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    • Feb 12, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      SSCA’s Position on FWC Anchoring Summary Released

      The Seven Seas Cruising Association has long been a strong advocate for boaters’ rights, especially the right to anchor without undue restrictions. SSECN applauds SSCA’s publication of their position on FWC’s recent summary of anchoring rights, see /?p=146797, and urges Florida boaters to contact their respective legislators asking for support for anchoring rights.

      PRESS RELEASE
      For More Information Contact: For Immediate Release
      Barbara Theisen, Editor 2/12/2015
      Seven Seas Cruising Association, Inc.
      2501 East Commercial Blvd., Suite 203
      Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
      954-771-5662 ‘“ Home Base
      editor@ssca.org
      SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION RELEASES
      FLORIDA ANCHORING RIGHTS POSITION
      The Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) has published its position on the new Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Anchoring Survey results. The FWC will propose legislative changes to anchoring rights. Some are positive, but some will prevent Florida boaters from anchoring, only to preserve the waterfront view of a very few landowners. Every Florida Boater needs to contact their elected representatives to preserve their Florida anchoring rights.
      SSCA approves the following FWC proposal: (Numbering preserved from the FWC Executive Summary. )

      3. The storing of vessels on the water in deteriorating condition would be prohibited. (However, SSCA’s position is that Florida legislators must approve funding for the regulation and removal of these `derelict’ boats).

      However, SSCA does not approve of the following FWC anchoring rights proposals as reasonable concepts:

      2. A setback distance where anchoring of vessels overnight in close proximity to waterfront residential property would be prohibited.

      5. If authority was granted to local governments to regulate anchoring in their jurisdiction, an allowance could be created for other anchoring regulations where need is demonstrated.

      Florida anchoring rights are important to all boaters. Florida is a bellwether state for water rights, and if
      Florida restricts federal rights of boats to travel and anchor on public waters, just to preserve the view of a
      few landowners (residential setback), other states may follow. Also, proposal 5 (approval of local regulation) would create an impossible patchwork of differing regulations across the state, subject to the whims and enforcement of local cities and counties. This is what the current mooring field regulations were enacted to eliminate. But SSCA agrees with FWC’s proposal to define and remove derelict boats, if funding is also approved for this regulation and removal.
      Seven Seas Cruising Association, Inc. is the oldest and largest non-profit organization of voyaging cruisers
      in the world. SSCA has nearly 8,000 members sharing the dream of sailing the seas as a lifestyle. The goals of the original founders are still the goals of SSCA today: sharing cruising information, camaraderie, and leaving a clean wake. For more information, go to www.ssca.org

      See: Executive Summary of FWC Anchoring Survey Results at:
      http://myfwc.com/media/2981012/Anchoring-Survey-Executive-Summary.pdf

      sscassca2

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. John Kettlewell -  February 16, 2015 - 1:01 pm

        The arguments around so-called “derelict” vessels are disingenuous. The FWC already has a detailed and effective plan in place for identifying and dealing with truly derelict vessels. There is even funding available for this, but it is often used up with several really expensive problem vessels each year–sometimes commercial vessels that are abandoned. It is not a problem of lack of laws and regulations, but a lack of will and enforcement. Unfortunately, the smoke screen of derelict vessels has been used to negatively impact cruising boaters who locals don’t like the look of for one reason or another. By the way, Seven Seas was a strong supporter of the trial anchoring and mooring program which has been used to essentially outlaw anchoring in communities that install mooring fields. This was exactly the result that some of us predicted when the anchoring and mooring plan was hatched. It had nothing to do with improving access to waterways, and everything to do with outlawing anchoring.

        Reply to John
    • Feb 11, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.9874,-80.60439999

      Heeling Help Needed, Okeechobee Waterway


       View In Chartview

      This is certainly one of the most unusual, but very legitimate, requests that I can remember posting. If you can supply Skipper Parish with a name or phone number, please reply to his email below. Port Mayaca Railway Lift Bridge with a vertical clearance of 49ft when fully open crosses the Okeechobee Waterway at Statute Mile 38, near the tiny (charted) village of Port Mayaca.

      Years ago I travelled the Okeechobee Waterway and was able to get under the 49′ Port Mayaca RR bridge by hiring a marina operator to help heel my boat over so my 53′ mast would pass under the bridge. Does anyone know if this “heeling” service is still being provided by a marina along the waterway? If so, contact me directly at seabreeze384@hotmail.com. Thank you
      Rick Parish

      Larry
      I received two replies today. Both sources provide the same information. One source was Kim Brown, captain of s/v Trust Me. The other source was from Indiantown Marina. Contact – Billy Owens his phone number is 561-262-5200.
      Best regards
      Rick

      Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Port Mayaca RR Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Mayaca RR Bridge

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Sue ward -  February 11, 2015 - 10:58 am

        Try Indiantown marina. #772 597 2455.

        Reply to Sue
    • Feb 9, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.0108,-80.51999999

      Good Review of Mangrove Marina, Florida Keys Inside Route, Key Largo, Statute Mile 1150


       View In Chartview

      Mangrove Marina is one of only a very few facilities offering transient dockage on the Florida Keys Inside Route between a point south of Jewfish Creek, and Snake Creek. To access Mangrove Marina, depart the Inside Route just northeast of the Tavernier Creek intersection, between markers #64A and #65. Note that Mangrove Marina also features a full service repair yard! Skipper Foster’s review comes from the AGLCA Forum.

      While the boat has been here over a two months, we’ve just been here a month. if you are looking for a marina on the bay side of the keys I’d highly recommend Mangrove Marina in Tavernier. Docks are combo of fixed concrete and wood. There isn’t a tidal swing, but the wind does push water in and out of the cove, total swing is about 18″.
      Water depth coming in is ok if you are 4′ or less. Call the marina office and get a route if you draw 5′
      Within a 10 minute walk: Win-Dixy, movies, post office, McDonalds, hospital, 6 restaurants, hardware store and liquor store. A bike ride will add three more places to eat, a beach and a marine parts store. There is a lunch truck on site that has Breakfast / Lunch Sat and Sun, and a special dinner (Prime Rib, stuffed pork tenderloin, etc. ) on Wednesday night.
      Gas, diesel, ice, pumpouts. If you are staying, there are weekly pumpouts on the docks. Lots of liveaboards here made us feel welcome. There is the only Marching Conch Band in the Keys here! Nightly docktails at sunset.
      Lots of good fishing locations a 5-10 min dink ride away.
      Location is Keys MI 92. Car rental across the road will match Enterprise rates. By car you are 1 HR from Miami, 45 mins to Marathon, 2 hours to Key West.
      Rates include water and electric, no liveaboard fee.
      Mangrove Marina
      200 Florida Avenue, Tavernier, FL 33070
      (305) 852-8380

      Quo Vadimus
      Nowhere OK
      1993 Bayliner 4588

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Mangrove Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mangrove Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 7, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 24.8518,-80.61889999

      Keys White Reef Lights Being Replaced


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      As reported by Adam Linhardt in KeysNews.com, Alligator Reef Light (Islamorada), American Shoal Reef Light (Big Pine Key), Carysfort Reef Light (Key Largo), Sand Key Reef Light (Key West) and Sombrero Key Reef Light (Marathon)are scheduled to be replaced by brighter, more powerful LED lights.

      New reef lights being installed
      BY ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff
      alinhardt@keysnews.com

      Saturday, February 7, 2015
      Florida Keys maritime historians can breathe a sigh of relief as the Coast Guard has no plans to remove the historic reef lights throughout the island chain.
      But they are scheduled to go dark this year.
      The Coast Guard Sector Key West Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) is in the process of installing new, more powerful LED lights on single steel pilings near every historic reef light in the Keys. The cost to taxpayers will be about $100,000.
      That cost should be negligible in the coming years as the ANT crews have been spending about $2 million the last few years repairing and maintaining the existing lights at Alligator Reef Light (Islamorada), American Shoal Reef Light (Big Pine Key), Carysfort Reef Light (Key Largo), Sand Key Reef Light (Key West) and Sombrero Key Reef Light (Marathon).
      The problem has been the ANT crews have had to contract out the work needed to be done to the old historic lights to keep them up to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards at a high cost. The new, modern lights will be much more efficient in terms not only cost, but also operationally, said Coast Guard ANT Chief Jeff Hunter.
      The old historic light structures are not going to be taken down, but they will go dark when the new lights are installed.
      The new lights are going up very close to the old structures, Hunter said. They will leave a smaller environmental footprint and were approved by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as per the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
      “The old lights project about nine miles out to sea and, in our opinion, we just don’t need them to project that far anymore,” Hunter said. “Things like modern GPS and navigational tools make that possible. The new lights will project about seven to eight miles out, just past the marine sanctuary.”
      Ships larger than 164 feet (or 50 meters) cannot legally transit sanctuary waters outside of the main shipping channel, and the reef (warning) lights are intended for those vessels more than smaller recreational boats, Hunter said.
      The white reef lights are not to be confused with green and red navigational lights more commonly seen throughout the island chain.
      “That’s really what our reef lights are for — to keep the big ships out there and let them know there’s a hazardous reef nearby,” Hunter said. “As long as the light is projected past the boundary, those ships know they need to avoid the area.”
      The ANT crews have put up new lights at Carysfort and Sand Key reef lights. The rest are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, Hunter said.
      “Obviously, weather is always a concern when working out on the water,” Hunter said.
      Hunter stressed that the old reef lights — some are 100 years old or more and as much as 80 feet tall — aren’t going anywhere.
      “Don’t think we’re abandoning them or that they’re going to fall into the reef anytime soon,” Hunter said. “They’re just not up to our structural standards when we have to work on them. I would add that the historical lenses were removed on the old lights years ago and what’s up there now is just a traditional beacon and not the historic light.”
      Meanwhile, a system of offshore weather stations previously attached to the historic reef lights that once provided information to mariners, anglers and scientists has been defunded, said Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Sean Morton.
      The program was called Sustained Ecological Research Related to the Management of the Florida Keys Seascape, or SEAKEYS. The station once provided real-time weather, tide and current data to the public free of charge via the Internet, but those days appear over.
      “Funding for that program came through a grant and (it) ran out,” Morton said.
      Whether the program will come back remains dim.
      “I doubt it,” Morton said. “We tried and basically the message we got was that it most likely will not be funded. Attempts were made to a different part of NOAA in Miami collecting some information, but not like we had at each of the lights.”
      Hunter added the Coast Guard has been having problems with people climbing the old reef lights, which is a federal trespassing offense.
      “The Alligator Reef Light (Islamorada) is the worst,” Hunter said.
      Residents need to know that they will be arrested and forced to appear in federal court if seen climbing the lights, Hunter said.
      alinhardt@keysnews.com

       

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. jules robinson -  March 3, 2015 - 4:44 pm

        On hot summer nights I would sleep in the cockpit at Carysfort. Last summer I spent a night there and had a hard time sleeping with that bright flashing light down close to the water. Night time was more pleasant with the old light up high.

        Reply to jules
    • Feb 7, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.2016,-81.01129999

      Daytona Marina and Boatworks, AICW Statute Mile 831


       View In Chartview

      This excellent report by Skippers Valentine comes to us via the AGLCA Forum. The entrance channel to Daytona Marina runs west-southwest from the Waterway south of marker #39A and the southerly entrance cut for Halifax Harbor Marina.

      I would like to report excellent service that we received at Daytona Marina and Boatworks (http://www.thedaytonamarina.com). After an unplanned meeting with the bottom we limped into their yard with damaged running gear. Both Kevin Mooney, the manager at Daytona Boatworks and Mark, the owner of Tomoka Propeller were very responsive and efficient. They were also considerate of our status as transients, and went out of their way to keep us floating while work progressed, including a couple of short hauls. We can’t say enough about how pleased we were with this facility and with the entire staff. If you are a cruiser needing some maintenance do yourself a favor and consider having it done here. They did what they said, when they said, and, even with a couple of surprises, stayed pretty darn close to the estimate. The transient docks are in great condition- fixed wooden lay alongs, the laundry and showers are clean and the dockmasters are efficient and helpful. If you need repairs or maintenance consider this your stop. If you just want a nice stop, with a restaurant on the premises and a short walk from the downtown area, give them a try.
      Larry & Theresa Valentine m/v Lauren Grace

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Daytona Marina and Boatyard

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Daytona Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 5, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 27.7404,-82.69619999

      Praise for Gulfport Municipal Marina, Boca Ciega Bay, near GICW Statute Mile 115


       View In Chartview

      These good words for Gulfport Municipal Marina were found on the AGLCA Forum. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Gulfport Municipal Marina has recently undergone renovations and also has a nearby mooring field. The marina and harbor are found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay and are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.

      We left our boat for a month around Thanksgiving at Gulfport Municipal Marina. We also spent several days there on either side of our trip home. We had a great time in the town and were well taken care of at the marina. We walked into town a couple of times. There is also a free taxi service, the Swoop Taxi. You just tip them. This is a quirky little town with a lovely independent spirit.
      Martha and George Alexander
      Aunt Aggie

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Mike Liles -  February 8, 2015 - 11:32 am

        We have stayed in Gulfport MM several times. The staff are always helpful and pleasant. It is a bit of a walk to Gulfport but if you have a car, parking is next to your boat in most cases. The last time we stayed (2012) a planned expansion was being considered for the shower area. The best part is Boca Ciaga Bay just outside the marina and a great place to anchor and dinghy in to see the art community, visit the shops or have a great mean [sic].
        Gulfport is my favorite stop around Tampa Bay. There is also a nature park next to the marina and a sailing Yacht Club next door. Don’t miss it.
        Mike Liles
        Gold Flag 2011-2012
        AGLCA Forum

        Reply to Mike
      2. Martha and George Alexander -  February 5, 2015 - 1:07 pm

        We left our boat for a month around Thanksgiving at Gulfport Municipal Marina. We also spent several days there on either side of our trip home. We had a great time in the town and were well taken care of at the marina. We walked into town a couple of times. There is also a free taxi service, the Swoop Taxi. You just tip them. This is a quirky little town with a lovely independent spirit.
        Martha and George Alexander
        Aunt Aggie

        Reply to Martha
    • Feb 5, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      US Power and Sail Squadrons Honored by BoatUS

      Boat U.S.USPower and Sail Squadrons provide valuable local community services with their public boating safety inspections and boat handling courses, as recognized here by BoatUS, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      NEWS From BoatUS
      Boat Owners Association of The United States
      880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304

      power sqd

      (L to R) C/C Robert Baldridge; Cdr. Sterling Wyland, Ocean City; Lt/C. Bonnie Kanoy, North Strand; Cdr. JB Bagby, Ft. Macon; Cdr. Dick Todd, Lake Norman; Cdr. Jim Strothers, Sanibel-Captiva; D/C Mary Dodd, USPS District 8: Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatUS.

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
      Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

       

      MD, NC, SC and FL United States Power Squadrons Bestowed With Honors

      JACKSONVILLE, Fla., February 5, 2015 — At the US Power Squadrons (USPS) Annual Meeting held recently in Jacksonville, Florida, five Squadrons from across the country and one District were honored with Distinguished Civic Service Awards. Sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the awards are given annually to the USPS District and Squadrons in recognition of exceptional service and public boating safety education and service to the boating community.

      `While America’s recreational boaters are enjoying the water with friends and family, Power Squadron members work hard giving up their own time to help make boating safer. They offer boat owners free vessel safety checks, provide boating safety instruction, and more. We greatly appreciate their commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe day on the water,’ said BoatUS Foundation for Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.

      Top Squadron honors went to Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron, Florida. Some of their activities included: participating in an on-water wreath laying ceremony honoring lost members of the armed forces, helping a local food pantry, and working to increase safety for paddlers. `They showed how difficult it can be to see kayakers at dusk and in times of limited visibility, and how simply adding white reflective tape to paddle blades can be a real lifesaver,’ said Sensenbrenner.

      Second Place for Top Squadron went to Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with youth and bringing a new Sea Scout Ship to the area, as well as support of the `The Dolphin Project,’ a local non-profit that performs surveys to monitor the health of dolphin populations.

      Third place went to North Strand Sail and Power Squadron, South Carolina, which hosted shoreline clean up events, collected donations for their local Helping Hands charity and Sea Haven, a residence for homeless teens offering crisis services.

      Runners up for Top Squadron included Ocean City Power Squadron, Maryland, for their community participation in parades, clean up events and their work with a respite care home to take families fishing and sightseeing. Another runner up was Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with the local visitors center to spread safety message as well as publishing boating safety stories and reaching out to boating families.

      Top USPS District Award, which recognizes the collective efforts of all of the squadrons within a region, went to USPS District 8, which includes South Florida and the Keys. The award is based on the amount of classroom hours logged, community outreach hours and number of vessel safety checks performed. These voluntary and free safety reviews are designed to educate boaters about recommended and required safety equipment aboard recreational vessels and to assess the condition of the safety equipment they have aboard.

      US Power Squadrons began with the efforts of Charles Chapman, who in 1914 realized that owners of recreational powerboats needed instruction on how to operate safely and with confidence. Today, the USPS has over 400 regional Squadrons for owners of both sail and powerboats.

      About United States Power Squadrons:

      Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.

      About BoatUS and BoatUS Foundation:

      Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, and provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe. For more, go to BoatUS.com or BoatUS.org.

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 4, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      BoatUS: Legislation on Renewable Fuel Standard

      Boat U.S.All boaters with gasoline fueled engines need to be concerned about ethanol added fuels. The use of ethanol added fuel in marine engines has been a point of contention for everyone in the boating industry from users to repair services and manufacturers. BoatUS continues to be a strong advocate for boating safety including the risk of engine failure and fire due to ethanol damaged fuel lines. See /?p=145755

      NEWS From BoatUS
      Boat Owners Association of The United States
      880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
      Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

      Boaters and Ethanol Gas: New Legislation Would Fix Renewable Fuel Standard

      BoatUS Urges Boaters to Speak Up Now

      WASHINGTON, DC, February 4, 2015 ‘“ New bipartisan legislation introduced today would help ensure recreational boaters don’t put unsafe fuel in their boats, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), with 30 co-sponsors introduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act of 2015. BoatUS is urging all boaters to contact their US Representative to support the bill. `The new bill would recognize the failure of the current Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its out of date ethanol-mandate, and make the necessary changes so there is a safe fuel for all gasoline powered engines,’ said BoatUS Government Affairs Program Manager Nicole Palya Wood.

      According to Wood, BoatUS supports the bill because, `The RFS Reform Act acknowledges the reality of America’s declining fuel consumption, allows for the investment in other more compatible biofuels, and erases the twisted math that forces more ethanol onto a marketplace that neither demands it, nor can physically absorb it at safe levels.’

      Currently, there are no marine engines in the US warrantied to run on any gasoline blend greater than 10% ethanol (E10). According to AAA, only about 12 million out of the more than 240 million light-duty vehicles on the roads today are approved to use E15 gasoline, based on a survey conducted by AAA of auto manufacturers. Any damage from the use of higher ethanol fuels (E15 or greater) in cars and trucks will void many manufacturers’ warranties.

      When the RFS was written in 2005, it assumed that Americans’ gasoline use would continue to rise and mandated escalating amounts of biofuels to be blended with our fuel. However, since 2005, gasoline usage has actually dropped steadily. The unintended affect is now the law that forces more ethanol into the nation’s gasoline supply, and to maintain adherence with the RFS rules, in 2010 the EPA permitted fuel containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) into the marketplace ‘“ a fuel many gasoline engines cannot use.

      It is illegal to use E15 in boat engines, snowmobiles, motorcycles, small engines such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers as well as any vehicle made before 2001. However, this fuel can now be found at over 100 gas stations in 16 states at the same pumps as E10 and ethanol-free gasoline.

      The potential for misfueling is significant. In the US, nine out of every ten boaters own a trailerable boat that is most often filled up at a roadside gas station. Additionally, these higher blend ethanol fuels are often the cheapest fuels at the pump.

      The new bill would cap the ethanol requirements at E10 (10 percent ethanol), would effectively prohibit the use of corn-based ethanol in the RFS, require more advanced biofuels and take into account actual, real-world production of biofuels when setting requirements.

      Boaters can ask their Congressman to support and co-sponsor the bill by going to: http://goo.gl/2H8vI9.

      About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

      BoatUS is the nation¹s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS insurance program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.

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    • Feb 4, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.7399,-82.69619999

      Good Words for Gulfport, FL on Boca Ciega Bay, near GICW Statute Mile 115


       View In Chartview

      Gulfport Municipal Marina, of the newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, has recently undergone renovations and is found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay. The marina is easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay. Gulfport also has a mooring field, which has been in the news lately because of a now infamous green trawler, see /?p=146123. Our thanks to Denis Frain for this wonderful review which comes to us from the AGLCA Forum.

      We’ve been called funky, eclectic, artsy, charming, welcoming, warm, and yes, even weird. We are a small town, but we have a big heart. It’s easy to make yourself at home here. Visit us and we think you’ll agree.
      All of the businesses in our waterfront village are independently owned and operated.
      Overnight accommodations in the village are also of the unique variety, offered by two independent venues with great attention to Gulfport-style hospitality.
      Individually furnished rooms and suites are offered with their own identity, such as the Marrakech or Serengeti at the Peninsula Inn, and the Jamaica or Aruba at the Sea Breeze Manor. Some locals also offer cottages or guest apartments for rent on an independent basis.
      No chain stores here. No parking meters. Just small-town warmth and people as friendly and welcoming as they come. Our village offers the best of “Old Florida” charm. Picture old oaks draped in Spanish moss, brick-paved
      streets, small colorful cottages, and light shimmering on the Bay. A concentration of more than a dozen restaurants in the village has made Gulfport a premier dining destination.
      A wide variety of foods in all price ranges is represented within just a few blocks, from sandwiches and burgers to fine dining. Live entertainment is featured in several locations throughout the week.There’s always something going on here.
      Visit a selection of artists and crafters, from breathtaking to funky, on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month for our popular Art Walk. Beach Boulevard’s trees are lit up, shops and restaurants are open late,
      visitors and locals mingle on the street, and that “only-in-Gulfport” energy ebbs high.
      Gulfport is conveniently located to many other destinations in the area.
      Gulf Beaches and downtown St. Petersburg are minutes away. You can travel to Tampa, Ybor City and Busch Gardens in a half-hour, and a drive to or from Orlando is about two hours. Our Municipal Marina has transient facilities, fuel, pump-out, free wifi and is a well protected Harbor.
      Please contact Denis Frain CMM, Director of Marina Operations @
      727-893-1071 or dfrain@mygulfport.us. Visit us @ http://www.mygulfport.us

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. margo rose -  February 7, 2015 - 9:45 am

        You are so very right, Denis. When I returned from living in the Caribbean, and I found this little jewel, it felt like I never left the boating/cruising life. I love it here. Everybody can contribute to this area in so many ways….playing a role in helping with our multiple festivals, street fairs, and such worthy events such as Get Rescued, coming up on Feb. 28th. Something for everyone can be found here. And you’ll always find yourself among neighbors. Thanks for all you do.

        Reply to margo
    • Feb 4, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.9796,-81.05619999

      More Good Words for Isle of Hope Marina, Savannah, GA, AICW Statute Mile 590


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      A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Isle of Hope Marina lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of AICW marker #46A.

      Loved this marina! Our first visit here, but will not be our last. Very friendly and helpful ‘“ loved the little town and Driftaway Cafe. Be careful to check operating hours, however. They were closed upon our arrival ‘“ we had made reservations on line and I had my home phone on contact so they were not able to let me know. Only tiny thing to say could use improvement is washer/dryer needs updating and the free roaming of a dog (boxer) who belongs to a marina resident.
      Ann Bearden

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina

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