When southbound, the Waterway turns southwest into Esterville Minim Creek Canal exiting Winyah Bay at Mile 410.5. The cable operated ferry crossing is now a floating swing bridge crossing at Mile 411.5. Folks who remember Sunset Beach floating bridge fondly (!) will look forward to seeing this apparatus first hand. Our thanks to Skipper Murdoch for these photos.
At St M 411 in place of the Esterville Ferry is new “Floating Swing Bridge” somewhat like the old Sunset Beach Bridge. Here are some pictures taken yesterday. Bill Murdoch
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Dave Boxmeyer- June 6, 2015 - 10:35 am
Just what we need, a new swing bridge. I remember the Sunset Beach bridge very well. We all held our breath every time they had to open or close it. I had mixed emotions when it was replaced. The Sunset Beach was a piece of history that I thought was lost, now I see it has been reincarnated and the ferry has faded away.
Not to worry… this will never be like the old Sunset Beach pontoon bridge, which opened just once an hour (and took forever!). I talked to the Director at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Refuge, who told me that they are the only ones who use it, and maybe just a couple times a day at the most. They actually use skiffs to get across most of the time and only use the new bridge if they need to get vehicles or equipment across. So…the bridge will stay pinned to the bank and open to marine traffic almost all of the time. He says they can get the bridge in place and vehicles across in just 4 or 5 minutes, so even if you need to stop, you’ll get to see the pontoon bridge in action without too much delay. A much bigger hazard is the boat ramp next to it…it can get really busy! Mike Ahart Editor, Waterway Guide
Anyone who has visited St. Petersburg by land or by sea knows this impressive structure jutting into Tampa Bay from downtown St. Pete. It is also adjacent to St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
St. Petersburg council makes pier pick May 7, 2015, 4:26pm EDT Updated May 7, 2015, 4:36pm EDT Ashley Gurbal Kritzer Tampa Bay Business Journal ROGERS PARTNERS ARCHITECTS+URBAN DESIGNERS; KEN SMITH The Pier Park
At long last, the St. Petersburg Pier is moving toward a new look. The city council voted Thursday to approve the Pier Park design, authorizing Mayor Rick Kriseman to enter negotiations with the design team, ASD/Rogers and Partners/KSLA. Negotiations are slated to take 45 to 60 days.
The Pier Park
The public chose a different concept, known as Destination St. Pier, in an online poll. The city will again seek public input as it works with the design team toward final design, permits and construction. The beleaguered pier has the potential to be an economic driver for St. Pete, the city’s business community says, by creating an attractive gathering spot on the water and creating more foot traffic ‘” and a bigger customer base ‘” for downtown businesses.
Inlet Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, borders the eastern banks of the Waterway, immediately south of the Vilano Beach high-rise bridge. Skipper Herl adds to the many good things we continue to hear about Inlet Marina and their personal service.
Inlet Marina, Florida Inlet Marina, the friendliest place we have stopped at yet. We talked to Jay about fuel earlier and he told us to come in late PM and we could stay on the dock for the night. So we did. Jay made sure we ate at the restaurant by giving a discount on our meal. The meals were very good. This is a great stop for fuel and grub. We were able to top off with fuel, walk to Publics for groceries. All set for another 500 miles. The tide in that area can be strong, but don’t worry, Jay will let you know the direction and speed when you call for the approach. Like I said up front, Jay is very helpful. Phil Herl
Sailfish Marina of Stuart on Manatee Pocket (not to be confused with Sailfish Marina near Palm Beach and Lake Worth Inlet), is the first facility encountered after entering the Pocket entry passage. Thanks to Skipper Herl for the photos of the popular fishing grounds.
Sailfish Marina, Stuart, Florida Very nice and clean. Because of the spring break we were put on the fuel dock. That was no problem. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. It is a big fishing area so lots of fishing boats in and out. The area is also a no wake zone and everyone pays attention, so it was a pleasant night even on the fuel dock. Phil Herl
SSECN is delighted to let our readers know that the crowd sourced bathometry, ARGUS, accessible on any of our Full Sized ChartView pages, has been updated. Our thanks to engineer John Hersey for supplying this valuable tool to SSECN chart users with just the click of the button found in the top menu of every chart. Try it on the attached chart.
Hi Larry,
Happy spring!!
Just a note to let you know we’ve updated the ARGUS ICW solution set based on about 7 million new soundings processed since the fall update. SSECN readers will benefit from lots of activity in the Florida panhandle between Orange Beach and Cape San Blas, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, Lake Okeechobee, and the AICW-proper from Norfolk to Florida to include several off-waterway excursions. Look for updates throughout the ICW to include the latest from Hell Gate, Jekyll Creek, the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, Fields Cut, and the rest of the classic trouble spots. We expect lots of data in the coming months from the dedicated fleet of ARGUS vessels and will be sure to post these updates as well.
Regards, John Hersey SURVICE Engineering 29.82912104147681,-81.30384018787203
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Bill Hitchcock- July 19, 2015 - 2:17 pm
What lake level are the soundings in Lake okeechobee corrected to, or what lake level were they observed? Since there is no “MLLW” the lake level at observation or correction to the standard lake level is essential. Thanks, Bill
Have you seen one of these? Somehow I think we will not be seeing this vessel on any portion of the Waterway!
Seeing Double?
DYT Loads $350 Million Worth of Superyachts Headed for Med
PORT EVERGLADES, FLA. (May 29, 2015) ‘“ In a rare occurrence last week, DYT Yacht Transport‘s two semi-submersible ships pulled into Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) simultaneously to load $350 million worth of yachts bound for the Mediterranean Sea. With busy sailing schedules to worldwide destinations, it is unusual for the 556-foot M/V Super Servant 4 and the 686-foot M/V Yacht Express to be seen in close proximity to each other, much less in the same port doubling up on the fascinating process by which they float private luxury yachts into their cargo bays.
`Fort Lauderdale has been the western hemisphere’s home base for operations in the yachting industry for decades,’ said DYT’s Jeff Last,’ and it is here where yachts, small and large, spend time between busy charter seasons. April thru June are the prime time for yachts to take the journey across the pond in order to reach the Mediterranean’s cruising grounds in time for peak season.’
Photo credit: Joseph Hoyt
This special DYT double shipment includes a total of 39 yachts with lengths ranging from 30-200 feet. The two fully-loaded ships left Port Everglades on May 22nd and are scheduled for drop-offs in Genoa, Italy, Taranto, Italy, and Palma De Mallorca, Spain during the second week of June.
M/V Super Servant 4 and M/V Yacht Express are the only semi-submersible vessels in the world specifically engineered for yacht transportation. These unique vessels submerge, transforming into a marina where professional yacht captains and crew are able to dock their owners’ prized possessions safely and with no hassle. DYT then de-ballasts the vessel to have the yachts rest on secured supports, effectively allowing for transportation of the yachts while on a floating dry-dock complete with power and water hookups. The `float-on’ process is then reversed for an equally safe `float-off’ delivery of the yachts at their desired destinations.
Since 1987, DYT Yacht Transport, based in Fort Lauderdale and a member of the Dutch shipping company Spliethoff Group, has delivered over 13,150 motor and sailing yachts to various destinations around the globe.
For an up-to-date sailing schedule and to request a quote, please visit www.yacht-transport.com.
Snead Island Anchorage lies along the broad band of deep water northeast of marker #11 in the Manatee River. Our thanks to Out Chasing Stars for this excerpt from their blog.
[‘¦] went for a provisioning run, and then set off! David and I had done some research and scoped out an anchorage just down the Manatee River, off of Emerson Point Preserve and Snead Island. The anchorage was excellent; quiet, even for a holiday weekend, good holding, and protected from [‘¦] Out Chasing Stars
Is a Anchor light required while in ‘Safe Anchorage’ at Snead Island on the Manatee River? I have a 57 foot boat that is kept in the water. It is pulled not motor operated. I have been told it is not required but have received a ticket.
Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers as well as transient cruisers sits well off the direct path of the Waterway, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
We had the opportunity of staying at Brunswick landing twice during the month of may 2015. The rates are excellent for the services offered, such as low dockage rates, free laundry, clean bathrooms, and loaner bikes. Sherri the dock master has an uncanny ability to remember boats and names, and treats everyone like family. The marina also hosted a mothers day supper and several wine nights for all boaters. The town offers good restaurants, a great hardware store, and friendly courteous people. On our trip home we had the opportunity of having their mechanic (Wayne), work on our boat. He was an exceptional gentleman of character and knowledge and provided reliable repairs at a fair price. Overall we had a wonderful time there and intend to use this marina again. Chris and Kate Nelson
So glad to hear Brunswick Landing Marina is still doing well. We stayed with Sherri & Cindy several times. Safe haven, well maintained and convenient to downtown shops & restaurants. Lady Hawk
Pahokee Marina (3-18-15) We traveled to Pahokee via the rim canal, no problems, the lake water was up and thanks to the Cruisers Net for letting us know the canal had been cleaned. The first night was a great night, no wind. We were also warned not to leave the marina after dark. The area is a little rough. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The second night the wind picked up and clocked around from the north to north west at about 8-10 knots. That got scary in the marina. One of the regulars (liveaboards) in the marina knocked on the boat and told us we had better put on more lines and helped us to cross tie everything so we were not rubbing the dock. They also told us if the wind gets more than what we have it starts to get dangerous inside the marina. The town is within walking distance so food stuffs are within half mile walk. They also have a pool and restaurant.
Moore Haven City Dock, the first stop west of Lake Okeechobee, is located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78, on the Moore Haven waterfront. Our thanks to Phil Herl for this advice and report.
Moore Haven City Marina (3/18/15) Great docking and electric, Lots of space on a face type dock, if you arrive early remember to tie as close as possible to the other boats, to leave as much room as possible for other boats. Also help to encourage others to do the same. Eating places and grocery store are within walking distance. Phil Herl
Comments from Cruisers (2)
Just what we need, a new swing bridge. I remember the Sunset Beach bridge very well. We all held our breath every time they had to open or close it. I had mixed emotions when it was replaced. The Sunset Beach was a piece of history that I thought was lost, now I see it has been reincarnated and the ferry has faded away.
Not to worry… this will never be like the old Sunset Beach pontoon bridge, which opened just once an hour (and took forever!). I talked to the Director at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Refuge, who told me that they are the only ones who use it, and maybe just a couple times a day at the most. They actually use skiffs to get across most of the time and only use the new bridge if they need to get vehicles or equipment across. So…the bridge will stay pinned to the bank and open to marine traffic almost all of the time. He says they can get the bridge in place and vehicles across in just 4 or 5 minutes, so even if you need to stop, you’ll get to see the pontoon bridge in action without too much delay.
A much bigger hazard is the boat ramp next to it…it can get really busy!
Mike Ahart
Editor, Waterway Guide