Waterway Updates

Here is a new anchorage courtesy of Hanley Clifford, s/v Destiny

AIWW mile 769.0, {5.2}, Tolomato River (331241): North or southbound, when abeam R”42” turn northeast toward shore. Go about half distance between mid-channel and shore and turn northwest into pocket behind charted shoal until roughly abeam G”41”. Anchor roughly 30 00.11 N, 081 20.23 W. in approximately 12’.

Please refer to page 39, mile 55.0, St. Louis Bay, and make these corrections.

The charted clearance for the railroad swing bridge is 13 feet, not 11. Also, the highway bascule bridge has been replaced by a high level fixed bridge, charted clearance 85 feet.

Refer to page 64, Mile 577.5, St. Augustine Creek. The commcercial traffic refered to is actually a sight seeing charter operation out of Bull River Marina. Perhaps the “heavy” is a bit overdone. We have received input from Hanley Clifford, s/v Destiny, that this anchorage is quite useable as is Turner’s Creek. Bull River Marina provides dinghy access and the use of marina facilities for $10/day. This update will be incorporated into the next revision in the fall of 2011.

Refer to page 81, mile 68.6, Stickney Point Bridge. The operating hours are Year-round, 6am to 10pm, opens on the hour and every 20 minutes thereafter.

Refer to page 79, mile 87.2, Cortez Bridge. The correct operating schedule is from May 16 to Jan 14, 6 am to 7pm, opens on the hour and every 20 minutes thereafter. Jan 15 to May 15, 6 am to 7pm, operates on the hour and half-hour.

Many thanks to Glen and Jill Moore aboard m/v Last Dance for these updates.

Page 54, mile 388.9. The Thoroughfare Creek Anchorage has been discovered and is now a very busy place on weekends, particularily at the beach. Lots of ski boats, jet skis, wakeboards and loud parties. Hate to see this one go.

Page 52, mile 337.9. A new high rise bridge has replaced the former Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge.

Page 51, mile 309.0. The Southport City Dock is a fixed dock and at low tide the depth is reported to be 4 feet. The Provision Company Dock is a floating dock with additional depth.

Page 45, mile 159.8. “Hoboken” Cut should be “Hobucken” Cut.

Page 43, mile 104.4. Tuckahoe Pt. anchorage. A small marker with red flag has been placed to mark a shoal at the entrance to the anchorage.

See page 52, mile 337.9, Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge. Delete all text pertaining to this bridge. It was replaced by a high rise bridge in December, 2010.

Alan and Susan Harris aboard His and Hers sent along these updates.

Page 21, mile 339.5. Steve’s Landing was destroyed by Hurricane Ike and has not been rebuilt.

Page 23, mile 266.0. Saint Nick’s Marina was destroyed by Hurricane Riate and has not been rebuilt.

Page 31, mile 57.5. The new dock master for Houma is Ray, phone 985-665-6035.

Page 33, mile 0.1. The bridges are reversed. The RR bridge is closer to the Harvey Locks.

Page 37, mile 7.5. The bridge is a lift bridge, not bascule.

Page 41, mile 87.5. The best phone number for the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor is 228-436-4062. This is the harbor master.

Many thanks to Alan and Susan.

Refer to page 104, St. Johns River.

The following was submitted by Henry Evans aboard Queen Ann’s Revenge.

Mile 95.1 Welaka- Bryant’s Landing is the free public city dock. Floating with small boat slips on the North side and room for two cruising boats on the south side. 10’ dockside. No water or power. This is not limited to day use only. There are no posted limitations, but a local told us there was a three day limit. Two good Restaurants ( The Palms – Café Bleuu and Shrimps R US Too) , convenience store, pharmacy and package store within 6 blocks. Also, The Welaka Maritime Museum there is well worth the $5 donation and is only 4 blocks from the dock.

Please not the following change for the St. John’s River.

Page 73, mile 77.5. The Gator Landing Restaurant is now know as Corky Bell’s Seafood and Steak.

Please note the following changes for the Okeechobee Waterway.

Page 36, Sunset Bay Marina and Anchorage. The rate for a mooring ball is now $15.00 per day, $275 per month.

Page 74, Indiantown Marina does not have a courtesy car.

Page 87, Riverhouse Marina. Change the phone number to 863-946-2892.

Page 37, River Forest Yachting Center has a new location in La Belle at approx. mile 93.5. I am obtaining marina details.

Page 37, River’s Edge Motel no longer accepts transients.

Please note the following changes for North Florida.

Page 32, Ft. Pierce City Marina. A new dinghy dock is located in the NW corner of the basin.

Page 30, St. Augustine Municipal Marina. The mooring fields are now complete. Fee is $20/ day.

Please note the following changes for the St. Johns River.

Page 39, Green Cove Springs now has moorings available at $10/day.

Page 82, Crystal Cove Marina. Change the phone number to 386-325-1055. Also, on page 74, the on-site restaurant has closed.

Refer to page page 79, mile 89.2, Anna Maria Bridge. The correct charted vertical clearance is 24’. Operating hours are May 16 to Jan 14, 7am to 6pm, opens on the hour and every 20 minutes thereafter. Jan 15 to May 15, 6 am to 7pm, opens on the hour and half-hour.

Refer to page 77, mile 878.2. In January 2011 the Titusville City Council voted to build a mooring field which will be located north and south of the marina entrance. There initially will be 75 moorings accomodating boats up to 60’ The project isscheduled to be completed by summer.

Page 91, mile 63.8, Three Rivers Lake. The lat/lon shown for the anchorage is incorrect. The correct lat/lon is 31 17.099 087 57.466.

Thanks to Mark Huffstutler aboard “Alpenglow” for this correction.

Cocoa Village Marina, address error.

On page 90 of the subject publication, the address for Cocoa Villlage Marina is shown as 93 Delannoy Avenue. The correct address is 90 Delannoy Avenue. We apologize for this error.

On page 62, Marina Profile, Morningstar Marina at Mayport is listed as having shower facilities. This is incorrect. There is a restroom, available during working hours, but not a shower. Future plans call for shower, laundry and pump-out facilities.

We apologize for the error.

Page 48, mile 233.6. The text should read as follows:

 

Mile 233.6, {2.5}, Bear Inlet:  Caution:  Shoal near marker G55 on the Green side moving into channel. Favor Red side when passing the entrance to Sanders Creek and G55.

Courtesy Ken Kurlychek, Mary T

Page 80 Mile 812.9 The text should read as follows: Mile 812.9 Flagler Beach: On west side south of R20A are two underdeveloped canals. They offer good protection for an anchorage with trees on both sides. Variable holding. Enter the southern most of the two canals and favor the south side…

A new blog in Georgetown Harbor has come on the scene with information on moorings, pump out, local events and more. The Elizabeth Harbor Management Blog may be found at http://ehmgmt.wordpress.com/

Changes to page 42.

Just in time for the cruising season, the Bahamian government has decided to adjust fees for boaters. The duty for leaving your vessel permanently in the Bahamas has been changed to 10% for all vessels. Previously the fees were 27% for vessels under 30 feet and 6% for vessels over 30 feet. Clearance fees for boaters have also changed. Previously 4 persons were covered under the $150.00 fee (for vessels under 35 feet), or $300 (for vessels over 35 feet), but under the current change, only 3 persons (over the age of 6) will be covered. An additional $20 is due for each additional person, this was $15, and the new departure tax has also been increased to $20, which was also $15. I hope this is not too confusing. A vessel clearing in for the second time in 90 days is subject to a $30 transportation fee each for the Customs and Immigration Officers.

The following is from page 73:

Mile 744.5, {5.0}, Pablo Creek, (331211):  Leave ICW midway between G19 and the bridge and head east. Anchor opposite buoy in 12’.  Recommend two anchors due to tidal current switch. More exposed to wakes than 744.2 above.   

 

 We have received a report from a S/V that shoaling east of G19 makes this approach unuseable. At low tide the shoal is exposed.  The approach to this anchorage south of G17 is still open and useable. The vessel used this anchorage in November 2010.

Please refer to the text on pages 73 and 74 re St. Augustine anchorages. In June 2010 the city completed and opened a new mooring field that basically eliminates all anchoring in the vicinity of St. Augustine. There are three mooring fields; San Marcos, north of the Bridge of Lions, Menendez, south of the bridge, and Salt Run. Rates are $20/day for Marcos and Menendez, $15/day for Salt Run. Rates include use of the marina facilities.

Two corrections on bridge clearances on the St. Johns River, page 102.

Shands Bridge at mile 45.8 should read 45 not 47.

Florida East Coast RR Bridge at mile 19.2 should read 5, not 6.

Immigration Changes.

This was just published on The Eleutheran News site, http://www.eleutheranews.com/national/1193.html , and this from Director Jack Thompson……

“(Nassau, Bahamas) – In recent weeks a number of queries have been lodged with the Department regarding length of stay for Canadian, American and British nationals in The Bahamas.

*All bona fide visitors (nationals) from the United States, Canada and United Kingdom are landed at all ports for thirty (30) days.

*Visitors from the aforementioned countries are allowed to remain in The Bahamas for a period up to eight (8) months.

*Stay periods are approved following an interview with an Immigration Officer(s). In instances where visitors are desirous of additional time, an extension should be requested.

*Visitors arriving by Pleasure crafts are required to complete the requisite forms and are allowed to remain in The Bahamas for up to eight (8) months. This policy also applies to the Home Owners.

*The Department of Immigration encourages all foreign homes owners in The Bahamas to apply to the Department for a Home Owners Card in accordance with the International Persons Land Holding Ltd. The Department is ever mindful of its mandate to welcome genuine visitors while safeguarding our boarders against undesirables.”

So this means that 30 days is the rule. For those lucky enough to get more, you have received a bonus, but everyone can not expect to receive more than 30 days. Have a great season.

The Alligator River Marina has increased their rate to $2/ft, $1.75 with BoatUS discount. Electric is $7. Internet is hard wire.

Tim Ramsey

Refer to page 79, mile 897.8. We received an email on May 31, 2011 stating that the free public dock is gone and the dinghy tie up area has also been removed.

Please refer to page 101, mile 17.7, Metropolitan Park.

Water (no charge) and electric ($8/day) is now available.

Please refer to page 78, mile 878.1, Titusville.

The West Marine Express has closed.

Please refer to page 75, mile 785.2.

In October 2011 a sailboat on a mooring was reportedly in this anchorage. Also, at low tide the depth in the anchorage was 4.5 feet.

Please refer to page 75, mile 786.2, Butler Beach.

The entrance just below green “43” has reportedly shoaled in. In October 2011 a vessel drawing 4.5 feet ran aground twice at low tide.

Please refer to page 62, mile 34, Watkins Glen, Village Marina.

The marina contact is Terry Stewart, 607-742-5100. In addition, they no longer sell gas.

Please refer to the bottom of page 28.

If the last paragraph the city of Chesapeake, VA is incorrectly refered to as Chesapeake City. We all know that Chesapeake City is located in NC and we apologize to the residents of Chesapeake, VA.

Please refer to the top of page 25 and the text about Lake Charles. The update to this paragraph was left out during the edit process. Please replace with the following:

The waterfron at Lake Charles has undergone a major makeover. The new L’Auberge du Lac Hotel, Casino and Marina is located at the southern mouth of Contraband Bayou as it empties into the Calcasieu River. A new waterfront promenade (Lake Charles Civic Center) and marina (Bord du Lac) on the SE shore of Lakes Charles has been completed. The marina is within walking distance of many restaurants and other attractions.

 

Please refer to page 109, Mile 89.0.

Glades Boat Storage has specials on a regular basis so you could call ahead or check their website for pricing and availability.

Please refer to page 23, Mile 267.0, Adams Bayou. This has become a provisioning stop for towboats who stop at the store near the bridge. This should no longer be considered as a potential anchorage. Do not consider laying on the barge dock either.

Please refer to page 29, Mile 96.0, Morgan City. It is not necessary for pleasure craft to contact VTS.

Please refer to page 23, mile 267.0, Adam’s Bayou.

We received this email on March 3, 2012.

We anchored in Adams Bayou. As we waited to be sure anchor set, a Tug Captain came by and told us that we probably didn’t want to anchor there since the tugs come up the bayou to provision at a store at the top near the bridge. We told him that the anchorage was recommended in Waterway Guide and he replied that the provisioning there was a new thing. It was too late for us to backtrack to the Intracoastal and find another anchorage. The Captain helped us by showing us an old shrimp boat to tie up to for the night.
Thought that we should share this information so some else doesn’t have a surprise. By the way, a tug went up the Bayou at daybreak - sure glad that Captain came by!
Sincerely,
Ozel and Maryann Cox
M/V Freya
AGLCA Member

Many thanks to Ozel and Maryann for the report.

Please refer to page 52, mile 329.5, Shallotte Inlet. This anchorage has shoaled in. The only deep water that exists is on the west bank north of red “76” and this will probably be occupied by shrimp boats. Vessels have reported they anchored just west of red “76”, not going into the creek but out of the intracoastal channel. Two anchors were used due to the strong current.

Please refer to page 114, mile 107.4, Washington, DC.

The last sentence states that you will be required to use 2 anchors. We have been advised that this is no longer a requirement.

Please refer to page 115, Capital Yacht Club. According to a cruiser report in October 2011 there is now a $15.00 charge per day for the dinghy dock. This includes showers and free internet, plus the use of the laundry facility and lounge.

Please refer to page 81.

The following bridge is missing from the text.

Mile 368.3, US Highway 278 Fixed Bridge, 53’.

Many thanks to Phil Johnson.

Refer to page 52, mile 337.9. The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge has been replaced by a high-rise (65’).

Refer to page 61, mile 536.0. The Ladies Island Bridge temporary schedule is - Mon through Friday, except Federal Holidays and weekend, year-round: closed 7am to 9am and again at 11am to 1pm. also closed from 4pm to 6pm. At all other times it opens on the hour. From 6pm to 7am opens on demand.

Refer to page 65, mile 592.9. A high-rise replacement for the Skidaway Bridge is under construction.

Refer to page 33, mile 196.2. The Cousteau Gallery and Museum has closed and this building now houses the offices and restrooms for the marina.

Refer to page 90, mile 49.7. The Mar-Good Resort no longer exists.

Please refer to page 20 and the text regarding Amsterdam’s Riverlink Park. The phone number for Dockmaster Bob Gallup has changed to 518-337-0228.

Refer to page 67, Fort Edward.

Fred Wehner who resides in Fort Edward has sent us this report on shoaling in the harbor. Many thanks Fred for your many contributions.

Two years ago the Fort Edward Yacht Basin was dredged to 12 feet, bank to bank and the entrance channel to about 7 1/2 feet. After running aground in there the other day, it appears this is no longer the case.

Recent major flooding has brought a lot of silt downstream and deposited it in the Basin.

Last night we took a boat out and put a measuring stick in. Here are the results:

The river rises and falls according to rainfall and other factors. so these measurements are based on the typical “pool level” of 120 feet, below Lock C-7. You can radio the lock operator and ask them what the “lower pool level” is.

The entrance channel is now at 6 and 1/2 feet between the bridges, the shallowest area.

The north-west corner of the basin, in front of the sheet-pile wall (the corrugated iron wall) on the left as you enter, is now badly silted in to a depth of only 3 feet or less. This shoal now reaches to the center of the river at that point. If you are anywhere near the gazebo, you need to exercise caution.

We expect this shoal to grow in future years and eventually extend down the entire Basin, right in the middle.

Boats leaving the pier at the north end should make their turn as a K-Turn, keeping your prop near the concrete pier wall.

The rest of the basin is 12 feet.

The shoal is gravel and sand so you likely won’t have prop damage but if you need a tow, the lock operators know how to reach me. Always be sure to have red wine aboard before running aground.

Fred
Tug 44

Please refer to page 75, mile 785.2, Matanzas River anchorage.

There is 1 mooring with a sailboat on it in this anchorage and it is the only deep water. The charted deep water is now only 4’ at low tide. We ran aground multiple times trying to find deeper water and we only draw 4.5’

Mike & Chris Link
SV Missinglink

Thanks to Mike and Chris for the update.

Please refer to page 85, mile 1014.2, Lake Worth.

The trash compactor at the rear of Publix is no longer available for use by the public. It is now fenced in and locked.

Thanks to Capt. Bob Kovach aboard Allez for sending in this update.

We have learned from the manager of Catskill Marina, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Irene, will not be rebuilt. Please deleted this listing which is on page 15.

Please refer to page 71, mile 716.5, Fernandina Beach. Many thanks to Ted G for this update.

Ted Stehle, editor

If you are having your mail forwarded to Fernandina Beach, FL., the address
in Skipper Bob is incomplete. You must add “Atlantic Avenue Station” to
your address or it will not get to the Post Office close to the marina.

Ted G
DeFever 44, Amici
Fernandind Beach, FL

Please refer to page 111, Mile 145.7.

The Publix supermarket has been replaced by the Sweetbay supermarket. In addition, another pharmacy has opend. The last sentence should now read, “15 minute walk to Sweetbay supermarket, 2 pharmacies, Ace Hardware, West Marine and other shopping.