 North Carolina AICW
I. Important - Severe AICW Shoaling Reported at Browns Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 237  We are sorry to report that the troubled section of the North Carolina AICW, south of Swansboro, NC, where the Waterway passes behind the twin mouths of ultra-shallow Browns Inlet, is shaping up to be the #2 "Problem Stretch" for the fall, 2012 transient season. Georgia's Little Mud River will always be #1 until the day comes it's FINALLY dredged!
This past week, we published not one, not two, but three  articles authored by fellow cruisers about how the shoaling at this twin intersection has worsened! THESE SAME REPORTS ALSO CONTAIN SUPERB ADVICE TO HELP CRUISERS KEEP TO THE BEST DEPTHS POSSIBLE!
So, if you are cruising south on the AICW this fall, or if this stretch of the AICW is one of your regular, year-round haunts, run, don't walk to:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=96937
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Eastern Florida
II. Sunken Vessel near Mandarin Holiday Marina, Off the St. Johns River in Mandarin, FL
 Located south of Mandarin and Orange Park, FL, along the eastern shores of the St. Johns River, and on the north side of Julington Creek (just west of the Route 13 fixed bridge), Mandarin Holiday Marina has long been a stop for cruisers plying the beautiful St. Johns. Now, in an article cherry picked from the latest Local Notice to Mariners, we learn of a sunken vessel in Julington Creek that is a real cause for navigational concern!
 Check out the full details at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=97033
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 Western Florida
III. Cruising The Southwestern Florida Coastline With a 5-foot Draft
 Here's an interesting discussion, linked below, which originally appeared on the American Great Loop Cruisers' Association Forum (an organization we continue to heartily endorse) about cruising the western coastline of the Sunshine State, between Sarasota and Captiva Island, with a 5-foot draft.
My experience, having researched this coastline since 1991, is that 5-feet of draft will be fine for most marinas and many anchorages. There are some exceptions, and if your vessel has 6-feet of draft, it can start to get a bit tricky!
 One the messages contained in this string is authored by our good friend, Captain Chuck Baier, former General Manager for Waterway Guide. Chuck's remarks are particularly useful.
All Western Florida cruisers will find some really superb information here! So, please check out:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=96985
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 North Carolina
V. Carolina Beach Mooring Field Once Again Considered, Captains Mark and Diana Report (Statute Mile 295)
 The newly established Carolina Beach Mooring Field, just south of Snows Cut, has been getting a lot of electronic ink here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net of late. First, we published an article that was partly critical of this facility (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=95509), followed by a laudatory look at the field (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=97015").
Now, we are fortunate to present an in-depth article by our strategic partners, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides. With all this data in hand, cruisers can now make an informed decision as to whether the Carolina Beach Mooring Field is a good spot to spend the evening, or not.
Check out:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=97141
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 Cruising Advice
VI. From Boat/US: Boaters Overstaying Their Welcome Could Find Themselves in Hot Water with the Tax Man
 We are very fortunate to have reprinted an important article, originally released on September 11, 2012, about cruisers and taxes, authored by our very good friends at Boat Owners of the United States (Boat/US). By the way, this is one of several organizations that we firmly believe ALL boaters should join! Each and every boat owner/cruiser should spare no effort to take a detailed look at:  http://cruisersnet.net/?p=96863
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 South Carolina
VII. Good Visit to Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers' Net. And now, there's even more GOOD news.  Take a gander at: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=96939
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 VA to NC
VIII. Norfolk Southern #7 RR Bridge Closed to Navigation For Two Days in October, AICW Statute Mile 5.8
This troubled railroad span, normally in an open-to-navigation position, crosses the Waterway south of marker #22, just south of Norfolk, VA, and parallels the Glimerton Hwy Bridge. "Repairs" are in progress, and are going to necessitate two daily closures right in the heart of the fall, 2012 transient season. Fall migrators must plan accordingly.
Learn all at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=96860
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 North Carolina
IX. Southport Marina Has Dredged (Statute Mile 309)
Now, here's some GOOD news for both southward leaning snowbirds and year round southeastern North Carolina cruisers. SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina now features some seriously improved depths.
See just how deep at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=96897
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 Eastern Florida
XI. Stiff Currents at San Pablo/Atlantic Boulevard Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 744.5
Linked below is a warning message from Captain Duane Ising about some SWIFTLY moving water that I have had the misfortune to experience for myself multiple times over the years! I once made a gel-coat repair shop in Jacksonville very happy as result of passing under the San Pablo/Atlantic Boulevard Bridge. But, that's another story for another day!
Lest you also be so unfortunate, please read:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=96943
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 VA to NC
XII. No More Tax-Free Diesel for Transients at Tidewater Yacht Marina, AICW Statute Mile 0, Norfolk, VA
Well, what was once a sweet, tax free fuel deal at Tidewater Yacht Marina, is no more. This facility is located on the west side of Town Point Reach in the Norfolk, VA harbor, hard by AICW mile zero. Luckily though, the authors of the below linked article, our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle of "On The Water ChartGuides" fame, provide an excellent alternative.
Full details at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=97175
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 Southeastern USA Cruising
XIII. Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier Publish "The Great Book Of Anchorages"
 Susan and Chuck are good friends of, and frequent contributors to, the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net. Captain Susan is the former editor of "Waterway Guide," where Chuck was General Manger. More recently, Chuck has been doing stellar work for MarinaLife and, of course, the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net.
We are pleased to help promote their new, paper publication, "The Great Book Of Anchorages." This is the first volume in an eventual six volume series.
 Coupled with Mark and Diana Doyle's superb two-volume "AnchorGuide for the Intracoastal Waterway," not to mention the wealth of professionally researched data in the Cruisers' Net's various Anchorage Directories, the cruising community now has almost an embarrassment of riches when it comes to professionally gathered resources on where to drop (and NOT drop) the hook! LOTS more details on Susan and Chuck's new book at:
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 Florida Keys
XIV. What Constitutes "Secure" Overboard Discharge Valves in the Florida Keys
 ". . . for many years now, all of the Florida Keys (Monroe County) waters have been a NO DISCHARGE ZONE. That means, among other things, that ALL vessels must regularly pump out their waste tanks, and Lectra San type devices are NOT acceptable. And, along with these long-time regulations, comes the possibility of legal boardings by any law enforcement agency to make sure that overboard discharge vales are PADLOCKED SHUT and all other MSD regulations are being observed!"
 In response to these remarks, Captain John Cover recently chimed in with a well considered observation and question about what really constitutes a "Secured" Overboard Dishcharge Valve in the Florida Keys. Well, we may just have the answer for that question.
If you are going to be cruising the waters of the fascinating Florida Keys, we strongly suggest you get the full story at:
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