Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Mar 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More on SB 1548, Proposed Legislation on Florida Anchoring Rights
Our thanks to Capt. John Kettlewell for sending this KeysInfoNet article concerning SB 1548 Florida Anchoring Rights – see /?p=147397 for the full text of the bill and for additional comments.
Proposed state bill would push some liveaboard boaters further out from shore
By WILLIAM AXFORD
March 18, 2015
Liveaboard boaters anchored outside designated mooring fields in the Keys and elsewhere in Florida may have to find new locations to anchor if a bill in the state Legislature passes.
Senate Bill 1548 aims to restrict vessels from anchoring within 200 feet of waterfront homes and designated mooring fields between one hour past sunset and one hour before sunrise. If passed, the 200-foot buffer would go into effect July 1, trumping at least the city of Marathon’s 50-foot buffer rule.
Click Here to read the full article.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Matter of Life & Death – Automated External Defibrillator
As this article by Capt. Ken Kreisler of Power and Motoryacht states, every yacht should carry a portable Automated External Defibrillator. Knowing what to do with the proper equipment onboard during sudden cardiac arrest can help avert a tragedy.
http://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/node/151968
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 18, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Water Temperature Tables from NOAA
For you folks planning to do underwater work on your boat or just take a dip in the next few weeks, here is a terrific link from NODC, National Oceanographic Data Center, showing the average water temperatures for our neck of the woods. Scroll down under Access Data to find the temperature table for your area.
https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/cwtg/satl.html
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 14, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 28.9748,-81.35839999
Reeves’ Reports: Hontoon Island Marina at the State Park and Blue Spring Park, St. Johns River

View In Chartview

Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River with a visit to Hontoon Island State Park Marina/Dock, south of Lake George and north of Lake Monroe near Deland, FL. located east-southeast of flashing daybeacon #53 and the northeasterly mouth of Hontoon Dead River.
Very quiet and laid back. Lots to explore here with many creeks to visit in the dink.We are planning on moving our residence to Florida next week and we can visit here for half price $10 a day all inclusive. I wanted to stay here for ever. There is a marina across the river that does not have good reviews and is very high on fuel prices. Right around the corner is Holly Bluff Marina that has better prices and service. Rick in the shop found me a hose to fix a problem and was very helpful. Rick carries a lot of parts and can get anything you need. Several boaters in little trailer tugs came by and said they stop here all the time. This is not nowhere but you can see nowhere from here.
Anchored at Lungren Island with the dink at the island for a dog walk.
Hontoon Island State Park has a lot of slips but only the T dock has enough water for our trawler and we plowed a little soft mud at 5 ft on the T dock to the West. We picked up WiFi from across the way and the dock has 50 amp service, water and is almost new. Very nice park with hot showers and clean restrooms. The rangers are super nice. No groceries or laundry. All this for $20. a night. Only $10 if you are a Florida resident. https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Hontoon-Island
Docked at Hontoon Island only 5 boats were there the week we were there.

At Blue Spring you can beach and tie up to the South of the swim area. Do not dock on the dock. Self serve on park fee of $1.00 per person. We want to come back when they allow swimming in the spring . The water is 72 F year round.
Looks green to me but they call it Blue Spring. The board walk goes all the way down to the “Boil” of over a 100,000 gals per hour.
Additional Information from Skipper Reeves on 6/15/2015
A most excellent place to be on the river. The rangers are hard working and very helpful. The deep water (we saw 5 ft) is at the T dock as you approach from the North it is first one on your starboard. Do not get too close to the shore when you come in. The nice floating docks are self serve. Rangers are not allowed to help you dock. The T dock has 50 amp power and water. $10 a nite if Fl resident, $20 if not. The inside docks are for small craft only. We stopped for a few days going to Sanford and a few more on our return trip. From here you can visit Blue Springs and take a trip in your dink or kayak all the way around on Snake Creek. The Rangers rent canoes. Just like the Amazon with all the wildlife. We visited in winter. Watch your pet around the shore. Alligators everywhere. The park trails, the fishing, all is Good! We had some wifi from across the river on our booster. The park has limited supplies, more across the river. It is a no wake zone but idiots will blast through sometimes. Very quiet and laid back at night and week days. You can anchor in the creek to the North if you wish. The showers are hot and clean. Day use is allowed for a small fee. See more and pictures http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/2015/03/hontoon-island-state-park-has-lot-of.html
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Hontoon Island State Park
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hontoon Island State Park
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (2)

Dave Fuller - March 19, 2015 - 3:07 pm

While not a secret, this is one of the least known areas on the St. John’s. Take your dink and explore the “Hontoon Dead River” that runs behind the island. It is too shallow in places for anything deeper draft than your dink, but you will be rewarded with the most spectacular display of wildlife anywhere on the St. Johns. You will see alligators, turtles, beavers, wild turkeys, raccoons, birds of all kinds, and the list of wildlife goes on and on including a very large population of manatees. Start your trip by going in a counter-clockwise manner around the island. There are three canals that connect the St Johns with the “Dead River” but only a couple are navigable. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Then finish with a stop at Blue Springs before returning to your boat at Hontoon Landing. Plan on at least an entire day for a round trip you will not forget.
Reply to Dave

Mike Alyea - March 19, 2015 - 11:15 am

Many fond memories of Lungren Island. Back in the ’60s, Dad and I’d camp on Lungren Isalnd over the weekend and fish for Specks on Lake Dexter. As a kid, I’d explore the marshy north 2/3 of the island with a Daisey BB gun in hand…felt like I was exploring the Amazon River basin – to a 10 year old.
Reply to Mike
Mar 10, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.6754,-80.04699999
Southern Boulevard Bridge to be Replaced, AICW Statute Mile 1025

View In Chartview

This article by Angel Streeter in the Palm Beach Sun Sentinel outlines plans for a new drawbridge to replace the Southern Boulevard drawbridge, which has a closed vertical clearance of 14ft and crosses the Waterway and southern Lake Worth at Mile 1025 in West Palm Beach. Flagler Memorial Bridge, Royal Park Bridge and Southern Boulevard Bridge always present a challenge to a skipper’s patience if an opening is needed, especially during these continuing periods of construction.
State makes plans to replace Southern Boulevard Bridge in West Palm Beach
By Angel Streeter
Sun Sentinel
Construction on new Southern Boulevard Bridge in West Palm Beach will begin in 2016.
The Southern Blvd Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway looking west from Palm Beach. The Florida Department of Transportation is unveiling its plans for replacing the Southern Boulevard Bridge. The new Southern bridge will cost about $78 million, and work is expected wrap up in late 2016. (Mark Randall, Sun Sentinel)
Another drawbridge is coming down in Palm Beach County ‘” but just until its replacement is built.
The Florida Department of Transportation is unveiling its plans for replacing the Southern Boulevard Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach while it’s still in the midst of building the replacement for the Flagler Memorial Bridge. Both bridges connect West Palm Beach to Palm Beach.
This time, the state hopes to avoid the pitfalls that have come with replacing the Flagler bridge. The state transportation department plans to build a temporary bridge to the north of the existing Southern Boulevard bridge to keep traffic moving between the mainland and the island.
Click Here for the rest of the article.
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Flagler Memorial Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Flagler Memorial Bridge
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Royal Park Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Royal Park Bridge
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Southern Boulevard Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southern Boulevard Bridge
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Rim Route Crossing of Lake Okeechobee
This AGLCA Forum report is another concerning options for a west to east crossing of Lake Okeechobee. See /?p=147224. Skippers Jenny and Kenny Beach chose the rim route despite warnings about the numerous pitfalls possible.
Today we did the rim route west to east. Thanks to all the replies which took away the unnecessary anxiety. It was beautiful, totally void of debris, and a much smoother ride than the almost straight across route had to offer. We cut the northeast corner off by heading for the canal entrance from day marker 24. We stuck to the rim route at marker 60 since the lake was very choppy at that point and the rim route provided some wind and wave protection. I think the lowest depth we saw all day was 9.8′. There is no reason to be hesitant at all about exploring this scenic area.
Jeanne & Kenny Beach
Daybreak
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

August Trometer - March 12, 2015 - 5:15 pm

Glad you had such a good trip. We made the same trip in 2002, very scenic BUT our 3.5′ draft plowed through sand and went we got to Fort Lauderdale we were overheating as the sand had chewed up the impeller. We wished we had gone straight across, SO make sure you know the depth and leave some to spare, OR a calm day. With a 3.5′ draft I’d want 5′ minimum per the charts/Okeechobee lake level.
Reply to August
Mar 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Rim Route Versus Direct Route Across Lake Okeechobee
This AGLCA Forum report documents the Beach’s careful planning for a rim route versus direct route crossing of Lake Okeechobee. For their decision and description of their crossing, go to /?p=147301.
So the captain would like to take the rim route to cross the lake. The lock tenders say it is not recommended. The other boaters here at Roland Martin’s, who have not made the trip, say it is a bad idea. They claim that
everyone they know who has done it says it is loaded with debris, tree limbs, old refrigerators, and such. The captain is not buying the horror stories but the admiral won’t go since “everyone” says it is a bad idea.
Would love for some “experienced” boater feedback. Today’s water depth was 6.88′; we draw 4′.
Jeanne & Kenny Beach
Daybreak
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (3)

Tom Wemett -  March 12, 2015 - 6:49 pm

Did the rim route last April in a 44′ Trawler with 4′ draft. Had no problems.
Reply to Tom

Richard Ross MV Chez Nous -  March 12, 2015 - 4:45 pm

Don’t believe the stories you hear. We have crossed several times by both routes. The rim route shallow spot is between 4 and 4B just south of Port Mayaca lock. But you can exit the rim route around red 54, and head direct to green 5 on the lake route and avoid the shallows. This way, the rim route is actually slightly deeper than the lake route.
There are two down sides to the rim route. It is about ten miles farther, and the Torry Island swing bridge is manually operated, and the operator will not begin opening until he sees the boat waiting.
Reply to Richard

Chet Parham -  March 12, 2015 - 4:04 pm

It’s been 6 or 7 years since we traveled the rim route and we heard the same stories about hurricanes pushing debris into the channel. Went anyway. Draw 3 feet and never saw less that 10 feet on the depth gage. Never saw any debris.
Reply to Chet
Mar 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Multi-Year Documentation Considered by USCG
Outlined in this article by our good friend, Make Ahart of Waterway Guide, are steps for you to submit your comments regarding a multi-year vessel documentation. While the multi-year documentation would affect the average boat owner, it would appear that the implementation of the new process will have the most effect on large fleets.
Multi-year documentation renewals being considered
Date Reported: Mar 3, 2015
Reported By: Mike Ahart, News Editor
Source: Federal Register Volume 80, Number 41
Back in August 2014, the Coast Guard instituted a $26 yearly fee for vessel documentation renewals. In the comments submitted before the ruling, many boaters felt the fees were reasonable, and others did not; however, most wished for a multi-year renewal option.
Boaters ‘“ especially full-time cruisers ‘“ will be glad to know that the Coast Guard is considering offering a two-year and/or three-year option, making renewals much more convenient. Since the fee itself was instituted due to laws requiring federal agencies to recover the processing costs of services, it stands to reason that multi-year renewals will also afford a discount compared to renewing year-by-year. The “Request for Information” section does not mention any discounts for multi-year renewals; however, the “Supplemental Information” section mentions a possible modification to the fee.
Comments can be submitted online or otherwise on or before June 1, 2015. From the Federal Register:
The Coast Guard seeks public comment on whether to increase the period of validity for renewing endorsements on Certificates of Documentation. A separate fee of $26 for annual renewals of endorsements upon the Certificate of Documentation was established in a recent rulemaking. The Coast Guard is considering options for implementing multiyear renewals and updating the fee for services, and seeks information on factors to consider when implementing these changes.
DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to the online docket via http://www.regulations.gov on or before June 1, 2015 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date.
Click Here for the full article.
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (3)

Captain Bob Viola -  March 13, 2015 - 12:23 pm

Multi-year documentation is a good idea. I’m not happy with a multi-year fee. I don’t like the idea of the USCG charging for work they don’t perform. So I would urge them to charge a minimal processing and record-keeping fee. I would not presume to know the administrative costs associated with this.
I would vocally oppose any scheme which raises requirements, or adds paperwork to what is presently, a simple and efficient process. Bureaucracy being what it is; somebody will try to gather more information, or make something more complicated than it is. I hope that doesn’t happen, but I won’t hold my breath.
USCG Master Captain Robert S. Viola – USNR (ret)
Reply to Captain

Joseph A. Machado -  March 12, 2015 - 11:13 pm

With the long…and in my opinion…unreasonable processing time for new boat documentation requests, I believe a multi-year documentation would be in the best interests of boaters as well as the obviously overworked staff at the vessel documentation center. I am in favor of a multi-year documentation…perhaps 3 to 5 years would be practical.
Reply to Joseph

Peter Mirrasoul -  March 12, 2015 - 4:24 pm

Offering a multi-year option for vessel documentation would go a long way in simplifying life for cruisers abroad. The online option will be a big step towards this improvement, but having a multi-year option would be a huge advantage. Many of the areas visited have either poor Internet service or poor mail service or both. Being able to have valid documentation over several years, reduces the impact of these barriers while not requiring a trip home each year to secure the documentation renewal paper.
Reply to Peter
Mar 5, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.4791,-81.67539999
Free Dock at Bryant’s Wharf, Welaka, FL, St. Johns River

View In Chartview

Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River, stopping at spots a bit off the beaten track – good for you Sonny! (See /?p=147232.) Bryant’s Wharf is on the east shore of the river where “Ramp” is charted.
Locals very friendly. Nothing here. Other than a nice metal concrete floating dock that is well lighted at night. Small 20 x 24 ft slips. Good depths, Most boats on River slow down but wakes are minimal. The town appears closed up there is a convenience store a few blocks East. Restaurant onsite is closed. A grill and cafe is a hike. We did not go there. Restrooms reported at top of hill in a recreation park. Old Florida small town pop 586. Dock is free with no electric, water or trash pick up.
Sonny Reeves
Dock from hill looking West
Public boat ramp to South of the free dock.
A closed maritime museum
Showers at Welaka Park
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bryant’s Wharf
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Gordon - July 17, 2019 - 11:17 pm

Spooky looking building with windows out right at the docks with unsavory individuals hanging out inside. Looking at everyone like old buzzards.
Reply to Gordon
Mar 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.5947,-81.65429999
Updated: Good Visit to Murphy Island, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

View In Chartview

Murphy Island is south of Palatka and separated from the mainland by Murphy Creek, making for good exploring by dinghy as Skipper Reeves mentions in this report which makes picturesque Murphy Island sound so nice compared to the commercialism of large marinas.
The dock is short for our 40 ft boat. Water depth is 6 ft at dock and over 30+ ft in river. But it is a nice floating dock with ramp to picnic and camping. We stayed two nights and saw no one except fishermen going fast on the river that waked us. The island has a marked trail that winds around. Very nice! The bugs did not bother us. We were fogged in both mornings until 10ish. Did not see any sign requesting fee. There is one porta potty and some fire pits for campers. The treat is a dink ride around the island. Lots of wild life, alligators and eagles. Would not want to be here in heat of summer. Exposed to North. Georgia Boys Marina on Dunn creek to East.
Sonny Reeves

Click Here for more photos of Murphy Island
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Murphy Island
Share:
Be the first to comment!