Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 30, 2011by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Visiting the Dry Tortugas – Captain Charmaine Reports
Below you will find a SUPER article authored by our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. This story concerns some recent changes you will need to be aware of if you plan to visit the Dry Tortugas from Key West!
October 29th, 2011
Dry Tortugas – Mooring Balls at RNA & Park Permits Required
by Charmaine Smith Ladd
The Dry Tortugas is so named due to the combination that none of its islands have fresh water, and that there are many differing species of sea turtles found in its gorgeously turquoise waters (including loggerhead, leatherback, green, and hawksbill). Only 70 miles west of Key West, it’s a fabulous passage whether under sail or power. However, just be sure to have an optimal weather window during the time of your trip. Of course, the faster the vessel, the less time needed for this ever prudent caution. If you’d rather not invest the time or travel to sail there on your own, one can always opt to use one of the Dry Tortugas’ Official transportation services out of Key West:
Yankee Freedom II
Sailboat Charter
Key West Seaplane Adventures
The Dry Tortugas National Park has changed its rules since the last time I visited. Currently:
All vessels (except those in transit merely passing through without stopping) visiting the Dry Tortugas National Park must now have a free-of-charge permit (including kayaks and dinghies). Once there, permits can be obtained a number of ways. 1) Hailing a Park Ranger on VHF channel 16, or 2) appearing in person at the Garden Key Visitor Center [Fort Jefferson] or 3) appearing in person at the Park’s Headquarters Office. Park Rangers will patrol and monitor vessels for permits. If you do not have one, there is no penalty–instead, the Ranger will fill one out for you on the spot. Nice!
Six mooring balls have been installed for use at the Dry Tortugas’ Research Natural Area (RNA). Anchoring is no longer allowed in the RNA area. Those who wish to anchor within the National Park can do so only in sandy bottoms (sea grass is protected) located within one nautical mile of Garden Key Harbor Light.
I have written about the Dry Tortugas for SSECN in the past, but our server didn’t carry many items over when things were recently updated. I’ll be sure to resubmit that article so you can familiarize yourself again with the beauty and tranquility of the Dry Tortugas and its many unique attractions. In the meantime, here are some photos from my last visit there:
Charmaine Smith Ladd (SSECN Special Correspondent for the Florida Keys)
“Bringing you the low down from down low!”
csmithladd@marinersbarr.org or charmaine@septembersea.com
Where is the dry toryugas’ research natural area?
Bill
Below are two follow-up notes from Captain Charmaine:
GPS Coordinates for Moorings at Dry Tortugas:
RNAMB1 (Windjammer) N24Â°37.413 W082Â°56.548
RNAMB2 (The Maze) N24Â°36.600 W082Â°56.914
RNAB3 (Davis Rock) N24Â°41.209 W082Â°54.440
RNAB4 (Texas Rock) N24Â°40.082 W082Â°53.125
RNAB5 (Off Ramp) N24Â°40.156 W082Â°54.506
LMBSE (Loggerhead SE) N24Â°37.833 W082Â°55.187
LMBSW (Loggerhead SW) N24Â°37.8031 W082Â°55.546
I believe the Windjammer was the original one and may be reserved for private use. The six that follow are those put in for public use.
Hugs, Charmaine
Remember, this is a National Park. Even though much of it is comprised of being part of the RNA, that simply means it is a no-fishing zone and no-take zone of its natural wildlife and flora. But it IS a `People-Zone’ for others to enjoy it!
Please reference:
http://www.nps.gov/drto/naturescience/upload/What’s%20a%20RNA%20-%20edit%205.pdf
The Research Natural Area is a 46-square-mile area in the northwest portion of the park. It is the area enclosed by connecting with straight lines the coordinates of 82:51:00 W and 24:36:00 N with 82:58:00 W and 24:36:00 N, and with 82:51:00 W and 24:43:32 N. Not included in the RNA is an area one nautical mile in diameter around the Garden Key Light, and the developed areas of Loggerhead Key. Before boating in the park, please key these points into your GPS system.
Charmaine
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

24thesea - December 7, 2014 - 4:21 pm

GPS N24°37.413 W082°56.548 is directly on top of a wreck and the rest of the points are in shallow or near shallow water… Copy and paste to Google maps and take a look.
Reply to 24thesea
Oct 28, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Titusville Municipal Marina Announces the Opening Of New Mooring Field (St. M. 879)
Titusville City Marina is a very valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. This facility has been working on a new mooring field for sometime now. An earlier article here on the Cruisers’ Net reported the field was nearing completion, but now, IT’S OPEN! This welcome addition will make it even more convenient to visit this charming port of call.
Please note that the Titusville Mooring Field is NOT part of the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program, so there is no rankling about anchorage regulations on adjacent waters!
Cruising News:
The Titusville Municipal Marina is excited to announce our new MOORING FIELD is
now OPEN.
The mooring field consist of 50 moorings accommodating vessels up to a maximum
of sixty feet. Wet slips, fuel and water are also available.
Daily rate is $15.00 plus 6% sales tax. Rates include: trash removal, use of restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, holding tank pump out, vehicle parking
and dinghy dockage. Please click the link below for additional information.
Moorings will be assigned on a first come first served basis. Boaters wishing
a mooring are asked to contact the Titusville Marina on VHF channel 16 or phone
321-383-5600.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Titusville Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Titusville Municipal Marina
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Oct 27, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Quite A Crowd At Deep Creek Lock (AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route!
Just in case anyone didn’t think the fall 2011 transient season wasn’t well underway. Take a look at this photo!
Robert of Deep Creek Lock squeezed 18 boats in the lock yesterday – we were like sardines in a can. I found the whole thing quite hilarious!
Arnold Parkinson
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Oct 27, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
GREAT Article About Florida Anchorage Regulations and Mooring Fields
By special permission from the author, Captain Bill Bishop, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is proud to present, “The Mourning Field,” one of the wittiest, wry-est (is that a word) articles ever written concerning Florida anchorage regulations and mooring fields. IF YOU HAVE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST INTEREST IN EVER DROPPING YOUR HOOK IN SUNSHINE STATE WATERS, or just want to read very well written prose, follow the link below. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!!
Click Here To Read Captain Bill Bishop’s Article, “The Mourning Field”
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Oct 26, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Lies Outside of St. Augustine City Limits (Statute Mile 775.5)
Thanks to Captain Sean McKenna at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, for taking the time to let the cruising community know his facility lies outside of St. Augustine’s city limits. As some of you know, St. Augustine is creating controversy with its proposed 10-day anchorage limit outside of the city mooring field. Another nautical web site has called for a boycott of St. Augustine because of this. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net sincerely regrets and strongly disagrees with the city’s decision to seek the FWC’s approval for a 10-day anchoring limit, BUT we do NOT join in the call for a boycott of this historic port of call.
Hello Claiborne:
We have just heard that some are calling for a boycott of St. Augustine due to the proposed 10-day limit on anchoring within St. Augustine’s corporate limit. First, we are glad that the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is NOT joining in the call for a boycott, but we do understand that you are opposed to the 10-day limit. Let’s hope the FWC does not approve that regulation.
We do want the cruising community to know that CAMACHEE COVE YACHT HARBOR IS NOT LOCATED WITHIN ST. AUGUSTINE CITY LIMITS, and the waters of Tolomato River, adjacent to our facility, offer free anchorage for all cruising craft. Furthermore, all captains and crews can be assured of a warm welcome at Camachee Cove, and we will do all in our power to assist all members of the cruising community.
Cruisers might also like to know that our marina offers not one but two courtesy cars for its dockage customers, which facilitates an easy trip into the St. Augustine historic district, including the old Castello, and nearby shopping. Furthermore, a new Public supermarket is currently under construction just across the Vilano Beach Bridge from our facility, and will be open in a few months. Of course our dockage customers will be able to use the marina courtesy cars for provisioning here as well, as soon as the opening takes place.
Thanks for helping us get the word out that Camachee Cover is CRUISER FRIENDLY!
Sean McKenna
Harbormaster
Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor
It has been many years, but I can heartily recommend Camachee Cove as a comfortable and convenient marina stop, that offers far superior weather protection compared to the city marina. It is great to know the folks there are cruiser friendly too. Is there a dinghy dock that anchored cruisers can utilize temporarily?
John Kettlewell
Kudos to Sean for supporting cruisers, I’ve added Sean’s post here to my blog, (Claiborne, hope you don’t mind, and I did attribute you) and Sean can expect to see me there this winter on my way south.
Wally Moran
In regards to Captain Alan’s message below, please note that Inet Marine is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Other facilities that are just outside of St. Augustine include the `inlet Marina’, Vilano Pier, and the public landing between them, just accross the waterway from Comachee and complete with Evinrude dealer, and just to the South of St. Augustine, near the 312 Bridge, is Fish Island Marina, and Intercoastal Marina as well as the Douglas Crane public boat ramp at mark #16. The last 2 are within walking distance of big box stores like K-mart, Sears, and Wal-Mart, plus Home depot, though the last is just inside the city line.
Alan
Cruising News:
I keep a boat at Commachee Cove and without a doubt any cruiser would be smart to take a slip there rather than anchor. In every respect it is a first class operation and if you are in the vicinity it would be foolish not to avail yourself of their facility. To NOT support the anchoring regulations is irresponsible. Too many people just leave unattended boats that eventually become someone elses problem. The city is requiring that every 10 days the cruiser move for 1 night to a mooring and then they can move back at anchor for another 10 days. Also, they require that twice a yr the boat motors to their dock to prove their vessel is sea worthy. The city is bending over backwards to keep the area pristine and what they are asking is more than reasonable and to be honest anyone who doesn’t respect the city’s efforts; well, kindly put , I wouldn’t want them boating in my backyard.
Ies Glasser
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor
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Oct 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Welcomes Our Newest Sponsor, BoatPeeling.com
SSECN’s newest sponsor is an experienced, well informed, expert a repairing that dreaded bottom condition called BLISTERS !! Captain Phil Turner has have been serving boaters and boat yards on the Northern Gulf for 15 years. His new website is now linked to “The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net” in his effort to connect with boaters in his expanded service area, serving West and North East coast of Florida. Click on the sponsorship panel to the left to visit BoatPeel’s site.
Phil’s practical down to earth discussion informs potential customers about the problem and his services. Phil’s website hopes to better inform vessel owners of the causes of the blistering of fiberglass boats and the proper repair of them. Much has been written about these subjects and there is nothing to be gained by repeating them here, but he will give you some links that should be helpful. We hope you will visit Boat-Peel’s website to better inform yourself about this serious maintenance issue.
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Oct 21, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Casual Passage of the Rock Pile, AICW Statute Mile 355, Myrtle Beach, SC
The “Rock Pile” is a three mile section of a man-made canal, officially known as the Pine Island Cut, used by the AICW to run between Little River and the Waccamaw River. Capt. Marquet was wise to heed the “dire warnings” about the Rock Pile, but misses the point of those warnings. The channel is narrow and lined with submerged concrete and rocks. Cruisers are urged to announce their presence on VHF in case large commercial traffic is approaching which could force you out of the channel’s mid-width and onto the “rocks”, especially at high tide when the rocks are fully submerged. Capt. Marquet is correct in stating that the passage is easy “if you stay well within the channel”, but that becomes a “big if” when facing an approaching barge in the narrowest sections.
Cruising News:
Because of dire warnings, we slogged through here @ 6 knots, but if you stay well within the channel there is no problem going faster.
Carolou Marquet
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Oct 20, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shoaling Reported at Hell Gate, AICW Statute Mile 602
The dredging of 2009 is slowly being overcome by shoaling through this perennial problem stretch, making Hell Gate another section that requires mid-to-high tide passage for vessels carrying 4ft or more draft. With his 6.25ft draft, Capt. Pascal is very alert to depth changes and his is the kind of vessel you would hope to be following through these trouble spots!
Definitely more shallow, by a couple of feet, again on the same lines I usually run thru there.
MM602, Hell Gate, 8′ to 9′ MLW thru most of the cut but some readings as low as 5′ to 6′ MLW around R90 and G89. Had 8′ of tides so I tried poking around for better readings, no luck. I usually pass about 40′ from R90, and about 30′ from G89; this time around it s definitely shallower by about 2 to 2.5′ compared to earlier this year.
Capt. Pascal Gademer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Oct 19, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Praise for Charleston Harbor Marina, Charleston Harbor, AICW Statute Mile 465
Always a pleasure to hear such good words about A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Charleston Harbor Marina is located on the eastern banks of the Cooper River downstream of Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
My husband and I made Charleston Harbor Marina our 1st stop in a month long cruise out of Southport. Capt. Stan, the Harbormaster, and his crew made our stay carefree and he even offered to make reservations for our destinations along our route. The breakwater out front does its job to deaden the wakes of boat/ship traffic and lessens any current, which makes the boat happy. The showers and bathrooms were clean, laundry on site and the hotel amenities and a shuttle to Charleston are available. We enjoyed our stay and look forward to stopping again on our return.
The Callemyn’s aboard
M/V Turning Point,
320EC World Cat
Cruising News:
We are staying at Charleston Harbor Marina and find it an excellent facility. It’s really windy (20-30knots) but we are comfortable in a slip. Shuttle serve to Charleston was convenient. Enjoyed a nice light supper at the Reel Bar. Definitely recommend this marina if you can’t get in to the City Marina.
Eve-Marie Lacroix
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
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Oct 19, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dinner Key Marina/Mooring Field in Depth (Miami, Florida – Statute Mile 1094.5)
Coconut Grove Sailing Club Moorings
Many, many thanks to professional nautical writer, Captain Jessica Geffen, for allowing the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net to publish her in-depth account of Dinner Key Marina, their adjacent mooring field, and the nearby Coconut Grove community, as well as the included photos. This article offers GREAT information to all cruisers who coil their lines at this popular port of call!
Miami, Coconut Grove, Dinner Key Marina
The highly sought after Dinner Key Marina, in the cozy little village of Coconut Grove now has 225 moorings located on Biscayne Bay, giving boaters more options in Miami. Dinner Key Marina’s location has roots in the Pan-American Airline industry. The mooring field has many benefits to cruisers either passing through to ports further south or as a storage option.
While slip rates are up to $33 per foot, a mooring ball costs just $295 per month. Dinner Key Mooring Field offers transient or short-term rates. Amenities include dinghy dockage, showers; closed for cleaning twice daily, laundry, a detergent -dispenser, a snack machine, soda machine and an ice machine. A few shelves in the office denote a book exchange. Other services include; package handling, pump out service, and a shuttle boat.
When choosing a port to wait for weather, parts, or labor we look for a few key items. Access to Internet is always high on the list, marine and hardware stores and access to good grocery stores as well as safety in the harbor. Transportation can be an issue for cruisers that lack a vehicle or even a bicycle but Miami’s super convenient public transit has endless possibilities for those wishing to provision or sightsee.
The marina is conveniently located close to Highway US 1, the main road that runs North and South. The Grove Circulator, a bus that runs every 15 minutes stops within walking distance to the marina and costs just 25 cents. Stopping several times until arriving at the Coconut Grove Metro-Rail Station where a high-speed train runs from South Miami ‘“ for $2 per ride. Another option is the Tri-Rail that runs from North Miami to West Palm Beach round trip for under $10. With about 20 different stops along the way one can find just about anything.
Internet access
Coconut grove is the home to Coco-Walk centrally located in the business district, street shops geared with tourists in mind. A bevy of eateries and art galleries are nestled in among the Post Office and Bookstore. The Bookstore in the Grove, a local’s spot, located on the corner of Virginia and Grand, is a very cozy place to get a cup of coffee while checking emails. Supplies for boat projects can be purchased between Shell Lumber, West Marine, Home Depot and Crook & Crook Marine all within walking distance.
MISC
Refilling Propane can be a daunting project. It is illegal to transport a propane tank by public transportation. Our daughter’s passport needed renewing before we left, the Passport office is easily accessible. This time we rode our bikes a total of (3 miles) and hours of operation were convenient. The Public library is located at the south end of Bayshore Dr and will allow guests Internet access.
Groceries (Nearby)
Publix
Fresh Market
Milam’s
(Further out)
Winn Dixie
Wal-Mart
Eateries
**Flannigan’s
Monday – Nachos free with purchase of pitcher
Tuesday -Tumbleweed fried onion free with purchase of pitcher
Wednesday – 10 wings free w/ purchase of pitcher
M-T lunch deals under $8
Wi-Fi & Happy Hour at the bar only
***Las Culebrinas (The Snakes)
$1 tapas, buy 1 get 1 happy hour
*Burger King Dollar Menu & 2 for $3.33 daily deals
Check the back of your receipt for a coupon
**Sandbar Friday night Trivia night up to 7 players
Trivia begins at 7 with an extended happy hour until 9pm if you play
Happy hour from 4-7 Daily
***The Knife ‘“ Argentinian Buffet Style Steakhouse
**Pizza at NY Roma Style pizza sidewalk cafÃ©
Coco-Walk offers several eateries including CocoWok, Chili’s, and Cheesecake Factory.
The businesses are more and more becoming aware of the presence of the local boating community are very welcoming. With this many options it’s no wonder more and more people are calling Coconut Grove home!
Dinner Key is great in many ways. It is a beautiful location but its flaw is the bathrooms. All those 275 mooring cans plus the many dock slips all use the same small bathrooms that are outdated and minimal in number. Time for the City of Coconut Grove to give back to boaters and renovate the facilities. A comfy lounge for boaters would be welcome too.
marniekm
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Dinner Key Marina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Coconut Grove Sailing Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dinner Key – Coconut Grove Region
The DKM mooring field is limited to 42′ and exposed to wins and chop
Sailing enthusiasts should visit the Barnacle, a state park just 1/2 mile away from DKM. it was the home Ralph Munroe, of one of the early settlers (late 1800) on Biscayne bay. Originally from Staten island he designed and built a number of boats, incl the recently revived Presto sharpie
Capt Nat herreshoff spent a few winters there late in his life, always bringing a boat from Bristol RI to enjoy the bay, still great sailing ground.
Pascal
And, a question from a fellow cruiser, inspired by the article above. If anyone has an answer, PLEASE send your info along to CruisersNet@triad.rr.com. Thanks in advance!
Can we anchor off Hobie Beach for an extended period of time? If not where would there be a safe anchorage in the area not a mooring field.
Thank You
“Almost Heaven”
And, a warning from Captain McMurtry:
I hope the locals will not turn it into a `liveaboard’ community and destroy it for transient visitors. good to see a positive result. Hope it stays that way.
Dennis McMurtry
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