Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Sep 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.7367,-76.29419999
Very Nice Folks at Top Rack Marina, Virginia Cut, AICW Statute Mile 8.8

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Our thanks to Skipper Bell for this report and follow up. Top Rack Marina is just north of the Steel Bridge in the Virginia Cut at Mile 8.8
Diesel $1.92.9 Includes tax. Free pump out with fuel. These guys bend over backwards for you. Nice deli restaurant, brand new restrooms and great floating docks. Low and high speed diesel fuel pumps. We stopped because the Great Lock was shut down for three hours due to high tides. So glad we did. Very nice folks.
Dave Bell
More from Skipper Bell:
Top Rack has Diesel for $1.93 per gallon. Free Pump Out. Plus. If you eat dinner in the Amber Lantern restaurant that is at the marina, you can stay the night at no charge including power. Food is good too. Very nice folks. They will do anything to make your day on the water more enjoyable. New floating docks as well. We will return.
David Bell
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Top Rack Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Brian McKown - September 28, 2015 - 9:08 am

Thank you for the kind words Mr. Bell. We appreciate you stopping and hope you will return in the spring.
Brian McKown
Marina Manager
Top Rack Marina
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Sep 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.0243,-76.69579999
Herl Report: Oriental Marina & Inn, Oriental Harbor Marina, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181

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The Herl’s experience with these two marinas certainly speaks well for the attitude that Oriental has for transients. The marinas are competitors, but they put the needs of the traveler up front. Oriental Harbor Marina is on the northwestern shore of Oriental Harbor’s entrance off the Neuse River and Oriental Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on the eastern banks of Oriental’s inner harbor. Nautical Wheelers is also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISER’ NET SPONSOR!
Oriental Marina
Originally called Oriental for a slip reservation, they said they were full and referred us to Oriental Harbor marina. Oriental transferred use and we received our slip reservation.
We arrived at 3:15 and they were ready for us. Gave the directions to our slip and had a dock hand ready to help dock.
Once we were docked and hooked up we walked to the office to check in. what a walk, It was at least a half a mile walk. For those how may be interested, there are restaurants and pubs on the way as well as a ships store with a few groceries. 3 restaurants, 3 pubs, and an ice cream shop plus the marina Tiki bar.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
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Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Harbor Marina
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Sep 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.6656,-79.06169999
Detailed Description of Upstream Waccamaw Trip to Conway, SC, off the AICW

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Skipper Winter does indeed complement an earlier posting by Jim and Peg Healy, /?p=138583. Our thanks to John and Sue for this detailed narrative of their recent trip upriver to Conway. The upper portion of the Waccamaw River departs the Waterway at statute mile 375.
To hopefully complement Sanctuary’s posting, we just finished going to Conway and made the following notes. One can take these and mark the Healy’s maps, and add milage to them. the distances are not off more than a tenth at each junction: From ICW MM 375 just south of ICW marker `27A’:
This is the last posting on any web sites that I have seen with any detail. We traveled this river this week and it is still a beautiful trip and well worth the extra time. It is even more beautiful than the lower Waccamaw. First, the Corps of Engineers have removed all markers above `R4’, and as such, there are a few spots that are confusing as to where to turn. Lastly, different postings on various web states the distance to downtown Conway anywhere from 12 to 16 miles without stating whether they are nautical or statute miles. Reset your odometer to `0’ for the following information. We use statute miles. From `G1’, the entrance marker, it is 14.3 miles to the last bridge (you do not want to go under that in a larger boat) and about 14 miles to the marina entrance basin. Just as Sanctuary recommends, go to the bridge to dock since it is an easy walk to town. The two floating docks are in decent shape, but the cleats are still a little loose, but there is no traffic or winds to bother you and if there was a huge blow, there are alternatives to tie up soundly ‘“ easy. The electric is still there but still no water. Call the marina for space (room for a 60′ boat at each dock, maybe longer). Also, repeating, when going into a curve, stay to the outside where the water is deeper. We entered at dead low tide (on purpose) so as to make better notes. The NOAA charts that end just above `R4’ are accurate. We saw 11-13′ at `G1’ and then before the first curve, 7.9′. After the first curve, it deepened to 9.0′ Just prior to the second curve, briefly 5.9′, but we were too much inside on the curve. Coming back down, we had over 7.5′. Hug `R2’. First curve after `R2’ was 8.3′. From here you will see depths well over 20′ in places. Just prior to `G3’, which is 1.9 miles in, 6.5′ and quickly deepens to 30’. MM 2.1 you’ll see many stumps on the RDB, but 8.1 feet as charted. MM 3.0 (`R4’) stay left at these intersections. MM 4.3, there are power lines that we do not know the height, but any motor boat will have no problems, but sailboats may (this statement applies to all power lines mentioned). They all appear to be well over 45′, but who knows. MM 4.7 at a private dock, make a left turn (it’s not obvious). MM 5.2 shallows to 8.6′ briefly. At MM 5.9, make a sharp left. MM 6.1, there are some nice homes to see, watch your wake. MM 6.9, favor RDB (starboard) for deeper water (7.5′, otherwise 6.0′). MM 7.6 some more homes. MM 9.4 is interesting. There is an upside down arrow sign that has the word `only’ upside down on it. Do not think this sign is upside down, it’s not. Whoever put it up, obviously did not have the correct sign. Make a sharp left here (yes, to port). If you go right, you hit bottom (we know ‘“ LOL). MM 10.0, another left turn where there is yet another upside down `only’ sign. MM 10.4-11.0, shallows to 7.4′ (this is where the river gets a little wider, so it makes sense the water would be shallower). MM 11.1 favor RDB where you get over 11′. Center is as low as 5.2’. MM 11.6, turn left. MM 12.1 is 6.6′ and there might be a very interesting river boat moored there. MM12.3, turn left at homes and docks. MM 13.2, overhead power lines. As you get to a high bridge, you are entering Conway. From here on in, it is no wake. You will see to your left the entrance to the marina basin around MM 13.9. Go past this to the floating docks on your left. They are obvious, just before the bridge. Call the marina for docking, but if no answer, don’t panic. If you are there just for a few hours, docking is free. The river walk is beautiful, and many great places to eat and shop. See the college (Coastal Carolina) ‘“ it is also very nice. One could easily stay here for a few days, so if the weather is not so good, and you have stopped at Georgetown enough, then this is the place for you. It takes about 2.5 hours (max) to do the river one way on a trawler.
Sue and John Winter on Just Relax (MTOA, Golden Loopers, AIWA members)
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Sep 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.5529,-82.19659999
Clarification Sought on Redfish Pass, off Pine Island Sound/GICW, between Captiva and North Captiva Islands

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Redfish Channel, which leads cruisers from the Western Florida ICW’s run through Pine Island Sound, and the entrance channel to South Seas Island Resort Marina have both been completely altered within the last year or so. Several earlier postings here on the Cruisers’ Net have noted this change. Skipper Chris is requesting local knowledge.
I have been through this pass 3 times and I am still confused by the way it is marked. Red Right Return from the Gulf brings you through some very shallow waters. Check your GPS chartplotter coming in’¦.quite unnerving! Thankful I draw only a couple feet. Any insight would be helpful! Only one red marker and it appears to be in the middle of a shoal!
Chris
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Kim - September 26, 2015 - 8:16 pm

Lots of water- as in 10-30′ 2 tricks –
1) marks are certainly not as charted in the chartlet. they have been moved to keep pace with the shoaling. See: http://media.southseas.com/d/southsea/media/Marina/SSIR_Channel_Map_FINAL.pdf
2) treat the new green mark ‘1’ as an outer rendezvous to get lined up. Especially if you are coming from the south – you can’t just go to the the outer red and head in. stay offshore more; go to green ‘1’ then turn into the pass.
Last up there 2 weeks ago.
Kim
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Sep 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.6686,-81.21559999
Praise for Marineland Marina, AICW Statute Mile 796

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We continue to hear only good words for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Marineland Marina which lies south ‘“ southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore.
One of the BEST little gems on the ICW! Eric and Chris do their best to help you with any of your needs..very clean’¦the beach right across A1A’¦Plenty of water..definitely would go back! Thank you!
Payrick n Jae Kellogg
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina
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John Pholeric - September 27, 2015 - 1:28 pm

I agree this is a wonderful marina. The staff was helpful and friendly. Marineland is definetly worth a visit, and the beach is right across the road. Not much shopping, but can’t have everything. A cab will get you to shopping.
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Sep 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
BoatUS News: Ice and Freeze Coverage?
Icing and freezing conditions are often overlooked here in the Southeast, but Virginia and North Carolina can attest to the real possibility of such occurrence in an extremely cold winter, as predicted for 2015-16 by some weather forecasters. BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boater safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR!
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Boaters in northern states may want to look at adding freeze coverage to their boat insurance policies, especially if the boat is stored inside and there is no generator to back up winter power.
Boaters: Should You Add Ice and Freeze Coverage to Your Boat Policy Now?
Inexpensive Option Good for DIYers, Winter Trailerboaters

ALEXANDRIA, Va., September 24, 2015 — Many boat owners think they don’t have to worry about freeze damage if they live in temperate states or if they keep their boat in an indoor, heated storage area in Northern climates. But they may want to rethink that. Every year, the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Marine Insurance Program gets freeze damage insurance claims for boats in Southern states hit by a hard freeze, and claims for boats stored indoor in Northern states where storms took out the electrical power ‘“ which usually means no heat. So the first rule of winter storage for any boat is to winterize properly.
Even then, small winterizing mistakes like not draining all of the areas of the engine raw water system can easily destroy an engine. For that reason, BoatUS says ice and freeze coverage may also be a smart option for do-it-yourselfers who want peace of mind, or for trailer boaters who store their boat in a heated garage or travel between warm and cold states.
Typically offered as a policy `rider’ to boats stored in northern climates, it’s inexpensive ‘“BoatUS offers the add-on coverage for as low as $20. However, there is a deadline to purchase this coverage as most insurers don’t offer it once temperatures get cold, usually the end of October.
BoatUS says the good news is that boats in warmer, temperate states often have this feature added to their policy automatically, but boaters should check with their insurer.
For more information on boat insurance or ice and freeze coverage, go to www.BoatUS.com/insurance or call 800-283-2883.
###
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
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Sep 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Cape Coral Cruises Club Visits Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Matanzas Pass, Gulf Coast

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This fine group of boaters, made up of overnight cruisers from the Cape Coral area, is a cruising club worth following as they visit marinas along the West Coast. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
CAPE CORAL CRUISE CLUB CRUISES TO PINK SHELL MARINA
By John Queen, Vice-Commodore, Cape Coral Cruise Club
Each month, the Cape Coral Cruise Club takes a scheduled cruise to a different marina in SW Florida and stays for several days enjoying the area’s amenities and hospitality. We do that nine times a year along with an extended cruise each Spring. We take a break during the summer months of July and August as many members leave the area. However, sometimes a marina offers the Club a special off-season discounted rate to visit their marina.
That happened when the Pink Shell Marina and Resort in Fort Myers Beach offered the Club an attractive discounted rate for staying at its marina during the month of August. I won’t say how low the offer was, but it was certainly an offer we couldn’t refuse. So, it was decided to organize an unofficial cruise to the marina for any interested Club members.
Unofficially, nine boats made the trip, and this article is the unofficial account of that trip. Over the days of August 20th to 23rd we scheduled this cruise to arrive Thursday and depart on Sunday so that some members who may work during the week could join the fun.
Eight boats arrived Thursday, and one boat arrived Friday. The marina either coincidentally or intentionally assigned us slips that resulted in all boats being lined up from the smallest to the largest as you walked down the dock. Yellow Club burgees flew on the bow of each boat sporting our club mascot – a dolphin holding a drink of some sort (an adult beverage, I would surmise). After safely docking Thursday, sixteen club members convened in the late afternoon for cocktails, snacks and conversation.
For dinner, we had CIFO’s. (Circular Italian Food Objects). 5 large pizzas were picked up and we dined in the Pink Shell conference room provided by the resort. After dinner, I hosted a game of Jeopardy created on my laptop and projected onto the wall. Special categories such as `Local Waters’ and `Cape Coral History’ were developed. (For example, are you aware that the first traffic signal in Cape Coral was placed at the intersection of Cape Coral Pkwy and Coronado in 1969?)
On Friday, we again provided members breakfast, and then everyone went off to enjoy the pool, Ft. Myers beach, or other amenities around the resort. I decided to join several friends at the pool which was not heated, nor needed to be. After being in the pool for several minutes, I recalled my new iPhone was with me in its water proof case. It was checked for calls and, to my utter dismay, found that the `water proof’ case was not so water proof. Yikes! So much for making phone calls the rest of the week.
For Friday night, a group dinner was arranged at Matanzas Inn Restaurant in Fort Myers Beach and eighteen boaters along with fifteen other Club members who arrived by land yacht, converged on the restaurant at 6:00 PM. Since we had a small crowd of 33, the manager had reserved the back area of the restaurant so that we could all dine together. It was great to see so many club members show up. Everyone was anxious to catch up on life’s happenings since we had not been together for a month or so. We also celebrated one member’s birthday. Well, not on that day specifically, but the same date of many, many years prior. You know what I mean.
On Saturday, we again fed the boaters breakfast and then sent everyone off to enjoy the day. Saturday was pretty much an ‘˜on your own’ day, so we didn’t have much planned as far as club activities. Fortunately, Mother Nature was quite cooperative during the time we stayed at the marina and our need for umbrellas was minimal. However, her hot days reminded us that we were indeed in southwest Florida in the middle of August.
On Sunday morning we cast off lines and headed for home ports. Much appreciation goes to Dave O’Conner, the Dockmaster at Pink Shell Resort and Marina. His hospitality and special accommodation to the Cape Coral Cruise Club made this unofficial cruise officially happen!
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
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Sep 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Help Requested to Report Sightings of Diamondback Terrapins
You can help, especially if you do any anchoring or shore exploring between Canaveral and Miami.

MELBOURNE, Fla. – A zoo in Brevard County needs your help tracking the East Coast Diamondback terrapins, a unique subspecies that lives along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
The Brevard Zoo wants everyone from the Space Coast to Miami to report sightings to them.
The terrapins are usually found in brackish coastal waters like the Indian River Lagoon.
Click here to send sightings along with pictures and GPS coordinates.
The zoo said the project will help biologists identify critical habitat and road-kill “hot spots”.
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Sep 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.8443,-76.29359999
Praise for Waterside Marina, AICW Mile Zero, Norfolk, VA

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Located in downtown Norfolk on the east side of the Elizabeth River just opposite Portsmouth, this marina is a slight bit south of ICW mile marker zero. It is next to the Waterside Festival Marketplace, Town Point Park and the Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus exhibits. As Skipper Bell points out, there are many excellent restaurants and stores nearby.
Enjoyed our stay at Waterside Marina. John, the dock master, helped us in and brought us up to speed on what was happening locally and with the weather moving in. This is one of our favorite stop overs. Newer floating docks, protected from wakes, both 30 & 50 amp electric, two story indoor mall just three blocks away and they will provide transportation to provision. Lots to see and do in Norfolk.
Dave Bell
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Waterside Marina
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Sep 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 33.9209,-78.23629999
More Shoaling Reported at Lockwoods Folly/AICW Intersection, Statute Mile 321

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Skipper Price’s experience confirms earlier reports, /?p=149149, we had in June. Advice at that time was to favor the red side. The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Mid to high tide is recommended for passage.
Just an FYI in case the word has not gotten to you guys but Lockwoods Folly Inlet is very shoaled up already. I know of one fellow boater that ran aground there about 30 days ago and I have been thru there twice myself in a boat that draws 4.5’ at a little past mid tide and rising. My depth finder showed 2.5’ under my keel. I could not go thru there at low tide!
Bob Price
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

Wally Moran -  October 6, 2015 - 6:54 pm

The USACE advised me a few years ago to transit this inlet, and Shallottes to the south of it, with the reds close at hand. I just went through both of these ten days ago – no issues, Lockwoods showed a minimum of about 8 feet as I recall at MLW – those finding less are quite likely not in the channel.
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Tracy Hellman -  September 23, 2015 - 9:08 am

Cruise as close to red markers as possible. That is where the deep water is located.
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Dean Dawes -  September 25, 2015 - 2:28 pm

Just came through this area (unfortunately due to a delay at low tide). 4.5 draft got hung up when I turned toward the Green. Hug the Red side, and stay away from the Green. Saw a few similar draft vessels get through on the red side without issue. Floated off after 20 mins, a useful lunch break.
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