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    • 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
    • Feb 17, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.9649,-82.36929999

      Good Words for Royal Palm Marina, Lemon Bay, GICW Statute Mile 45.5


       View In Chartview

      Royal Palm Marina lines the eastern banks of the Western Florida ICW’s run through Lemon Bay, south of Venice.

      The best deal [on the Gulf coast] I have found up to now is a small marina at Englewood – Royal Palm Marina. It’s a very friendly place with all the usual amenities plus a haul out and repair yard, pump out and fuel, a good onsite restaurant and large shrimp bait for fishing at only $4 for ten. You can rent canoes and small fishing boats if you wish. You can make an easy walk to Englewood which offers convenience stores, flea markets, thrift shops and again very friendly locals including four Buddhist monks walking around in yellow robes murmuring “Hare Krishna” as they go. Publix is an $8 taxi ride. There is a very inexpensive bus service to Walmart and Venice four miles north.
      Cap’n Parky

      Call Dockmaster Jim at (941) 475 6882. Any boat with a draft exceeding 5ft 6ins should not attempt to navigate their channel at low tide. I need to emphasize – all other marinas I found between Fort Myers and St Petersburg were much more expensive and obviously preferred you to stay at transient rates costing $2700 a month. Oh well – Florida always rips off their tourists in one way or another.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Royal Palm Marina

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

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    • Feb 14, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: “Updates to Exumas Need-to-Know Info” plus 1 more

      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: “Updates to Exumas Need-to-Know Info” plus 1 more
      Updates to Exumas Need-to-Know Info
      Posted: 13 Feb 2016 06:20 AM PST
      It seems that many phone numbers have changed as businesses (and individuals) discontinue their land lines and go to cell phones, which are not listed in the phone book.
      Here are some recent changes we have found. Make a note in your Explorer Chartbook Exumas on the appropriate Need-to-Know page.

      Black Point:
      Lorraine’s Cafe–change 3125 to 3095 or 3012.
      Rockside Laundromat–change 355-3055 to 3113.
      Rockside now also rents golf carts.
      Add Darlene’s Food Store (on Kings highway east of government dock in blue building)
      Staniel Cay: Medical Services–change 355-2010 to 225-2710 or 554-2275.
      George Town: Pharmacy–change 346-2411 to 346-2144.

      Please send us any other changes or corrections in local business phone numbers as it is an ever-changing picture!


      Bimini Ferry Service Discontinued
      Posted: 13 Feb 2016 06:03 AM PST
      The Superfast Ferry, that has been running from Miami to Resorts World on north Bimini since 2013, is no longer in operation. After huge expense to build a 1,000 foot pier in the ocean, with great damage to the environment, the ferry service has shut down.
      Cape Air is filling the gap with five flights daily to Bimini.
      Another overly ambitious development plan gone awry!

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 13, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Shared Photo – Sunrise at Captiva Island

      Everyone enjoys sunset pictures, but this is not what it appears to be - it’s actually a sunrise photo, taken, from the bow of our boat this past July at South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island, on the west cost of Florida. The photo was deliberately underexposed to help saturate the colors.

      Everyone enjoys sunset pictures, but this is not what it appears to be – it’s actually a sunrise photo, taken, from the bow of our boat this past July at South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island, on the west cost of Florida. The photo was deliberately underexposed to help saturate the colors.

      By Greg Allard

       

       

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    • Feb 13, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A History of BoatUS – Celebrating 50 Years of Service

      Boat U.S.Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net joins all of you in congratulating BoatUS on their boatuscelebrating50th Anniversary. BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR!

      As BoatUS celebrates its 50th Anniversary, the story of those 50 years is worthwhile reading, especially for those of you who have been members since the beginning in 1966.

      http://www.boatus.com/history/The-History-of-BoatUS.pdf

      boatushistory

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    • Feb 13, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Georgia Coastal and Marine Planner Now Available Online

      Here is an opportunity for boaters to learn more about the plans that our state government agencies are considering for our coastal waters. Even without the training session, the website can be very useful.

      OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

      OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

      Training for the Georgia Coastal and Marine Planner February 17, 2016

      As use of our ocean’s resources increase so do potential conflicts between user groups. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division (CRD) facilitates state management of coastal and ocean resources through improved planning and coordination.
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      CRD is partnering with the Georgia Tech Center for Geographic Information Systems and Strategic Energy Institute to launch a new planning tool called the Georgia Coastal and Marine Planner (GCAMP), which provides key information to coastal and ocean use stakeholders. GCAMP is a web-based map viewer that provides Georgia-specific data and information for planning and decision making. The resource assessment and planning tool provides easy access to geospatial information without the requirement of expensive or complicated software. GCAMP was designed to provide biological, physical, and human-use information in the offshore environment to planners, managers, decision makers, and the public.

      “GCAMP establishes a transparent and open process for fostering better understanding among stakeholders about what is happening in Georgia’s coastal and ocean environment. It provides factual information about the location of natural resources and the location of human uses. This will help coastal and ocean resource managers avoid conflicts when modifying existing human uses and planning future activities,” said Jill Andrews, program manager at CRD.

      Training on GCAMP will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm February 17, 2016 at the Susan Shipman Environmental Learning Center located at the DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters, One Conservation Way, Brunswick. The public is invited to attend. There are also tutorials on the viewer’s website Geospatial.gatech.edu/GCAMP

      For more information on GCAMP please contact Sonny Emmert or Jill Andrews at 912-264-7218

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      Questions? Contact Us

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Haskell Royer -  February 19, 2016 - 2:23 pm

        When will GA decide to become cruiser/boater friendly and keep their portion of the ICW reasonably maintained? Most boaters that have capable boats and crews opt to go offshore to avoid the state. Many others going off shore are at high risk. Even SC has finally decided to increase maintenance.

        Reply to Haskell
    • Feb 12, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      NEW Boca Grande Channel, Gulf/Charlotte Harbor, 2/12/2016

      This annotated chart gives the location of the currently being relocated navigation aids in Boca Grande Pass, as noted in this 2/11 Nav Alert.

      NEW Boca Grande Channel

      Click Here To Download a PDF containing this graphic

      Click Here To Download a GPX file containing the new channel route

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

      1 Facebook Likes, 0 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Marc Holtzberg -  May 12, 2020 - 10:55 am

        Came through the Pass in the dark both (in/out) times. 1 and 2 are on station and flashing accordingly. 3 is on station and flashing accordingly. #4 Red could not be found. 5 and 6 were on station and flashing accordingly. We did not have a depth finder and we did not touch bottom. No shoaling was apparent (waves). There is a dredge and/or barges on the North side of the harbor once you get in about a mile.

        Reply to Marc

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