Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jul 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
418ft National Security Cutter Coming to Charleston, SC
South Carolina is proud to have the National Security Cutter James make Charleston her home port. NSC 5 is named to honor Capt. Joshua James, one of the world’s most celebrated lifesavers.
USCG’s New Cutter Sails from Ingalls
Posted by Eric Haun
Thursday, July 16, 2015
The National Security Cutter James (WMSL 754) sails away from Ingalls Shipbuilding. (Photo: Lance Davis/HII)
The National Security Cutter James (WMSL 754) sailed away from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division on Sunday, July 12, one month after being delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard, HII announced.
The new built vessel James will be commissioned on August 8 in Boston before heading to Charleston, S.C., where she will be stationed alongside Ingalls’ fourth NSC, Hamilton (WMSL 753).
“James is an excellent ship and another example of the outstanding work accomplished by our shipbuilders,” said NSC Program Manager Derek Murphy. “Through serial production in this program, each successive ship continues to come down the learning curve. The quality remains world-class, as proven by the substantial reduction in the number of trial cards with each successive ship in the class. Ingalls shipbuilders have once again delivered an NSC that will continue to protect our nation for the next 40 years.”
CLICK HERE for the full story from MarineLink.com
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Jul 18, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.6873,-79.00459999
Openings Questioned at Socastee Swing Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 371

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Skipper Lattimer poses questions that have asked many, many times over the years. See /?p=89755 and /?p=143206 for comments from other boaters. As to precedents for openings, emergency vehicles and vessels get priority. On weekends, it is normally water traffic that is heavy and the On Demand must restricted to openings every 15 minutes. During weekday rush hours, the opposite is true. And, as I understand from conversations with the bridge tenders, the old swing bridge roadway still serves a nearby school zone, requiring that waterway traffic be restricted for school buses. It is a tough job for the tenders who must rely on their on-the-spot judgement to apply restrictions.
Re: Socastee swing bridg . What do you mean `Opens on Demand’ Demand from who? Also, how many boats are considered heavy vessel traffic? It’s not unusual to have a hundred, probably a lot more, cars and trucks tied up when the bridge is open to `some’ boats. Which should take precedence?
Ed Lattimer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Socastee Bridge
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Jim Healy - July 24, 2015 - 2:32 pm

What should take precedence, Ed, is the USCG-approved status of the bridge. The Socastee Bridge is NOT restricted, so by definition, it is “on request”/”on demand.” The “requestor”/”demander” is the pilot of the boat. Having transited the ICW on many fall/spring migrations, I have experienced all of the ICW bridges. At Socastee, I have had excellent service and terrible, disrespectful service. The bridge is unreliable, at best. The bridge operations staff is made up of people who believe in serving the needs of boaters and people who do not. The argument of emergency vehicle traffic or school bus traffic applies to every bridge everywhere. There is absolutely nothing unique to Socastee. The bridge – and the city that owns the bridge – should honor it’s commitments to waterway users. Honor them or change them, but none of this, “it’ll be about 15 minutes or so before I can open” nonsensical stuff.
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Jul 18, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Photo of the Week
Key Biscayne Light
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Jul 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7313,-82.7069999
Boca Ciega Bay Community Group Forms to Clear Derelict Boats, near GICW Statute Mile 115

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Boca Ciega Bay is home to Gulfport Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and a very popular stopping point on the West Florida Waterway. The marina and mooring field are found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, just north of Tampa Bay. Our thanks to Mike Ahart for this report in Waterway Guide Latest News.

Grassroots movement hopes to rid Boca Ciega Bay of derelict boats
Date Reported: Jul 15, 2015
Reported By: Mike Ahart, News Editor
A grassroots movement has started up around Boca Ciega Bay to help rid the area of its growing derelict boat problem.

How has your community solved or reduced its derelict boat problem? Citizens Against Derelict and Illegal Boats (CADIB) wants to know ‘“ and wants others in their own communty to help. CADIB’s mission statement: “To protect our waterways from the environmental and navigational hazards that arise from derelict and illegal vessels.”
According to Grant Bond, one of the organizers of CADIB, “We would like to learn from and help other areas that have been affected by this problem. We (know) our current situation in Gulfport Florida…about 30-50 vessels dragging anchors, half of them have no registration or no current registration. I have lived on the water for 3 years and have seen 6 boats wash up on residential seawalls, 5 sunken vessels sitting on top of protected mangroves in Clam Bayou and at least 2 have caused damage to city property.”
So far, CADIB has been keeping track of boats and registration, and members have attended city council meetings to help keep the issue in the forefront. If you would like to help CADIB on the water or with ideas, contact by email CADIBgulfport@gmail.com
“Join us in the fight to keep our waterways to their natural beauty.” Visit the brand-new CADIB website for updates.
CLICK HERE for the full story.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina
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Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
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Jul 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Update: Stolen Yacht Recovered, East Coast of Florida, near Fort Lauderdale
Our thanks to Mike Ahart, Editor of Waterway Guide for this news:
Waterway News Updates
Florida East Coast
Has anyone seen this stolen yacht?

Date Reported: Jul 15, 2015
Reported by: Kevin Crago
Changes-Of-Latitude.jpgHas anyone seen me? My name is Change of Latitude. I am a 2002 Ocean Alexander 60′ Pilothouse Motor Yacht. I was stolen Sunday at 1:30AM from Harbour Towne Marina in Dania Beach FL. I am most likely in the Bahamas.
Please notify Kevin Crago, the Bahamas Defence Force, US Coast Guard, US Customs, US Marshals, or Broward County Sheriff if you see me.
Ed. note: WG has verified that this yacht has indeed been stolen. Information has been posted elsewhere on the internet suggesting that the boat is missing due to a repossession. The boat had been repossessed a few months ago.
View location on the Waterway Explorer
Source: Cruising Boater
CLICK HERE for the full story from Waterway Guide Latest News
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Mike Ahart - July 20, 2015 - 11:10 am

UPDATE: The yacht has been located, no details are currently available. BOLO (Be On the LookOut) has been canceled.
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Jul 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina Recognized As One Of The Best in Florida

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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.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina has been named to the 17 Best Resorts in Florida list by Traveluto, a rapidly growing travel blog. The resort was praised for its idyllic location, lagoon-style pool and waterfall, on-site marina, spa and tropical surroundings.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina Recognized As One Of The 17 Best Resorts in Florida
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla., July 9, 2015
Travelers heading to the Sunshine State this summer will find one more exciting reason to stay at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina.
One of the premier resorts on Fort Myers Beach recently made the list of 17 Best Resorts in Florida by Traveluto. A rapidly growing travel blog covering exciting destinations all over the world in addition to other travel-related topics, Traveluto searched the Sunshine State’s most popular resorts ‘“ from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys to the infamous home of Walt Disney World ‘“ to honor 17 must-visit hotel destinations in the state.
Situated on the beautiful tip of Estero Island, the full-service Fort Myers Beach hotel was praised for its lagoon-style pool and large waterfall, convenient on-site marina, spa and tropical restaurants, making it the ideal setting for spurring romance or making memories with the whole family.
In addition to the resort’s on-site amenities, the travel blog referenced its outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website. Pink Shell received numerous guest reviews raving about “amazing rooms with lanais,” “incredible views,” the “luxurious spa” and “friendly and accommodating staff.”
On top of making the list of 17 Best Resorts in Florida, the renowned Fort Myers Beach resort has been recognized with numerous awards including the 2014 Best of Weddings by The Knot, 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Hall of Fame Award. Pink Shell also was voted the “Best Resort and Hotel of Fort Myers Beach” by Fort Myers Beach Observer and “Top 25 Best Places to Tie Up in North America” by the editors and readers of Power and Motoryacht magazine.
Starting off with a single cottage in 1953, Pink Shell has expanded across 12 lush acres and features 213 one- and two-bedroom condos, each offering sweeping ocean views from sunrise to sunset. Though it has grown, been renovated and rebranded since the original beachfront property that first sat on the sun-kissed sand, the resort celebrates the memories that were once made on Fort Myers Beach while providing all the amenities necessary for friends and families to make new ones.
About Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina at 275 Estero Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach, FL is on 12 lush acres of sugary white sand facing the Gulf of Mexico. The full-service destination resort features 213 one- and two-bedroom condos, all offering sweeping ocean views. Additional amenities include a 41-slip marina, full-service spa, 3 heated outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, 2 ballrooms, on-site sailing school and water sports. For information, visit www.PinkShell.com or call 1-888-222-7465. Like Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Facebook, follow the resort on Twitter and add it to a circle on Google Plus.
About Boykin Management Company
Boykin Management Company, a leading hospitality management company with offices in Charlotte, NC and Fort Myers Beach, FL, is consistently recognized for excellence in delivering value-added lodging operations. Since 1958, BMC has been developing, managing and operating hotels, resorts, condominium hotels and conference centers. In addition to BMC’s long-standing relationships with the industry’s leading hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, BMC has operated numerous independent and resort hotels. BMC has managed more than 20,000 rooms in 23 states since its inception. For information, visit www.Boykin.com.
PRESS CONTACT
Ellis Etter
1-239-463-6181
eetter@pinkshell.com
SOURCE Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
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Jul 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.785,-79.819999
Dredging Funded for Isle of Palms Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459

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Finally!! But, sadly, not until October in the middle of the Fall Migration, as explained in this article by Prentiss Findlay in Charleston’s Post and Courier. A reminder that the tidal range in this area is 5+ feet, so high tide would give you 7+ feet. And, as in the past, we recommend HIGH TIDE ONLY through this stretch.
Corps has $2.4 million for Waterway dredging at IOP, Sullivan’s
A boat is shown stranded on a shoal in the Intracoastal Waterway. A local section of the waterway between Isle of Palms Connector and Ben Sawyer Bridge will be dredged to make marine travel easier. The federal government has appropriated $2.4 million for the project.
Some $2.4 million in federal funds has been authorized for dredging the Intracoastal Waterway between Ben Sawyer Bridge and the Isle of Palms Connector, officials said Thursday.
The section at Breach Inlet between Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island is only two feet deep at low tide. `It’s bad. It’s definitely bad,’ said Brian Berrigan, president of Isle of Palms Marina.
Work to dredge the channel is expected to begin in October, said Sean McBride, spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District.
`It’s our No. 1 priority,’ McBride said.
The waterway near Breach Inlet has been nearly dry at low tide because of shoaling, a condition in which sand builds up and blocks the channel. The authorized channel depth is 12 feet and the width is 90 feet.
Berrigan said word of the dredging is good news but only a temporary solution for a condition that is sure to happen again.
`We definitely need a long-term fix,’ he said.
Berrigan said transient boaters avoid the area because of the shoaling problem.
`It’s changing people’s schedules for sure,’ he said.
As a result, the marina has taken a tremendous hit financially. Diesel fuel sales are off 30 percent from last year, he said.
The City of Isle of Palms said the condition of the waterway has created safety concerns for boaters, particularly at low tide. `Boaters should use caution in this area until the dredging project can deepen the ICW,’ the city said.
The dredging is expected to be completed by the end of the year, the city said.
In the fall of 2013, a Mount Pleasant woman was injured on the waterway near the inlet when a 44-foot trawler drawing 3 feet 10 inches of water hit bottom. The impact caused her to fall backward and hit her head. In the emergency room, doctors determined she had a fractured vertebrae, a concussion and a broken rib. She spent two nights in the hospital.
Because of the low water, some boaters go offshore and re-enter the waterway at Charleston Harbor. The section of waterway has acquired a reputation as one of the worst areas from Virginia to Florida.
The last substantial funding the Army Corps received for waterway dredging was in 2009 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Some states, such as Florida and North Carolina, have dedicated funding for waterway maintenance. The Florida Inland Navigation District collects about $20 million annually to pay for waterway maintenance in 12 counties. North Carolina funds waterway maintenance through boater registration fees and the gas tax.
Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or Twitter.com/prentissfindlay.
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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Jul 16, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
5th USCG District Proposes Winter Restrictions; Request for Comments
North Carolina, the southern most state in the 5th district, did experience a number of dislocated aids to navigation dues to the unusually icy conditions in the Waterway this past winter, as experienced by early spring migrators.
Coast Guard proposes to restrict winter Mid-Atlantic boat traffic
New restrictions for boating in icy waters are being proposed for the Mid-Atlantic. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is announcing in the Federal Register of Thursday, June 9, 2015 that it is proposing a Regulated Navigation Area that will allow it to restrict boat travel when water gets icy in the Fifth Coast Guard District. The district runs between Pennsylvania/New Jersey and North Carolina.
During most winters, the waters can become icy and hazardous to boats starting in late December or early January in the northern section; later in the south. Such conditions typically last until early or Mid-March. Under the proposal, port captains would notify the maritime community of travel restrictions via a variety of methods, including the Internet, broadcast and email. USCG will consider the type of boat when deciding whether to let it travel (horsepower, what the hull is made out of) as well as other traffic in the area, as ice can take a boat off course.
USCG has determined that the proposed rule would not create any major economic impacts because not too much fishing or recreational boating takes place at the affected time of year. It also anticipates that restricted periods would not last too long.
USCG has not scheduled a public meeting to discuss the proposal but will consider one if it gets requests. File your comments online by Oct. 7. Refer to Docket Number USCG-2014-0051. You can also hand-deliver or mail thoughts and suggestions to Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Av. SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001; (202) 366-9329. Or you can fax comments to (202) 493-2251.
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Jul 16, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
BoatUS News: Call for Action
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and the waterway environment. We are proud to have them as SPONSORS!
July 13, 2015
Dear Boater,
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for comments on a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply for 2015 and 2016. If adopted, these proposed levels will require the use of a record amount of ethanol, forcing higher-level fuel blends (including E15 or 15% ethanol) into more gas stations. Remember that most marine engines are built to only work with up to 10% ethanol and it is prohibited to use gas containing more than 10% ethanol in all marine engines.
Please take a moment to send a message NOW urging the EPA to lower the ethanol mandates to ensure an adequate supply of fuel that will work in your boat.
Background:
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the 2005 law that requires the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. When written, it was assumed that America’s use of gasoline would continue to rise and therefore mandated escalating amounts of biofuels to be blended with our fuel. Since 2005, U.S. gasoline usage has actually dropped steadily and now the law forces more ethanol into fewer gallons of gasoline.
To keep up with this mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15% ethanol) into the marketplace, for some engines. E15 is prohibited from being used in marine engines, snowmobiles, motorcycles, small engines like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, as well as any vehicle made before 2001. In multiple studies, E15 has been proven to damage boat engines.
E15 and higher ethanol blends fuel can now be found in 24 states, often at the very same pumps as E10 gasoline. The only warning you may have is one sticker mixed in with all the other warning labels on the pump. This creates a huge potential for mis-fueling and puts boaters at risk of using fuel that will damage their engines. CLICK HERE for more information on E15 and the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Thanks for being a BoatU.S. member and for taking action to let EPA hear how you care about the ethanol level in the fuel you buy for your boat engine. Help us out and please FORWARD TO A FRIEND.
Sincerely,
Margaret B. Podlich
President, BoatU.S.
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Len Krauss - July 18, 2015 - 1:14 pm

We, not only as boaters but also as concerned citizens, need to permanently shut down this corn ethanol fuel boondoggle. Apart from its harmful effects on some engines and reduced miles-per-gallon, its environmental benefits are pure voodoo, and it serves only to enrich involved special interests at the public’s expense. BoatUS and the public need to put their support behind “The Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015,”
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DICK Burkhard - July 17, 2015 - 3:56 pm

4 years ago it cost me over $1000 to repair the damage that ethanol 10 did to the fuel system of my 1986 32′ Carver Mariner with twin 280 hp gas engines. It ate through most of the fuel line and the fittings and stopped the engines in a very dangerous spot.
It is time we quit supporting the corn industry which does not need nor deserve our tax money.
This ethanol industry has only created shortages and cost increases in our food supply for no other reason than to keep our demented elected officials In reelection money. WHEN WILL THIS MADDNESS STOP?
Have the courage for once to say NO!
Captain Dick Burkhard,
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Jul 15, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.349,-75.94879999
Good Words for Coinjock Marina, Coinjock, NC, AICW Statute Mile 49

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As Skipper Herl relates, Coinjock Marina, on the eastern bank of the Waterway, has been making and keeping friends in the boating community for years.
Coinjock NC
Another long but productive day, 8 hours. Arrived at Coinjock at 4:15. Left Dowry Creek this am at 8:10. really good crossing Alligator River and again crossing the Albemarle Sound, the hard part was the wind, it was behind us and we were going as fast as the wind, again a really hot day. Sure makes a shower feel really good. After sweating all day the shower is an absolute necessary. Otherwise you don’t dare get down wind of each other.
Coinjock, a great stop, one long dock, no backing in and the dock hands are special, no need to get off the boat until your ready to eat. They take care of all the electric, water, tieup, spring-lines, everything.
Another place we would like to stop again.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Coinjock Marina
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Joe Volpe - July 18, 2015 - 11:51 am

Great Place! Attentive staff, good facilities, clean. Restaurant food and service were superb. I arrived needing major repairs and was fairly and well cared for by Louis and the local diesel mechanic who rebuilt my engine!
Joe Volpe
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