
      Thus Brickhill River (South) anchorage turns out to be one of the better examples of the value of our new AnchorGuides with their digital breadcrumb tracks.
      Look at the depth-annotated survey track on the page [below]. You can see the entrance surveyed as low as 10 feet (at 7.0 feet above MLLW) along the southern shore. The northern shore had much more water, with depths consistently in the teens. Now the “shallow entrance” anecdotal report can be confirmed and visualized as an extension of shoaling from the southern bank, with a natural channel running along the northern bank.
      And now you can see the true ICW path, EAST of the red navaids, right over the non-existent “mis-charted” shoal and island!
      Once you’re safely in Brickhill River, you’ll enjoy a beautiful anchorage with all-around protection off Cumberland Island National Park. Cumberland Island is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands along the Atlantic coast, home to a national seashore and one of the largest maritime forests in the U.S.
      You can access the national park at a small park dock or adjacent tiny beach, both for a nominal day-use fee. Nearby shore amenities include picnic tables, trails, and restrooms.
      For a hi-res detailed map of the island, visit http://1.usa.gov/NZMHsW
      Brickhill River (South) anchorage is located just off “Plum Orchard” on the map.
      Best and see you On the Water,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Brickhill River Southern Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Brickhill River Southern Anchorage

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    • Aug 8, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Sunset Lake Anchorage: Just Avoid the Nut Job – off the AICW, hard by Miami Beach – Captains Mark and Diana Report

      First view of the anchorage as you clear the canal entry

      Sunset Lake Anchorage lies well east of the north ‘“ south track of the AICW, as it passes through Biscayne Bay. Leave the AICW south of marker #49, and north of the Venetian Causeway bridge. Once into the lake, be sure NOT to anchor abeam of a large, yellow house which you will spy along the eastern banks, immediately south of a vacant lot. The property owner does not like vessels anchored in front of his property and is known for playing loud music and shining bright lights out over the water, to discourage cruisers.
      The excellent article below, authored by our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), is largely taken from this dynamic duo’s very soon to be released, two volume paper AICW Anchorage Guide series. And, if that sounds appealing, Mark and Diana are currently running a 42%, pre-release discount for their new guides through 8/10/12. Follow the link above to learn more!

      Hi Claiborne,
      Did you ever imagine you could visit trendy Miami Beach from the Intracoastal Waterway?
      It’s actually a very boater-accessible destination, with several nearby anchorages among Miami’s Harbor Islands.
      A particularly low-stress anchorage is Sunset Lake, located in a surprisingly spacious basin along the western side of Miami Beach. You’ll be overlooking multimillion-dollar homes, forming a floating community with a handful of other long-distance yachts, many from European ports-of-call.
      But before you plunk the ground tackle, look for a vacant lot along the eastern shore. Find that? Now note the home just south of the vacant lot. Do NOT anchor in front of that home. This notorious homeowner has hassled boats anchored in front of his property ‘” resorting to such shenanigans as spot lights, booming rap music, waking them with a speedboat, or (his latest) filling the area in front of his home with small moored boats. Life is too short. There’s plenty of room to anchor out of his gunsights, to the north or south ‘¦

      Beware the loose screw. Photo by Peter Swanson

      Of course the best part about Sunset Lake anchorage is the access to Miami Beach’s South Beach or SoBe district, with blocks of fashionable stores and restaurants. It’s one mile to the Miami Beach dinghy dock, with free tie-up and free fresh water, conveniently located next to the Miami Marine Police dock.
      For super-convenient supermarket access, there is a dinghy tie-up at a rough wall up charted Collins Canal, past a small bridge with a locking cable on the north side of the canal, across the street from a Publix supermarket.
      Best and see you On the Water,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Sunset Lake Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Sunset Lake Anchorage

      Unfortunately, Major Daugherty of the FWC does not have the courage of his convictions. He told me last spring that Karlton’s little dinghy field was not legal and that they would be ticketing him ‘“ anchor light issues.
      Since that statement, Daugherty has not taken my calls, nor done anything about the situation apparently.
      Florida ‘“ politics as usual.
      Wally Moran

       

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    • Aug 7, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marine Stadium Anchorage Review – Captains Mark and Diana Report (Statute Mile 1091.5)

      Looking northwest over the Miami skyline

      The so-called Marina Stadium Anchorage is actually a large cove indenting the northwestern banks of Virgina Key, lying opposite the city of Miami on the eastern flank of Biscayne Bay. For any number of years, we did not recommend anchoring here, as the city of Miami was ticketing vessels who dropped the hook on these waters. Well, those times seem to be past, and this anchor down spot can once again be labeled as a good place to spend the night, within sight of downtown Miami.
      The excellent article below, authored by our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), is largely taken from this dynamic duo’s very soon to be released, two volume paper AICW Anchorage Guide series. And, if that sounds appealing, Mark and Diana are currently running a 42%, pre-release discount for their new guides through 8/10/12. Follow the link above to learn more!

      People always ask us if there is a spacious, scenic, and safe anchorage in the heart of Miami.
      And our response, “Absolutely! Try Marine Stadium anchorage.”
      Marine Stadium is a huge manmade basin along Virginia Key, constructed in 1963 as the first stadium in the U.S. specifically for powerboat racing. Spectators viewed high-speed races, or sometimes floating concerts, from the 6,566-seat grandstand stadium, enjoying the backdrop of the Miami skyline.
      But you don’t have to worry about hydroplane races now. The last major race was held there in 1987 and the basin has become the perfect training venue for Olympic sailing and rowing teams. We enjoyed watching the men’s Canadian 49’er team showing off their stuff during our last visit.
      The grandstand was declared unsafe after Hurricane Andrew, and it has since become a bit of a three-dimensional canvas for colorful graffiti artists. But don’t let the urban art create the impression the anchorage is unsafe. We have noticed regular patrols by the Miami marine police and the anchorage is consistently populated by local and transient vessels.
      The anchorage is surprisingly “scenic” ‘” in a South Florida sort of way. The basin opens to the northwest, framing a perfect view of the day- or nighttime Miami skyline. The grandstand, along the southwest shore, is still an interesting historic structure. And the northeast shore is an undeveloped greenspace, with a small dock and sandy beach with casuarina trees where you can take Fido ashore.
      At the mouth of the basin you can dinghy to the Rusty Pelican restaurant near Rickenbacker Marina (which has an easy to hit fuel dock and a few moorings of its own). Personally we prefer the shelter (and price!) of Marine Stadium anchorage to the exposure of these out-of-the-basin moorings.
      Marine Stadium’s next metamorphosis may be to a full-fledged mooring field. The city has plans to populate the basin with guest moorings, but the project is currently on hold due to budget constraints.
      But no need to wait until the moorings are in to enjoy the history, scenery, and convenience of Marine Stadium anchorage.
      Best and see you On the Water,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Marine Stadium Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Marine Stadium Anchorage

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    • Aug 7, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Sign of the Times: The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge Becomes a Boat Ramp (Statute Mile 338)

      Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge - As It Used to Be

      Many of us were glad to see the old Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge replaced by a modern high-rise last year. Between the mechanical problems and shoaling, many cruisers most certainly did NOT have a soft place in their hearts for the old, floating span.
      Now that it’s gone, though, I cannot help but be a little saddened at this piece of the past that is now long gone forever.
      Below, we are pleased to present another superb report from our strategic partners, Captains Dian and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water Chartguides (http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com). Check out their NEW paper AICW Anchorage Guides (with a 42% discount until 8/10/12), by following the link above!

      Hi Claiborne,
      Passed through the Sunset Beach area a couple months ago and was reminiscing … about bridges, and about a slower pace. [smile]
      The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge at STM 337.9 was an historic landmark’”the only vehicle pontoon bridge left in operation on the entire East Coast.
      But a floating pontoon bridge, with “zero clearance,” became more and more incompatible with modern times and schedules.
      About six times per month the tide was so low the bridge couldn’t be opened. Boats had to circle and wait through low tide. And if there were high winds, the bridge could be closed indefinitely.
      In addition to its hourly scheduled openings, the bridge opened for every commercial vessel. (Trivia Fact: Because the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway was constructed before bridges, technically commercial vessels take precedence over vehicular traffic.)
      And, of course, many island residents (local taxpayers) felt they were spending too much time waiting for the bridge …
      But the final demise of the bridge was credited to safety concerns for island residents. Emergency crews had difficulty responding promptly to calls on the island. There was also concern about the risk of a serious fire spreading, given that large ladder trucks and tankers were too heavy to cross the old pontoon bridge.
      The site of the old pontoon bridge will become a public park, with boat ramp access to the ICW and plans to incorporate remnants of the old pontoon bridge in the park design.
      As of June 2012, you can see construction of the boat ramp at the old pontoon bridge location.
      Best and see you On the Water,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Soon to be a memorial park with boat ramp ICW access

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    • Aug 7, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      “Venice Water Cop” Passes Away

      Retired FWC “Water Cop,” Tim Erickson, passed away recently, and I’m sure he will be missed by family and friends. Many cruisers had another name for this “Venice Water Cop,” but with his passing, perhaps we will not recall that moniker now.
      For many years Officer Erickson was known for his tenacious, “letter of the law” enforcement of Florida statutes which require state registration of vessels, even though they may be Federally documented.
      Several years ago, the SSECN was involved in an e-mail writing campaign to the Venice City Council, protesting Officer Erickson’s treatment of visiting cruisers. Turns out he was a state employee, and this protest went for naught.
      Erickson retired several years ago, and Venice waters have been free of his presence for some time now. And so, with Office Erickson’s passing, it is a sad end to an entirely sad affair.
      For the past several days, there has been a LIVELY discussion concerning Officer Erickson on the AGLCA forum. Many of those messages are copied below!

      Many Loopers through the years have stayed or planned to stay at the “free” city park dock in Venice, FL. That became a problem when a vigorous and tenacious Florida Fish and Wildlife officer began issuing tickets for alleged various wrongdoings by boaters passing through. The officer was Tim Erickson. Tim Erickson passed away on July 22, 2012 (http://tinyurl.com/8vl56gq).
      Bill

      Tim Erickson was certainly controversial if not infamous. He used to hang out every afternoon at the Crows Nest dock and the Venice free dock checking every boat for a Florida sticker, which is usually required after 90 days in the state. Probably earned the sate many dollars in registration fees, fines and sales tax dollars. But he caused many cruisers to bypass the best town on the gulf coast.
      I wrote about Venice and its beauty in this blog when we first moved there in 2007, and the subsequent firestorm that ensued in both this and the T&T blogs made front page in the Sarasota Herald and Venice papers. The Venice town council was barraged with complaints from cruisers.
      Shortly thereafter Tim made headlines again when he was the first to respond to a horrific crash on the gulf when a news helicopter clipped a race boat with fatalities. So all his press was not bad. About a year later he retired, removing the threat to cruisers wishing to stop at the Crows Nest dock, and also their restaurant, among the best in Florida. So, RIP Tim.
      Unfortunately, the Venice Council stopped overnight docking at the nearby free dock, one of the few (maybe the only) good free docks on the coast. They were anticipating a fee-based mooring field which has not yet been developed.
      Venice is still a great destination either to visit or live, there is free anchorage near the dock and other docking options
      Bob

      Bob,
      I had long, sometimes rather heated, discussions with Tim about this issue. I was not the only person to have these discussion by any means. As I remember Tim was sort of a “pilot program” on the tax and the transient boater issue. We sure don’t need to get that monster started here again in the forum. I don’t know that he issued many actual citations for a violation of the tax law, as a state officer I don’t know that he could unless there was a Florida law violation. No question that he ruffled some feathers………
      Tim was a very nice guy. As stated in his obit, he started a very popular children’s fishing program. I”ll certainly miss my friend.
      Sharkey

      Sharkey has it right.
      I’m sure that it was not Tim’s idea to “harass” cruisers visiting Venice, but simply following orders.
      I would think sales tax collection was the driver. Tim could not know or care about sales tax on boats, just whether or not it was registered in Florida if the boat was in the state 90 days. You generally need out-of-state fuel or marina receipts newer than 90 days to avoid citation.
      When cruisers cited by Tim or other officers visit the tax office to buy a Florida boat registration, they must show on newer boats whether or not sales tax equivalent to Florida’s rate was paid. You can’t get a Florida registration unless the sales tax question is resolved first. Most states with sales tax have a similar program. We see game wardens regularly walking the docks in Racine, taking note of boats with no WI registration stickers. If they are still there a few months later the same process ensues.
      Bob Kunath
      Sans Souci

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    • Aug 6, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      AICW Marine Fatalities, Snow’s Cut and Southport, NC

      Snow’s Cut begins at Statute Mile 295 and Southport is on the Cape Fear River at Statute Mile 309. Our thoughts go out to the families of these victims.

      Cruising News:
      Regret that Wilmington NC reported a drowning in Snow’s Cut Sunday and a boating fatality near Southport, Sat. eve. Southport appears to have been due to navigational hazard/error. Very sorry to learn of these losses.
      Sherri

      This Article from Star News Online: Click link below for full report.

      The search continued Monday morning for a boy believed drowned in the waters beneath the Snow’s Cut bridge Saturday.
      The 13-year-old Rocky Point boy went missing about 1:45 pm Saturday. He was with his parents and 3-year-old brother swimming and fishing along the southern banks of the Intracoastal Waterway near Carolina Beach, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
      http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120805/ARTICLES/120809853

      A U.S. Coast Guard boat searches the water under Snow’s Cut Bridge for a teenager who disappeared in the water about 1:40 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2012.

      This article from WCET – TV6, Wilmington, NC. Click link below for full article:

      SOUTHPORT, NC (WECT) – A Wilmington woman is dead and another three are hurt after a boat crashed into a platform in Southport, according to the Coast Guard.
      According to Sgt. Ben Meyer, Barbara Pierce, 57, was pronounced dead at New Hanover Regional Medical Center due to injuries sustained from the boat crash.
      Meyer said, Pierce’s husband, Edward Pierce, 58, was driving the boat and most likely slammed into a concrete slab in the Cape Fear River, trying to avoid a collision. The two of them along with passengers Michelle Boley, 30, and Taylor Gill, 25, were headed north to Wilmington.
      On Saturday night, good Samaritans helped the responding agency with the rescue. Pierce contacted the Coast Guard for help at approximately 9 p.m. A 25-foot response boat was dispatched, according to the release.

      If you have more details about the circumstances of this collision, let us hear from you. Thanks!

      I am puzzled as to why the obstacle that the Pierce boat struck is not lighted or better yet, removed.
      Horace Whitaker

      http://www.wect.com/story/19199168/coast-guard-reponds-to-fatal-boat-crash-in-southport

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