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    • Derelict Facts in the State of Florida

      The derelict issue, problem, controversy, whatever one chooses to call it, has loomed large and will continue to be hashed about in political and economic circles all along the Eastern Seaboard until a feasible plan is found to address abandoned vessels. We are grateful to Chris Waln for sharing his research with us. To access the Derelict Vessel map features, click Queries at lower right, select a county, then Search.

      The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (http://myfwc.com/) as an excellent (not yet fully implemented) online tool (https://public.myfwc.com/LE/ArrestNet/DerelictVessel/VesselMap.aspx) for tracking location and essential information on derelict boats. For the Florida East Coast, when the underlying data is parsed it reveals:
      66% of derelict recreational boats are Florida registered, and this percentage is slightly understated because the `Registration NA’ boats probably contain some number of Florida registered boats.
      Of the derelict boats for which length data is available (87%), the median boat size (all types) is 26 feet and the mean is 27 feet (discounting an outlier). Two thirds are between 22 and 32 feet.
      Across both registration categories sailboats account for 40%, cabin-power for 19%.
      75% of the 170+ derelicts are in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Brevard and Broward Counties, but’¦
      In Broward County 68% of the boats identified as derelict are in slips.
      Most of the pictures of `Registration NA’ boats and many of the `FL Registered’ depict hulls so old that removal would entail little legal effort.
      Caveats

      The few commercial hulks, barges, etc were not counted.
      The boat registration and length data is extracted from graphics files in the FWC tool by hand; there may have been a few errors.
      What can we draw from this?

      The registration data doesn’t support derelict boats being driven by out of state/foreign cruisers.
      The size data doesn’t support derelict boats being driven by cruisers, period. Yes, we have taken over 500 and 1000 mile trips in a 23 footer (1976) and a 29 footer (1980), but what we see on the waters today is 35-45 footers. Although to be balanced, 18% of the measured derelicts are 35 feet or greater ‘” the same percentage as boats 21 feet or less.
      From the FWC photos, the sailboats, with few exceptions, are not equipped as long range cruisers, they look to be local boats that were either uninsured or insured and totaled, and the local owners just walked away.
      Broward County’s slipped derelicts should be discounted when talking about anchoring issues.
      Money for removal is more of an issue than authority for removal.
      Finally (well, that apparently never happens in this debate), we don’t like looking at or being anchored near derelicts or imminent derelicts any more than any other Floridian. We don’t like them clogging up our few and far between safe anchorages. We don’t like them driving municipalities to create maritime ghettos that wipe out those few and far between safe anchorages.

      We believe the data above is a reason for the latest shift to attempting to ban anchoring on the basis of defamatory accusations rather than data. It’s pretty clear from the data, cruisers don’t come to Florida to abandon their boats.
      Chris Waln

      Derelict boats are completely different than cruising boats. It’s the difference between a car driving down the freeway, or parked at a rest stop, and one jacked up on blocks on the side of the road. I don’t for one minute believe that the people behind the anchoring restrictions can’t make this distinction, and I still believe the derelict boat problem, while a real problem, is being used as a smokescreen/false flag operation, for getting rid of non-derelict cruising boats that are messing up the views from waterfront condos of people who are used to getting their way on everything.
      R. Holiman

      Interesting analysis. I would add that another important factor in anchorage bans is financial. There are interests that think boaters anchoring for free are getting away with something and they should be forced to pay for the privilege. The funny thing in Florida is that this often involves creating a mooring field at huge expense that is paid for by taxpayers that then forces boaters to pay for moorings and marina space that even then is not self-supporting. The Marathon mooring field and marina only survive due to hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer funds. These fields are not self supporting in Florida. I have yet to figure out why Florida mooring fields are so hugely expensive to construct, but the per-mooring cost is often four or five times what it would cost for an individual to put in the finest mooring set up. You would think that purchasing in bulk, etc. would save money. Someone is making money off of that aspect of this too.
      John Kettlewell

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    • W. P. Franklin Lock and Dam Park – Okeechobee Waterway

      wpfranklin1 Back on 5/19/14, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net was privileged to publish a superb article authored by my good friends, Skippers Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, about mooring their trawler, “Beach House,” at the inexpensive wet slips immediately west of the Okeechobee Waterway’s St. Lucie Lock (the easternmost lock on this Waterway – see /?p=140813).
      Later we learned that Chuck and Susan had found a similar facility adjacent to the W. P. Franklin lock, the westernmost Okeechobee Waterway lock. And, as you can readily guess, we asked them to repeat the process, and they have kindly done so. The story below is the happy result!
      We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing this superb, in-depth article and copious photographs! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!

      WP Franklin Lock and Dam Park
      wpfranklin2 We recently visited the St. Lucie Park and had written about what a pleasant and unexpected gem it was. Imagine, then, our surprise at what we found at the WP Franklin Lock and Dam Park. It is the westernmost lock in the Okeechobee Waterway out of the 5 locks in the OWW. Initially we had thought we might go ahead through the lock and continue on to LaBelle. However, as we approached the lock, the wind began to gust and we decided it was time to call it a day. I had glanced over and realized that the docks were on the east side of the lock and not the west as I had originally thought. Also, they are tucked up in a protected basin and not right next to the river as the docks are at St. Lucie. We spun the boat around and headed for the docks.
      A very nice gentleman, Walt Vliet, who was out for a few weeks cruise with his wife June, came to our aid as we docked with the wind blowing us up on the finger pier. No matter how many years of experience one has, it is still difficult to dock with a single engine and a good, stiff breeze on the beam. Once secure, we had the opportunity to visit with Walt and June. Both are about to turn 80 soon and have been cruising for years. They live in Hobe Sound and often travel back and forth across the Okeechobee on either their small sailboat or their Marine Trader trawler. They were a pleasure to meet.
      But the real story is the park. It is truly a beautiful little place. The RV park and marina, situated on its own little island, is located on the northeast side of the river and lock. Slow speed buoys are located at the entrance to the marina basin. There are 8 slips here as there are at St. Lucie, with 4 being first-come, first-served and the other 4 able to be reserved. Very little wake makes it into the basin. Trees and a decent size picnic pavilion are very near the docks, and a short walk west past a number of RV sites, takes you to very clean heads and showers. Recycling bins are available jus t next to the trash.
      wpfranklin3 In the middle of the island is the ranger’s office where you pay your dockage. (Again, the same as St. Lucie – $24 per dock including water and electric, or $12 if you have your Golden Age pass for those 62+.) Just next to the office the ranger’s trailer and little fenced in yard that houses her `babies,’ three small dogs. From there, turn and walk due south out to the lock and fishing pier, or turn north to walk over the short causeway to get some exercise or a different view of the island. The other, or west, end of the island has many more RV sites and a larger head and shower facility which also houses a washer and dryer. You can walk beyond that building and find another large covered pavilion at the southern end as well as a bench with a great view to the west.
      If the docks are full, no problem. Figure out which direction you need wind protection from. There is plenty of room to anchor in the east basin beyond the docks, then dinghy in to the boat ramp near the heads and showers. Or anchor in the basin on the west side of the locks tucked up near the causeway that leads over to the island for great easterly and southerly protection. On this side, dinghy into the beach near the large trees just behind the building that houses the heads. The ranger is happy to have you come ashore.
      You cannot walk across the lock to the other side like you can at St. Lucie Park, so drop your dinghy in the water and visit the beach on the other side as well as the visitor center. The only downside we can see is there are no provisions nearby, so come well-stocked and enjoy this little piece of heaven.

      wpfranklin4

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    • A Tour of the Area around ICW/Savannah River Junction, AICW Statute Mile 575

      Captain Jim Healy

      Captain Jim Healy

      Most of our postings dealing with Savannah speak of cruising west from the Waterway, up the Savannah to downtown Savannah, certainly a delightful sidetrip. SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, gives an account of the areas around the Savannah River/ICW junction, including Thunderbolt and Tybee Island. Thank you Jim – definitely a good read!

      savannah
      savannah2
      savannah3
      savannah4
      Sail Harbor Marina is on Wilmington Island, GA. Their website is: www.sailharbormarina.com/

      Enjoyed reading this post by Capt. Jim. We always enjoy visiting Savannah by boat. Bought our last boat @ Sail Harbor and had the yard haul and do some work after the survey. The bottom Job is still good now nearly 3 years later. Exceptional service and came in under estimate which is always good. Highly recommend their staff for repairs and service.
      Sonny

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    • Waterway Shoaling Headlined, Post and Courier, Charleston, SC

      The link below takes you to an article by Prentiss Findlay, headlined in the Post and Courier as “Low-Tide Effect Grounds Boaters,” about three of our “favorite” spots: i. e. AICW Problem Stretches at McClellanville, Breach Inlet (Isle of Palms) and Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff. Every SSECN reader can confirm the troubles brought on by lack of dredging all along the Intracoastal. It is somewhat comforting that shoaling is finally making the front page of a SC newspaper. Will something be done? Keep watching your depthfinder and holding your breath!

      http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140530/PC16/140539917
      seatow

      Skipper Divers sends good news about funds for dredging:

      This morning’s Charleston Post and Courier reports that Charleston County Council has appropriated $500,000 towards dredging the ICW at Breach Inlet and McClellanville. Here is the link: http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140529/PC16/140529191
      Tom Divers

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the southern section of Jeremy Creek

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Report from AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 237


      Skipper Matthews sends a fresh report on a Problem Stretch south of Swansboro. The intersection of the Waterway and Browns Inlet has been the site of shoaling for some time, as well as a mysterious underwater hazard.

      Prop-Eater.
      Came through here on May 25, 2014 at 745am. This one spot is mentioned here as a problem. Most advice says `stay to the red side’ which I have during 4 passages without incident. However this last Sunday, going southbound, I passed a trawler going northbound a few miles south of this spot. Later on channel 16, I heard his call to USCG and his tow service with the words `engine runs but prop not turning’. As USCG was contacting him and asking him to verify his position, he did. N34,36.41, W077,13.84. The same spot.
      There are multiple references which mention bent shafts and struts, and damaged props. Most shoaling reports merely mention that someone got stuck or kicked up some mud. This is one of the few that consistently mentions damaged hardware.
      On a prior visit, I photoed a tug stuck here:
      tug3
      Notice the prop wash to the side. I hailed him but no answer. Saw him later heading south, obviously freed.
      tug4
      Ben Matthews

      Came through that spot (Browns Inlet) at low tide with no problem. Draft 5 feet. May 30, 2014.
      Raymond W. Smith – The `Firer Dog’

      We went through the Brown Inlet area (marker 63) May 23 at near low tide with 10 ft at low tide. Just follow the marks. The problem is the temporary red and green are way off the normal channel and look like the are for a side channel. They are also in a straight line but they are for the intracoastal waterway marks.
      Henry Booke

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Shortcut Tested, Snows Cut/CapeFear River Intersection, AICW Statute Mile 299


      This shortcut that runs northwest from the western end of Snows Cut to the Wilmington bound Cape Fear River has been a temptation and a hazard for several years, see /?p=105372. Skipper Matthews did not leave all his good sense behind, because he went slowly, kept an eye on the depthfinder, was able to do a 180 and escape the shoal. It’s a tough rule to remember, but all charted channels are not necessarily navigable.

      I left good sense behind and tried this channel Memorial Day weekend 2014. It dropped to 3 foot fast! Was lucky enough to turn around and make it back to deep water after a good barnacle scraping. I draw 3-1/2 feet.
      Ben Matthews

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Non- Shortcut

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    • New Shipyard and Marina Coming to St. Augustine, San Sebastian River, off AICW Statute Mile 780


      The San Sebastian River departs the Waterway to the northwest at statute mile 780. The new facility will be upstream on the western shore across from San Sebastian marker #20. Land address is 255 Diesel Rd, St. Augustine 32084. For the full story, go to: http://www.staugustineshipyard.com/

      St Augustine Shipyard is part of a proposed Merchant Marine Community located on the west bank of the San Sebastian River, southwest of Historic Old St Augustine. In addition to the marina, commercial development plans include a pedestrian `promenade’ offering a variety of shops, restaurants and lodging.
      The Shipyard Marina is under construction with restaurants, shopping and offices in various stages of planning and approval and is scheduled to open in September 2014.

      Thank you for this wonderful service.
      Ron Cousino

      san sebastian2

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

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    • Shoaling Reported, Isle of Palms, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459


      Isle of Palms Bridge - Click for Chartview

      Isle of Palms Bridge – Click for Chartview

      This reported shoaling lies north of Isle of Palms bridge in the vicinity of AICW marker #117 and is part of an area declared a serious AICW Problem Stretch in 2009. For a recent survey of the area, go to /?p=125717

      shrimpboat

      Photo by Fran Lavigne

      North of Isle of Palms bridge, SC. 3 boats 2 cruisers. 1 shrimp boat grounded in channel. CG in inflatable called me to assist. Our 42′ Chris. Frat. Easy Rider made it through barely. 4′ draft. Low tide now approaching Ben Sawyer bridge. Fran Lavigne.

      Photo by Fran Lavigne

      Photo by Fran Lavigne

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • More on the Alternative to AICW/Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff Tested, off Statute Mile 517


      An earlier report recommended an alternate route to the Ashepoo Cutoff, see /?p=134342. Skipper Ross also reports on this slightly longer, but deeper water, with a warning about the southeast end of Combahee Bank.

      Because we would have been at the Ashepoo Coosaw cut at low tide, we decided to take the alternate route out St Helena Sound before heading up the river beside Fenwick island. There is a spot where the chart is incorrect. Just off the ocean end of Combahee bank, there is a place charted as 21 to 22 ft deep. It is actually 10 ft at low tide. The rest of the charted depths are close to correct. Although this route is 5 miles farther, it is an excellent alternative to `The Cut’
      Richard Ross MV Chez Nous

      I second the above. You do not want to pass closer than 1/2 mile south of the Combahee Bank marker, and even then keep a wary eye on the depth sounder.
      A much less stressful alternative to the cutoff at less than high tide.
      Larry Shick

      I should have realized when we first published the initial message above from “Chez Nous” that these good people pilot an ARGUS research vessel. As you will see below, ARGUS project leader, John Hursey, forwarded us this very useful chartlet, showing the soundings taken by Chez Nous. Note the color change in the sounding circles at the two spots indicated by the red lines. This shows soundings around 10 feet were taken at these locations!

      Hi Claiborne,
      This just in from M/V Chez Nous, passing southeast of Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound:
      Just off the ocean end of Combahee Bank, there is a place charted as21 to 22 ft deep. It is actually 10 ft at low tide.’
      John

      ashepoocoosawalternateargus

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

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    • New Video Shows Why You SHOULD “Do the Dismal”

      Set in beautiful Camden Count, NC, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center provides free dockage for cruisers' on the Dismal Swamp AICW Alternate Route PLEASE, if you have even the slightest interest in ever cruising the Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route, follow the link below to see a truly amazing video. The talented sailors who put this together employed one of those new drones for aerial photography. And, in addition to the canal itself, there are some truly stunning aerial shots of our good friends at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center! DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

      http://vimeo.com/94469647

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