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    • Feb 15, 2012by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Boot Key Harbor Fee Increases Generate Letter from Fellow Nautical Writer, Captain John Kettlewell

      The note Captain Kettlewell has copied us on below, was inspired by the earlier article here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net by our very special Florida Keys Correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd (see /?p=79332). John’s words, as they usually do, speak eloquently for themselves!

      Claiborne:
      I sent the following message to the chamber of commerce in Marathon. Charmaine suggested I forward a copy to you in case you might want to use it on your website. I have no objections.

      Subject: Boot Key Harbor fees
      From: “John J. Kettlewell”
      Date: Sat, February 04, 2012 5:35 pm
      To: ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com, visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com
      Dear Mr. Samess:
      You and your member businesses should be very concerned about the recently instituted dramatic increase in fees at the city mooring field and city dinghy dock. Snowbirding boaters in Boot Key Harbor spend lots of money in Marathon businesses on things like marine supplies, fuel, ice, groceries and shopping of all sorts, restaurants, and entertainment. The last time I was there on my boat I spent three weeks in the harbor, renting a space at the dinghy dock. In total I believe I spent several thousand dollars on refitting my boat, restaurants, and other supplies. However, as of February 1 the city has raised the daily rate for the dinghy dock by 69% to $22 per day! Imagine what it would do to business in Marathon if a parking fee of $22 per day was instituted on your streets. This fee seems particularly unfair when you note that the use of the two public boat ramps in Marathon is completely free, as is all day parking at the boat ramps. In addition, weekly and monthly fees also increased dramatically, while mooring fees also increased. In short, not many boaters will pay this extortionate fee just to tie up a dinghy and go ashore to be able to spend money–I certainly will take my business elsewhere.
      Boaters have a very well-established and efficient communication system that is spreading the word rapidly about these outrageous fees, and the unfriendly nature of Marathon. I know some boaters have already cancelled plans to visit Boot Key Harbor this winter. Marathon businesses should let the city know that the recent fee increases are bad for business.
      John J. Kettlewell

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field

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    • Feb 15, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Warning of Shallow Depths on Indian Key Channel (Everglades City, FL)

      Chuck Baier, former Waterway Guide General Manager, and now cruising consultant for MarinaLife, is the author of the brief note below. We ALWAYS pay attention to what Captain Chuck has to say, so those of you bound for Everglades City should indeed call the Rod and Gun Club (see below), before attempting this passage.
      The last time we sounded the Indian Key channel,no depths shallower than 5 1/2 feet MLW showed up, but that was a good 3 years ago.
      The SSECN would WELCOME some additional reports on depths in the Indian Key Channel from those of you who have visited Everglades City recently. If this describes you, PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

      You might want to check with the Rod and Gun Club [239-695-2101] to get the latest on the channel depths into Everglade City. There are some pretty shallow spots. Have a great trip.
      Chuck

      And, as requested both above and in a recent “SSECN Alert,” here is some additional data from fellow cruiser, Capt. David. Looks like there really are low-mid tide depth issues on the Indian Key Channel. ALL Western Florida mariners, TAKE NOTE!

      Last February when I went through the channel to the R&G club, I rubbed a couple of times bottom at 4’6’³ at mid tide. Going out I was careful to plan my departure to coincide with high tide to get me by the bad parts.
      Capt David

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For the Rod and Gun Club

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Rod and Gun Club

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    • Feb 13, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage Beach Dinghy Dockage (Charlotte Harbor – Peace River, just off the Punta Gorda Waterfront)

      Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage Beach Dinghy Dockage

      I recently had the good fortune to visit with several yacht clubs in the charming, boat-rich community of Punta Gorda, Florida, and, during this same visit, I met with “Team Punta Gorda.” Among any number of worthwhile projects, this commendable private – public partnership group is working hard to promote Punta Gorda as a cruising destination. We join with them in suggesting that the cruising community make the acquaintance of this friendly community, which features two commercial marinas, two Florida Yacht Council Yacht Clubs and several good anchorages. What’s not to love!The note and photos below from Captain Jake Dye were sent to us as a result of my presentation to Team Punta Gorda. The anchorage in question lies just off the Punta Gorda waterfront, southwest of (downstream of) the Highway 41 fixed bridges.

      Hi Claiborne,Great having you in Punta Gorda and your presentation to TEAM was spot on. I attached a couple of photos from our anchorage and our `beach’ dinghy landing. I think we’re all energized to get something moving on a dinghy dock. Thanks again, and look forward to your next visit.The “beach” dinghy landing is 26.56.102N, 82.3 (56°6.12N / 082°18W).318W, at Gilchrist Park.Jake DyeThere are some of us who stopped here while cruising and ended up buying a house.Mary DixonLooking for a place to live in 1970 and found this place with a job and it had all I wanted, water to sail on, access to the Gulf, access to the coast where one can find a safe place each night with the option to over night to the keys, land to ride motorcycle in the woods, race car track,. What else could one be looking for, oh yes it has golfing also. But top off the list local racing and cruising of sailboats with hoes on the water where my boat could be behind my home. A little shallow for some deep draft boats but then so are the Keys but deep enough for good cruising boats.Dennis PeckWhere did you buy the house. I am wondering about Punta Gorda and the North and South Forks of Alligator Creek. How deep is that water at low tide in winter? Worried about sailboat access.WayneWayne,Tthere is a section of Punta Gorda Isles that is called the sailboat section. There are no bridges to Charlotte Harbor. Any realtor can show you where that is. We are 5 minutes from the Harbor.Mary DixonNot real dinghies’¦ No deflated tubes, no homemade covers and no patches!Bill BettsWe lived aboard in Punta Gorda for several winters and loved the town so much we bought a condominium here on the Peace River ( Emerald Pointe) where we keep our boat.Marsha Case

      Dinghies Pulled Up on Beach Adjacent to Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront AnchorageClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage

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    • Feb 10, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Big THANK YOU from Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377

      At Bucksport cruising visitors will discover all new docks, new power pedestals, a newly reopened on-site restaurant, clean '“ climate controlled showers and laundromat, as well as a warm welcome for the cruising communityIn 2010 – 2011 Bucksport Marina, now a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, closed for an extended period of time for renovation and expansion. Now reopened under new, cruiser friendly ownership and management, this facility, along with its also newly reopened, on-site restaurant, makes for a great stop between Myrtle Beach and Georgetown. Bucksport Marina is set in a lovely location on what many consider to be the most beautiful portion of the entire AICW, the Waccamaw River.

      I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKS FOR THE KIND COMMENTS AND INVITE ALL WHO PASSED US BY ON THE WAY SOUTH THIS PAST FALL,TO STOP ON YOUR WAY BACK AND TRY US OUT, I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. IF YOU HAVE FRIENDS WITH AN RV WE HAVE OPENED OUR BRAND NEW CAMPGROUND WITH FULL HOOK UPS AND DRIVE THROUGH SITES. WE WILL KEEP OUR EYES ON THE HORIZON FOR NEW FRIENDS TO COME BY, SMOOTH SAILING TO ALL.
      THANKS,
      RALPH SIMMS,
      BUCKSPORT MARINA

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bucksport Plantation Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Plantation Marina

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    • Jan 30, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments

      Another Take on Boardings by FL Law Enforcement

      More food for thought on the subject of boardings. This all goes back to the story of a very unsettling boarding which took place during November of 2010 in Volusia County, Florida (see /?p=45038). This incident caused an uproar here on the Cruisers’ Net, and elsewhere. Captain Greer’s note below is in response to this incident.

      While I agree that boarding cruising sail boats the way these law enforcement personal have done is unsettling at the least. we must remember that it is Florida, the drug running capital of the world and this is why it happens. The smugglers are skilled and trying to look like ordinary recreational vessels. Therefore, while sailing in these waters the best thing to do is always be prepared to cooperate with the authorities that are trying to make the area safe and keep illegal drugs out of our country. just food for thought. If we were boarding a boat that might be a front for drugs. knowing that these people will shoot first if possible. would we give them any warning? or would we want to secure all personal on the boat as quickly as possible? I know I know. It feels like a violation of our basic rights. but it’s their job.
      Mickey Geer

      And, appropriately, LOTS of other points of view from the cruising community:

      If the drugs were legal, the drugs could be regulated then taxed to pay the regulators to tyrannize the drug dealers. Instead the boaters are legal and taxed to pay the regulators who tyrannize the boaters in the War On Drugs. In the immortal words of Earl Pitts’¦’WAKE UP AMERICA’
      David Burnham

      It doesn’t only ‘˜feel’ like a violation it IS a violation. Yet another apologist for jack booted thugs. I’m very happy I don’t live there.
      Bosunj

      It is not their job to violate anyone’s rights. I do not know the particulars of this situation but I am just saying that it is not their job to violate anyone’s rights. Their job is to enforce the law within the limits of the constitution. In the USA we draw lines and fences. They cannot cross the basic rights fences. It is for very good reason that we do this. I am curious, is a search warrant required to enter somone’s boat without their permission?
      Edward Trzebiatowski

      Click Here To View the 2010 Report That Prompted Mickey’s Comments

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

    • Jan 30, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Watch Out For the Railroad Bridge at Moore Haven (Okeechobee Waterway St. M. 78)

      The Moore Haven Railway Bridge crosses the Okeechobee Waterway, a short hop west of the Moore Haven Lock. It has a bare, closed vertical clearance of only 5 feet, so it it closes on you unexpectedly, that could be a REAL problem, as Captain James learned to his misfortune!!!

      Be aware that this bridge can close without any signal. On Jan 27 at 3 PM we were traveling E to the Moore Haven lock after calling for a lock through with the lock master stating the lock was open to us and we could proceed. The railroad bridge was open. As we approached the bridge it appeared to be stuck in a partially closed position. We proceeded but too late to realize that it was indeed closing and we were impaled causing severe damage to the forward sections of the boat. At no time was there any signal, warning or individual present. Retreating to the City Docks witnesses confirmed that no signal was heard although they had heard it clearly on other occasions. I later discovered that the bridge has no radio contact or communication with the adjacent lock. I have had previous experience with this bridge waiting one and half hours for the bridge to open in a swift current and no communication. They seem to operate without regard to water traffic as opposed to the locks. I will update you as to
      any legal actions.
      Tom James, Captain
      “Tortuga” Krogen 42

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Moore Haven Railway Bridge

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    • Jan 26, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Words About A New Sponsor – Spotless Stainless

      Well, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      This is a great product! Just spray or wipe on let it sit for 30 minutes and rinse the rust away. It sure beats polishing. JUst rinse very well with fresh water.
      Our Lord’s Blessing
      Ed & Bonnie
      S/V Almost Heaven

      Spotless Stainless is the simplest and most effective way to remove rust and the

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    • Jan 26, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Great Stay at Marineland Marina (Statute Mile 796)

      The Town of Marineland has opened its ports with a brand new marina facility creating a destination for boaters on the Intracoastal Waterway between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, FL. What a GREAT posting about our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! And, oh yes, I was just here a few weeks ago myself, and I agree completely with Captains Pilon and Salette!

      MARINELAND MARINA
      I arrived at Marineland Marina a month ago for what I thought would be few days. Why? What happened to my migration south? Maybe I should not tell you this ; I worry you all make this change’¦
      I tell you this as it comes to my mind, no particular order, nor by importance:
      – It is clean, perfectly clean.
      – It is new, brand new marina
      – Prices are VERY affordable. In fact, on a monthly basis, it is MUCH cheaper than moorings you will find in St-Augustine, even for bigger boats.
      – Free (yes as in 0.00$) laundry
      – Staff is great. They all go further than expected to make sure you like Marineland Marina. I know first hand.
      – Marineland Marina is across the A1A road to a beach, large, miles long, and super quiet. I go there everyday for a walk and most of the days I am alone / or we are 3 or 4. In fact on this few miles beach stretch the most people I saw were 6!!! This is rare in Florida, rare in USA, just rare everywhere.
      – A1A route is super quiet here. Except Marineland and few houses for rent, there is not much around
      – Bike path on this A1A stretch (5 miles north, 5 miles south) is very wide and secure and quiet!
      – Many parks and reserves at walking distance
      Other info:
      – The Publix is about 4 miles away
      – Many restaurants deliver to Marineland Marina
      – You can visit Marineland, the other side of the street
      – They organise kayak tours, right here at the marina
      – Nice restaurant / bars at bicycle distance
      – Be sure to mention to Chris the draft of your boat. Most slips are more than 6 feet but some (3 or 4 slips) have less than 5 feet mlw.
      – They have nice floating docks for transients.
      – Pet friendly marina
      How come it is not more known? I think because Marineland Marina has been abandoned for 10 years until they completely rebuilt it 6 month ago / most of cruising guides you have on board are out-dated’¦
      Marc Pilon and Andrée Salette
      Sv Ma Muse, still at Marineland Marina for few more weeks

      Just wanted to echo everything Marc and andree said, marineland marina is a great facility, we too dropped in for a day or 2 and are now staying a month. The beach is beautiful and this stretch of the ICW is unspoiled and borders a huge nature reserve with many creeks to explore by dinghy and plenty of wildlife to see.
      Can’t recommend it enough.
      Helen and Dickie
      S.v.harmony

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina

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

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    • Jan 24, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Kudos for the Dinner Key Mooring Field (South Miami, near Statute Mile 1094.5)

      Wonderful news to hear that the Miami/Dinner Key Mooring Field is being operated in such an efficient, cruiser friendly fashion. Cruisers can now put this facility on their list of stopovers with confidence!

      After reading the reviews I was skeptical of this marina. However the mooring field is a different division of the marina and you can tell it in the pride and we care attitude of James and his helper (sorry I did not get his name). After talking with James on a Sunday afternoon on our way down he gave us preliminary instructions and assigned us a mooring ball. Upon entry one call on the radio and James gave us final instructions and then made a stop to check if everything was okay. The next morning without a call his helper stopped by with the pumpout boat to see if we needed a pumpout and we did. After that we checked in. James gave us info about the marina, showers, places to eat and where to get supplies. These two guys made for a great experience. I’m sure they would always go out of their way to accomodate the customer.
      S/V indecision
      Capt. Mike

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Dinner Key Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dinner Key Mooring Field

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