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, as well as Skipper Justin’s experience, 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 Justin for sharing his experience.
I ran aground hard going north through this passage with current behind me. I kept to the east of the new green buoys because it seemed they were way to close to the western bit of land. I thought they shifted to be a “port” marker (red right returning) because of the meet up with the two channels..My navigation chart was a complete fail to show depth. This place is tricky. I believe I should have kept the green buoys to my starboard, going north. A red marker would’ve helped too. Justin
I’ve done that section a few times; you almost have to stay close enough to the west bank to touch it with an extended boathook (perhaps not “quite” that closely, but it sure seems like it). Frank Morris
This stretch has ALWAYS required proper adherence to the temporary buoys and is not a problem as long as they are honored no matter how close one thinks they’re putting you to the shore.
It appears from his statement that skipper Justin went on the wrong side of the greens. Went through here yesterday southbound had no more problems or less depth than ever. Stay in the channel and you’ll stay off the bottom.
Dockside Marina guards the AICW’s northwesterly banks, west of Motts Channel’s westerly entrance. Our thanks to Skipper Herl for his continued reporting as he and Sandy travel south.
Wrightsville Beach Arrived about 6:15, had a good run today, the wind has calmed down and we are in the skinny protected area. We still had lots of rain but that is nothing as long as we don’t get a lot of wind. We stopped at Dockside Marina for the night, they have been great even though we came in in a downpour. Stopped in and had dinner after we got all set up and everything was good. The food, the service, and the dock help. Not a word of complaint, just did what we had to do to get tied up and electrified. I would stop here again any time. We did not take any time to explore the area, we are trying to stay ahead of the circulation out in the Atlantic. Phil and Sandy Herl
Our thanks to Dick Mills for this on-site report. It looks like the driver of the rig is going to need lots of North Carolina fatback grease to get this vessel any further north! Smithfield is home of the famous Carolina Pottery. Please, Skipper Mills, give us a followup!
Happening right now on I95 in Smithfield, NC. The boat is not damaged, so the driver must have stopped. The bow pulpit is about 1 foot higher than the bridge. The driver was letting the air out of the tires as I watched. Dick Mills
Since this report does not specify a homeport or area of activity for the new survey boat delivered to the eastern Gulf of Mexico, it will be up to you to send us reports of sightings along the coast. Obviously, No Wake is the order in the vicinity of these small boats. Please do click the link connection below for very interesting graphics related to these surveys.
New small survey boats for hard working navigation response teams
To a marine pilot looking forward to a long-awaited nautical chart update, a white NOAA survey ship “mowing the lawn” of the approaches to a port is a gorgeous site. The ship slowly moving back and forth, collecting hydrographic data from the ocean floor, is easily recognizable.
This new survey boat was recently delivered to the navigation response team collecting data in northern California.
Less well known are Coast Survey’s smaller survey vessels, operated by navigation response teams (NRTs) situated strategically along the U.S. coasts. These vessels are hard worked by two- or three-member teams of physical scientists and technicians who must know everything about the vessel, the specialized survey equipment, and the science of collecting and processing data. On top of all that, they must be expert sailors.
This new survey boat was recently delivered to the navigation response team collecting data in northern California.
Recognizing the value that these teams and vessels bring to our survey and charting responsibilities – not to mention their essential work in locating underwater debris after hurricanes – NOAA is “recapitalizing” the NRT fleet, building new small boats specifically designed for hydrographic surveying. The first two boats, built by Lake Assault Boats of Superior, Wisconsin, were delivered last week to navigation response teams surveying ports in California and the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Our thanks to Skipper Bell for this report and follow up. Top Rack Marina is just north of the Steel Bridge in the Virginia Cut at Mile 8.8
Diesel $1.92.9 Includes tax. Free pump out with fuel. These guys bend over backwards for you. Nice deli restaurant, brand new restrooms and great floating docks. Low and high speed diesel fuel pumps. We stopped because the Great Lock was shut down for three hours due to high tides. So glad we did. Very nice folks. Dave Bell
More from Skipper Bell:
Top Rack has Diesel for $1.93 per gallon. Free Pump Out. Plus. If you eat dinner in the Amber Lantern restaurant that is at the marina, you can stay the night at no charge including power. Food is good too. Very nice folks. They will do anything to make your day on the water more enjoyable. New floating docks as well. We will return. David Bell
The Herl’s experience with these two marinas certainly speaks well for the attitude that Oriental has for transients. The marinas are competitors, but they put the needs of the traveler up front. Oriental Harbor Marina is on the northwestern shore of Oriental Harbor’s entrance off the Neuse River and Oriental Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on the eastern banks of Oriental’s inner harbor. Nautical Wheelers is also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISER’ NET SPONSOR!
Oriental Marina Originally called Oriental for a slip reservation, they said they were full and referred us to Oriental Harbor marina. Oriental transferred use and we received our slip reservation. We arrived at 3:15 and they were ready for us. Gave the directions to our slip and had a dock hand ready to help dock. Once we were docked and hooked up we walked to the office to check in. what a walk, It was at least a half a mile walk. For those how may be interested, there are restaurants and pubs on the way as well as a ships store with a few groceries. 3 restaurants, 3 pubs, and an ice cream shop plus the marina Tiki bar. Phil and Sandy Herl
Skipper Winter does indeed complement an earlier posting by Jim and Peg Healy, /?p=138583. Our thanks to John and Sue for this detailed narrative of their recent trip upriver to Conway. The upper portion of the Waccamaw River departs the Waterway at statute mile 375.
To hopefully complement Sanctuary’s posting, we just finished going to Conway and made the following notes. One can take these and mark the Healy’s maps, and add milage to them. the distances are not off more than a tenth at each junction: From ICW MM 375 just south of ICW marker `27A’: This is the last posting on any web sites that I have seen with any detail. We traveled this river this week and it is still a beautiful trip and well worth the extra time. It is even more beautiful than the lower Waccamaw. First, the Corps of Engineers have removed all markers above `R4’, and as such, there are a few spots that are confusing as to where to turn. Lastly, different postings on various web states the distance to downtown Conway anywhere from 12 to 16 miles without stating whether they are nautical or statute miles. Reset your odometer to `0’ for the following information. We use statute miles. From `G1’, the entrance marker, it is 14.3 miles to the last bridge (you do not want to go under that in a larger boat) and about 14 miles to the marina entrance basin. Just as Sanctuary recommends, go to the bridge to dock since it is an easy walk to town. The two floating docks are in decent shape, but the cleats are still a little loose, but there is no traffic or winds to bother you and if there was a huge blow, there are alternatives to tie up soundly ‘“ easy. The electric is still there but still no water. Call the marina for space (room for a 60′ boat at each dock, maybe longer). Also, repeating, when going into a curve, stay to the outside where the water is deeper. We entered at dead low tide (on purpose) so as to make better notes. The NOAA charts that end just above `R4’ are accurate. We saw 11-13′ at `G1’ and then before the first curve, 7.9′. After the first curve, it deepened to 9.0′ Just prior to the second curve, briefly 5.9′, but we were too much inside on the curve. Coming back down, we had over 7.5′. Hug `R2’. First curve after `R2’ was 8.3′. From here you will see depths well over 20′ in places. Just prior to `G3’, which is 1.9 miles in, 6.5′ and quickly deepens to 30’. MM 2.1 you’ll see many stumps on the RDB, but 8.1 feet as charted. MM 3.0 (`R4’) stay left at these intersections. MM 4.3, there are power lines that we do not know the height, but any motor boat will have no problems, but sailboats may (this statement applies to all power lines mentioned). They all appear to be well over 45′, but who knows. MM 4.7 at a private dock, make a left turn (it’s not obvious). MM 5.2 shallows to 8.6′ briefly. At MM 5.9, make a sharp left. MM 6.1, there are some nice homes to see, watch your wake. MM 6.9, favor RDB (starboard) for deeper water (7.5′, otherwise 6.0′). MM 7.6 some more homes. MM 9.4 is interesting. There is an upside down arrow sign that has the word `only’ upside down on it. Do not think this sign is upside down, it’s not. Whoever put it up, obviously did not have the correct sign. Make a sharp left here (yes, to port). If you go right, you hit bottom (we know ‘“ LOL). MM 10.0, another left turn where there is yet another upside down `only’ sign. MM 10.4-11.0, shallows to 7.4′ (this is where the river gets a little wider, so it makes sense the water would be shallower). MM 11.1 favor RDB where you get over 11′. Center is as low as 5.2’. MM 11.6, turn left. MM 12.1 is 6.6′ and there might be a very interesting river boat moored there. MM12.3, turn left at homes and docks. MM 13.2, overhead power lines. As you get to a high bridge, you are entering Conway. From here on in, it is no wake. You will see to your left the entrance to the marina basin around MM 13.9. Go past this to the floating docks on your left. They are obvious, just before the bridge. Call the marina for docking, but if no answer, don’t panic. If you are there just for a few hours, docking is free. The river walk is beautiful, and many great places to eat and shop. See the college (Coastal Carolina) ‘“ it is also very nice. One could easily stay here for a few days, so if the weather is not so good, and you have stopped at Georgetown enough, then this is the place for you. It takes about 2.5 hours (max) to do the river one way on a trawler. Sue and John Winter on Just Relax (MTOA, Golden Loopers, AIWA members)
Redfish Channel, which leads cruisers from the Western Florida ICW’s run through Pine Island Sound, and the entrance channel to South Seas Island Resort Marina have both been completely altered within the last year or so. Several earlier postings here on the Cruisers’ Net have noted this change. Skipper Chris is requesting local knowledge.
I have been through this pass 3 times and I am still confused by the way it is marked. Red Right Return from the Gulf brings you through some very shallow waters. Check your GPS chartplotter coming in’¦.quite unnerving! Thankful I draw only a couple feet. Any insight would be helpful! Only one red marker and it appears to be in the middle of a shoal! Chris
2) treat the new green mark ‘1’ as an outer rendezvous to get lined up. Especially if you are coming from the south – you can’t just go to the the outer red and head in. stay offshore more; go to green ‘1’ then turn into the pass.
We continue to hear only good words for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Marineland Marina which lies south ‘“ southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore.
One of the BEST little gems on the ICW! Eric and Chris do their best to help you with any of your needs..very clean’¦the beach right across A1A’¦Plenty of water..definitely would go back! Thank you! Payrick n Jae Kellogg
I agree this is a wonderful marina. The staff was helpful and friendly. Marineland is definetly worth a visit, and the beach is right across the road. Not much shopping, but can’t have everything. A cab will get you to shopping.
Icing and freezing conditions are often overlooked here in the Southeast, but Virginia and North Carolina can attest to the real possibility of such occurrence in an extremely cold winter, as predicted for 2015-16 by some weather forecasters. BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boater safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR!
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 in northern states may want to look at adding freeze coverage to their boat insurance policies, especially if the boat is stored inside and there is no generator to back up winter power.
Boaters: Should You Add Ice and Freeze Coverage to Your Boat Policy Now?
Inexpensive Option Good for DIYers, Winter Trailerboaters
ALEXANDRIA, Va., September 24, 2015 — Many boat owners think they don’t have to worry about freeze damage if they live in temperate states or if they keep their boat in an indoor, heated storage area in Northern climates. But they may want to rethink that. Every year, the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Marine Insurance Program gets freeze damage insurance claims for boats in Southern states hit by a hard freeze, and claims for boats stored indoor in Northern states where storms took out the electrical power ‘“ which usually means no heat. So the first rule of winter storage for any boat is to winterize properly.
Even then, small winterizing mistakes like not draining all of the areas of the engine raw water system can easily destroy an engine. For that reason, BoatUS says ice and freeze coverage may also be a smart option for do-it-yourselfers who want peace of mind, or for trailer boaters who store their boat in a heated garage or travel between warm and cold states.
Typically offered as a policy `rider’ to boats stored in northern climates, it’s inexpensive ‘“BoatUS offers the add-on coverage for as low as $20. However, there is a deadline to purchase this coverage as most insurers don’t offer it once temperatures get cold, usually the end of October.
BoatUS says the good news is that boats in warmer, temperate states often have this feature added to their policy automatically, but boaters should check with their insurer.
For more information on boat insurance or ice and freeze coverage, go to www.BoatUS.com/insurance or call 800-283-2883.
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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
BoatUS is the nation’s 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.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Comments from Cruisers (3)
I’ve done that section a few times; you almost have to stay close enough to the west bank to touch it with an extended boathook (perhaps not “quite” that closely, but it sure seems like it).
Frank Morris
This stretch has ALWAYS required proper adherence to the temporary buoys and is not a problem as long as they are honored no matter how close one thinks they’re putting you to the shore.
It appears from his statement that skipper Justin went on the wrong side of the greens. Went through here yesterday southbound had no more problems or less depth than ever. Stay in the channel and you’ll stay off the bottom.