Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 11, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Detailed Report on AICW/Little Mud River Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 655)
The detailed, in-depth posting below is provided to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net courtesy of our good friends, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, authors of the very popular “On the Water Chartguides” (see http://http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/). Mark and Diana are currently wending their way north along the AICW, and will be sending periodic articles to the SSECN.
Captains Mark and Diana are true professionals, and have a wealth of experience on how to research and report on coastal waters, particularly the AICW. The series of articles they are providing to the SSECN should prove to be particularly valuable to ANYONE cruising the Waterway well into 2013!
This posting concerns the Little Mud River section of the Georgia AICW. This “AICW Problem Stretch” is almost universally acknowledged to be the WORST of the worst for the entire run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL, or the other way around. This condition makes Diana and Mark’s article even MORE invaluable!!!
Diana and I transited northbound through Little Mud River, GA this morning on about a third-tide and rising. Wolf Island, South has a Spring Tidal Range (STR) of 7.8 feet. Our plan was to run the range, then enter the river, staying mid-channel, honoring the aids.
The entry range held good depths as can be seen on the first screenshot (13-16 feet at 2.7 feet above MLLW).
This screenshot also underscores the fact that you don’t typically “Drive the TV” ‘¦ the Magenta Line or the charted channels ‘¦ exactly. That would be a good way to get into trouble, especially in Georgia. On the entrance range, we were quite a bit off the charted channel center line.
My course line is dead-on Range B, presumably marking the deepest water.
The second screenshot shows a known trouble spot just north of G195. You can see some 6- to 7-foot soundings here ‘¦ which translates to less than 4 feet at low water (soundings made at 2.8 feet above MLLW and rising).
The third screenshot shows another area of concern, around G193. At this daybeacon, and about 200 yards northwest, you’ll see some 8- and 9-foot soundings. These translate to less than 5 feet at low water (3.1 feet above MLLW).
No recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, Active Captain, Waterway Guide, and others sources also have data you may want to factor into your departure, transit, or piloting decisions.
As Captain, you’re in charge of driving the bus … and your mileage will certainly vary.
Mark & Diana Doyle
I hope you are alerting the ‘˜authorities’ to your very believeable data. It may help getting some dredging started.
Bob Kassal
Not To Be Used For Navigation
Not To Be Used For Navigation
Not To Be Used For Navigation
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 8, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Garners Welcome Recognition on Panbo.com
If you have never heard of panbo.com, let me just quickly say that it is, without a doubt, the premiere, on-line marine electronics blog/web site in the world. Founder and editor, Ben Ellison, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of marine products and services. His web site/blog is carefully watched by almost all the “heavy hitters” in the marine industry.
So, it was with tremendous excitement and satisfaction when we learned earlier this week that Panbo had honored the SSECN with a very laudatory review of our web site in general, and our implementation of the ARGUS sounding data in particular.

Ben Ellison
Equally encouraging was Ben’s comparison of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net with some of our competitors. After reading his article, we think you will agree that the SSECN comes off very well indeed.
You can read the entire Panbo review at:
http://www.panbo.com/archives/2012/06/crowdsourced_soundings_on_the_icw_cruisersnet_more.html
However, for those who have limited time, please allow us to present some snippets from Capt. Ellison’s article:
“As a guy who may actually cruise the Intracoastal Waterway this fall (as opposed to last year, when I only talked about it!), I’m delighted that there’s so much competition to collect and share relevant information about it. A particularly notable development is the way CruisersNet.net has teamed with Survice Engineering and EarthNC to overlay the former’s “Argus” volunteer-collected and tide-corrected depth data onto the latter’s slick online charting engine, along with lots of other valuable CruiserNet info.”
” . . . at least on my Internet connection changing layers, panning, and zooming are all quite snappy. What you’ll see is some current ICW depth detail that could be darn useful for visualizing the issues ahead, especially as it’s color coded.”
“Also seen on the screen above is some anchorage info that might be helpful to someone who didn’t want to overnight at the Coinjock marinas just north of this spot. These are not shown on ActiveCaptain, which may well be because CruiserNet is edited by Claiborne Young, who used to write print guides to the ICW and is now enthusiastically trying to provide the same thorough coverage online and with reader assistance. As wonderful as pure crowd sourcing can be, I’ve always thought that there was still room for pros . . . “
Many THANKS to Ben Ellison for these wonderful words. It’s not hard to understand why we find this development to be tremendously exciting
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Jun 4, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
ARGUS Data Updated
On 5/11/12, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net proudly announced a tri-partnership with Survice Engineering and EarthNC, which resulted in our web site being the first readily available web portal to display ARGUS sounding data. Suddenly, SSECN users could click a simple checkbox, thereby opening a new ARGUS layer, set over up-to-date images of the NOAA nautical charts. Once selected, the ARGUS layer displays color coded markers which depict the tide corrected solution of soundings gathered by ARGUS cooperative research vessels. ARGUS is another invaluable resource for the Southeastern USA cruising community, helping to make all mariner’s time on the water a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Now, we are also very pleased to announce that Survice Engineering has just provided us with a new “solution set,” bringing fresher and even more numerous sounding data to our ARGUS chart layer. Our good friend, and EarthNC co-founder, Virgil Zetterlind, has worked through the weekend to implement the new Survice Engineering sounding data, and, as of this morning, 6/4/12, all new information is fully integrated into our system.
If you have not yet tried our new ARGUS layer, or just need a refresher on how to take advantage of this wonderful new capability, please follow this link:
/?p=87322
Everyone please take advantage of and enjoy the safer cruising experience that ARGUS brings to all of us!
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May 31, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Beach House Marina to Close, Surf City, NC, AICW Statute Mile 260.5
The approach channel to Beach House Marina cuts southeast from the Waterway, southwest of unlighted marker #69, and just northeast of the Surf City swing bridge.
Cruising News:
Check www.wect.com for closing news on Beach House Marina, Surf City NC.
Capt Mike Wilmington NC
And this from the Pender-Topsail News and Voice and WWAY:
SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — A marina in Surf City is closing, but the tenants are not the only ones affected. As the Pender-Topsail News & Voice was first to report, Wells Fargo, which owns Surf City Beach House Marina, delivered the news to people who keep their boat there yesterday.
“It’s been a pleasure being able to promote our entire village,” business owner Capt. David Luther said. “That’s gone now.”
For Luther and other tenants of the Beach House Marina, the past few days have been a whirlwind. Luther found out Tuesday he has to move his boats, one of which he lives on, by June 19. It’s a tough situation for him as he runs entertainment cruises from the Belle of Topsail and the pirate ship Raven.
“We’ve gotten very involved with all the businesses around here, because surprisingly enough, this marina feeds business,” Luther said. “We get back in at 8 p.m. because we do a sunset cruise, and at 8 p.m. you have been out having a good time, what do you want to do? Go somewhere else.”
Capt. Luther and his business are not the only ones affected by the closure of the marina. There are also those who own and live on boats here that will have to relocate.
“I really don’t have any plans,” tenant David Avery said. “We’re looking and trying to find out. We’ll probably have to moor here for a while until we find another place to go or figure out what’s going on… at least till my daughter gets done with school.”
Tenants have signed leases, and Capt. Luther even bought $30,000 worth of advertising promoting the location. They say it’s a nightmare they wish was not happening.
“I put everything I had into this, and then for them to come and give me 20 days to get the hell out, that’s painful,” Luther said.
Surf City Mayor Zander Guy says he does not want to see this happen. He says the town is looking into alternate options for the boats.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Beachhouse Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beachhouse Marina
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May 31, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Words for Inlet Marina (Statute Mile 775.5)
Small, but super-friendly Inlet Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), overlooks the eastern shores of the AICW, just north of St. Augustine Inlet, and only a hop, skip and a jump south of the Vilano Beach Bridge. While Captain Jay lacks transient dockage, Inlet Marina boasts some of the best fuel prices around, and when it comes to enthusiasm for welcoming cruisers, these good people are in the very top tier!
Don’t forget, you also can restock your galley while the tanks are being filled at a nearby (within walking distance), newly opened Publix Supermarket, only two blocks away. What’s not to love!
Great fuel stop and a nice new restaurant.
Friendly service with easy entry and exit right on the ICW. Best fuel prices in St. A with the noted discounts.
Love the afternoon music at Beaches the attached restaurant.
Jason Martin
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida 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 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Interesting Strategy When Your Vessel Is Being Boarded by Law Enforcement Personnel
Captain Robert Lucas, aboard S/V Aquitaine, has sent us a very interesting idea about a strategy that cruisers might employ when their vessel is boarded by Law Enforcement. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net neither endorses nor takes issue with the strategy set out by Captain Lucas. All we will say is that it’s certainly interesting!
I’m linking to the full article below, as it is lengthy.
Claiborne,
I tried this and it worked.
Took about fifteen minutes of discussion, but the officer, after making three phone calls, said he was not authorized to sign any document. He wished me a “good day” and left.
Captain Robert Lucas
S/V Aquitaine
Bradenton, FL
Click Here To Learn about Captain Lucas’ Novel Approach to Being Boarded
BRAVO! and bravo again! I always wondered just which bureaucrat or politician gave up our Fourth Amendment rights regarding unreasonable search. My guess is that printers are humming already (if you’ve got one aboard). I hope we can find some more results of this tactic!
Capt Mike
S/V Blue Skye
Captain Lucas:
In checking the regs, I found:
Coast Guard may go aboard any United States vessel at any time, anywhere to conduct a documentation and safety inspection.
A search of a U.S. vessel beyond this type of inspection is subject to limitations under the United States Constitution. If a search extends beyond this narrowly defined scope, a court may be asked to evaluate the legality of the search by balancing the individual’s right to privacy in the specific circumstances of the search against society’s interest in detecting criminal conduct.
Captain Whitney
Cpt. Lucas does not state which authority he is re. to’¦
USCG, FMP, county?? Presumably it’s th CG but’¦ I am reasonably sure that Cpt. Whitney is correct in his assessment. Still, just the novelty of being presented with such a doc. might cause enough confusion w/ officer on the scene and higher-ups to make them pause. I do think, though, that this would certainly be useful in the case of boarding by auth. other than CG. No lawyer I, but seems reasonable. Imagine what would happen if everyone demanded the signing of such a doc. every time some auth. wanted to board a vessel.
Gov’t. of the people’¦by the people!!!!
Dr. W. W. Waldrope
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May 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Photos of Roanoke Lighthouse Being Moved to Its New Home in Edenton Harbor
Earlier, we ran a series of photos showing the historic Roanoke River Screw Pile Lighthouse, freshly perched atop its new home overlooking Edenton Harbor and Town Docks (see /?p=87872). Then, just today, we received a fresh set of photos from Captain Greg Han, showing the lighthouse being moved to its new resting place. Excellent pics!
Cruising News:
Recently the Roanoke River lighthouse was installed in its permanent home at Edenton harbor. A party atmosphere took over the town park while the crews readied for the transfer from land to a platform over the harbor waters. House moving is a slow and careful business so the crowd thinned considerably by the time the crew was ready. The house was rolled across the divide inch by inch on a study network of girders.
Allegria had a front row seat in Edenton’s terrific town harbor (first two nights free).
Gregory Han
Follow the Photo Gallery link below to check out these images for yourself!
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May 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Update on Bradenton Beach Anchorage (Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 87)
The anchorage under discussion below lies just south of the Cortez Bridge, west of the ICW.
Two important notes need to be considered when evaluating this anchor down spot. First, successful entry can be very tricky for first-timers, AND the city of Bradenton Beach has twice tried to regulate this anchorage, first by creating a mooring field, and later by city registration of boats. Both attempts failed, but who knows what may happen here in the future!
Bradenton Beach anchorage update: As of 5/12, the city has made no further blatant efforts to harass boaters. As a member of the `Mooring Committee’ I can say that the city has no interest in really developing a boater friendly community.
Still, I recommend to everyone that, rather than avoid areas of `conflict ie. St Pete, St. Augustine, etc., they use these areas and RESIST (nicely, of course) the erosion of navigation rights.
As for the notion of the city `noticing the reduction of boating visitors and responding accordingly’, the city of B.B. would be quite happy if no one EVER anchored a boat in `their’ waters.
W.W.
I respectfully disagree with this assessment of Bradenton Beach. I kept two boats there for the better part of a year’¦the first a 24-foot sloop’¦then a 29-footer’¦A friend of mine protested the 15 dollar/year fee for using the mooring field.The mooring field was illegal but I think that the reason he fought it is the slow erosion of rights and I am glad now that he did. They backed down on advice from their lawyer and I think that even though 15 dollars/year for showers and dinghy dock is a small price to pay for a decent facility with access to free trolley up and down the whole island’¦I think that the costs would slowly have risen over time and a bad precedent set. Having said all that’¦I DO NOT think that they hate boaters and liveaboards here’¦especially now that some of the riff raff has cleared out. The depths are overall poor for bigger boats’¦the approach in front of the fishing pier is a sad joke’¦but there is a back door further south beyond the sand shoals you can come in from if you keep going south after coming thru the bridge from the north about 3/4 mile and then come back in’¦at a NW angle’¦All in all’¦this is a decent area to keep your boat for awhile’¦amenity-speaking’¦but not for more than a few months IMHO’¦
BTW..in case it wasn’t clear..it was BB city comission that backed down’¦on advice of their attorney and they dropped the $15/YEAR sticker fee’¦
Morgan R
Hi Morgan and all,
I did not say that B.B. `hates’ boaters and liveaboards. I said that the city has no real interest in developing a boater friendly community. I base this on my own experience with the mooring committee and the council. My belief is that this is due to a lack of familiarity with the subject as well as a lack of funds to promote the area.
I approached the city about a year and a half ago with the idea of establishing a yacht club for the purpose of promoting the area to boaters and managing the amenities and dinghy dock and to provide assistance/info to visitors re. anchoring, sanitation, etc.
The city seemed receptive to the idea. They have strongly indicated that they would like the `anchorage community’ to self regulate. This indicates, to me at least, that city has no real interest in reaching out’¦ they would prefer that `we’ do it.
As I could not find two other qualified people to willing hold the required offices to charter a legit club, as well as volunteer time to such, I abandoned the idea. I would be most happy to revisit the subject with the city if there is enough interest.
If the CITY were truly interested in reaching out to the boating community, I feel they would have made more/better effort to do so to date.
I urge any and all to visit B.B. as Anna Maria IS. has some nice things to offer cruisers.
Note: riff raff is in the eye of the beholder.
There are still a few boats that are derelict or nearly so.
If anyone in the local area is interested in organizing a fully chartered club, please contact me. My # is 512 903 4498
Very Sincerely,
Dr. W. W. Waldrope
Thank you for the info. Last time we came through we anchored on the East side of the ICW because we could not figure out how to get into the anchorage. We anchored without problem in about 10 feet of water. The ride to the dinghy dock was a little long and there were boat wakes to crash through. BB was a great place to visit and would gladly paid a fee for the shower and/or dinghy dock but free was good.
Frank Cushing
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Bradenton Beach Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Bradenton Beach Anchorage
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Jeremy - December 4, 2015 - 8:00 pm

They are harassing boaters again. Not cool. They let it go for years and then ppl come in who don’t know how to boat or act in society. They just expect to snap fingers and all is good. You don’t harass good ppl to get the bad ones to leave. But as always it’s easier and safer to go after the ppl that aren’t a threat.
Reply to Jeremy
May 25, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shifting Sands In St. Augustine Mooring Field, AICW Statute Mile 778
Recent reports of shoaling at some of the moorings in the St. Augustine Mooring Field were confirmed by phone today, but according to the City Marina spokesperson, the shoaling is continuous and constantly changing. Currently there are moorings with as much as 15ft and some with 0ft. However, the moorings are always assigned and you would be assigned a mooring according to your draft. Thus the necessity to contact the City Marina at 904-825-1026 before picking up a mooring pendant.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For St. Augustine City Marina
We used the south mooring field at St.Augustine the weekend of April 1, 2012. We approached from the south, hailing the City Marina as we came under the high bridge just south of the San Sebastion River. The marina advised to stay in the ICW channel until abeam of specific day beacon due to shoaling and then gave precise guidance to our mooring ball. We had two very pleasant,secure, nights on the ball as a front passed through with severe thunderstorms, and were able to observe close up the ‘ Blessing of the Fleet’.
The mooring field to the north of Bridge of Lions did not have any observable shoaling problems.
We topped off diesel at the Inlet Marina and visited the Publix grocery.
Steve Kamp, S/V Carolina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For St. Augustine Northern Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For St. Augustine Southern Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine Mooring Fields
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May 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Anchorages
The discussion below is copied from the Cruisers’ Forum, and relates to the several anchorage opportunities adjoining an island which lies withing dinghy distance of Key West Bight. The charts name this isle, Wisteria Island, but all the locals refer to it as Christmas Tree Island.
We are currently behind Wisteria Island. The whole area is surrounded with boats. North of the Island east and west. The cityKWB marina maintains dinghy dock for 26 a week or 80 a month. Just pick a spot with enough swing, lotta boats.
forsailbyowner
Anchoring on the south side of wisteria (christmas tree) island will give you some shelter from the north but it’s rolly from wakes (especially in the early morn. when the charter boats go out). Holding is fair but use caution. It’s a short dink ride across the channel to the harbor where the dink dock is (payment enforcement haphazard… meaning you never know so just pay). note: going back across the channel in a northerly blow can be extremely rough and wet.
Also remember that K.W. has been pirate country for centuries… and still is. Use common sense and you will have a great time.
Cheers,
MM
Just off of Christmas tree is the place to be. It’s convenient to the municipal docks & out of the way. There are areas where there is 8-10 inches of sand over limestone, and you will think you are dug in well but will drag like a mother in the first squall, so make certain you’re dug in.
Also, an open hatch is considered an invitation. A closed hatch with a big lock will generally be left alone.
Starfish
Just take care that your anchor does not get stuck in the many custom made moorings around the island. I picked up an engine block once trying to haul anchor. Many derelict boats with questionable ground tackle all over.
Be careful of the shoal in the middle that looks like a great empty anchor spot.
However once you navigate all the above it is a great spot very close to KW and a much better location than the city mooring field. Never had issues with `piracy’ in the many years I have gone there. Might be dumb luck though but I do lock up when I leave the boat.
Patrick
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Eastern Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Northwesterly Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wisteria/Christmas Tree Island
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