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 [...]