Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 30, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New City Docks (Plymouth Landing Marina) and Services for Visiting Cruisers at Plymouth, NC, on the Roanoke River, off Western Albemarle Sound
The narrow (compared to other Albemarle Sound rivers) but deep Roanoke River, is the southwesternmost of the nine rivers which feed into Albemarle Sound. In years past, cruising upstream to the community of Plymouth, NC, was frustrating for those looking to find wet slip dockage. There were some wet slips along the city waterfront, but they were forgettable, to say the least. ALL THAT HAS NOW CHANGED IN A BIG WAY FOR THE BETTER!
In late May, 2013, we received the brief report from Captain Jean Thomason below, informing one and all that Plymouth had invested in new docks for visiting cruisers, which were now open, and ready to accept visitors. We requested more information from the cruising community, and this appeal resulted in the second note below authored by Captains Danny and Jan.
Well, clearly there were/are BIG changes afoot in this small community, particularly in regards to their welcoming attitude towards, and services for, visiting cruisers. So, we got on the telephone and had an extensive conversation with Mike Wright, Plymouth’s General Services Director.
The result of all this up close and personal research is very happy news indeed. The town of Plymouth now boasts all-new, fixed, concrete decked wet slips, featuring fresh water and 30-50 amp power hookups, in a facility known as Plymouth Landing Marina. Some slips have 30 amp service and others feature 50 amp hookups. The wet slips designed for larger craft have depths of 12 to 14 feet, while some of the smaller berths have 4.5 to 6 feet of waters. And, we were able to confirm the report from Danny and Jan, that visiting cruisers can enjoy ten day’s free dockage at these fresh city piers, including power and water connections.
The dockage basin lies under the watchful eye of a reproduction of the Roanoke River screw-pile lighthouse. The eye catching feature adds considerably to the visual appeal of this city facility.
Shoreside, mariners will discover climate controlled showers, and a laundromat. Waste pump-out service is available for a very reasonable $5,00. There are two restaurants within walking distance, one of which is open for breakfast. There are also several museums in downtown Plymouth which are well worth your attention.
It’s a hefty 1+ mile walk to Highway 64, where you will find a supermarket and chain drugstore. Those cruising with bicycles will find this an easy trip.
CLEARLY, with all these new facilities, cruisers now have a new, prime destination just off Albemarle Sound. Please help spread the word about Plymouth’s new welcome and new services for visting cruisers.

New Plymouth, NC City Docks and Reproduction Roanoke River Lighthouse

Because our marina (Cypress Cove, formerly IYC) is at Columbia, we often cruise west on Albemarle Sound. Plymouth on the Roanoke River has just opened new town docks. We hear they are nice and free. Plymouth has shops, a museum (with replica of the Abemarle, a Confederate ironclad) and a lighthouse in the historic part of town along the waterfront.
Jean Thomason
I would like to tell everyone about the new town docks in Plymouth NC. Very nice slips (10 slips ) with power and water at no charge. They have very nice rest rooms and showers with a washer and dryer. There is also a pump out with just a 5.00 charge.
We stayed there in April and was very pleased. Oyster Bar short walk away was great. Breakfast at Stella’s down the street was very good. There was also three Museums in easy walking distance.
The east end where the larger slips are the water 12 to 14 feet and the west end on the T we marked 4.5 feet. These slips are not where the old slips are. These are at the west end of town in front of the Light House. Very nice.
Danny and Jan on the Mosey
Plymouth is a great town to visit for it’s Civil War history and all the good things mentioned here. My great grandfather served with the Union army and became a prisoner of war when the town was retaken.
However, there is a charted fixed bridge of 50′ vertical clearance between the town and Albemarle Sound that will keep most sailboats from visiting. We have anchored just before the bridge and used our dinghy. I think we were lucky to not hit a snag with the anchor since the Roanoke River is dense with cypress on both sides.
Harry Burns
S/V Two for the Roads
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Plymouth City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Plymouth City Docks
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May 30, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Fernandina Harbor Marina and Fernandina Beach Dining (Statute Mile 831)
We share Cap’n H’s enthusiasm for downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. The dining and shopping possibilities are many and deliciously varied. Have not yet given Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro a try, but will have to correct that oversight SOON!
Guys,
We just finished our two day layover at Fernandina Beach before continuing north.
Everyone here is so friendly both around the harbor marina and the town.
Most notable was a simply superior dinner to anything I have experienced in many years. Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro should be on every boaters must do list here. Only two blocks off the harbor marina, the staff, service and food outshine anything in recent memory.
We tried the gumbo and the loaded potato soup for appetizers which were perfect with the fresh homemade bread and olive oil and cracked pepper.
The 14 oz blackened rib-eye was beyond description in its perfection and flavor. The potatoes were superb as was the vegetable medley. The vegetables were cooked to the perfect degree of doneness, not mushy and yet not hard.
If you never stop anywhere else, make it here!.
Cap’n H
We agree. Due to this posting we have been to joes bistro twice and are going there again today. The food is great, the decor is very nice, above what you would expect. The lunch menu runs until three pm and is a great value. And the food is really good.
Dave Bell
We’ve been there [Joe’s Bistro] twice and love it!
Bill
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
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May 29, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Free Dock in Ft. Walton Now Re-Opened, Gulf ICW, Mile 223, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Free Dock - Click for Chartview
The free dock in Ft Walton Beach, located between R6 and R8 on the north side of the ICW, just west of the Brook Bridge, has been closed for repairs and, as Capt. Riggs relates, the dock is now open. The 3 deepest spots are on the SW corner of the dock, 1 being a lay along and the other 2 being the first two slips. Avoid blocking the pump out station as boaters do come to use it and then leave immediately.
Cruising News:
The free dock provided by the City of Ft. Walton, Fl is located just west of the fixed span Brooks Bridge at GICW mile 223. This facility has been closed for repairs for several months. The repairs have been effected, and the dock is now welcoming transient vessels effective May 29, 2013.
Bob Riggs
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Free Dock
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May 29, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Announces Our New “I”nfo Icon Feature
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is pleased to announce an exciting, new feature/capability, which will allow an even closer integration of the “Cruising News” and “Chart View” modules of our web site. And, this same fresh service will also allow our editorial staff to insert comments/information based on our combined 60+ years of cruising experience.
Well, enough of the big build-up. As you have undoubtedly noticed from this section’s title, and the sample icon, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net now has the ability to insert “I”nfo icons on our Chart View pages wherever they might be useful.
About 70% of the time, when you click an “I” icon, a window will open displaying an index of multiple posting titles submitted by your fellow cruisers, which provide meaningful information about the body of water, channel or other nautical feature in question. Clicking any posting title within this window will take you to the full article, which will open in separate window or tab. Once you are finished reading, close the second widow or tab, and you can quickly return to your chart perusal.
Less often, when you click an “I” icon, a window will open displaying the title of an article/posting, created by yours truly and/or the SSECN editorial staff, which imparts some useful navigational tip. And, finally, we will also use the “I” icon to pass along information about historic points of interest.
As always, a couple of examples are worth another thousand words or so. First up, when you clink the link below, a Chart View page will open centered on the AICW Dismal Swamp Canal route, where this passage crosses the Virginia – North Carolina border. You will also see one of the new “I”nfo icons. It may take an extra second or so to appear, so just hang in there.
Click this “I” icon, and a window will open showing a whole list of postings/articles, authored by your fellow cruisers in which they share their experiences while “Doin the Dismal.”
Pick one of the posting titles, click on it, and a new window/tab will open showing the full version of the posting. Close the additional window/tab when you are finished reading, and presto-chango, you’re back to the Chart View page where this process began.
Give it a try at:
/cruisersnet-marine-map/?ll=36.545961357480735,-76.37677428693928&z=14
Here’s another example. Click the link below, and you will be taken to a Chart View page showing the Old House Channel between North Carolina’s Roanoke Sound and Pamlico Sound. You will actually see three “I” icons on this Chart View Page. Click the middle one, near marker #OH. A window will open displaying a posting title, “Change in Marker Colors on Old House Channel.” Click this title, and a new window/tab will open, displaying a short article yours truly has authored concerning a mind bending marker color change along this section of the channel.
Give it a try at:
/cruisersnet-marine-map/?ll=35.76202073127289,-75.56593941192624&z=14
Finally, follow the link below, and you will be transported to the AICW’s passage through South Carolina’s South Edisto River. Notice the “I” icon on shore, east of marker #151. Click this “I” icon, and the index window will appear. Now, click on “Prospect Hill Plantation History and Legend.” You will then have the opportunity to read a fascinating story about this plantation and its original owner.
/cruisersnet-marine-map/?ll=32.58150061777632,-80.39343805647047&z=14
By the way, DON’T FORGET, OUR CHART VIEW PAGES ARE NOT STATIC. All you need do is put your cursor somewhere on the chart, hold down the left mouse button, and drag the chart in whichever direction you prefer. You can drag as far north as Maine, or south to the Florida Keys.
One word of warning! We are just beginning to populate our Chart View pages with the new “I” icons. As of this writing, most are centered on northeastern North Carolina waters. That will change rapidly over the next several weeks, as we place more and more “I” icons!
And, that’s how the new “I” icon works. We hope you find it useful. Our goal is, as always, to provide more and higher quality information that helps the cruising community safely explore and enjoy all Southeastern USA coastal water!
We would welcome hearing comments about this new feature from the cruising community. Just send your “words of wisdom” to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com.
Many thanks in advance!
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May 26, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Cumberland Island, GA, off the AICW Statute Mile 697

Brickhill Northern Anchorage - Click for Chartview
Our good friend, Sonny Reeves who lives aboard his boat at nearby Jekyll Harbor Marina, shares details below of a recent trip to magnificently undeveloped Cumberland Island. This isle is found south of St. Andrews Sound, and hard by the eastern flank of the AICW. For the full report, go to http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/2013/05/brickhill-river-ancorage-cumberland.html
Anchored in the Brickhill river around the bend from the primitive campsites. No cell service, no internet. Lots of green flies. Ran off the solar panels and inverter with no problems. Towed the dink. Caught bait and fished but only caught small sharks, Walked to beach saw alligators and an armadillo. Very nice would like to spend a few weeks at the different anchorages in cooler weather. Had a strong south breeze all week. Saw more horses than people.
Sonny Reeves

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Northern Brickhill River Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Brickhill River Anchorage
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May 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
FREE NOAA Charting Program Now Available on Android
After seeing the message below from Captain Dave Legrow, I searched the Google Play Store. The app was not easy to find, but finally, after searching under just “NOAA” it came to light. I installed the software on my Asus Infiniti Tablet, and then downloaded all the NOAA charts for the Southeastern USA coastal waters.
The program is basic, BUT the price of both the app, and the charts, is RIGHT, being that all this is free. If you have an Android tablet, you might want to give it a try.
If you do take the plunge, please let us know what you think of this trial software. We will pass your comments along to NOAA!
Today NOAA released a beta charting application for Android. Not legal for commercial, but good enough for recreational. Check it out at:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2013/20130520_charts.html
Dave
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May 21, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Boat/US Asks For Assistance From the Cruising Community
This just in from our good friends at Boat/US!
May 20, 2013
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/pressroom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
MEDIA ALERT:
Boat Owners Association of The United States
Asks Florida Boaters to Speak up on Florida HB 4001
Repeal of the Ethanol Mandate, Keep Options for Boaters
WHAT: A Florida state law passed in 2008 mandates that all gasoline sold in the state contain 9% to 10% ethanol. Although there is an exception for fuel sold for use in boats, this law has made finding ethanol-free fuel more difficult. HB 4001, which would repeal the sunshine state’s ethanol mandate, has passed the Florida Legislature and now awaits Governor Scott’s signature. In order to keep boaters and angler’s ability to buy ethanol-free fuel for their boat and other small engines, we urge boat owners to ask the Governor to sign HB 4001.
WHY: Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recognizes that renewable fuels are an important part of our nation’s overall energy future and that boaters over the past few years have had some challenges with ethanol. While there can be honest differences of opinion over the merits of using corn-based ethanol as a renewable fuel source, it is clear that many boaters still want options.
A few important items to consider:
There are over 850,000 registered boats in Florida, most of which use gasoline.
Recreational boating is a $10 billion per year industry in the state and employs 40,633 people.
Although boat owners can currently find ethanol-free fuel in some marinas, the state mandate has made it more difficult to find it at gas stations and convenience stores.
While gasoline with ethanol may cost less than ethanol-free gasoline, it also contains less energy, requiring more trips to the pump.
HOW: Please contact Governor Scott to urge him to sign HB 4001. Go to http://www.capwiz.com/boatus/issues/alert/?alertid=62676576&type=SW to easily send Governor Scott a message.
WHO: BoatUS fights against unfair federal taxes, fees and regulations that single out boat owners and works with state agencies to promote boating laws that make sense. In addition to being the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters, BoatUS provides its half a million members with services such as 24-hour on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits that include marina and West Marine shopping discounts, and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its member-funded non-profit BoatUS Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Go to http://www.BoatUS.com for more.
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May 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Cowen Creek Anchorage (South Carolina AICW, Statute Mile 544.5)
I agree with Captain “Rapid Roy’s” comments below, in that if you have a well functioning GPS chartplotter aboard, entry into Cowen Creek is a pretty basic operation. My remarks in the South Carolina Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory are meant for those who do not have one of these electronic marvels. In this instance, there ARE several unmarked shoals which flank the entrance to Cowen Creek, here and there, which require careful DR navigation to avoid.
Hey Claiborne:
I really like your anchoring guides. However, I think you have some flaws in the entry you have for Cowen Creek. (Mile 544.5 on the Beaufort River, between Beaufort SC and Hilton Head). I’d like to suggest some corrections on this one.
1). I think it’s misleading to talk about “negotiating several unmarked shoals”. Yes, if you’re coming from the north, you must go far enough south to clear Cowen spit. If you watch your chartplotter, the entrance to Cowen Creek is wide and deep with NO UNMARKED SHOALS. Take a look at the wider area chart, and this should be self-evident. From the south, it’s a no-brainer. Coming from the north, you’re in good shape if you go far enough south to go around the south side of the old range light charted at 32 degrees 20.12N, 80 degrees 39.34W. Do that, and it’s a wide and deep water entrance with no issues.
2). Your little anchor symbol on the chart photo is way upstream in the creek. Yes, it gets narrower up there, but it’s all protected and nearly always flat water once you’re in the creek. Most cruising boats don’t go that far up to anchor. I’ve seen 3 or 4 cruising boats anchored in the area 32 degrees 21.64N, 80 degrees 38.89W. ( Middle of the creek, abeam of the “o” in “Cowen Cr” label on the chart.)
3). Optionally… there’s another anchorage area for someone who really wants a “Hurricane Hole”. It’s the straight stretch of the creek, t32 degrees 22.99N, 80degrees 38.54W. There is deep water all the way there so it allows even a sailboat to reach these areas, going past private docks on Distant Island and around a double set of bends. It is really protected. .
FYI… ( my credentials for sharing this…) I’m a full time live-aboard cruiser, and spend half of my time living in the Beaufort area and half time cruising on a 38′ sailboat. Cowen Creek is a nice, nearby wilderness anchorage, a few minutes away from the marina. It’s where I take “visitors” when they come to visit my wife and I, and they want to spend a night on the sailboat anchored out. (Smile!).
Rapid Roy
S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cowen Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cowen Creek
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May 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Inlet Marina (Statute Mile 775.5)
Inlet Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, flanks the eastern shores of the AICW, a short hop north of St. Augustine Inlet, and hard by the southern side of the high-rise Vilano Beach Bridge. There is newly opened restaurant on-site, and a new Publix supermarket within walking distance. You can easily provision while filling up those hungry fuel tanks!
Claiborne:
As promised, we stopped at Inlet Marina in St. Augustine Thursday. We checked out the prices on fuel at Comachee Cove, Conch House and the Municipal Marina. Inlet’s price with the usual discounts was .10 – .20/gal less than the others. They do have the best price of any St. Augustine marina on the ICW. Still, it was .15 higher than the price in Jacksonville.
The fuel dock is located on the east side of the ICW between the Villano bridge and the fishing pier, which makes entering look somewhat intimidating. However, there is deep water all the way in and out to both bridges, so maneuvering with our 54′ boat was relatively easy. Dockmaster Jay and his staff are on hand to assist. I would not hesitate to take anything up to 80′ into the dock, although I would be sure to have adequate help on hand if the tide is running or there is a strong wind with a westerly component.
The Publix supermarket is within walking distance, as is the Villano beach on the ocean. There is a good restaurant with Tiki bar on site, and the entire place is dog friendly, which was very important to us. Although the marina does not have transient slip Jay will allow boats to tie up at the fuel dock overnight for $25. There is no electric. There is water, but it does have a strong sulphur odor. The town of Villano provides a free 100′ floating dock located just south of the fishing pier next to Inlet Marina. There are no services, but boats are allowed to tie up all day to visit the town and the beach. Overnights are not technically allowed, but Jay says it is not enforced.
In my opinion, Inlet Marina and the town of Villano Beach are a good place to stop for a day to take on some fuel, re-provision and relax on the beach or at the restaurant.
Bill Root
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Inlet Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Inlet Marina
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May 16, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Delegal Creek Marina (Statute Mile 600)
The poorly marked entrance to Delegal Creek Marina leaves the combined paths of the AICW and Vernon River, immediately north of the infamous Hell Gate section of the Waterway. Captains Chuck and Claria give GOOD advice below for successfully navigating the tricky entrance passage.
The article below is copied from the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum!(http://www.greatloop.org/)
I’ll second the vote for Delegal Creek Marina, at MM 600 on Skidaway Island. Yes, it can be a little tricky getting in there the first time, their channel markers don’t line up with what’s on your chart plotter. Go to http://www.landings.org/delegal-creek-marina-3284 and then click on Delegal Creek Map under Marinas tab for directions on getting in. If you’re coming in with less than + 3′ of water on the tide table, call the marina office for instructions, and if your still a little concerned as to where the deepest water is they will come out and guide you in.
Then if you want a special treat for dinner, call Renee at 912-598-7929 and order Chicken Pot Pies delivered to your boat. Call her a few hours before you get there and she will deliver them hot, if you wait to call her until you get in late in the afternoon, they will be frozen. Of course, a delightful dinner at one of the club houses is always a special treat as well. An inexpensive stop you will enjoy, $.94 per foot with Boat US discount. We now stop every time we go by. It’s a nice 61 mile run from our home in Beaufort, SC.
Chuck and Claria Gorgen
ODYSSEE
We echo Chuck’s comments. The only thing to add is that the current can be tough for docking, especially a single screw. With that said, it is a definite stop and try to time for slack tide, especially when leaving. Dock master is excellent for giving advice on how to dock.
John Winter
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Delegal Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Delegal Creek Marina
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