Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 15, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Industry’s Use of US Inland and Coastal Waterways
This interesting article from MarineLink.com looks at our waterways from a very different perspective than that of the recreational boater, i.e. an industrially-useful waterway network.
Taking Inland Waterways To the Mainstream
By Chip Jaenichen, U.S. Maritime Administrator
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
It takes nonstop work to maintain America’s position in today’s global economy. Every day we compete against strong international rivals for demanding foreign and domestic customers. Thankfully, the American economy has a large-scale, crucial asset that gives us an edge on the rest of the world: over 28,000 miles of inland river and coastal waterways with consistent navigation at suitable depths (9 feet during 9 months of the year) ‘“ more any other nation on earth.
Although we have the world’s greatest industrially-useful waterway network, we are barely using its full capacity. In 2013, the U.S. moved just under 5 percent of our domestic freight shipments by water. Imagine if the Denver Broncos played Peyton Manning for just three minutes each game. That’s essentially what our nation is doing. We are hardly utilizing our greatest competitive advantage. But you can rest assured, other nations are using theirs. Inland waterway shipping currently accounts for over 40 percent of all European Union freight transportation, and that percentage is rising.
CLICK HERE to read the full article.
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Jun 14, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.1544,-81.49969999
A Good Visit to Brunswick Landing Marina, off AICW Statute Mile 680

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Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers as well as transient cruisers sits well off the direct path of the Waterway, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
Brunswick Landing Marina, Georgia
Brunswick Landing is another stop that is a little out of the way. ( 5-8 miles) The reason for our slight detour was fuel prices. We were not low but when the price is right I will top everything off. Brunswick Landing is literally downtown, two blocks from the marina and you are downtown. During our stay they had a wine and cheese sampling, after 5:00 the stores stayed open and you could walk through or around, listen to music and partake of the wine, cheese or other snacks.
We ran into two other boats heading north and at one of the evening get together we started talking about any difficult areas coming up. One of those areas was Hells Gate. Our new friends have made the trip several times both north and south so we would follow them. We delayed our departure until they received their repair parts.
The next morning a 190 ft Yacht was on the end of the dock. Her name was `Grace E’ we found out it belonged to the Green Mountain coffee owner also related to Keurig coffee makers. Now I know where our money is going, we love Keurig the boat.
Grace E
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Brunswick Landing Marina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 14, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
Question re Coral and Sea Grass in Anchorages
This reader is seeking advice from those of you who anchor in the Keys. With a 22 inch draft, his primary concerns have to be dropping the hook and going ashore. If you have advice to offer Skipper Novotny, please do so!
Hello, I am planning a sailing trip to the keys on my Nordica 16, 22 inch draft, from sunny Buffalo NY. I noticed a lot of your listed anchorages are in protected areas where according to the rules I read one cannot damage coral or sea grass. How does that work? Are there buoys or are these places where coral and sea grass are not an issue? I am rather confused as you can see after I read the slew of regs from the govt. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Regards
Jerry Novotny
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Chuck Baier - June 14, 2015 - 12:31 pm

Jerry, the fines for damaging sea grass and coral in the Florida Keys can be substantial and they are strictly enforced. In areas of coral, there are buoys installed in some places but these are often, but not always, for day use when snorkeling or diving. Most are on the reefs. In grassy areas you will need to find sandy patches to drop the hook. There is very little shore access in the Keys. They are not very anchor out friendly in many places. With your draft you will find more good anchoring spots on the Bay side than on Ocean side. But weather will determine which side you can comfortably anchor on. In our anchorage book we indicate where any possible dinghy landing spots might be or if there is none. In places like Marathon and some others, the only option to land the dinghy is to pay to use a dinghy dock. Hope this helps. Chuck Baier, The Great Book Of Anchorages.
Reply to Chuck

Jerry Novotny - June 15, 2015 - 1:56 pm

Thank you Chuck, got it, so look for sandy patches.
One more question: I see all the no discharge rules (and penalties) for boats with holding tanks, what about smaller boats without heads per se, what do the authorities look for there? Is the use of marina facilities assumed? Thanks Jerry
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Jun 12, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
June 13 is National Marina Day!
June 13 will be the 2015 celebration of National Marina Day all across the country. Wherever you are, find your way to your favorite marina and let them know how much they are appreciated!
Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day is a nationwide boating event dedicated to grow boating participation across North America. Marine businesses collaborate to hold events to introduce the public to boating through on-water and landside activities at marinas in every corner of the country.
For more information at a great website, go to www.NationalMarinaDay.org!
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Jun 11, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.1119,-83.04519999
Shoaling Reported in Cedar Keys Channel, Big Bend Region, June 11, 2015

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Cedar Keys is one of a limited number of ports of call along Western Florida’s waterwayless Big Bend region, the Western Florida coastline between Anclote Key and Dog Island. The reported shoaling is in the main entrance channel to the east of Seahorse Key.
FLORIDA – CRYSTAL RIVER TO HORSESHOE POINT – CEDAR KEYS MAIN CHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation
The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of shoaling between Cedar Keys Main Channel Daybeacon 19 (LLNR 29805 [29°6.7123N / 083°2.7068W, 29.111871 / -83.045114]) 29-06-42.737N/083-02-42.411W (29°6.7123N / 083°2.7068W, 29.111871 / -83.045114) and Cedar Keys Main Channel Light 21 (LLNR 2981) 29-06-50.837N/083-02-25.131W (29°6.8473N / 083°2.4188W, 29.114121 / -83.040314) with depths as low as 3 ft at low tide. Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting the area.
Chart 11408 LNM: 23/15
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Cedar Keys
Click Here To View An Article on the Waters of Cedar Keys
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Jun 10, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Restrictions on Anchoring Events in the Keys Considered
Although the party style anchoring reported here is not the anchoring done by cruisers, the issue of restriction is very much a part of Florida’s focus on the control of anchoring throughout the state. See /?p=148212 for background on recent Florida legislation on anchoring.
Restrictions on boating events mulled
Sanctuary said races, parties taking toll
BY KEVIN WADLOW
kwadlow@keynoter.com
June 10, 2015
When too many boaters drop anchor for an on-the-water Florida Keys party, the marine environment may suffer.
On Tuesday in Marathon, advisers to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary will discuss “challenges and issues” created by “marine events and concentrated uses such as party areas, raft-ups, and boat races.”
Members of the Sanctuary Advisory Council requested a session on large boating events, sanctuary spokeswoman Rachel Pawlitz said.
Sanctuary managers have not taken a position on any new regulation, Pawlitz said.
“We understand these types of recreational events are popular, but the sanctuary has to consider effects on marine resources, and try to find the right balance,” she said.
Last November, more than 100 boats in Key West for the annual powerboat races traveled the 14 miles to Boca Grande, an island within the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Boats anchored on nearby flats and ran aground on the uninhabited island’s sandy beach.
In January, Monroe County Commissioners blocked a recommendation to spend $10,000 in Tourist Development Council funding to promote a new boating raft-up in Key Largo during this year’s Columbus Day holiday in October.
Boat races were among scheduled activities in Key Largo, although organizers with the Florida Powerboat Club said the races were being scaled back in favor of a “cruising rendezvous.”
Nancy Finley, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manager of the Florida Keys Wildlife Refuge Complex, said Friday that organized and promoted events in wildlife refuge waters “do need a permit and a compatibility determination.”
Finley will speak at Tuesday’s sanctuary council meeting at the Hyatt Place Marathon resort, along with representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The Boca Grande situation “has been resolved, from my point of view,” Finley said. “They need a permit. At this point, no one has asked for one.”
“Any event that is expected to draw large interest and focus on one section of the refuge, whether there is money involved or if it’s a non-profit, is going to need a compatibility determination.”
Boca Grande, she noted, has seen significant erosion of its sandy beach that is a critical turtle-nesting area. The island also houses a very rare colony of the protected Miami Blue butterfly.
Some Lower Matecumbe Key residents have complained about noise from boat gatherings off a neighborhood. FWC officers have said that without seeing illegal activity or environmental damage occurring, there was little they could do.
Any recommendations from the Sanctuary Advisory Council would undergo review by federal and state staff.
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Jun 10, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.276,-81.71559999
Another Good Visit to Ortega Yacht Club Marina, St. Johns River, Jacksonville, Fl

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Located on the Ortega River just above the Roosevelt Blvd. Bridge and just below the intersection of the Ortega and St. Johns Rivers, Ortega Yacht Club Marina is especially convenient to the Riverside section of Jacksonville. Our thanks to Skipper Herl for this report.
Ortega Yacht Club, Florida
Ortega Yacht Club is a bit out of the way if you plan to stay on the ICW. It is 20-25 mile from Sisters Creek on the ICW so if you go, you have to do it on purpose. If you have some time and want to get away from the ICW for a few days the Ortega would be a great place to do just that. Ortega is not affiliated with any FCYC Yacht Clubs.
Paul the dock master is great, tryes to help you in any way he can. One day we needed to get to a Wall Mart, Paul carried us to Wall Mart in his truck so we could replace a TV that stopped working.
We stayed over a week. Completed some chores, did laundry, (and that needed to be accomplished) and were able to get away from the boat for a while to do some shopping. The shopping is within walking distance. Belks, West Marine, Publics, CVS, restraunts and lots more. I was able to stop into a hearing aid place (not my brand) to get my aids checked and cleaned. They were actually exited to help us as well as interested in our trip. Another hint is to buy a real comfortable back pack for the grocery runs.
Phil Herl

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Yacht Club Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ortega Yacht Club Marina
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Jun 8, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.6425,-81.63159999
Good Visit to Boathouse Marina, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

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Boathouse Marina overlooks the shores of the St. Johns River west-southwest of Palatka City Marina and marker #1. As Skipper Herl points out, cruisers docking here are within walking easy distance of the shops and restaurants in downtown Palatka.
Boathouse Marina, Palatka
Was a very pleasant run from Lake George to Boathouse, 3.5 hr @ approx. 9 knot. We arrived in the pm and were docked and tied by just after noon. This was really different for us, we normally don’t get in until 3:00 or 4:00 pm.
The marina facilities are very clean but rustic. We were able to catch up on our laundry. Boathouse is also within walking distance to good eats and to just see the town. Very nice walk.
We do have friends on the area so we were able to commandeer a car. Publics, WinDixie and a Walmart are within a short drive. We were able to just relax, even took the dingy out for evening cruises on the river. We were also able to visit Ravine Gardens, spent several very pleasant hours there.
Phil Herl

One of the Dockmates
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Boathouse Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boathouse Marina
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Jun 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.6314,-81.47749999
Report from Amelia Island Yacht Basin, AICW Statute Mile 720.5

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The entrance channel leading to Amelia Island Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, cuts into the AICW’s eastern flank, immediately north of the Kingsley Creek Railway Bridge, and just south of Waterway marker #13. Skipper Herl’s report relates a visit before dredging was completed, see /?p=139385
Amelia Island Yacht Basin
The crew there is great and the restaurant `The Galley Pub’ was very good. Just stopped in to get a snack but ended up with a huge juicy hamburger and all the fixins. Yum-yum.
They are in the process of dredging [now completed] the canal and basin to improve the depth but did not know what the time line would be for completion.
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Amelia Island Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Amelia Island Yacht Basin
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Jun 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.5083,-81.67789999
New Owners at Acosta Creek Marina, St. Johns River, Satsuma, FL

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Acosta Creek Marina lies on the east side of the St. Johns River between markers #41 and 42A, south of Seminole Grove, FL. Congratulations to the Simons and we wish them the very best with all their plans.
Recently, Bob and Jane Simons acquired Acosta Creek Marina (formerly Acosta Creek Harbor) in Satsuma Fl. from previous owners James and Cathy Towles. Eager to bring more business into the marina, Jane & Bob have been working hard planning big improvements and repairing facilities that already exist. For those not familiar with the area, Acosta Creek Marina sits approximately an hour and a half south of Jacksonville, two hours north of Orlando, fifty minutes southeast of St Augustine and an hour east of Gainesville all by car. Those of you traveling by water the Acosta Creek Marina is located within close proximity to channel marker 42.
The new owners of Acosta Creek Marina have very big plans for their new purchase including expanding many of the marina’s services, as well adding to the goods carried by the ship’s store and improving the grounds about Acosta Creek Marina. Their ultimate goal is to make Acosta Creek Marina not just a stop over or place to store your vessel but a destination on this scenic part of the St. Johns River. They currently offer very affordable dockage at only $7.00 a foot per month with electric on a metered basis and have removed the previous length requirement in order to bring in new customers. Transient dockage is $1.00 a foot daily plus $6.50 for electric. Although Acosta Creek Marina is located in a rural setting, the new owners can arrange transportation for you into town to purchase supplies or check out many of the excellent restaurants in the area. One of their personal favorite dining establishments is Hawg Wash BBQ, with authentic excellent smoked barbecue. The marina is equipped with a 25 ton travel lift and a boat yard where you can do-it-yourself or have one of the many skilled contractors work on your vessel for you. The marina features fixed wood piers with finger slips, showers, a laundry facility and a ship’s store that Jane is working hard to improve.
Other amenities on site encompass a full gambit of recreational activities, with cabins, RV spots, picnic tables, and the soon to be installed horseshoe pits and grills. Some of the best bass fishing in the world is located within in a couple minutes of Acosta Creek Marina and the beautiful crystal clear freshwater springs are located only a short beautiful cruise away.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Acosta Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Acosta Creek Marina
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