Baby Dolphin Plays in the Wake Jill Moore DeFever 40 “Last Dance” St. Andrews Bay, December 2012 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

The US Army Corps of Engineers has heeded input from the cruising and Florida business communities. The planned closure of the Okeechobee Waterway’s Moore Haven Lock (thereby closing the entire Okeechobee Waterway) has been delayed until May 14! This past fall, there was an uproar, both within the cruising community, and in the Florida business [...]

To submit photos to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, please attach your image as a JPG file to an e-mail, and send to CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net 2011 Weekly Winners A Happy Boat Jacksonville Blues Staniel Cay Sunset Christmas Eve Sunrise on St. Lucie River Belhaven Sunrise at the Docks Thanksgiving, 2011 Feast at St. Marys Foggy Morning [...]

It being Presidents Holiday, I was unable to get dates for the shad gill net season from the SCDNR, but I will add the dates ASAP. In the meantime, watch for these local fishermen and, as usual, give their small boats a very slow, no wake pass! As a kid, I helped my Dad and [...]

The surprise of the annual FLIR/Raymarine Miami Show dinner-and-demo cruise was the introduction of a higher-end M-Series camera with two-axis gyro stabilization and other enhancements. You can download the M-618CS brochure here, and also see a video illustrating how well it corrects the camera for pitch and yaw (but not roll). I saw it action on the otherwise calm-water cruise thanks to a clever motion-simulating mount FLIR engineers came up, and the stabilization seemed quite effective. The M-618CS — along with its sibling,  the Raymarine T470SC — also has a color low-light camera with 10x optical zoom. Plus its 640×480 resolution thermal sensor has a 18°x14° field of view that differs from existing M-Series models, and is purportedly able to detect a person overboard at 4,000 feet. Though even the online discounter prices are north of $33,000, I’m pretty sure that the M-618CS is the least expensive stabilized thermal camera ever…

Bahia Mar Yachting Center is located along the Waterway’s eastern banks, south of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard bridge. Heads-up on security here. Arrived a few days early to attend Trawlerfest Feb. 2-4 2012. Tied up on H dock north marina. Very gusty winds that day/night, 25-30kts N-NE. Middle of the night woke up to [...]

A simple exhaust fan can do a LOT to keep the galley cool, by removing cooking heat and steam. Here’s one that you can install in seconds — no holes in the boat and low power draw!

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There’s NEVER a dull moment at this SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! I hope you all enjoyed your Valentines Day, the weather certainly Co-operated with us. Thus far it has been a beautiful week. This weekend rain is expected Saturday evening and 70% chance of rain on Sunday. Seas are expected to 3 to 4 [...]

After hurricane Irene, the entrance to Sumner Point marina Rum Cay Bahamas, has shoaled in on the starboard side and is rather narrow but deep. One needs to enter through the posts. We are a catamaran with 14 ft beam and had no problem. A sailboat with 6 ft draft entered after us on a [...]

Those of you who have been following the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida sections for some time are probably tired of hearing me say it, but it’s worth one more repetition. If you get six veteran cruisers together, who have already crossed the Big Bend on several occasions, you will get at least eight [...]

Marker #3A, from which the shoaling reported below (cherry picked from the Local Notice to Mariners) extends into the Charlotte Harbor/Peace River channel, lies just north of the Punta Gorda waterfront, and a short hop northwest of the marked entry passage to Fishermens Village Marina. While most of us can cruise through 7-foot soundings without [...]

Buttermilk Sound connects the Altamaha and South Altamaha Rivers south of where the Waterway crosses Altamaha Sound. As you will see in our Chartview, there are already a number of Navigation Alerts due to shoaling through the area. The range markers Roger mentions begin at Mile 660 and take you very close to the missing [...]

I used to get so frustrated with stuck zippers on the boat. I finally found a cheap product that eliminated the problem!

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Most cruisers visiting Tampa Bay set their course for St. Petersburg, time after time. Tampa, while it boasts some “city” docks around Harbour Island and the adjacent convention center, does not offer much in the way of power and water connections, nor shoreside amenities. However, Captain Tom Ulanski, who, as he notes in the message [...]

For cruisers planning offshore travel, these maneuvers range from .5 mile to 15 miles offshore: SEACOAST-FLORIDA-FORT LAUDERDALE-PORT EVERGLADES: US Navy Operations. The US Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) will be conducting surface maneuvers within a period beginning 7:00 am February 26 to 6:00pm March 2, 2012. The M/V Richard L Becker operated by [...]

Looking for a boat or boat gear at bargain prices? Here’s your chance! The 3rd Annual Martin County Nautical Flea Market & Seafood Festival will be held April 27-29, 2012 at the Martin County Fairgrounds 2616 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart FL 34996-4007 In today’s economy, the Martin County Nautical Flea Market & Seafood Festival will [...]

This notice is a concern only for captains that pilot vessels needing more than this span’s closed, reduced vertical clearance of 61 feet. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (US 17) crosses the Cape Fear River off the AICW in Wilmington, NC, a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers. NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – [...]

Many cruisers believe, and I would not argue with them, that, cruising south from Miami, real Florida Keys cruising (not to mention that “Florida Keys state of mind”) does not begin until you reach Jewfish Creek. There are two marinas on this small, but important stream, and Anchorage Resort guards the easterly banks. I have [...]

This past fall, there was an uproar, both within the cruising community, and in the Florida business community centered on the cities of Stuart and Fort Myers, concerning an Army Corps of Engineers plan to close the Moore Haven Lock from September, well into November, in order to install Manatee protective devices. Due to the [...]

The canal-like entrance channel leading to Lambs Marina cuts east from the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Route’s trek through Pasquotank River, south of Sawyers Creek and north of the charted railway bridge. We have always been impressed with this facility’s wonderfully sheltered harbor, its on-site fresh seafood market, and the generally friendly attitude that cruisers can [...]

Here’s a quick note from what we believe is one of the nicest facilities in the Loggerhead Club Marinas chain. This facility lies just off the AICW, north of Vero Beach, and, having recently visited here, we can say with some authority that the showers and swimming pool hard by the dockmaster’s office, are really [...]

The year of 2011 was a real challenge for one of our favorite marinas along the central North Carolina coastline. In January (2011), a disastrous boat fire swept through part of McCotters Marina, destroying any number of vessels. Many of you subsequently participated in the Cruisers’ Recovery Fund sponsored jointly by the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ [...]

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 http://cruisersnet.net/?p=79332). John’s words, as they usually do, speak eloquently for themselves! Claiborne: I sent the following message to the chamber of [...]

Speaking strictly for yours truly, I have no problem with any of Captain Long’s remarks below, except I would point out that it was only because the FWC refused to permit St. Augustine to enact a 10 day anchoring limit for their waters outside of the mooring field, that we now have a far more [...]

South of Palatka, FL, what was once supposed to be the “Cross Florida Barge Canal” intersects the St. Johns River’s western shoreline, south of the “Seven Sisters.” This always environmentally controversial project was abandoned back in the 1960′s, but a dam was constructed on the Okalwaha River, and one lock was put in place on [...]

Keewaydin Island is just south of Naples and Gordans Pass is a narrow channel connecting the Gulf to channels into Naples Bay. Shoaling has been recently reported in Gordan Pass prompting a Navigation Alert for the channel. FLORIDA-WEST COAST-GORDONS PASS-KEEWAYDIN ISLAND: Construction Operations. Florida Marine Construction will commence operations on or about February 13, 2012 [...]

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 [...]

Customs and Border Protection Decal – Renewal Lead Time Now Running 60 Days For cruisers planning to head to the Bahamas this year. I just spoke to the Customs and Border Protection – Decal Renewal office in Indianapolis. Because of reduced government staffing, their processing time is currently running 4-6 weeks from the time they [...]

Don’t have a refrigerator? freezer? or want more space in yours? The Engle line of portable refrigerator/freezers and drop-in units might be the answer — several TBG readers highly recommend them!

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This dredging project is scheduled for the West Turning Basin on the north side of the Canaveral Barge Canal well east of the Waterway. The Canaveral Barge Canal intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894 and navigation in the Waterway will no be affected. However, cruisers joining the Waterway via the Barge Canal should be [...]

The Coast Guard is inviting comment on this proposed 3-day boat race on the Waterway in Stuart, FL. Contact information for comment is at the end of the LNM. Stuart Causeway is a Martin County Park near Ocean Blvd. Bridge crossing the Waterway at Mile 985. The effect of spectator boats and race boats on [...]

I’d already gotten some details on the several interesting new products Garmin is announcing today — and was excited about sharing them — but it wasn’t until late last night that I had any inkling about Garmin’s acquisition of Interphase Technologies, a pioneer in phase array forward looking sonar (FLS). Wow!  The deal means that Garmin will soon have a new and unique arrow in its quiver of MFD network sensors and that FLS for fishing and navigation will get some of the attention I think it’s always deserved. It’s not just that Garmin will market the Interphase technology better, but that the technology will no doubt be easier to use and to afford when integrated with Garmin displays. It will probably work better too…

Gulfport is a wonderful place to visit on the Sunshine State’s western coastline. There are all sorts of good restaurants, art galleries and very interesting small shops in downtown Gulfport. This little community is truly delightful. The city marina resides on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay and is easily accessible from the Western [...]

This article concerning completion of the new mooring field in Carolina Beach appeared in the Island Gazette last Wednesday. We reported the plans for this new mooring field, located between markers #4 and #5, last November. Wednesday, 08 February 2012 By WILLARD KILLOUGH III Managing Editor CAROLINA BEACH – The Town of Carolina Beach is [...]

Yes, indeed, this is GOOD news, and we have confirmed that the AICW/Shallotte Inlet dredging project was indeed completed in early February, 2012. So, for at least a few months, depths and shoaling should not be a problem at this critical intersection. No guarantees six months from now! 1/20/12 9:30 AM Good news, we got [...]

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 [...]

I just visited River’s Edge Marina myself a few weeks ago, and found it a quiet, competent facility, with a very popular restaurant on-site. This facility lies on the northwestern shores of San Sebastian River, north of marker #29. Quality is fitness for use. St Augustine’s River’s Edge Marina is a quality marina. Equally important, [...]

After repairing my diesel and tackling a few other projects, my Allied Seawind looks very happy in Wrightsville Beach, NC s/v Saga Keith Sullivan

Dealing with trash and garbage can be a headache — it’s amazing how much we generate just in a single day. Here’s how we learned to compact it . . . and no, we didn’t have a trash compactor!

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It doesn’t matter that the Paradox Marine I’ve enjoyed visiting at past shows has changed its name to GOST (for Global Ocean Security Technology); I bet they’ll still be showing off some interesting new tech in Miami this week. And probably more important is how knowledgeable and sophisticated GOST has become about the nuances of marine security over the years. Experience is a great teacher, and GOST’s has been accelerated because its home turf of South Florida has endured a plague of boat bandits who are pretty knowledgeable themselves. Can you spot the telltale professionalism being exhibited on the Contender above as it blasts toward Cuba, probably for a load of drugs, or with a load of cash, or both?…

To submit photos to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, please attach your image as a JPG file to an e-mail, and send to CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net 2011 Weekly Winners Jacksonville Blues Staniel Cay Sunset Christmas Eve Sunrise on St. Lucie River Belhaven Sunrise at the Docks Thanksgiving, 2011 Feast at St. Marys Foggy Morning at Carters Cove [...]

This project was originally scheduled for September to November of 2011 and was delayed due to lobbying by a number of boating groups and commercial organizations who reasoned that those months were traditionally very heavy traffic times. April to May is sure to encounter the same reasoning and objections. See link below for earlier postings. [...]

The Boatyard at Hampstead, NC, is on the west side of the Waterway at Marker #90, 1 mile north of Harbour Village Marina and 1 mile south of the Top Sail Beach swing bridge, adjacent to Anchors Away Boatyard. Their phone is 910-270-2194 We used The Boatyard at Hampstead during a recent boat sale while [...]

Loggerhead Club Marina lies west and a bit south of the ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #122 in Vero Beach, FL Very clean marina. Always uniformed staff ready to help. They have one of the best hurricane holes on the east coast. New Publix opening in Sept. 2012 1/2 mile away. They have reduced rates for seasonal [...]

Two Way Fish Camp is on the South Altamaha River’s southerly shores (west of the Waterway’s unlighted daybeacon #216A), a short hop east of the 35-foot fixed bridge and is the home of some of the largest alligators you will find outside the Okefenokee. Stopped here in February 2012. It is 4.2 miles off the [...]

In 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 [...]

The Raymarine e7 that’s been in the Panbo lab for a few weeks is proving itself quite able and well designed, but I’ve come across enough little glitches and omissions that I think it’s also a good test of the new Ray’s ability to push out software fixes and improvements. That chart window above, for instance, should be showing
spot soundings. Now it could be that I don’t have the chart presentation set up right, but even if that’s true, I suspect the menus involved can be improved to help a user like me. On the other hand, that screen shot is from an iPad streaming the e7 over WiFi, and that feature not only works well but continues to intrigue…

If you have a double sink, you can easily make one side into a dish drainer — great if you’re doing dishes underway (or in a rolly anchorage) as dishes are contained and can’t fall to the floor!

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Here is a fellow boater looking for local knowledge. If you have suggestions, please reply here. Thanks! Trying to find some posts describing the best options for routes from fort Myers to Miami both inside and out. I’m making the voyage for the first time the end of this month (weather permitting) I’ve plotted a [...]

The missing marker detailed below lies on the north side of a westward turn in the AICW’s run through South Amelia River, between marker #33 to the east and marker #37 to the west. Daymark R34 just south of St Mile 725 is missing. Stay close to G33 to avoid the shoal. I found out [...]