In This Issue
I. Serious AICW Shoaling At Intersection with Southern Ponce Inlet Channel (Statute Mile 843)
II. Steep 275% to 1025% North Carolina Boat Fee Registration Increases Proposed
III. Good Dining and Beer In Downtown Sarasota, Florida (off the Western Florida ICW at St. M. 73)
IV. Famous "Bucksport Sausage" Is BACK, And Bucksport Marina Spring Fling Planned For April 5-7 (Statute Mile 377)
V. Worrisome Shoaling at AICW/Shallotte Inlet Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 330
VI. Restrictions to Navigation on St. Lucie Canal/Okeechobee Waterway Lifted as of March 7, 2013
VII. Entrance Channel into Tween Waters Marina, off Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 14
VIII. Report from Islamorada Anchorage, Florida Keys Inside Route Statute Mile 1160
IX. Amelia Island Yacht Basin (St. M. 720.5) Offers SUPER Winter Into Spring, 2013
X. Breakwater Construction Underway at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, AICW Statute Mile 778
XI. How Would You Like To See This When Coming On Deck
XII. Is Maule Lake An Anchorage???? (Off the AICW at Statute Mile 1077.5)
XIII. St. Johns River Cruising News
XIV. Frightening Collision Story
XV. IMPORTANT - More on Marker/Charting Confusion and Increased Shoaling on AICW's Passage Through Georgia's St. Andrew Sound (St. M. 690)
XVI. Bayview Reef Being Expanded on Pamlico River, well off the AICW, near Bath Creek
XVII. Charleston In-Water Boat Show Slated For April 12-14
XVIII. Newfound Harbor Northern Anchorage Off-Limits to Masted Vessels, west of Hawk Channel, Outside Route Statute Mile 1207
XIX. Completion Delayed on Snows Cut Bridge Repairs, Carolina Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 295.7
Old Port Cove Marina Eastern Florida

I. Serious AICW Shoaling At Intersection with Southern Ponce Inlet Channel (Statute Mile 843)

 
Jekyll Harbor Marina We have recently received multiple reports of serious AICW shoaling at the intersection of the Waterway, and the southern channel leading to Ponce Inlet, hard by marker #18 and a few miles north of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This shoally section of the Eastern Florida AICW is shaping up as possibly the #1 trouble spots for the spring, 2013 transient season in the Sunshine State.

Several years ago, there was major shoaling at this intersection, but dredging relieved the problem. Now, it looks as if these shallows have developed again. ALL AICW cruisers need to be on maximum alert when navigating these waters!!!

Be SURE to check out the FULL story at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106815




Inlet Marina - St. Augustine FL  
Longboat Key Club Marina North Carolina

II. Steep 275% to 1025% North Carolina Boat Fee Registration Increases Proposed

Fort McAllister Marina An important Action Alert concerning all recreational boat owners in North Carolina was sent to all NC Boat/US members this weekend.

March 8, 2013
Dear North Carolina Boat/U.S. Member:
The North Carolina General Assembly is considering legislation that would significantly increase registration fees on recreational boats to raise revenue for coastal dredging projects. BoatU.S. is dedicated to preserving access to waterways but S.B. 58 places an unfair financial burden on recreational boaters while ignoring the responsibility of commercial fishing boats and for-hire charter fishing and Isle of Hope Marina headboats.

Read all of the Boat/US Alert, and learn much more at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108683
Charleston City Marina Winter, 2012 Dockage Specials Western Florida

 

III. Good Dining and Beer In Downtown Sarasota, Florida (Western Florida ICW at St. M. 73)

 

Sunbury Crab Company OK, listen up out there all you Western Florida cruisers. If you would like to discover a really good spot to unwind and slake a healthy appetite after a long day on the water, then run, don't walk, and follow the link below.

This dining attraction is a bit far from Marina Jacks/Marina Operations (the leased city marina in Sarasota), for walking, but it's only a very quick taxi ride away. Sounds like the effort will be more than justified.
New Smyrna Beach Marina
Learn all at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108246
Bucksport Marina South Carolina     

IV. Famous "Bucksport Sausage" Is BACK, And Bucksport Marina Spring Fling Planned For April 5-7 (Statute Mile 377) 

Palm Cove Marina 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, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!

The ONLY negative thing we have heard about the new regime, is the FORMER absence of the famous "Bucksport Sausage" for sale in the on-site ship's store. AS YOU WILL READ IN THE ARTICLE LINKED BELOW, THAT OVERSIGHT HAS NOW BEEN REMEDIED! So, as you pass up the Waccamaw River (AICW) this spring (or anytime), be SURE to Vero Beach Municipal Marina stop and sample this delightful treat!

Check out:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107295

And, there's even more reason for northbound snowbirds and year round South Carolina cruisers to make the acquaintance of Bucksport Marina this spring. A really terrific sounding Spring Fling is slated at this facility, April 5-7, 2013. Check out full details on this festival at:
North Palm Beach Marina
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108635
North Carolina  
 
V. Worrisome Shoaling at AICW/Shallotte Inlet Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 330

Above, we directed you to information about what could be the #1 AICW Problem Stretch on the Eastern Florida coastline during the spring, 2013 transient season, at the intersection of the Waterway and southern Ponce Inlet. Now, unfortunately, we must also relate what will almost certainly prove to be the worst stretch of the AICW in North Carolina during this same time period.

Marineland Marina The typically troublesome intersection of the AICW and Shallotte Inlet, in extreme southeastern North Carolina, required dredging twice in 2011 and, despite the success of those projects, it seems that these waters are once again all too shallow.

Reading between the tea leaves, it appears as if the AICW channel, as it passes behind Shallotte Inlet, has shoaled on the ocean (southeastern) side. That is usually where shallowing begins at this intersection!

Westland Marina We STRONGLY urge ALL northbound cruisiers AND year-round Tar Heel captains to follow all the links below, and learn more:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=99913

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=103433

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107519
Staniel Cay Club
And, may we also suggest you check out these waters entry in our "AICW Problem Stretch Directory" at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=5482

Okeechobee Waterway

VI. Restrictions to Navigation on St. Lucie Canal/Okeechobee Waterway Lifted as of March 7, 2013

Harbortown Marina - Merrit Island, FL For the last several months, an ongoing construction project on the St. Lucie Canal section (east of Stuart, Florida) of the Okeechobee Waterway was effectively closing the Waterway from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily. Completion was originally scheduled to for March 11, 3013. Happily, that event has already occurred.

Learn the full story at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108612
Coconut Club Yacht Club Western Florida 
 
VII.  Entrance Channel into Tween Waters Marina, off Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 14

Hammock Beach Resort & Marina Tween Waters Marina is a popular marina and resort complex, overlooking the eastern shores of Captiva Island, north of Sanibel Island. This facility's entrance channel from the Western Florida ICW's run through Pine Island Sound, can be a bit tricky for those not already familiar with this passage.

In a just published article, Captain John Savage gives some good advice as to how best to make a successful entry into Tween Waters. Check out his words of wisdom at:
Adventure Yacht Harbor
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107521
Gulf Harbour Marina Florida Keys           

VIII. Report from Islamorada Anchorage, Inside Route Statute Mile 1160, Upper Matecumbe Key.

  

St. Petersburg Municipal Marina Islamorada Anchorage is found in Barley Basin on the northwest side of Upper Matecumbe Key, north of Little Basin and southeast of marker #86. Lor-e-li Restaurant, Cabana Bar and Marina, which figures so prominently and deliciously in the report linked below, lies within dinghy distance, southeast of the anchorage on Upper Matecumbe Key. 

 

Fort Myers Municipal Marina Learn why you may very well want to drop your hook in these waters by visiting: 

 

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108669

Amelia Island Yacht Basin 2 Eastern Florida

IX. Amelia Island Yacht Basin (St. M. 720.5) Offers SUPER Winter Into Spring, 2013 DOCKAGE DEALS FOR SSECN USERS

Southwest Florida Yachts The entrance channel leading to Amelia Island Yacht Basin (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR), cuts into the AICW's eastern flank, immediately north of the Kingsley Creek Railway Bridge, and just south of Waterway marker #13 (and the principal Fernandina Beach waterfront)!

These good people are offering a SUPER TRANSIENT DOCKAGE DEAL for the spring, 2013 transient season! AND, BY FOLLOWING THE LINK BELOW, AND MENTIONING TO THE MARINA PERSONNEL YOU SAW THE OFFER CONTAINED THEREIN, THE DEAL GETS EVEN Twin Dolphin Marina BETTER!!!!!!

Don't dare miss visiting:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107099
Legacy Harbour Marina Eastern Florida

X. Breakwater Construction Underway at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, AICW Statute Mile 778

Port St. Joe Marina The city of St. Augustine, Florida has finally begun its long anticipated breakwater project to protect wet slips at the city marina. The beginnings of this project have been reported in several nautical mail lists, BUT we have photos of the project, courtesy of Captains Glen and Jill Moore.

Read all about it, AND take a gander at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108337
Fort Myers Beach Anchorage Florida Keys  

XI. How Would You Like To See This When Coming On Deck 

Regatta Pointe Marina Speaking of photos, you MUST take a look at this week's winning image, courtesy of Captain Tom Farley. Capt. Tom took this pic while anchored by Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, on Valentine's Day of this year.

How would you like to stumble up the companionway, and see all this bearing down on you?????
Rivera Dunes Marina
Check out:

http://cruisersnet.net/category/photo-of-the-week/

Intracoastal Yacht Sales Eastern Florida

XII. Is Maule Lake An Anchorage???? (Off the AICW at Statute Mile 1077.5)

Port City Marina Maule Lake is located off the AICW via a narrow canal between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. This sheltered body of water has long been used as an anchorage by visiting cruisers, though there have been claims for many years now that these waters were "private," and anchoring "is not allowed."

The hottest discussion currently underway on the Cruisers' Net concerns whether a navigable body of waters such as Maule Lake can be declared "private" and, thereby, anchoring disallowed. This lively string of messages includes a note from the "trustee" who claims to "own" the lake.

International Marine Service Others, as you will see, seriously question whether such private ownership is legal or possible. Even if you don't plan to anchor on Maule Lake, all this makes for interesting reading. Check out what others have already said, and register your opinion at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=58864

Froli Sleep System Eastern Florida

XIII. St. Johns River Cruising News

Once again, we've had a whole collection of interesting cruising stories/news articles concerning the magnificent St. Johns River, recently published here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net. Spring is perhaps the very best season to explore this storied stream, so, if your time allows, plan to spend a few days or a few weeks poking your bow into as many of the St. John's nooks and crannies as possible:

Georgetown, SC A. Free Dock at Welaka, Florida (St. Johns River, between Palatka and Lake George) - The old Floridian community of Welaka guards the St. Johns' eastern banks south of Palatka and north of Lake George, between markers #48 and #50. I must admit I did not know there was a free city dock here, but that ignorance is now in the past. Please go to:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108289

Kadey Krogen Yachts B. New St. Johns River "Marina" Facility (Astor, Florida) - The author of this informative posting is Captain Bobbie Blowers. Over the years, Captain Bobbie and I have exchanged much information. She is an excellent observer and a superb writer.

It has been my experience that the sorts of "fish camp" type facilities she describes in the article linked below, can be real finds for cruisers. Of course, if you prefer all the amenities, this is probably not the place for you, but those of us who cherish the feeling that every puff of wind, or turn of the screw, carries us a bit farther from the maddening crowd, may find Parramore's absolutely delightful!

Key Lime Sailing Club For the full story, go to:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108269

C. More on "The Crab Shack" on Sixmile Creek (off the St. Johns River, south of Green Cove Springs) - There was a recent discussion on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) list about the famous Crab Shack Restaurant, just off the St. Johns River, south of Green Cove Springs. Over the years, we've had many postings here on the Cruisers' Net about this WONDERFUL place to slake a healthy appetite. From time to time, though, it's good to recall this St. Johns River dining attraction! So, please go to:
Deep Point Marina
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107901

D. Julington Creek Anchorage, off the St. Johns River Between Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs - Julington Creek is a wide stream that intersects the eastern banks of the St. Johns River, east of marker #15. In addition to the anchorage described in the article linked below, two marinas are also located here.

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107928

Washington NC Eastern Florida

XIV. Frightening Collision Story   

On Sunday, 3/3/13, a frightening story surfaced about a 50 foot Hatteras yacht that was apparently run down by some sort of large, commercial vessel, in the open sea, off the St. Johns River and Mayport Florida. The article linked, below, which includes several updates, makes for sober reading!
Pilot House Marina
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108249
Elizabeth City, NC Georgia

XV. IMPORTANT - More on Marker/Charting Confusion and Increased Shoaling on AICW's Passage Through Georgia's St. Andrew Sound (St. M. 690)

Bald Head Island Marina This report originally appeared on the SSECN during the fall of 2012. We have moved it back up to a current posting, as additional information has just been received, which confirms the earlier navigational advice originally presented in this posting. We STRONGLY suggest that ALL northbound snowbirds, and year round Georgia cruisers, study the complete text at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=94169

Mile Marker 0 Marine Supplies North Carolina

XVI. Bayview Reef Being Expanded on Pamlico River, well off the AICW, near Bath Creek, NC

Bennett Brothers Bayview Reef is a NCDENR estuarine reef consisting of 28,000 tires located in the Pamlico River, a short jog southeast of Bath Creek's southerly entrance. The reef is marked by markers AR-291A, B, C and D and the chart notation: Obstruction Fish Haven. This "reef" is being expanded, and may now pose a risk to navigation. For further information, please visit:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108678
Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center South Carolina

XVII. Charleston In-Water Boat Show Slated For April 12-14 At Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC

Check out the full press release, and all the details for Charleston, South Carolina's largest boat show at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108160
Shores at Spooners Creek Florida Keys

XVIII. Newfound Harbor Northern Anchorage Off-Limits to Masted Vessels, west of Hawk Channel, Outside Route Statute Mile 1207

Check out the "shocking" reason that this popular anchorage, located off Hawk Channel between Marathon and Key West, is off limits to sailcraft and other tall vessels!!!!
River Dunes Marina
Full details at:

Albemarle Plantation Marina North Carolina

XIX. Completion Delayed on Snows Cut Bridge Repairs, Carolina Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 295.7

Coinjock Marina Cruisers' Net has had a Navigation Alert posted since December for Snows Cut Bridge which crosses the canal of the same name that connects the Waterway between Masonboro Sound and the Cape Fear River, at Statute Mile 295.7, west-southwest of marker #161. The reason for this "Nav. Alert" is a construction project WHICH HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A DECREASE IN THIS FIXED SPAN'S VERTICAL CLEARANCE. The completion date of this project has now been delayed.

Dowry Creek Marina Find out how much lower you can expect this span to be, and the new completion date at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=108127

That's all for now. Good luck and good cruising to all!  

 

McCotters Marina Claiborne S. Young 
Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net 

          
 
 Anchorage Marina     R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks Edenton North Carolina City Docks Manteo Waterfront Marina
  
Southport MarinaToucan Grill Dolphin Cove MarinaMorehead City Yacht Basin