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    • Apr 10, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Advice on Okeechobee Lake Route Approach to Clewiston, FL – Statute Miles 60-65

      Approach Channel - Click for Chartview

      Approach Channel – Click for Chartview

      The portion of the Okeechobee Waterway “Lake Route,” described below by the Healys is found between Statute Miles 60 to 65 and is charted as Approach Channel.

      The one additional thing to highlight about the Lake crossing that I have not seen mentioned is that the area charted from Rocky Reef to Clewiston is a narrow channel exposed to whatever prevailing crosswinds are to be found on the lake. It is a man-made, dredged channel. The natural bottom is sandstone; hard, not soft, and so, the channel edges are also hard. The markers at the Lake end of the channel are further apart than the markers at the shore end. They can be hard to see depending on daylighting conditions. BE SURE YOU STAY IN THAT CHANNEL. DO NOT ALLOW THE BOAT TO GET PUSHED OUT OF THAT CHANNEL BY CROSSWINDS. Backsight to make sure you really are *in* that channel. Sandstone is soft rock, but it’s plenty hard enough to hurt bronze propellors and SS rudders and shafts.
      Peg and Jim Healy

      Excellent advice! We were in Roland Martins marina in Clewiston a couple years ago, and there was a brand new 54 foot trawler being delivered to a boat show on the face dock. The delivery captain just barely missed a turn in that channel, and took out both props, shafts, and rudders. I don’t even want to think about that yard bill!
      Jonathan Gorham

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

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    • Apr 9, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Request for Information on National Park Service Docks in Ocracoke, Pamilco Sound, NC

      Silver Lake - Click for Chartview

      Silver Lake – Click for Chartview

      The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks are on the northern shores of Silver Lake Harbor, just east of its entrance.

      Would love to hear if anyone has stayed at the NPS dock in the past few months. We sailed to Ocracoke about a year ago and the NPS docks were covered in bird droppings and looked to be in disrepair. The fellow at the desk at the adjacent museum (or whatever that building is) wasn’t happy to be answering questions about it! So we just anchored that time, but would like more current information for an upcoming trip.
      Kathrine Noel

      I’m reporting in [from Ocracoke] that the NPS docks are closed and `under construction’. There is obvious construction on the sidewalks and there was a tiny sign saying the docks were closed. There is a new dingy dock that is very nice. We used it, though it’s behind the construction area, so it probably couldn’t be used during the work week. Had a delicious dinner at the Flying Melon. I did forget to say that the docks are supposed to be ready for service in May. We’ll see; I’m not confident!!
      Headed to Belhaven tomorrow to wait out the yucky weather. Will post a review of that visit too!
      Kathrine Noel

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

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    • Apr 8, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Proof of Pumpout to be Required in Key West

      This is an important story for those to know who will be visiting Key West. What it boils down to, is that if you anchor, or pick up a mooring in Key West, this proposal would make it mandatory for cruisers to show proof of a recent waste pump-out before coming ashore by dinghy. Now, let me stress, such a regulation is made far LESS onerous courtesy of the fact that the city of Key West provides regular, FREE pump-outs to boats at anchor and on a mooring. Nevertheless, this new requirement is one of which NEW cruisers, and cruisers visiting Key West for the first time, need to be made aware. The issue of proof of pumpout has been a topic of discussion for cruisers for sometime now, see /?p=131066. The article linked below by Sean Kinney of KeysInfoNet.com outlines the proposed pumpout regulation for Key West cruisers.

      http://www.keysnet.com/2014/03/29/495799/city-owned-marina-likely-to-require.html?sp=/99/106/

      So what do those of us who don’t pumpout do (composting toilet)? The Keys seem to be doing everything in their power to drive away transient cruising boats.
      John Kettlewell

      Sooner or later, communities are going to get the message that all it takes to keep their waters clean of recreation boat waste, is a free pump out boat. Use some of those free flowing federal dollars for something that doesn’t benefit anyone but the taxpayers.
      Not many people will pump waste overboard if there is a feasible and reasonable alternative. But, everybody has to, sooner or later, if there isn’t.
      R. Holiman

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    • Apr 8, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Florida’s Derelict Vessel Issue Addressed by Legislature

      The issue of derelict vessels in Florida’s anchorages has been brewing for years with much discussion as to how to remedy the situation. New bills now before the Florida congress attempt to offer a solution that will remove the offending vessels without imposing on the rights of legitimate cruisers. It will not be an easy task, since the enforcement of any new regulations will been given to local marine law enforcement which, in the past, has not been on the best of terms with the cruising community, especially transients. The excellent article linked below from KeysNews.com by Timothy O’Hara discusses the bills in detail.

      http://keysnews.com/node/54451

      Laws and regulations already exist that cover this issue thoroughly, but nobody wants to assume the responsibility or pay for the operation to remove the boat. The FWC has developed a detailed and logical set of regulations and procedures for dealing with true derelict vessels. It is not lack of laws, but passing the buck that has caused the real problems. In the Keys the headline grabbing costs have mostly been generated by a few large commercial vessels, like the tugboat that sank recently. Most truly derelict vessels are not insured and in many cases the owners have no assets to seize. I suppose you can now throw them in jail, further costing the taxpayers large sums for years to come.
      John Kettlewell

      Lets hope that local law enforcement doesn’t consider any and all anchorages on the ICW to be `adjacent to heavily travelled channels’. I believe that , as worded, this leaves too much open to interpretation.
      Cambren Davis

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    • Apr 7, 2014by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      How To Cure the Windows 8 Blues

      Now, strictly speaking, this is not a cruising topic, BUT many of us cruise with Windows based computers aboard, so when I plucked the info below off of the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mailing list, I thought it well worth repeating here.
      I may write further sometime about what I consider the single, most stupid corporate decision made since the millennium, namely, the introduction of the “Metro interface” in Windows 8. For now, though, please allow me to share a few, vastly over-simplified thoughts.
      Yes, there was a need for Microsoft (Windows parent company) to introduce a new interface that works well with tablet computers and smartphones. However, to introduce an operating system that simply will not work with a traditional keyboard and mouse arrangement, thereby abandoning the millions of existing desktop and laptop computers that do not have touchscreen capability, is, without any question in my tiny mind, one of the biggest bonehead moves that could possibly be conceived.
      If you don’t already know, Windows 8 and 8.1’s interface is designed to work with touch screen technology. It doesn’t work worth a whit with a traditional keyboard and mouse. Why didn’t Microsoft simply introduce one version of Windows 8 for, what I will call, traditional desktops and laptops, that boots directly to the desktop, and another for tablets and smartphones that boots to the metro interface, I guess we will never know.
      Oh no, Microsoft made the decision that they were going to ram the metro interface down the throats of every Windows user! The result has been nothing short of chaos in the PC industry.
      Oh, and by the way, Microsoft added to the stupidity factor when it introduced Windows 8.1. Yes, this version does let you boot directly to the desktop, but guess what happens when the user presses the “Start” key. You guessed it, the computer immediately returns to the dreaded Metro interface. Again, truly, truly DUMB!
      My local computer hardware person has made a cottage industry from businesses that buy new Windows 8 computers, never turn them on, and take them directly to “Brian” to have Windows 8 wiped off the machine, and Windows 7 installed! “Brian” says he does not have a single business client that will even allow a Windows 8 machine in their offices.
      So, with that off my chest, when I saw the exchange of information below, I realized that there is a less expensive alternative than having a computer professional replace Windows 8 with Windows 7. This is information WELL WORTH KNOWING! Read on:

      This exchange began with this message:

      I don’t understand why people call Windows 8 garbage. It is just Windows 7 with a different user interface. That user interface is easily disabled and you can return to the standard Windows 7 user interface, including Start button and menu. I set it up that way for all of my customers.
      Ken Tischler
      Microship
      DeFever 49RPH
      Bay St Louis, MS

      I replied:

      Sorry Ken, cannot agree with you. Windows 8 and 8.1 is pure garbage. My local computer hardware person is cleaning up by way of businesses that buy new computers, and then immediately bring them to him, have Windows 8 or 8.1 wiped off the hard drive, and then install Windows 7. He says not a single business that he serves will have an 8 or 8.1 machine in their offices, under any circumstances!
      And, please explain how the metro interface can be “easily” disabled. Even 8.1 takes you straight back to this seriously stupid interface whenever the user clicks the “Start” button!
      Thanks in advance!
      Claiborne S. Young

      And, Captain Ken’s important answer:

      Claiborne,
      I will agree with you wholeheartedly that Microsoft did something incredibly stupid when they told users they would give the Start button back in 8.1, then have it just take you to the start screen everyone loves to hate. Including me!
      However, under the hood, Windows 8 is on the same kernel as Vista and 7. Just open a command prompt and type winver. You will see the version as Windows 6.3. Vista was 6.1 and 7 was 6.2.
      The easiest way to get the Win 7 UI back is to run one of free utilities at will do this for you. My two favorites are Classic Shell (http://www.classicshell.net/) and StartMenu8 (http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php) for free. If you want a bit more polish, then you can spend $5 and get Start8 (http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/). I now make it standard policy to install one of these programs (usually Classic Shell) on every Windows 8 computer I deploy. It does not remove all of the Win 8 eccentricities but certainly makes it more familiar and user friendly.
      Microsoft had a beautiful and stable operating system in Win 7. I wish they would have built upon its success rather than try to reinvent the wheel.
      Ken Tischler
      Microship
      DeFever 49RPH

      So, now all of us Windows users have a plan of action. THANK YOU Captain Ken!

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    • Apr 5, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      NOAA’s Paper Charts Here to Stay

      Here’s good news for those of us who still want to have aboard as backup those old-fashioned, fold-able paper charts!

      NOAA emblem
      April 4, 2014
      Contact:

      Dawn Forsythe, 301-713-2780 x144

      NOAA’s paper nautical charts are here to stay

      New certified printing agents bring buying options

      It won’t be long before mariners and the boating public will have a wider choice of options and special services when they purchase NOAA paper nautical charts, thanks to NOAA’s expanded “print-on-demand” chart production and distribution system, Coast Survey officials announced today. This week, Coast Survey certified new print-on-demand chart printing agents, and gave them the flexibility to offer different color palettes, various papers, a cleaner margin, and a range of services.

      NOAA has now authorized seven companies to sell NOAA’s paper nautical charts that are printed when the customer orders them — or “on demand.” The information on the charts is still maintained by NOAA, and the charts are corrected with Notices to Mariners up to the week of purchase.

      “Last October, we announced that NOAA would stop using the government printing and distribution system we originally adopted in 1861,” explained Rear Admiral Gerd Glang, director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. “We asked private companies to help us transition from the government-run system to a robust and competitive market for paper nautical charts, and we are pleased with the results.”

      Rear Adm. Gerd Glang certifies a new print-on-demand chart agent after inspecting the company’s sample chart.

      Five companies have now joined the original “print-on-demand” distributor OceanGrafix and the more recently certified East View Geospatial. The newly certified companies are Frugal Navigator, Marine Press, Paradise Cay Publications, The Map Shop, and Williams & Heintz Map Corporation.

      Glang is confident that the expansion of the print-on-demand system will lead to new options for all who purchase U.S. nautical charts. As a premium service, for example, print agents are authorized to customize charts with user-specified overlays.

      “With more chart printing agents, we hope to encourage competition and ensure fully up-to-date charts are widely available. Buyers can shop around and find different types of paper, or choose between traditional or new color palettes. Our printing agents can offer delivery or in-shop service, and customers can have their navigation track lines or other information printed as overlays on their chart,” Glang pointed out.

      “All charts sold by NOAA-certified agents are NOAA charts, and fully meet navigational standards.”

      For the last 150 years, the federal government produced nautical charts using lithographic printing presses. Although chart-making techniques advanced from the 19th century’s delicate hand-applied etchings on copper plates to a process that is now completely computer-based, the system remained based on printing large volumes of charts, then selling them from stock for years. Charts for sale were gradually more and more outdated until a new edition was printed. The print-on-demand system allows the changes made by Coast Survey cartographers to reach mariners much faster.

      Coast Survey continues to examine applications from additional companies wishing to become certified as NOAA chart printing agents. The examination process includes testing of applicants’ sample charts, to make sure they stand up to normal onboard usage conditions.

      The paper charts sold by the NOAA-certified printing agents meet carriage requirements for ships covered by Safety of Life at Sea regulations, specified in Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

      NOAA Office of Coast Survey is the nation’s nautical chartmaker. Originally formed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Coast Survey updates charts, surveys the coastal seafloor, responds to maritime emergencies, and searches for underwater obstructions that pose a danger to navigation.

      POD charts are no substitute for being able to walk into a store and quickly purchase several charts you need’“you need to plan ahead because it takes some time to order and print the charts, and POD places are still very rare. Don’t plan on being able to find a NOAA paper chart in every harbor’“even major ones. However, it is good news for those of us in the paper chartbook business as we are already seeing a surge in sales.
      John Kettlewell

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    • Apr 5, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report on Shoaling in St. Lucie River, Okeechobee Waterway, Statute Mile 1, Stuart, FL

      St. Lucie Shoaling – Click for Chartview

      Skipper Harmon is referring to a stretch of shoaling at the eastern end of the Okeechobee Waterway where we have had a Navigation Alert posted since May of 2013, (see /?p=113451). Again, our advice, and that of Skipper Harmon, is to ignore the magenta line and follow the markers.

      The problem stretch near markers 17 and 17A claimed another boater. I recently completed the Okeechobee Waterway and found the charts make this area very confusing and, the small can marker 17A is hard to see. The charts depict a dredged channel and the magenta line indicates you can pass west of the green marker 17. If you follow this route (magenta line) you will find very shallow water. When I passed the area all east bound traffic was leaving the green markers 17A and 17 to the starboard, west bound to the port. If you are meeting traffic, slowing down will allow everyone to pass 17 safely.

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position in St. Lucie River

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    • Apr 1, 2014by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      North Carolina Mariners Museum Annex, Beaufort, NC Now Offering Transient Dockage, Near St. M. 201)

      NC Mariners Museum Annex Docks - Beaufort, NC

      NC Mariners Museum Annex Docks – Beaufort, NC – Google Earth

      The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net just received an e-mail from former “Coastal Cruising” magazine contributor, Captain Brent Creelman, who now works with the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, North Carolina. As you will read below, the museum annex, which lies at the intersection of the Gallants Channel and Town creek, north of the eventually to be replaced (with a high-rise) Grayden Paul bridge, near 34°43.669’N,76°40.054’W, is now offering transient dockage for visiting vessels. The transient rate is a VERY reasonable $1.00 per foot, per night!
      While power and water connections are available, there are no other shoreside facilities, and it will be a hefty walk (or a very quick taxi ride) from this facility to the many delights and dining attractions in downtown Beaufort. Mariners should also be advised that to reach these docks, they must either navigate the Bulkhead Channel from Beaufort Inlet, and then pass through the restricted Grayden Paul Bridge, or run the somewhat iffy (but still very do-able), Russell Slue – Gallant Channel route from the AICW to a point just short of Town Creek.
      martimemuseumannexdocks Even with those mild disadvantages, many cruisers will be understandably enticed by the dockage rates featured at these docks. If interested, drop Captain Creelman an email, or give him a call!

      Ahoy Fellow Mariners!
      The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort invites transient vessels and historically significant craft to visit and be our guests at the museum’s expansion site on Gallants Channel just north of downtown.
      The facility has deep water wharfs running some 1,500′ and floating docks with 10 slips and a 100′ face dock.
      The Friends of the Museum is offering a very reasonable short term dockage rate of just $1/foot per night, or $10/foot per month.
      Water and power are available but there are no shore side facilities at this time. There is ample parking on site.
      Located less than a mile from the AICW the site is well protected, has plenty of water depth, and is just a mile from Beaufort’s Front Street.
      Brent Creelman
      Director of Operations
      Friends of the Museum
      brent@maritimefriends.org
      252-728-2762

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mariner’s Wharf Annex Docks

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    • Mar 31, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Channel to South Seas Resort and Redfish Pass Described, Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 14

      Redfish Pass - Click for Chartview

      Redfish Pass – Click for Chartview

      Skipper Colgan describes a channel from the Waterway to South Seas Resort and Redfish Pass which departs the Waterway southwestward and is marked by a series of non-waterway buoys 24, 23, 22, etc into South Seas Resort.

      I recently found a channel from GICW to South Seas Resort on Captiva Island with reworked channel markers starting south of ICW “39” in descending order, then making a dogleg to right and eventually leading to Redfish Pass. South Seas entrance is to port prior to Redfish. Redfish Pass is now a straight heading out of 270 with proper buoyage. The 1,4,5 aids on charts have been relocated to mark current channel. South Seas Resort has a handout printed showing both.
      Pete Colgan

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For South Seas Island Resort Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Seas Island Resort Marina

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