Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Sep 8, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
NEW Beaufort, North Carolina Photo Gallery
We are playing with an exciting new capability here at the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. We have just installed NextGen Gallery in our WordPress operating platform. This really neat piece of software makes the establishment of photo galleries for marinas, anchorages and ports of call, a SNAP! In time, each and every marina, plus many of the anchorages we cover in our various Marina and Anchorage Directories, will each have their own photo albums!
For the moment though, we couldn’t resist putting together a quick photo gallery of one of the most photogenic ports of call in the Southeastern, USA – Beaufort, NC. Everyone, please appreciate that this is our first BIG photo gallery, and I have not taken the time to perfectly sort all the 100 images included. Even so, I know that many members of the cruising community will enjoy seeing sights they have previously enjoyed, or, for those who have not yet visited Beaufort, their appetite will be whetted for a cruise to these waters.
PLEASE let us know what you think of our Beaufort, NC gallery, by following the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link, found near the top right of all (except Chart View) Cruisers’ Net pages.
OH YES, AFTER PRESSING THE LINK BELOW, PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE BRIEF INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOJOURN!
Happy Viewing!!!
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Sep 1, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Punta Gorda Mooring Field Ready For Business (Charlotte Harbor – Peace River)
During the morning of 9/1/11, we heard from Captain Jay Buckley, Chairman of the Punta Gorda Waterfront Development Advisory Commission. Captain Jay gave us excellent details about a mooring field recently established by the city of Punta Gorda, on the western mouth of the Peace River, a short hop east of the Highway 41 Bridge, and the charted overhead power cable.
This field consists of 32 balls, and is administered by nearby Laishely Park Municipal Marina. Call 941-575-0142 for information and to reserve a mooring.
One caveat to this field is that your vessel must be able to clear the fixed 45-foot Highway 41 bridges to access the moorings. Taller sailcraft are out of luck!
Mariners moored in the field can make use of dinghy dockage at Laishley Park Municipal Marina. A host of shoreside businesses, including quite a collection of restaurants, are in easy walking distance of this facility. Ask the friendly staff at Laishleys for recommendations.
So, now there is another wet storage opportunity available to facilitate a visit to charming Punta Gorda. See you there!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Punta Gorda Mooring Field
All enjoyed Punta Gorda and their Marina, hope it is a success for all and other towns and |cities pay attention to how to bring in business.
Dennis McMurtry
It is too bad that the mooring field is east of a 45′ bridge. I think there is a dock to dinghy up to and there are few places within walking distance.
Since my mast is 60′ I usually anchor west of the bridge off Fisherman’s Villiage where there are many restaurants and shops. If you are not going to spend the night you can tie up along side the shops and restaurants. The marina usually has slips also.
I hope the field does well but there is more to see and do at Fisherman’s Village.
Jerry & Linda Villines
Click on Chartlet Below to Open a Chart View Window,
Centered on the Location of This Anchorage:
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Aug 30, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Run in the Waterway from Charleston to Georgetown, SC
This is certainly good news for area boaters. We’d like to hear from others about boating conditions in your waters.
This morning took icw Charleston to Georgetown. No damage visible. No significant floating debris. Marinas at both ends doing well.
Skipper Tom Divers, aboard m/v Tanqueray
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Aug 18, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dock Is Ready for Use at Sanitary Fish Market (Morehead City, NC, near Statute Mile 205)

Sanitary Fish Market (Restaurant) has been a fixture on the Morehead Waterfront since my family first began coming here in the 1950’s. They are kings of fried seafood. For many, many years Sanitary has featured a dock for its patrons along the town waterfront just behind the restaurant The new, updated dock is now open to boaters.
As per 17 August 11, water at the new floating dock is 15ft deep at low tide. Tide runs 4 to 5 feet. Tie up at the floating dock is unassisted on a first come, first served basis (Grab it and Growl). $25.00/night if you eat dinner there. $1.00/foot if you do not eat there. The $1.00/foot applies when they are closed, the Sunday after Thanksgiving until the first Friday in February.
Jim Powell
Ted Garner, owner of Sanitary Seafood is a friend of ours and an MTOA port capt. He has made some renovations including putting a full service bar at the restaurant in addition to the outside deck. He is just waiting for the permits to put in a new floating dock at the restaurant which he hopes will be in by the end of June. So be patient it will come. In addition, he is a very accommodating port capt. for those who plan to be in the area a need any assistance.
Jane
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Downtown Morehead City Waterfront
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Aug 17, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Captain Charmine Comments on Reaction to Her Latest Florida Anchoring Rights Article
Captain Charmaine’s message below is actually a reaction to multiple comments received in response to her latest article concerning developments vis-a-via the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program in the Florida Keys (see /update-on-floridas-pilot-program-marathon-fl-mpac-meeting-held). However, I knew this article would get more visibility published as a fresh posting. so here it is.
If you are at all interested in the question of Florida anchoring rights, PLEASE read Captain Charmaine’s thoughts below. They are worthy of every cruisers’ time and attention!
Thank you all for your comments. Public outrage is exactly what is needed to stop this gross manipulation of the law by a few at the total dismissal of the expressed wants of the majority. It is even more stomach turning when one realizes the `chosen’ sites for the Pilot Program are mostly comprised of the same cities that have been caught red-handed enacting and enforcing illegal anchoring ordinances. They lost in court, yet they continue to flex their muscles once again by creating a ploy to go around existing law.
Law enforcement is caught in the middle of a political game and are being used to do the bidding of a few powerful people. The Pilot Program is a tool being used to dictate to law enforcement how to enforce the otherwise unenforceable. The politicians who backed the Pilot Program will distance themselves and run for cover once the general public grasps the enormity of the Pilot Program’s hidden agenda and total disregard for the protection of boats in navigation under the law. FL Statute 327.60(2) was written to shut the door on their attempts’“the Pilot Program does not have to adhere to that Statute. Does it make it right to concoct an instrument that circumvents existing law? The Right of Navigation includes anchoring.
Those who want to own the land and the water shall not succeed if we stand together to expose their greed and arrogance. Safety at sea is priority one. It should also be the FWC’s number one priority. Where it is permissible to anchor and for what length of time should not be a concern for any captain whose thoughts should be concentrated on safety first and foremost. This is a recipe for disaster. A captain may, in his or her haste to avoid an anchoring violation, leave an area under pressure when it otherwise would be prudent to stay. It is obvious that landlubbers who know nothing of why the Right of Navigation is imperative to safety, are the driving force behind the Pilot Program and its open door to enacting anchoring time limit ordinances.
Please write the FWC and send a copy of it to Boat US. Allow your objections to be on the record. It doesn’t matter where you live, as the waters of Florida are held in the Public Trust for all. There is power in numbers and we need to speak up. Tell others about this injustice. Our servicemen and servicewomen fight for the freedoms of others abroad, yet we are still fighting to retain freedoms among ourselves right here in America. That is a very sad state of affairs.
Tim’s comment made me recall this quote:
`The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government ‘“ lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.’ ‘“ Patrick Henry
Again, many thanks!
Charmaine
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Aug 17, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Update on Inland Waterway Provision Company Store in Oriental, NC, Statute Mile 181
We are delighted to learn that this well-known business in Oriental, NC will remain open. For years, it has been the place to get boat gear and clothing in Oriental. McCotter’s Marina, which suffered a devastating fire earlier this year, is located in nearby Washington, NC and is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
A new owner, McCotter’s Marina of Washington, NC has decided to restock and keep the Inland Waterway store open. The decision was made last Monday and it was open for the Memorial Day weekend. Stock will take a while to rebuild.
Skipper Jim Duggan
The Inland Waterway Provision Company re-opened in April of 2011 under new management. The folks from McCotter’s Marina (Washington, NC) are now running the store.
Captain Ben
And from the new owners:
Inland Waterway Provision Company, ICW Mile Marker 181
Newly re-opened in the heart of “downtown” Oriental!
Visit us for all your boating and fishing needs. We have marine hardware, electrical and plumbing components, cleaning supplies, charts, line, and safety gear. We are the local dealer for AB dinghies. We offer clothing, Sperry shoes, and nautical gifts.
If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can order it for you, usually with free overnight delivery on parts.
We can help you with fishing equipment, ice, and bait. The helpful advice is free!
Inland Waterway Provision Co. is conveniently located on the Oriental harborfront, right between the Town Dock (free dockage for 48 hours!) and the town anchorage. We have free loaner bicycles for visiting boaters.
We’re an Oriental landmark! Come see why.
Monday-Saturday 9-6, Sunday 12-4
Phone: (252)249-1797
iwpc@dockline.net
I am so glad that Inland Waterway is back in business and I really hope it can stay that way! Show them some love if you’re in town.
Jeffrey Sampson
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental, NC
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For McCotter’s Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of McCotter’s Marina
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Aug 9, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Marker Restored and Hazard to Navigation Removed On Bowlegs Cut, Florida Keys Inside Route (Staute Mile 1165)
A Week 31 LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS warned of an exposed I-beam in Bowlegs Cut, creating a dangerous situation in the passage and warranting a Navigation Alert on Cruisers’ Net. That danger has apparently been removed and the area returned to normal, as Capt. Grass assures us with his two passages.
Went through Bowlegs cut on August 5 and everything appeared to be back to normal.
Capt. Martin Grass
Currently anchored in Cowpens. I returned northbound through Bowlegs Cut this afternoon (8 August) at idle speed and everything appeared normal to me.
Capt. Martin Grass
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bowlegs Cut
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Aug 1, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments 34.0556,-77.92619999
Avoid Channel Leading from Cape Fear River Marker #41, to the AICW at Marker #162A, Just West of Snows Cut (near St. M. 299), 8/1/11

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The “channel” described in the message below leads from Cape Rear River marker #41, south and southeast until it rejoins the path of the AICW at marker #162A, just west of Snows Cut’s westerly mouth. In years past, this passage was navigable, but shoaling on its southernmost leg, northwest of #162A, has changed the status of this cut to “dinghies only.”
Coming south from Wilmington, Manfred is not the first cruiser to be tempted to try this shortcut channel to avoid going the extra 5 miles south and then northeast to rejoin the Waterway just west of Snows Cut. The three legs of the channel are charted at 11ft, 10.5ft, then 2ft!! Manfred is absolutely correct when he recommends this shortcut only to “zero” draft vessels.
We are declaring a Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Navigational Alert for this so-called channel!Cruising News:
Cape Fear River Shoal
Following the ICW from south to north, between St M 300/ St M 295 in the Cape Fear river. An excursion to Wilmington NC was made. Coming back to the ICW, from Wilmington, a small channel is marked from G41` to ICW R 162A` leading to the ICW, east of the main river channel.
At marker ‘ž1` we were on ground, showing 3 Â½ feet, 2 hours after high water. Calculating back to high water at this day, the depth would be only 5 Â½ feet. This passage can not be recommended at any time, only boats with “no” draft may use it with excessive care.
Skipper Manfred Rausch aboard SV Balimara, Bonn Germany
I too fell victim to this shortcut, having no problem navigating this at flooding tide going up river, tried it on the way back, and at red 4 found 3 feet needing 4. Sea Tow had to thread the needle to get to me with his motors tilted. Think markers need to be removed, or at least re-worked.
Skipper Mike Williams aboard s/v Chardonnay
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the Channel Running from Cape Fear River Marker #41 to AICW Markers #162A
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Jul 29, 2011by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Fort Pierce City Marina Waterway Cleanup Activities (Statute Mile 966.5)
Take a gander at the two photos Captain Ann Maurer of Fort Pierce City Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) sent along, showing the removal of a “tiny, little tire” from the nearby Fort Pierce waters. The good Samaritans who got this thing out of the water had to carry flotation with them, stuff the tire with these floats, and then tow it back to the marina. There, Fort Pierce Public Works Department had to employ a CRANE to finally remove the tire. Boy, talk about trash along the AICW! This must be some sort of first in the way of size!

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Gail Byrd - August 1, 2011 - 3:44 pm

We thought our crews brought in a large tire from the Intracoastal Waterway spoil island near the St. Lucie Inlet, but we will have to relinquish the award to you!
Gail Byrd
Reply to Gail
Jul 16, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Bio Diesel Now Available In the Florida Keys
Another GREAT article authored by the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Florida Keys Special Correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. How great to hear the story of how Bio Diesel is now available in the Florida Keys!!
July 16th, 2011
Bio-Diesel Fuel Company in the FL Keys
by Charmaine Smith Ladd
My dear friend, Captain Jack Burnett, has lived in the Keys for nearly four decades. We have known one another and have been truly “family” for nearly nine years. He loves to talk of old times in the Keys and has been a plethora of local knowledge for me since first landing here. During all that time, I’ve only questioned one thing he’s ever shared with me: the recommendation of using discarded restaurant vegetable oil for running September Sea’s Yanmar diesel engine.
Captain Jack has been running his 33-foot sailing vessel on the vegetable oil he obtains from local restaurant fryers for quite some time now. Vegetable oil from the fryers restaurants would otherwise discard is recycled by Captain Jack as he strains it and pours it into his boat’s fuel tank. He swears by it. He says his vessel actually has never run better!
Well, Captain Jack was absolutely right! The proof is now making big news as Marathon fisherman, Jeff Lillie, has recently put his brainchild, Marathon Bio-Diesel, on the map as the first bio-diesel fuel company in the Keys. It took him seven years to do it, but he’s well on his way as the word spreads of the advantages of using recycled vegetable oil instead of diesel. Buyers use it not only to fuel their water crafts, but also as fuel for their automobiles and tiki torches! Some begin by using a 50% ratio of the bio-diesel with regular diesel. Many soon find, sometimes after some minor modifications, 100% bio-diesel is their fuel of choice! Captain Jack made no such modifications and uses 100% vegetable oil with no problems for years.
It’s a different way to “Go Green,” that’s for sure. But Green is always a good thing when helping to preserve our natural resources.
This writer must admit that the aroma of french fries while motoring is a remarkably refreshing improvement over the smell of burning diesel fuel. Besides…smelling french fries is almost as good as eating them; and inhaling involves no caloric content! Ha!
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/12/2315460_fill-it-up-with-biodiesel.html#storylink=addthis
Charmaine Smith Ladd
SSECN Special Correspondent, Florida Keys
“Bringing you the low down from down low!”
Charmaine@SeptemberSea.com
Thank you for mentioning us in the Cruisers Net. We look forward to fueling up those who make it to the Florida Keys.
Nancy Kukkue
http://www.marathonbiodiesel.com
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