This good advice was forwarded to us by Hank Pomeranz at Carolina Yacht Care of Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Skipper Wehmer has been communicating with Hank about Problem Stretches he had encountered. Funding for dredging between the IOP Connector and the Ben Sawyer Bridge has been approved and one can only hope that the Isle of Palms Problem Stretch will also be dredged. See /?p=149544. SSECN continues to recommend a high tide passage for this stretch.
Hank, We transited from Isle of Palms to Charleston yesterday. The stretch between IOP marina and the IOP connector bridge: Stay in middle as suggested. We strayed right of center to see how depths were and it shallows very quickly from center. Lowest spot we saw was about 50 yards before the bridge at 3.4 MLW in the middle of the channel. Otherwise we saw 7-10′ MLW.
We are going to try to go outside from here [Charleston] to Fernandina, but if we do not, I’ll send you what we find. Bill Wehmer S/V Island Bound
Plymouth Landing Marina is located on the southern banks of the Roanoke River, near the western end of the Plymouth waterfront. Our thanks to Skipper Evans for this excellent report.
Plymouth is a well kept secret and is the jewel of the Albemarle Loop. Plymouth is reinventing itself and has more plans for their waterfront. Their new docks are the best on the loop. And Brenda, who manages the docks, is a wealth of local flavor and history. She is very accommodating as is everyone in this town. Three museums to visit plus Civil War History make Plymouth worth the short ride up the Roanoke River off the Albemarle Sound. And, the cruise up the river is full of wildlife and color in the Fall. We spotted an Eagle during our recent trip. Add to this the free two day dockage with power and what more could the cruising boater ask for? Doyle Evans
Albemarle Plantation Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is located off the AICW, on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound, on Yeopim River/Creek. Good reports from boaters like Skipper Evans and descriptions of this facility make a side trip up the Albemarle Sound very inviting!
The Albemarle Plantation is part of the Albemarle Loop. This loop offers free two day dockage and sometimes free power at each stop. Ports also include Elizabeth City, Hertfort, Edenton, Plymouth and Columbia. The Albemarle Plantation is a very boating friendly community and welcomes loop visitors. This was our first stop after exiting off the ICW. We had a port engine issue coming in and the dockmaster recommended Daneker Marine. These guys came out to the marina ASAP and repaired our problem and got us back on the water. So, we cannot say enough about the marina and residents in this area. We highly suggest spending time exploring each port-of-call on this loop. Each marina offers a unique variety of things to see and do. Doyle Evans
Good news: the Ladys Island Bridge has returned to its former schedule of only 4 hours of restricted openings M – F, after a 6 month trial period during which the bridge would not open for 5 1/2 hours 7 days a week. Our thanks to Mel Neale for this information as reported in East Coast Alerts Update. If you missed all the verbage concerning the restrictions, see /?p=147494 for a lengthy discussion of the trial run opening regulations.
The Harborage at Ashley Marina lies along the northeastern shores of Ashley River (on the Charleston peninsula), between the charted 56 foot fixed bridge, and the 18-foot Highway 17 bascule bridge.
Ashley Marina Arrived at Ashley on Sunday 10/11/15, the tide was still rather strong and we had a small problem trying to get docked but we did get docked. Monday. We wanted to see as much as we could, so we hit the Visitor Center first and then walked across the street to the Carolina History Museum. Spent about 4 hours in all. Both are very good and would highly recommend both for any visit. Tuesday. We hopped on one of the free trolleys that are about 20 min walk from the marina and again went down to the Visitors Center, changed trolleys and traveled to Market Street. Again this was more than we realized it would be. We ended up spending almost 3 hours there and then walked down three blocks to Sticky Fingers for a big batch of ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans and drinks, Wow. Very very good, so good we decided to walk some more. On the way we were asked to be shown a Methodist church that is the oldest Methodist congregation in Charleston. That was an unexpected pleasure. John guided us hrough the entire church, including areas we don’t usually get to see. We continued our walk and ended up walking all the way back to the boat, boy were we pooped. Wednesday, we took the city tour and then the Fort Sumter tour with the boat ride. We have been told you could take your own boat out to the fort but after looking at the docking at the fort and the current I would suggest you just take the tour. It’s simpler, you don’t have to move your boat and above all it is safer. Sunday after boat shores day and a trip to the drug store we are heading to Ladies Island. Phil and Sandy Herl
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting, as well as their concern for the Bahama local communities. If you can contribute, please do!
Posted: 05 Nov 2015 06:42 PM PST We are all aware of the devastation caused to the southern Bahamas by Hurricane Joaquin. Long Island, Rum Cay, Crooked & Acklins were by far the most damaged with the storm sitting over southern Long Island for 36 hours straight with winds topping 135 mph.
Prior to the tragedy, I had started a drive to bring much needed school supplies to Long Island with the guidance & assistance of Ms. Dawn Simmons of the Ministry of Tourism (Salt Pond) along with local educators. Below is a list as sent to me prior to the storm.
We began hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate last year, see /?p=145174 and /?p=146335. Now Skipper Horowitz gives us further confirmation that MID TO HIGH TIDE is a requirement for passage through Hell Gate. This is trusted advice…TAKE IT!!
Transited Hell Gate southbound today, Wednesday, 11/4/15, at 0825-0840, roughly ½ hour before low tide 0902 at Florida Passage, Ogeechee River. Had a range of tide corrections from +2.09′ at 0825, +1.53′ at 0838, and +1.16′ at 0902. Tried to stay mid channel from G87, favoring red side. Ran out of water mid channel at G89-always interesting when the fathometer reads —, but no bump. Also saw a low spot exiting around 5.8′. ALTAIR draws 5′. This section is getting very bad again. Mike Horowitz M/V ALTAIR
Passed through Hell Gate at :40 mins past low tide. Sea Tow tide app. showed low tide at 1.5 ft above MLW (near full moon). 6′ was the lowest. we saw. From our chart there was a new Red 90 which we honored. We draw 4’3″ but still had white knuckles.
Everyone hears all these freak out stories and they are anxious about going thru Hell gate. To add to the fear you always arrive around low tide. I live in Savannah and go thru the gate on a regular basis, on all tides. Yes it is low but the USCG keeps the red buoy in the proper place. The above Captain said he tried to stay in mid channel favoring the red side. Well that is what they call a diametrically opposing statement. You are either in mid channel or you are favoring the red side. One or the other, you cannot do both. The channel is the same as always. Stay in the middle keep, all markers and buoys at an equal distance to the proper side and you will be fine. When in doubt stay out. If you are anxious waiting one hour can make all the difference in the world. Pick up the radio and ask that local guy who is just about to go thru for help. Ask him to take readings for you. Again like the anxious captain above said after all that he didn’t even bump.
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting. Their launch of “Bahamas Chatter” and real time cruising information via their web site, www.explorercharts.com is extremely valuable.
New schedule for SSB Voice Nets & simultaneous Internet Webcasts Tonight the US undergoes its semiannual time change ritual, so beginning Monday, November 2, there will be a few minor changes to timing of SSB Voice Nets: Please visit the following link to download pdf files with the schedule and map: http://mwxc.com/news/?p=199
In plain text, here’s the scoop: E Caribbean & offshore vessels S of 30N moving toward E Caribbean: 7:00am AST (6am EST / 1100 utc) on 4.045 USB & 8.137 USB. Bahamas, Florida, and other areas within 200mi of Florida: 6:30am EST (1130 utc) on 4.045 USB & 8.137 USB. US E Coast & offshore vessels N of 30N (Georgia & SouthCarolina may do better on Bahamas/Florida Net): 7:30am EST (1230 utc / 8:30am AST) on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB. Caribbean W of 72W into E Pacific: 1330 utc (9:30am AST / 8:30am EST) on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB. After traffic is finished on the W Caribbean Net, I’ll make a final sweep to the ESE / E / NE from Florida to pick-up any traffic missed earlier in the morning.
NEW NET IN THE EVENINGs: Any Subscribing Vessel to our SSB Voice Nets is welcome to participate in our new evening Net at 2200 utc (5pm EST / 6pm AST). However, the protocol will be different for this Net, since it’s not targeted at any specific group of Islands as are our morning Nets. Sometime between 2145 utc ‘“ 2200 utc, on either 8.137 USB or 12.350 USB, please say your vessel name & approximate location (name an Island you’re close to, or Lat/Lon rounded to the nearest degree). When I hear you, I will acknowledge you, and let you know I have you on the list for traffic. If I do not acknowledge you, then I don’t hear you, so try the other channel or ask for someone to relay your vessel name & location. At about 2200 utc I’ll start working vessels on my list, grouped logically, and with my antennas pointed in your direction. One bit of confusion for the first 2 weeks of November is I’ll have to handle Salty Dawg vessels on 8.152 USB & 12.350 USB for maybe 30 minutes beginning at 2200 utc’¦but as soon as I’m done with them, I’ll begin working my list of Subscribing Vessels on the traffic list on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB. FOR NOW, all the above schedule remains 6 days/week (Daily except Sundays). Thank you for your continuing support!’¦Chris Parker.
A phone call to John Pennencamp Coral Reef State Park (305-451-6325) confirms that anchoring outside the mooring field is not allowed and there is no monthly rate for the mooring balls. The daily rate, including taxes and Monroe County fees, is $21.85. Sorry Jeff! Largo Sound in the State Park lies between Key Largo and El Radabob Key off Hawk Channel. The Sound is accessed through narrow South Sound Creek (which also allows access to the marina associated with the Park) at the tip of Lower South Sound Point.
Largo sound does not appear to be part of the Monroe county pilot program. It would seem it’s no problem to anchor then under current laws? Do they have a monthly rate on the moorings? Jeff Goff
Wonderful! So simple. That helped me a lot. I would like to share with you a great service to fill a form online. BTW, if anyone needs to fill out a a form, I found a blank fillable form here http://goo.gl/Kg7QDU
How do they justify banning anchoring in violation of state law? Key Largo is not part of the pilot program and the only local ordinances on anchoring allowed under current state law are those that are specifically included in the 5 pilot programs? Regards, Jeff Goff
As this article by Tim Hudson from WLRN in Miami describes, the conflict between All Aboard Florida RR system and the Florida waterways continues to be a source of discord for spokespersons of both industries. Much discussion has followed the introduction of the controversial plan to increase the daily number of trains crossing primary water routes. It’s hard to imagine how increased RR bridge activity will not impact the flow of water traffic.See /?p=149839.
The default position for the Florida East Coast Railway bridge across the New River in Ft. Lauderdale is in the up position. Many in the marine industry worry what new passenger rail service could mean for boat traffic on the river. TOM HUDSON
The Boat Business And A Fort Lauderdale Railroad Bridge By TOM HUDSON November 1, 2015 Talking with people who make their living based on boats and many quickly mention what they think is the biggest threat to their livelihood — a bridge. That single bridge crosses the New River near downtown Fort Lauderdale. Florida East Coast Railway operates the bridge, which handles freight traffic now.
However, with All Aboard Florida’s plans to run passenger rail service from Miami to Orlando over the same tracks, South Florida’s marine industry worries what that rail traffic could mean for the flow of its business on the water.
For the better part of two years All Aboard Florida and representatives of South Florida’s marine industry have been talking about how to deal with this pinch point where the boating business and the effort to build passenger rail service come together.
The current bridge was built in 1978, although a railroad bridge has crossed the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale since 1912. It’s a single leaf bascule drawbridge that runs 60 feet shore-to-shore.
When not in use, the bridge defaults to its up position, allowing marine traffic to float upriver to the many marinas lining the shore of the South Fork of the New River or down river to the Intracoastal.
For the full story and other related articles, CLICK HERE.
November 6, 2015 The marine industry and the proposed All Aboard Florida passenger train are making peace over the New River bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A test by the Coast Guard has proved successful in trimming the time the railroad bridge needs to be closed, allowing both boats and trains to share the river ‘” at least for now, leaders said. Later, the marine industry would like to see an elevated bridge built over the river for the passenger trains to use instead, said Phil Purcell, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “Guess what? I think we’ve worked it out,” Purcell told a surprised audience at a boat show event attended by All Aboard Florida’s president Michael Reininger. “The test has gone incredibly well,” Reininger added in an interview. “The test worked.” At issue is a 1970s bridge over the New River that is kept open for boats and closes when freight trains pass ‘” up to 14 times per day. All Aboard Florida plans to use the tracks when it starts high-speed passenger service next year, requiring the bridge be closed 16 extra times per day.
This good advice was forwarded to us by Hank Pomeranz at Carolina Yacht Care of Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Skipper Wehmer has been communicating with Hank about Problem Stretches he had encountered. Funding for dredging between the IOP Connector and the Ben Sawyer Bridge has been approved and one can only hope that the Isle of Palms Problem Stretch will also be dredged. See /?p=149544. SSECN continues to recommend a high tide passage for this stretch.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Be the first to comment!