|
ICW, Mile 552 to 713,
South Carolina and Georgia
2/12/10
CAUTION: It
is important to note that in all the shoaling reports listed below
that when we refer to the green side we are referring to the eastern
quarter of the channel and not just right up against the green marker. Likewise, the red side refers to that
quarter of the waterway west of the center line, and not just right up
against the red markers. The center
is the middle half of the channel.
All soundings reported from
mile 552 to 713 below are based on the USACOE report dated February 11,
2010. Only those portions that are below authorized project depth are
listed. The good news is that most of this area has a 7-8' tide and with
careful planning most vessels can traverse this area without problems
except at or near low tide.
ICW, Mile 568.5 to 569.9, Ramshorn Creek,
G37 to G39
Depths are 7.0’ MLW red
quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 5.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 572.2 to 572.6, Walls Cut, R42
to R44
Depths are 9.0’ MLW between
R42 and R44. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 572.6 to 573.3, Wright River, R44 to R48
Depths are 10.0’ MLW between
R44 and R48. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 573.0 to 576.0, Fields Cut, R48 to R50
Depths are 14.0’ MLW red quarter,
14.0’ MLW center channel, 12.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 575.0, Fields Cut
We
just transited Fields Cut at low tide and registered water less than 4.5
feet. Fields Cut is located just after you cross the Savannah River going
north. The shallow area is between the range marker at the south end of the
cut and the cement pilings on the east shore, roughly 100 yards of shallow
water. (5/9/10)
Be careful out there!
Todd & Brenda Lanning
Life's2Short
ICW, Mile 576.0, Savannah City Dock
to reinstate fees
The City of Savannah is preparing to once again
charge for overnight docking at the Riverfront Plaza facilities. Per a
phone conversation with Shawn Emerson of the Mobility and Parking Services
Department, the policy will be in place by the end of May. The rate will be
$1.50/ft. Day docking (3 hour limit) is no charge. Call 912-651-6477.
(5/17/10)
ICW, Mile 576.0 to 576.4, Elba
Cut, R2 to R4
Depths
are 2.5' MLW red quarter, 5.0’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green quarter.
(2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 576.4 to 576.7, South Channel, R 4 to R6
Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel,
12.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 579.5 to 580.8, Causton Bluff, G25 to R30
Depths are 6.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 9.0’
MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 580.8 to 582.8,
Thunderbolt, R30 to G35
Depths
are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 11.0’ MLW center channel, 12.0’ MLW green
quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 589.0 to 591.0, Isle of Hope, R46 to G53
Depths are 11.0’ MLW, 12.0’ center channel, 11.0’ MLW green
quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 591.0 to 594.0,
Skidaway Narrows, G53 to G71
Depths
are 12.0’ MLW red quarter, 12.0’ MLW center channel, 10.5’ MLW green
quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 592.0, Skidaway Narrows (New)
8/18/10
A
sailboat has reportedly sunk in approximate position 31-58.11N
081-03.10W in the vicinity of Skidaway
Narrows DBN 50.
ICW,
Mile 594.0 to 597.0, Burnside River, G71 to G79
Depths
are 10.5’ MLW red quarter, 11.0’ MLW center channel, 11.0’ MLW green
quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 597.0 to 601.4, Vernon River, G79 to G87
Depths
are 10.0’ MLW. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 601.4 to 602.4, Hells Gate, G87 to R92
Depths
are 7.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 5.0’ MLW green quarter.
(2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 605.9 to 608.5, Florida Passage, R98 to R102
Depths are 11.5’ MLW red quarter, 11.5’ MLW center channel,
11.5’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 623.9 to 629.3, Johnson Creek, G125 to G133
Depths are 10.0’ MLW red quarter, 11.0’ MLW center channel,
9.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 639.0 to 640.0, Front River, G151 to G153
Depths
are 10.5’ MLW red quarter, 12.0’ MLW center channel, 11.0’ MLW green
quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 640.0 to 642.9, Creighton Narrows,
G153 to G157
Depths are 7.0’ MLW red quarter,
9.0’ MLW center channel, 3.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 642.9 to 648.2, Old Teakettle Creek, G157 to G175
Depths are 11.0’ MLW. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 649.5 to 651.4, North River,
R178 to R182
Depths are 9.5’ MLW red quarter, 9.5’ MLW center
channel, 9.5’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 650.0, Doboy Sound, N4
There is a shoal south of N4. Stay
away from this marker. (12/6/09)
Richard Ross
Chez Nous
ICW, Mile 651.4 to 653.0, Rockedundy River,
R182 to R190
Depths are 6.5’ MLW red quarter,
6.5’ MLW center channel, 6.5’ MLW green quarter. 2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 653.0 to 656.4, Little Mud River, R190 to R198
At
half tide we saw mostly 10 ft. but sometimes 8.5 feet in mid channel.
Therefore at low tide expect that there may be as little as 4 feet.
(3/15/10)
Richard Ross
Chez Nous
Went
thru the Little Mud River on Monday, Jan.11 at high tide in our Nauticat
36. Depth sounder was reading zero for most of the passage. We could also
feel our 6' deep keel dragging in the soft mud for most of the passage.
Another boat with a 5' keel went thru at mid-tide. Based on depth sounder
reading they believe that their keel was dragging in 18" of mud.
(January 16, 2010)
Samuel D. Hanft
S/V Stella Maris
Nauticat 36
Depths are 2.0’ MLW red quarter,
3.0’ MLW center channel, 2.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 656.4 to 660.1, Altamaha Sound, R198 to G213
Depths are 5.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 7.0’
MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 664.5 to 670.4, MacKay River, G223 to G237
Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 9.0’
MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 680.9 to 685.9, Jekyll Creek, R 2 to G25
Depths are 0.5’ MLW red quarter, 4.0’ MLW center channel, 3.0’
MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW, Mile 683.0, Jekyll
Island
Severe
shoaling. Make sure that you run the reverse range from R16 to G19 because
of the shoaling. At G19 pass close to the mark - no more than 50 away. Start
the turn to port you do not swing too wide. Run a line between G19 and R20
that is 50 feet inside of R20. Hold that line carefully because the mud
bank comes out from both sides, especially on the north. This mud bank is
especially impressive. We spent most of Tuesday afternoon looking at it
while waiting for the tide to float us off the mud bank. This was the
result of starting the turn after G19 and swinging about 20 feet too wide.
At MLW the channel is only about 50 feet wide. If possible transit this
area on the rising tide and only at mid-tide or better. (January 16, 2010)
Samuel D. Hanft
S/V Stella Maris
Nauticat 36
ICW,
Mile 684.5, Jekyll
Island
See text in the anchorages book. Jekyll Harbor Marina now
charges $20 for dinghy dockage. (June 1, 2009)
ICW,
Mile 684.5, Jekyll
Harbor Marina
Change to Anchorages Along the ICW book. The charge for dinghy
tie up is now $20, not $8 as shown in the 13th edition. (May 27,
2009)
ICW,
Mile 685.9 to 687.1, Jekyll Sound, G25 to G29.
Depths
are 11.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.5’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green
quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 700.0 to 705.0, Cumberland Dividings, R50 to R66
At low tide we saw nothing less
than 6 feet from 59A to 63A. At the sharp turn near 60 and 60A the chart is
incorrect. Follow the markers and not the chart. (3/15/10)
Richard Ross
Chez Nous
ICW, Mile
700.0 to 705.0, Cumberland Dividings, R50 to R66
Refer
to NOAA Chart 11489. At aproximate mile 704 the magenta sailing line is
depicted on the incorrect side of red markers "60" and
"60A". In addition, shoaling has occured in the area as the
following cruising report points out.
"At
ICW mile 704, the water level (at low tide) is 2 feet on both sides of the
red buoy "60" and "60A" as well as into the channel
toward the green quarter. We draw 3 1/2 feet and could not get through the
channel. We were downbound and went aground on both the port and
starboard side of the reds. We think that if we had kept the red
marker a minimum of 75 feet on our starboard side we would have made it.
The channel is very narrow through the curve."
Otis
Brinn (October 20, 2009)
This
year (2008) we spent Thanksgiving in St. Mary's. Every day (for 6 days) we
heard boats on the VHF that were aground at marker 60 (where the Brickhill River
joins the Crooked River just above the north end of Cumberland
Sound). In that area, both the ICW chart that I use and my
chartplotter show the ICW magenta line running between the Red marks. That
is a BIG error, since there is a shoal on the Red side that comes at least
50 feet into the channel. There are 3 or 4 reds at this turn, all are
for the ICW, and you need to stay WAY off of all of them. (My
chartplotter shows me going over land on the green side at this
turn). I think people get confused here because they think that the
red mark that the magenta line cuts behind is a mark for entering the Brickhill River so they think nothing of
following the magenta line right onto the shoal. With the big tides in this
area, this is not a good place to run aground. (December 2, 2008)
Hoping this keeps a few cruisers in deep water,
Harry and Barbara Anne Oehler s/v Our Dream
ICW,
Mile 703.5, Cumberland River
At
the Brickhill River entrance to the ICW between R58A and G63, run a line no
more than 50 feet inside the green marks for 12 to 20 feet of water at
mid-tide. Running a course mid-channel will guarantee a grounding. The red
side is even worse. Two boats ahead of us reported the preferred course. A
Canadian boat with 6 foot draft did not get the word. They grounded in the
center of the channel. The island that shows on the chart does not exist.
There was also 12 to 20 feet where the island was indicated. (January 16,
2010)
Samuel D. Hanft
S/V Stella Maris
Nauticat 36
ICW,
Mile 705.0 to 708.0, Cumberland Sound, R66 to R80
Depths are 7.0’ MLW red quarter, 8.0’ MLW center channel and
9.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10)
ICW,
Mile 716.0, Fernandina Beach
Shoaling has been reported in the
middle of the channel in the vicinity of Fernandina Beach Buoy 1. Fernandina
Beach Temp Buoy 1A has been disestablish due to unmarkable shoaling
in the middle of the channel. Water depth reported as less than six (6)
feet at high tide.
ICW, Mile 728.0, Nassau Sound
Found depths of 9 feet in mid-channel (December 6, 2009)
Richard Ross
Chez Nous
We found skinny water north of Nassau Sound at Mile 728, Green
Day Mark #43. The shoal that lies east of G43 is building into the channel.
We admit to traveling at near MLW and at that time found and parked for a
while on less than 6' about 150' off the G43. There is as little as 3'
closer to the marker. We suggest favoring mid-channel to the red quarter at
this place. (May 13, 2009)
Wes and DeAnn Birdsong
s/v Liberty
Tayana 37 6' draft
ICW Mile 730.6, Nassau
Sound, Sawpit Creek
Depth 8.5 feet between G49 and R50. (December 6, 2009)
Richard Ross
Chez Nous
We found and bumped on less than 6' south of Nassau Sound on
Sawpit Creek at Mile 730.6, Green Day Mark #49. This day mark lies on the inside
of a turn with a hard rock bank on the west and grassy dunes to the east.
The shoal we bumped is building south from G49. We were being overtaken by
a biggish motor yacht and were a little too generous with the deepest
available water at or near MLW. We suggest favoring the red quarter close
to the hard bank to the west and favoring mid-channel when five hundred
feet south of the G49. (May 13, 2009)
Wes and DeAnn Birdsong
s/v Liberty
Tayana 37, 6' draft
ICW,
Mile 735.0, Ft. George River, NOAA
Chart 11489
We have received comments from cruisers that due to reported
shoaling this anchorage may not be useable. The report below was sent to us
on January 18, 2009.
We draw 5 feet and found that as long as you enter the river
on half tide or better then you have enough water. The anchorage is not
wide so between wind, current and tide swing could be an issue when the
tide is low and you have a deep draft. The park continues to improve and
the grounds are very nice. The dinghy dock opens about 0800 and closes at
1630. There are two trash receptacles. (January 22, 2009)
ICW, Mile 739.2, Sisters
Creek Bridge
7/28/10
Due to bridge repairs, the
Heckscher Drive/SR 105 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
(Sisters Creek) mile 739.2, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be on
scheduled half-hour single-leaf operations on August 10, August 12, and
August 19 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The vertical clearance on the down
span will be reduced by 13½ feet during the single-leaf operating period.
Charted clearance is 24 feet.
Keiwit Construction is performing repairs on the Heckscher Drive/SR 105
Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (Sisters Creek). This work
is expected to completed by April 2011. Nighttime closures of the bascule
span are expected for 1-2 weeks in October 2010.
ICW,
Mile 744.7, Atlantic Beach Bridge
At
high tide, tall mast boats should use caution at the
Salamander Ldg "65" ft. bridge. When nearby bridges had 63.5
ft.
clearance, this one only had 62.5 ft. clearance! (1/31/10)
Sarah Southworth
s/v Moonlight Serenade
ICW,
Mile 760.0, Tolomato River
Tolomato
River Light 23 has been destroyed and replaced with a Temporary
Lighted Buoy Channelward of Light 23. Light 23 remains below the surface
and a hazard to navigation. Be cautious when transiting the area. September
6, 2009)
ICW,
Mile 777.9, St. Augustine
2/25/10
The City of St. Augustine has established a
schedule for removing private moorings and installing 227 city owned
moorings in the surrounding waters. Four mooring fields will be
established: Menendez Mooring Field south of the Bridge of Lions, San
Marcos Mooring Field north of the bridge, and two mooring fields in Salt
Run. All private moorings within the boundaries of the fields must be
removed during March. Construction of the fields and a portion should be
operational by summer.
Owners of private moorings must remove them if they fall within the
boundary of the city field. Unattended or unused moorings will be removed
as follows.
March 1-7, salt Run
March 8-14, San Sebastian River area
March 15 - 21, Areas north and south of Bridge of Lions
March 22 - 28, Hospital Creek area
To view the city ordinance, click here.
To view the mooring field layout, click here.
ICW,
Mile 777.9, Bridge of Lions
6/10/10
SB
received the following update from Laurie Sanderson of the Bridge of Lions
Rehabilitation Project.
Thank you for your patience
regarding this issue. The contractor on the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation
Project finished taking measurements today. The tide gauge at the Bridge of
Lions measures correctly. The measurement is at low iron. You can expect
approximately three extra feet of clearance at the center of the bridge.
In regard to the clearance at mean high water posted on your website and on
other websites frequented by mariners, the Florida Department of
Transportation is concerned about making changes to the commonly accepted
mean high water measurement, because it may be the U.S. Coast Guard's
jurisdiction. However, we do maintain that the tide gauge at the Bridge of
Lions is accurate and measures at low iron.
I know this is not all of the information you were hoping for, but this is
the best information we can provide at this time. Thank you again for your
patience and your assistance on this issue.
Sincerely,
Laurie Sanderson
Public Information Officer
5/19/10
Laurie Sanderson of the Bridge of Lions
Rehabilitation Project informed WG that after their meeting yesterday the
contractor and all parties involved would be taking detailed measurements
and adjusting for tides, etc. and will provide everyone with a definitive
answer to the bridge clearance questions. In the mean time, anyone
transiting the bridge should assume the lower clearance of less than 25
feet and check carefully the tide boards for passage. As usual, if in
doubt, wait for an opening. We shouldn't be in that big of a hurry anyway,
right?
5/17/10
There
have been some reports from Boaters passing through the new Bridge of Lions
in St. Augustine, Florida that the bridge clearance for the new bridge does
not match the charted clearance. Since the Bridge of Lions is a replacement
bridge it was suppose to have the same clearance as the old bridge. But
apparently this is not the case and after a discussion with Laurie
Sanderson of the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project, there is indeed a
discrepancy.
According to the on site contractor, the new bridge clearance is indeed 22
feet MHW, and not the 25 feet MHW shown on the charts. The discrepancy is
up for discussion at a special meeting tomorrow, Tuesday May 18,2010, for
clarification. We will send out any more information as it becomes
available to us, but in the mean time, caution should be taken when
transiting the bridge until a definitive answer is found. Be Careful out
there.
ICW,
Mile 792.4-792.7, Matanzas Inlet Area
4/10/10
Thanks
to Ted and Nancy for this report.
We passed through this section of the ICW at low tide yesterday. We draw
4'10".
Never saw anything less than 7.9' EXCEPT between navaids 81A and 80B at the
mouth of the river. Saw 6.9' momentarily there. We anchored in the river
just below the Fort. Excellent holding. The current really smokers through
there so put out extra rode.
We have all chain rode and put out 90'.
One sailboat ran aground
yesterday after 1130 am...other passed through
uneventfully..This morning I noted another sailboat aground
FAVOR THE RED SIDE OF THE
CHANNEL.
Nancy McCarley
M/Y Aloha Friday
DF 44
3/24/10
Matanzas Inlet is severely shoal! Thanks to the crew of Palmetto Moon - and
especially the lazy cat, Alex - for their great information posted earlier
this week. Sanctuary and crew came through that shoal area yesterday at
noon, just off low tide. Their information was excellent and right on the
money.
To repeat, STAY WELL TO THE RED SIDE OF THE CHANNEL! THE CONTROLLING DEPTH
ON THE RED SIDE OF THE CHANNEL IS 6FT OR BETTER.
Headed north, as you approach the shoal area, stay to the west and pass
close to Red Nun R82. Ahead of you there will be a sweeping curve to the
east, and you will be looking at a relatively high (for Florida) sand bank.
That sand bank has large area of clear, white sand at the top, and an area
of scruff growth to it's east. Looking north, it also has a graceful,
sweeping curve to the east. Head for the east end of the clear, white sand
while keeping your stern aligned on Red Nun R82. Run to within 50' - 70' of
shore. Yes, 50' or so; and yes, that seems very close to shore! Then,
follow the curve of the shore line at that same 50' - 70' distance, all the
way around until you finally reach Red Nun R80B. 50' is probably better
than 70'...
Southbound, start at R80B and hug the sweep of that shore line at a
distance of 50' - 70'. When you come around to a point in line with R82,
head for R82.
STAY WELL TO THE RED SIDE OF THE CHANNEL. Mid channel carries less than 4'
at MLW, and the green side carries less than that. And oh, by the way, the
marked channel is narrow in this area, so a matter of just a few feet does
matter.
Yesterday (3/23/2010), we saw a short mound area that showed 6 ft depth,
but all the rest of the red side thru that 1/2 mile or so carried 8 ft or
more.
Someone asked about getting into the anchorage at Ft. Matanzas on the
Matanzas River. We did not do that, but the shoal area is on the ICW,
immediately south of the anchorage entrance, and not on the Inlet itself.
If you like that anchorage, I'd start from a point east and north of R80B,
and sound my way in carefully. That part of the ICW seemed normal to me,
and I would ass/u/me that access to the anchorage at the old fort might be
normal also. Be careful in this whole area!
Note: those who have done this route before know that the whole 15 mile
route from Matanzas Inlet to St. Augustine is shoal. Give the markers in
that are plenty of leeway. If you run from marker to marker, there are
places on long, sweeping curves where shoals extend into what you might
mistake as the channel. Keep a sharp eye on where the channel is actually
charted, and you'll be ok. Short cut those areas and you may well wind up aground.
One of those areas caught a blow boat yesterday.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
3/23/10
We came through the ICW passing Matanzas and ran aground soft twice. There
was already a sailboat aground and that made me slow down to idle. Our boat
is an Halvorsen Atlantique 50 with a 6.5 ft draft with full tanks. Lucky me
the tanks were only half full .
3/10/2010; Northbound; Marker "Red 82 stay to red --- "Green
81c", "Green 81b" stay far away to the western shore ---
"Red 80a" hug close --- "Green 81a" stay away to
western shore --- "Red 80"stay close ! I found my way drifting in
the faster moving water, at times I only had 4 inches under the keel. It is
a real mess and I will not attempt that stretch again until it is dredged.
I just came back from the BVI and going into the ICW gives me the chills !
Thank you again
Stephan
3/19/10
We
have has just received this update from Geoff and Pepper Holmes aboard Rosetta,
a 42' Grand Banks with 41/2 foot draft. If you are in the area please
send us your report.
The Jacksonville Coast Guard
is warning boaters about bad shoaling at the Matanzas Inlet crossing. Rosetta
traveled through the area on 3/18/10 and saw no less that 14 feet by
hugging the red markers. The local tow operator said he has assisted some
35 boats in the past few weeks who attempted to transit the area by staying
in the middle of the channel between the red and greens and subsequently
went aground.
2/14/10
Shoaling
that extends half-way across the channel has been reported in the
vicinity of the following aids: (2/14/10)
Matanzas River Buoy 81A
Matanzas River Buoy 81B
Matanzas River Buoy 81C
Matanzas River Buoy 81D
2/17/10
Please add this update for the
ICW in FL where ICW meets the Matansas River leading to the Matanzas Inlet
at Buoys G81A - G81C. The markers are WRONG and following them will
result in running aground. I traveled through this area on Wed. Feb.
17 heading south and began having problems at G81A but was able to continue
until I ran hard aground at G81C. I have a 6' draft and was approx. 2
hours past high tide. Tow Boat US informed me they have towed approx.
40 boats this year because the deep was is on the WSW side of the area and
not where the buoys are located. Another sailboat came through headed
north and ran aground between my boat and G81C. They were able to
produce enough heel with their jib to break loose. They tried again
on the WSW side (hugging the shore) and have no problem. I had no
such luck and had to wait until the next high tide and it was still an
effort by Tow Boat US to break me loose.
Reported by Janetta Walls on s/v
Sea Flame
ICW, Mile 803, Palm Coast, shoaling
Note: This is in the vicinity of the St. Joe Canal. Make
certain that you pass on the east (ocean) side of the marker. Do not get
confused here or you will run aground.
At
Marker 110, just south of Palm Coast Marina, SM 803, there is a significant
shoal building from the west. This was readily visible about 2 hours past
low tide but might be difficult to see at high tide. We stayed close to the
red and still only had about 5-6 feet at one point.
Chart 11485 (December 14, 2008)
Jane Stone, Loose Stones
ICW, Mile 840, Ponce de Leon
Cut
5/11/10
May 9th,2010 at 12:30 p.m. Going north on the ICW just past the George E.
Musson Coronado Beach Bridge at mile marker 845, went aground at
R18 and GRC in 4 feet of water. If heading north stay close to the red
marker 18. If you go in the middle of the channel you will go aground. Stay
clear of the red and green marker before 18Red.
Capt. Margaret M. Wagner
ICW,
Mile 876.6, JayJay RR Bridge
7/28/10
Work is scheduled to be done on
the NASA Railroad Bridge, Intracoastal Waterway mile 876.6, Brevard County,
FL. The bridge span will be closed to navigation from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
and from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. from August 10-12 and August 17-19 and
August 24-26. There will be a one hour opening from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. each day during the closures. The bridge will remain open all other
times.
ICW, Mile 878.9, Max Brewer
Bridge
7/28/10
From August 17 through August 19,
2010 - 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, the contractor has been authorized
to close the waterway due to the placement of the center channel beams across
the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. In the case of weather delays, the
contractor may need an additional day. Once the beams are in place the
minimum vertical clearance will be 65 feet at Mean High Water. The
clearance gauges for the new high-level fixed bridge will not be placed on
the new bridge until the old swing bridge is removed.
7/15/10
In order to expedite bridge construction and not unduly restrict
navigation; the Coast Guard Bridge Branch has authorized a temporary change
in the opening schedule. Effective July 6, 2010 the bridge will open on the
hour and half-hour from 7:00am to 7:00pm, seven days a week. At all other
times it will open on demand. The new bridge is scheduled to be completed
in April 2011.
ICW, Mile 894.0, Canaveral Barge Canal
7/22/10
The
closure of the Canaveral lock has been postponed until some- time in 2011.
The lock WILL REMAIN OPERATIONAL during the 2010 hurricane season. For
details see the 7th District USCG Notice to Mariners.
ICW, Mile 925.3, Rock Point
anchorage
Tonight
we are anchored behind the first spoil island per Skipper Bob. Holding is
excellent. Wakes from the ICW are not a problem, but there would
be little wind protection from any direction except NE to SE. There
are narrow uncharted shoals running due east to about 200 feet off the
southern tip of both the spoil islands. (2/20/10)
Bill and Kathleen Root
m/v Tucandu
ICW, Mile 940.0-955.0
5/9/10
Passed
through this area yesterday, May 8, 2010, at mid-tide. Stayed in the middle
of the channel the entire 15 miles. Never saw less that 10' of water.
Sal and Frank Bulkley
Fine Romance
2/10/10
We
encountered intermittent severe shoaling on the green side of the channel,
some to 4.5 feet, at SM 955 marker G 153, SM 950 marker R130-R132 and
SM 941 - SM 935, particularly marker R64-R62. Suggest favoring the
reds in this entire area. (2/20/10)
Bill & Kathleen Root
m/v Tucandu
ICW, Mile 964.9, Ft. Pierce
For
the past two years' transits through this area and today at low
tide, we saw no less than 11.6 ft. between N. Ft. Pierce Bridge and
the Inlet and thru the 65 ft. bridge. (2/20/10)
Sarah Southworth
Moonlight Serenade
Beneteau 50
6'3" draft
ICW, Mile
986.0, St. Lucie Inlet
5/17/10
St
Lucie Inlet (Staurt, FL) is shoaling to 2-3 ft at low tide on north side of
inlet 60 ft inside north jetty. Shoal extends into channel. Favor center
channel or south side (green) when transiting inlet.
Patrick Davis
ICW, Mile 987.8, St. Lucie River/Okeechobee Waterway
2/21/10
The dredging at the entrance to the St Lucie
River just west of the ICW (the Crossroads) has been completed and minimum
depths at MLW are 8 ft. Floating markers "2" and . "3",
along with "4" and "3A". have been relocated to mark
the dredged channel.
Jack Dozier
WaterwayGuide.com
DozierMarine.com
ICW,
Mile 987.8. Okeechobee Waterway, Lake “O”
7/22/10
The
US Army Corps Of Engineers has advised that navigation in an area
approximately 3.5 M past the Moore Haven Lock and directly across
from Structure C-5A in Moore Haven FL is restricted until September 1,
2010 due to the presence of a cable. The following is taken from the Corps
of Engineers Bulletin.
1. Mariners are hereby
notified to use caution when navigating the rim canal closure area. The
area is approximately 3.5 miles past the Moore Haven Lock and directly
across from Structure C-5A.
2. The cable across from
Structure C-5A will be present until September 1, 2010. The purpose of the
cable is to prevent vegetation from causing navigation and flood control
problems downstream near Moore Haven Lock.
3. Mariners should use
caution in the area due to potential of floating debris, navigational buoys
and the cable itself. Fishing and access to the area is still permitted,
however, the rim canal is not passable in this area.
Additional information is
available of the Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, web site.
ICW, Mile 1006.1, Indiantown
Road Bridge
Refer to the text in the anchorages book. We have received the
following update.
North
end of loop is mostly blocked by moored commercial boat. Only about
2-3' of water if you can squeeze by this boat. 3-4' just inside south
loop, but tricky getting in. Not really a good place to anchor.
The moored boat has been there each time (4) we've been past this point
this year. If that boat happens to be missing, you can anchor right
at the entrance to the north loop, but risk grounding if you enter the loop
itself. Inside the loop were two sailboats with lines strung from
shore to shore. (June 1, 2009)
ICW, Mile
1014.2, North Lake Worth Anchorage
Very quiet and well-protected. We entered by turning east
just south of G27 per Skipper Bob and following the channel around
behind the condos. there were quite a few boats there, mostly sailboats,
but we found plenty of swinging room in the northeast corner. Holding was
excellent, but winds were light. Anchor came up clean. 2/20/10
Bill and Kathleen Root
m/v Tucandu
ICW,
Mile 1039.6, Atlantic
Avenue Bridge
Refer to the text in the anchorages book. Pump out is now $2.00
for 3 minutes. (June 1, 2009)
ICW,
Mile 1069.4, Dania
Beach Blvd
Bridge
Charted clearance is 22’. A vessel with an air draft of 21.5’
reported to us that they struck the bridge in center channel. (June 1,
2009)
ICW,
Mile 1070.5, Sheridan St.
Bridge
Charted clearance is 22’. A vessel with an air draft of 21.5’
reported to us that they struck the bridge in center channel. (June 1,
2009)
ICW,
Mile 1072.5, South
Lake
Refer to the text in the anchorages book. We have received the
following report.
No
dinghy access on east side, new seawall all the way along there. You
can dinghy north past Hollywood
Blvd. Bridge
and use the private docks at either the restaurant or Joe's
Party Store, but you must patronize the establishment. (June 1, 2009)
ICW,
Mile 1077.3, Maule
Lake
Refer to the text in the anchorages book. We have received the
following report.
Maule Lake, very nice calm anchorage, but the
marina and store are now defunct and the docks all being
dismantled. No where inside old marina to tie dinghy as docks are
disconnected from shore and no trespassing signs are everywhere.
Entire shoreline is rocks and oysters, very difficult to beach
the dinghy. We did find one place in the NE corner in a
small bay along the creek that runs out of the lake, behind a restaurant,
but not easy to tie up and only room for one dinghy. We
searched the entire shore of the lake and it is private docks and
seawalls everywhere except where the shore is rocks and oysters. (June 1,
2009)
ICW,
mile 1080.0, Bakers Haulover Inlet
6/22/10
Severe
shoaling is reported on Biscayne Bay along the AIWW west of Bakers Haulover
Inlet. Current water depths reports at channel centerline at Biscayne Bay
Buoy 6B are:
Mean Low Water - 3.9 feet
Mean High Water - 6.2 feet
Water depths were reported on June 16, 2010 and MLW/MHW depths may decrease
as shoaling worsens.
The shoal has also caused the channel width at Biscayne Bay Buoy 6B to be
reduced to 40 feet. The Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District
advises the AIWW at Bakers Haulover is scheduled to be dredged on or about
September/October, 2010.
ICW,
Miles 1082.6 – 1089.0, Miami Beach
Just a reminder that Miami
Beach has an ordinance that restricts anchoring to
7 cumulative days in a 30 day period. We received a report from Carl and
Carrie Butler aboard Sanctuary that
the marine police are very diligent in enforcing this regulation. In an
emergency or if dangerous weather conditions exist you may request an exception.
ICW,
Mile 1096.0, No Name Harbor
Refer to the text in the anchorages book. We have received the
following report.
They now have a free pumpout station on
the seawall just past the entrance. Self operated.
Very good restaurant located along south seawall of the harbor. (June
1, 2009)
AIWW,
Mile 1140.0, Tarpon Basin, free dinghy dock (New)
8/26/10
New dinghy docks located at the public landing in the NE part of the cove.
Next to the Community Building is a park with picnic tables and trash cans.
Cruisers should use the dumpster near the Community Building for trash, not
the trash cans. In addition, make certain you latch the gates. The Community Building has WiFi.
ICW, Mile 1149 & 1153.
CAUTION:
Shoaling has been reported from day marker 64 south of Pigeon Key and 76A
& 78 south exit of Cowpens Cut.
Locals say Wilma moved the mud around and it is best to hug the
markers. (Feb, 2, 2007)
ICW, mile
1172.0, Channel Five, hazard to navigation
3/6/10
The
Coast Guard received a report of a vessel catching fire and was destroyed
leaving (2) 3ft x 3ft portions of burned fiberglass debris in approximate
position 24-50.158N, 080-47.00W and is marked by a Mooring Buoy
approximately (0.3NM) south of the Channel Five Bridge. All mariners are
advised to stay alert and transit the area with caution.
ICW, Mile
1215.0, Newfound Harbor Anchorage
Sailboats are no longer permitted to anchor in the
harbor between Little Torch Key and Big Pine Key south of US Rt. 1.
(January 1, 2009)
Florida, West Coast, GIWW
mile 57.0, Venice
3/9/10
The Venice City Council voted unanimously to
end free overnight dockage at Higel Park this afternoon. The dock will
remain open and free between 6AM and 12 Midnight, and anchoring is possible
in Roberts Bay just off the dock.
The was some discussion that a mooring field would be built in Roberts Bay,
with room for about 17 boats, a few of which will be allocated for
transient use. The field, however, is not expected to be operational until
about a year from now. There is also mention of a possibility that the dock
may be converted to a fee-based dock.
There was mention of 41 separate emails received from cruisers asking that
the dock remain free.
Bob Kunath
Sans Souci
Cruising Editor, Waterway Guide
Florida, West Coast, Mile
131.8, Belleair Causeway Bridge
Thanks
to Jim Stroh for this report.
The
vertical bridge clearance published on NOAA Raster Chart 11411-2 (updated:
05/15/2007) indicates a 21ft vertical clearance. Passing through the Intracoastal Waterway (northbound) on January 1,
2008, the tide was 1.39 ft below MHW as checked on NOAA’s website. In
theory there should have been at least 22.3 ft of vertical clearance (21
feet as indicated on chart + 1.39 ft for tide differential). However, there
was only 16.5 ft according to the scaled ruler on the bridge bumpers.
I
recommend mariners requiring specific clearances not the ruler readings and
depending on required clearances needing bridge lift take not of bridge
operational hours. (January 17, 2008)
GIWW Mile 165.0, EHL,
shoaling
12/3/09
Be
aware that the marked shoal on the green side of the channel, just past the
marina east of MM 165.0, extends farther out than charted. I suggest
favoring the reds MM 165.0 to MM 167.0.
Bill Root
M/V Tucandu
GIWW mile 290.8 EHL, Smack
Bayou, anchorage
We anchored in
Smack Bayou Monday night. Be advised that the charted 8 foot pool that is
around the point to starboard has two permanent mooring balls in the middle
and partially submerged wreck on the east side. We anchored west and
slightly behind the mooring balls in about 8 feet at mid tide. Protection
is excellent. However, there is some shoaling coming from the shore line,
so I would suggest anchoring ahead of the mooring balls in deeper water to
avoid swinging over a shoal.
An option is to anchor in the first pool after the entrance. A trawler was
anchored on the west side of that pool and seemed to do fine. Be aware
there is a partially submerged wreck at the far end of that pool.
Bill Root
MV Tucandu
(December 3, 2009)
Gulf Coast ICW, mile 223.0
EHL, Ft. Walton Beach
The Skipper Bob
Cruising the Gulf
Coast makes reference
to calling “Joyce Shanahan’s” office for permission to stay at the city
dock. The text should read “permission for one night’s stay can be
requested from the City Manager’s Office at 850-833-9504. (February 28,
2009)
Gulf Coast ICW, Mile 76 EHL, Ship Island
This island previously
provided nice anchorages and a pleasant spot for going ashore. However, we
have just received the following:
Not much is left
of Ship Island. What was several miles of
good protection from the South and East is now about 1/2 mile long with a
few denuded trees.
Sam and Ginger on svGrace
Obviously the recent hurricanes have all but destroyed it.
GIWW Mile 10.0 WHL, visible pipes
Numerous visible
pipes have been reported in the GIWW, near Mile 10.0, WHL, in approximate
position 29-46-25.8N 090-04-27.6W. The pipes are reportedly not marked.
Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area. (June 13, 2009)
Gulf Coast ICW,
Mile 668.4 WHL, South Padre Island
Correction to text on page 13, Cruising the Gulf Coast,
5th edition.
The power line referred to in the paragraph beginning with “North of R4” is
at the very north end of the anchorage. Do not proceed past the old
causeway and power lines. (June 7, 2009)
Corections/Additions to Guides.
Anchorages Guide,
14th edition, changes
Chapter
2, page 9, mile 40.8 (5): Capt. Mario Carrara reports that Hop-O-Nose
Marina no longer sells fuel. He also reports that the fee for stepping
masts is $4/ft and that the ships store had a very limited inventory. (4)
Capt. Carrara also reports that Riverview Marine Services mast fee is
$3/ft. (November 25, 2009)
Chapter
4, page 22, mile 13.0. Capt. Mario Carrara reports that Havre de Grace now
has a full jetty and a floating dock for dinghy access in front of the old
lighthouse. (November 25, 2009)
Chapter 4, page 27, mile 59.6, Galesville.
Moorings are no longer $15/day. Hartge Yacht Yard requests that you call
for rate: 443-607-6306. (December 16, 2009)
Chapter 4, page 33, mile 152.6 Jackson Creek. John Cummings aboard the M/V
Duetto reports: “don’t get near G”5”, shoal building out. Hug R”10” because
shoal on south side growing toward channel.
(November 16, 2009)
Chapter 6, page 53, mile 311.0, Pipeline Canal. John Cunnings
aboard M/V Duetto reports that this anchorage is now 2/3 full of private
moorings. (November 16, 2009).
Chapter
9, page 79, mile 835.5. Bill Root aboard m/v Tucandu reports that we have
not listed the fixed 65’ Port Orange (SRA1A) Bridge. (February 26, 2010)
Chapter
10, page 90, mile 1050.0, Hillsboro Blvd Bridge. The bridge opens on the
hour and half-hour, not every 15 minutes. Thanks to Peter and Claudia
Hornby on Nimue III for this update. (3/30/10).
Chapter 10, page 91, mile 1064.1, Las Olas Municipal Marina.
The fee for landing a dinghy at the marina is now $15/day, noon to noon.
(December 8, 2009)
Chapter 11, page 96, mile 1096.0, No Name Harbor. Bob and Elaine Lloyd
report that the anchoring rate is now $20 per day, up from $15.
(March
13, 2010)
Chapter 11, page 101, mile 1195.0, Boot Key Harbor. Bob and Elaine Lloyd
report that the mooring rates are now $21/day, $105/wk, $275/mo. (March 13,
2010)
Chapter 11, page 99, mile 1140.0, Tarpon Basin, new dinghy dock.
Many thanks to Capt Sterling for this report.
Tarpon Basin , Key Largo now has a Dinghy dock! The Government
center is allowing boaters to use the docks on Tarpon Basin, MM1140 on the
ICW, for shore access. (February 26, 2010)
Chapter 11, page 102, mile 1243.0, Key West. Bob and Elaine Lloyd report
that the mooring rates are now $16.56/day and $291.89/mo. (March 13, 2010)
Chicago to Mobile Guide, 4th
edition, error on page 50
Kidd River City Fuel Dock at Mile 51.9 on the Mississippi River is shown as supplying gas and
diesel. This is incorrect. Kidd
has diesel only. The error was corrected in the 5th edition.
We apologize for this error. (September 25, 2009)
Cruising
The Gulf Coast, 6th Edition,
change
The Fleming Canal Store, listed on page 33 at Mile 14.9, has
closed.
(November 25, 2009)
Double Bayou, listed on page 20. Test should read “East and
West Forks”, not legs. In addition, you should turn right into the “East
Fork”, not the “West Leg”. (November 26, 2009)
Erie Canal, 48 hour time limit at docks.
The
New York Canal Corporation has begun enforcing the 48 hour maximum time
limit on all corporation docks, including Waterford. Vessels are no longer
permitted to stay beyond 48 hours and pay a $10/night fee. Several boaters
have been ticketed in the past two weeks. Refer to the Canal Corporation
website for details. (September 6, 2009)
Erie
Canal, Mile 37.3, Amsterdam
The
Dockmaster at Riverlink
Park, Bob Gallup,
also manages the Riverlink Park Café.
The café has a new phone number….518-843-5300. Bob’s cell phone is 518-857-1961. WiFi is
also available. (August 8, 2009)
Rideau
Canal, Smith Falls, Victoria Park Campground & Dock
Page
34 of the Skipper Bob Rideau & Richelieu Guide, 11th ed 2009
states that the Victoria Park Campground & Dock accepts reservations. This
is not correct. Transient dockage is on a first come basis. (August 2,
2009)
Rideau
Canal, Village of Westport, Westport Harbour
Refer
to the text on page 32 of the 11th ed, 2009 Rideau &
Richelieu Guide. We have been informed by Westport Harbour
that they now offer 1000 feet of dockage, 30 amp electric, water and Wi-Fi.
The Harbour Master may be reached on VHF Channel 68 or by calling
613-273-8621. (August 3, 2009)
Lake Champlain, Knight Point
State Park
Page 65 of the Skipper Bob Rideau & Richelieu Guide, 11th
ed 2009 contains this sentence. “ An interesting attraction is the
performance of the Royal Lipizzan Stallions on North Hero
Island. Call Knight Point
State Park
(802-372-8389) for details”. This performance has not taken place in
several years and the reference should have been deleted. We apologize for
the error and any inconvenience this may have caused. (August 2, 2009)
Erie Canal, Baldwinsville, free dock
Many thanks to Seredipity for
this report. See page 33 of the 12th edition of the NY Canals
Guide for coverage of Baldwinsville.
Much
to our surprise when we arrived in Baldwinsville we found that the free
dock has power! There are 13 power posts installed along the wall and
floating dock. Those along the floating dock have two 30amp outlets and
along the wall they each have 2 50amp and one 30 amp each. All have one 15
amp also. The posts are set up for water, but it is not installed yet. We
also were treated to a concert from the amphitheater last evening.
Mitch and Carole with Annie
Serendipity
(August
6, 2009)
Note: Bob Williamson
on Legrace reports that there is a $5/night fee
For
20/30 amp and a $10/night fee for 50 amp. (August 12, 2009)
Erie
Canal, Utica, free dock
Many
thanks to Fet-Esch for this correction. We apologize for the error in the
New York Canals Guide.
We
just stopped at Utica
(Mile 99.7). Says it is Utica Marina FREE DOCK. Dock is $1.00 per
foot including water & electric. They say it's been like this for 2
years. It's on Page 25 of the 12th edition dated 2009.
John Esch
Fet-Esch
(August 6, 2009)
NOTICE: The information presented on this web
site should not be used for navigation. Mariners should have the latest charts
and USCG Local Notice to Mariners on their vessel when cruising. The information on this web site was
correct when first obtained, but may change with time as waterway shoaling
moves, new obstacles move into the waterway, etc. The information is provided only to alert
you to possible problems or changes in the waterway; not as an aid to
navigation.
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