This AICW Problem Stretch has always been one of the shallowest sections of the Waterway in Eastern Florida. Earlier descriptions of the three newest markers would indicate that shoaling is beginning to reappear. BE SURE to observe any new aids to navigation and, as always on perennial AICW Problem Stretches, be READY for new shoaling and even newer markers as you pass through. Our thanks to Skipper McLeran for sharing his observations.
Two of us transited Matanzas Inlet southbound at mid tide 3.5 feet this morning (10/30) at 0930. Despite giving the temp greens and reds their appropriate distance we saw only 7.5 feet total depth in a few spots. Boaters still need to be careful and play the tide if necessary for the boat’s draft. Bob McLeran
I went through southbound at a -0.5 ft low tide on in the afternoon of 10/28 and found 4′ 9″ 50-100 ft south of 81C. I was in mid channel – potentially more water closer to red side. Also skinny water elsewhere but this was the worst I found.
October 29, 2015 Slow down for manatees migrating to warmer waters
With winter’s chill approaching, Florida manatees are on the move. Manatees cannot tolerate cold water and may begin to seek warmer water when temperatures start to drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Some travel hundreds of miles to reach a warmer destination. Because of the annual migration, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boat and personal watercraft operators that it is important to slow down to avoid manatees, particularly in shallow areas.
Manatees can be difficult to see as they often swim and rest just below the water’s surface. Boaters wearing polarized sunglasses are more likely to spot manatees underwater.
November is Manatee Awareness Month. There is no better time to plan a visit to observe Florida’s beloved manatees. Find these places by going to MyFWC.com/Manatee and clicking the link under the `Where can I See Manatees?’ box.
`Watching these large plant-eating mammals swim slowly through Florida waters, often accompanied by their calves, is a special experience for residents and visitors to the state,’ said Carol Knox, the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management section leader. `Boaters following posted speed zones for manatees migrating to warmer waters help conserve this iconic Florida species for future generations.’
Boaters should be aware that many seasonal manatee protection zones go into effect on Nov. 15 throughout the state. For information about manatee protection zones by county, including the seasonal changes, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee, and click on `Data and Maps.’ At the bottom of that same page, there also is information on FWC Manatee COLD-weather changes to speed zones. FWC law enforcement officers will be on the water enforcing these seasonal rules to protect manatees in busy boating areas.
People can report sightings of injured, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922, #FWC and *FWC on a cell phone, or with a text to Tip@MyFWC.com.
The purchase of a Florida manatee license plate at BuyaPlate.com or a manatee decal from tax collectors’ offices in Florida is another way to help manatees. The license plate and decal support the FWC manatee program, including research, rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, management and education efforts.
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.
This report on the Waterway from Oriental, NC to Beaufort, SC comes from longtime Cruisers’ Net Special Correspondent, Captain Jane Tigar. Note especially her observation about reduced bridge clearances. Over the last several years, Ladys Island Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has been undergoing big improvements in the marina portion of this property under the direction of owner, Kelly Ryan, as confirmed by the positive comments SSECN has received. Ladys Island Marina is located on Factory Creek just east of Ladys Island Bridge.
Hello Larry From Michael Tigar and Captain Jane, now on M/V Tara We went from Oriental to South Harbour Village and then from SHV to Ladies’ Island Marina (Beaufort, SC) in these past two weeks. We did not see any debris other than a large floating log in the Waccamaw — but those show up there at other times. The rivers are higher than normal, and boaters should indeed watch the effect of wakes on homes and docks. The higher than normal tides in Charleston and on South to the Coosaw meant that bridge clearances were less than optimal. The McKinley Bridge, MM 501.3, showed only 61.5 feet as we passed, and two large catamarans were waiting for the tide to go down. All in all, a good trip. Second item — Hertz in Beaufort SC will deliver a car to Ladies’ Island Marina if you give them notice and it is during their regular hours (before 5pm). “Yes Indeed Thai” restaurant on Boundary Street was a really good place to eat. Best Michael and Captain Jane
Reports of shoaling south of Fernandina Beach have been coming in for several years and prompted a USCG Hazard Warning in May of last year (/?p=140702). Our thanks to cruising writer Robert Sherer, New Intracoastal Waterway Cruising Guide, for sending these charts and waypoints to guide you through the shoals.
There is a 10 ft MLW path through the shoals south of Fernandina that I took on October 28, 2015. Heading south: Depart channel 300 ft before R16 aiming for the tongue of deep water shown on chart (Garmin) at a heading of 275M for 17.8 MLW. Run along the 12 ft contour line next to shore until the tongue of deep water ends as shown on the chart, then aim for G1 which will be at 245M, pass by 30 ft for 13.4 MLW, higher along the way. Important: do not turn immediately around G1 (shoals), continue for 170 ft, then turn due south for 500 ft before turning towards deep water as shown on charts on the green side close to shore. Run just outside the 12 ft contour line down to G3 and G5, 200 ft off. 10.4 MLW entering the 12 ft contour line, deeper after that. This passage is difficult because you’re avoiding three shoals: – one is in the middle of the marked channel in the bend that’s down to 3 MLW – the second one comes out off the eastern shore just south of G1 – the third one is further south coming off the western shore None of these are marked.
After six years of passing through here, I’ve settled on the above description, it works for no less than 10.4 MLW. The depths were adjusted for not only the tides but also for the higher than normal water levels as reported by the Fernandina weather station. This passage would be easy if buoyed properly, the route has been constant for the pass five years. A chart of the route: For those wanting the exact path, here are the waypoints with the usual disclaimers (things can change on the ICW)
F01 N 30° 39.804 W 081° 28.596 F02 N 30° 39.805 W 081° 28.730 F03 N 30° 39.853 W 081° 28.938 F04 N 30° 39.803 W 081° 29.082 F05 N 30° 39.713 W 081° 29.084 F06 N 30° 39.613 W 081° 29.030 F07 N 30° 39.409 W 081° 28.968 F08 N 30° 39.254 W 081° 28.970 F09 N 30° 38.824 W 081° 29.024
Robert Sherer aka Bob423 Author of “2015 ICW Cruising Guide” available on Amazon.com Daily blog at fleetwing.blogspot.com
Who among us cruisers has not experienced exactly the same lack of respect shown to moored vessels by wake making machines along the Waterway? Coincidentally, we are having the same issue here in South Carolina with cars speeding down flooded streets causing wake to flood into homes. Those drivers must be the same immature skippers who rock boats wherever they go…?
What I find most maddening, having been boating down here for 20 odd years, is that there is absolutely NO enforcement of no wake idle speed or slow speed zones going past bridges or marinas. We have had extensive problems in several different marinas and no one seems to care or do anything about it. I have seen numerous times large yachts and sport fish boats leaving huge damaging wakes and they are never stopped by FWCC or local law enforcement. However, I have seen dinghys stopped, small boats stopped, and slow small sailboats stopped and given citations, which leads me to the conclusion that FWCC is totally catering to the rich. They don’t dare stop them, just some poor, working class guy in a dinghy, who couldn’t throw a wake if he wanted to. Karen Lawrence
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Rick Cass- October 30, 2015 - 7:41 pm
When actual damage is done to you or your boat, get in Ch16 and call the offending boat back. We did that recently, and the boat returned, and a claim against the boat resulted in payment for damages.
Try recording your trips on the waterway with video cameras of your wake and surrounding boats. When the overpaid cops show up record them also then go to court to get the charges thrown out and sue them for harassment especially after you show the huge wake left after a large boat passes by compared to yours if any.
If your marina doesn’t have an onSpot WiFi system, pass this information along. You will be glad you did! Old Port Cove Marina is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. Both Old Port Cove Marina and onSpot WiFi are SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORs!
Ever pull into a marina desperate to check your messages only to encounter Wifi issues? Don’t blame the marina’s Wifi service! According to Bob Taylor of onSpot Wifi, marinas have a very unique set of circumstances when it comes to providing Wifi service. It might not be the service at all, it just could be your device! Read Bob’s very useful TIPS & TRICKS on our blog atwww.OPCH.com
Old Port Cove Holdings is pleased to provide onSpot Wifi service at all three of our marina facilities. Thank you boaters for choosing to do business with us! Sincerely, Sue Morgan, Marketing Director www.OPCH.com
This dredging is in a relatively short section of the Waterway paralleling Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the east and north of the Sunrise Blvd Bridge at Mile 1062.5. Unfortunately, this article from Soundings does not give project dates. However, the dredging is in a relatively wide section and should not impact through traffic.
Dredging set to start for ICW in South Florida Posted on October 26th, 2015 After several years, permits were issued and a contract awarded for the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway in South Florida, allowing the vessels that patronize the area’s waterways to have better access to local marinas and boatyards.
The dredging, which will take place from 17th Street to Sunrise Boulevard to 17 feet deep, will be the largest single public works project for the Florida Inland Navigation District, a special state taxing district tasked with managing and maintaining the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, according to the Marine Industries Association of South Florida.
`The Florida Inland Navigation District’s ICW dredging project will provide an extraordinary benefit to Broward County through the infusion of $20 million by increasing the depth of the ICW from the congressionally authorized depth of 10 feet to a new depth of 17 feet to accommodate the vessels that are seeking to visit, reside and retrofit at our local marinas and boatyards,’ Tyler Chappell, the Broward commissioner for FIND, said in a statement.’
James Newsome is a regular contributor to SSECN and other publications, both online and print. He has been compiling his list of free dockage along the Waterway for several years and it is a list worth perusing! Naturally, author Newsome mentions Elizabeth City, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and one of the best known free docks on the Waterway.
I don’t know if you remember me mentioning the “FREE DOCKAGE” list project back during the summer, but I’ve continued to work on this and believe I have everything listed from 0 MM at least down through Jacksonville, FL and 738 MM. I have a few more listings below Jax, but I have a lot more work to do in this area.
I’ve started a Facebook page FREE DOCKAGE where I offer the complete list. I’ve had a very good reception from folks who find the list useful and I’m currently at 643 likes. This format is working well for now because it is a no cost option for me to get this information out to a lot of folks who realize, like me, that none of the other cruising guides offer a short concise list for FREE DOCKS.
Elizabeth City, NC is a great example of a town that really tries to promote themselves as cruiser friendly with free dock offerings. They understand that most cruisers who come to their town are essentially tourists who happen to arrive by boats instead of cars, and these cruisers always spend money when they stop. Therefore, “Free Docks” is a win-win for boaters as well as communities.
James H. Newsome Contributing Writer – Southwinds Magazine s/v CaiLeigh Anna – Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze 98 Buena Vista Avenue Warrenton, GA 30828
Free “daytime” docks at the Gulfport, Florida Casino. No overnight docking but unlike the “courtesy” docks in downtown Saint Petersburg, there is no docking meter.
I have used and really like the list of free dockage list. We traveled to the Cheaspeake and used quite often. Great idea James and thanks for the work.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Comments from Cruisers (2)
See http://cruisersnet.net/160628
I went through southbound at a -0.5 ft low tide on in the afternoon of 10/28 and found 4′ 9″ 50-100 ft south of 81C. I was in mid channel – potentially more water closer to red side. Also skinny water elsewhere but this was the worst I found.