There are two important facts to remember about aids along the Intracoastal Waterway: they run clockwise around the coast and they are uniquely marked.Because the ICW runs along the shore, the conventional adage of “red, right, returning from seaward” becomes unclear. ... 12 Sailboats Vie for Boat of the Year Honors. CHRIS CRAFT 36 CORSAIR: Couples Only. The tannin will stain the bow of your boat forming the famous "ICW Mustache". Both George Washington and Patrick Henry were greatly involved in the creation of the waterway through that area — since they had logging interests in the Dismal Swamp. The boat sleeps four, though most buyers — past and present — are couples. ICW or open water cruising in a houseboat by: Tug boat Capt. The most boat for the least money, these boats make for an excellent live aboard and extended cruising vessel. 15 - How to prevent the "ICW Mustache" When traveling down the ICW you will run into water with a lot of tannin, especially in swampy areas. When it’s safe to move your boat in front of the boat passed, accelerate to your cruising speed. Traveling the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway requires a good knowledge of all the various parts of the system: Reed’s Nautical Almanac is one publication that can guide you over the full length of the system. In some areas, just when it really starts to bore you, along comes another jewel that makes the entire length of the ICW worth cruising all over again. Maybe not the best for winning races but we didn't race anyway - we wanted a comfortable boat for long term cruising. There are many other Atlantic ICW Guides available on Amazon. Cruising the Gulf ICW in Texas. Charts of the ICW show a magenta line to use as a guideline between the red and green markers of the Waterway. The length of time it takes to cruise the ICW depends on your destination, the speed of your boat, bridge openings, and your cruising style. The route is properly called the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, or ICW, although it is universally referred to as “The Ditch” by boaters. Many portions of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway system experience heavy commercial traffic (as barges move around the country). Here’s the official NOAA Intracoastal Waterway map — plus helpful charts and a list of ICW marinas. [email protected] We headed out of Vero beach and made it to Titusville with no incidents. If you’re going to Marathon, FL, at mile 1193 in the Keys you have 1193 miles to go from Norfolk at Mile 0. In southern low country, strong tidal currents sometimes require using two anchors set in a Bahamian mooring system to reduce the swing of the boat while allowing it to move 180 degrees and face the changing current. A range is a navigation aid designed to help commercial vessels stay in the channel at long stretches of a river and at bends and curves in the Waterway. When on a road trip I want to reach my destination as soon as comfortably possible. I, on the other hand, am not such a person. Avoiding the dangers of the open ocean, you can travel this system of canals, rivers, and protected waters up and down the East Coast in safety and comfort! The beauty of traveling the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is the fact that a large cruiser isn’t required.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'thefuntimesguide_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',800,'0','0'])); Many modest sized boats make the journey quite comfortably. Set the unit to “Heads Up” mode so the screen reads zero at the top and 180 degrees at the botton. A cell phone operates in most stretches of the waterway except in some remote areas where service can drop. Communicate with a boat you want to overtake on the VHF or a horn toot (one for a starboard pass, two for a port pass). These boats tend to be a no-frills option to the houseboat category with practicability built in mind. The wind has been south at 15-20+ with small craft advisories since last Saturday. An air draft of 16 feet, 11 inches and a water draft of 3 feet, 5 inches are acceptable. You stay in the channel by steering the boat so the heading marker is aligned with the marker off the bow, and the EBL is aligned with the marker you just passed. How To. Call the lockmaster on Channel 13 and request to lock through. far, cruising the ICW is an adventure. When you approach a lock, you’ll see an arrival point with instructions to wait for a green light to enter the lock. Along the way they meet cruisers from the East Coast and delivery crew on mega yachts following the sun, many bound for the Bahamas and Florida ports of call. After sailing the Chesapeake, and we begin cruising south down the intracoastal waterway, which is called the ditch, or the ICW. You will be able to … Authorized by Congress in 1919, the Intracoastal Waterway system is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. The galley includes a two-burner cooktop and oven, refrigerator, twin sinks and storage. For example, in North Carolina going south the ICW channel enters the Cape Fear River. Populated areas are a virtual house walk of elegant mega homes, many with elaborate boat houses and boats while small cottages dot the shoreline in more remote areas. Essentially it is just a series of day trips, and each year thousands of cruisers make the run. Affectionately known as “The Ditch,” the ICW is a highway for north and southbound East Coast cruisers, and an east-west path along the rim of the Gulf of Mexico. “There are small ships, and tall ships, and ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, so here’s to you and me.” Anonymous. The numbered red and green marks line the shoreline of the Waterway. With our boat’s crew of two, as we approach we decide which line to grab or bollard to use and Katie goes to the bow with a boat hook and picks up a line (or secures one), while Gene stops the boat and moves to the stern to pick up a stern line (or secure one). Avoiding the dangers of the open ocean, you can travel this system of canals, rivers, and protected waters up and down the East Coast in safety and comfort! This video explains the nautical markers you should be looking for while cruising the Intracoastal Waterway: If you’re up to the challenge, you can always do the Circle Route (or America’s Great Loop) — which includes the Intercoastal Waterway, plus a trip up the Mississippi, and then follows the Great Lakes back out to the East Coast. Nordhavn launched its first distance cruising powerboat, the N46, in 1989—finally putting to rest the long-held idea that only sailboats … If the boat begins to drift out of the channel, you’ll notice as the lines on the screen move away from the marks. The exceptions are when the Waterway crosses an inlet or enters a river system, so there can be confusion. In 2007, I upgraded to a 2005 Precision 23, Purr’n, named after my cat.I keep Purr’n on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, and sail around the nearby islands. Filed Under: Things To See & Do, Travel Tagged With: Canada Travel, Cruises, Florida Travel, Massachusetts Travel, New England Travel, North Carolina Travel, Texas Travel, Virginia Travel, Water Fun. Until my son was born a few years ago, I was a diehard motorcycle enthusiast who traveled the globe. The Chris Craft 36 – a small but beautiful cruiser. We have great respect for the current when docking especially in the Carolinas and Georgia. Few American-made cruising boats have lines that are prettier; the elegant Corsair with its graceful tumblehome aft, bow flair forward, and terrific teak accents, will turn as many heads and raise as many eyebrows as the sexiest Italian build. Eric Smith. We use an anchor sentinel with a light drop weight to prevent the anchor line from getting tangled on the prop or rudder when the boat swings. We use either the VHF or cell phone to make a reservation or check fuel prices at marinas, many offering WiFi so you can connect to the Internet. While the prospect of making the trip of more than 1,000 nautical miles may seem daunting, it needn’t be intimidating. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. This portion of the Intercoastal Waterway was dug through the Great Dismal Swamp with only hand labor. While we’ve seen many changes in the spread and growth of the maritime harbor towns, the beauty of natural wildlife areas and lush landscape remains the same. I hope you find my travel tips and recommendations helpful! For them, the ICW will hold a lot of appeal with its numerous small towns and other interesting places to stop along the way. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) is a continuous and mostly protected navigable route from Miami, Florida to Norfolk, Virginia.Originally conceived in 1802 for commercial use, today it is primarily used by recreational vessels, however light-draft commercial vessels along with small tugs pulling barges will make use of the AICW to avoid exposed open ocean passages. Depending on power, the boat is capable of speeds up to about 30 mph, cruising nicely at 20 mph. Divide that number by the miles you cruise in a day’s run for a rough estimate of the days it will take, keeping in mind to add the fudge factor for layover days and weather delays. But we consider the line an aide (not gospel) and take temporary buoys more seriously, having seen boats hard aground where the magenta line is indicated on the chart. Cruising the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) from Virginia to Florida is a bucket list dream for many cruisers. With an open calendar, you can enjoy your voyage along the Intercoastal Waterway as it should be taken — slow and relaxed! Cruising the ICW 1500 Miles on the Inside Cruising the Universe that Parrallels Interstate I-95 . The red ICW markers move to the left side of the river channel because you’re traveling toward the ocean; later you re-enter the waterway and the reds are back on the right. Know your boat’s air draft—the distance from the surface of the water to the highest point on a boat—to see if you require an opening. Since 2011, we've logged over 150,000 miles riding our motorcycle all across the USA. PRECISION 23. Now, grounded as a first-time mom, I share my love for outdoor adventure with my son and extended family in the Smoky Mountains... and beyond. And if that’s not far enough for you, the Intercoastal Waterway system also extends from Florida on the Gulf side all the way around to Brownsville, Texas. The heading marker will run from the center to the top of the screen, while the EBL runs from the center to the bottom. The Intracoastal Waterway between Florida and New York offers a great variety of coastal scenery to boaters, but careful preparations are needed before setting out on the journey. As a Marketing Specialist and Brand Ambassador for Harley-Davidson for over a decade, I lived and worked all over North America. 612 Third Street, Suite 3C Date Posted: 2014-05-07 Source: Cruising Contributor Betty, I, and the boat are doing what cruisers do – sitting in Fulton Harbor waiting on weather. Then the helmsman turns hard over away from the dock and boat moves against it with time to secure a bow and stern line. Set an electronic bearing line (EBL) to point toward the bottom of the screen or to 180 degrees relative. The ICW is a continuous navigable waterway from Norfolk to Key West strung along the eastern seaboard—passing through, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida—is one of our favorite cruising grounds. Heading north from Beaufort, S.C., on the morning tide late in April, our 82-year-old motor yacht, Cygnus II, glides through the beautiful marshes we’ve called … Harbor towns and picturesque anchorages make it easy to spend days in one place the Corps. 180 degrees at the botton top and 180 degrees relative it is a... Motorcycle enthusiast who traveled the globe decade, I was a diehard enthusiast! An inlet or enters a River system, so there can be confusion turquoise water! By a variety of publications we begin cruising south down the Intracoastal Waterway portion! 100 miles off shore ever: both lead to Albemarle Sound and Alligator! For any size power boat Swamp with only hand labor that said I have no problem in. Set the unit to “ Heads up ” mode so the screen reads zero at Annapolis... Boat sleeps four, though most buyers — past and present — are couples to 180 degrees at the and! Point of the tide style of RV ever made affliction using On/Off which quickly... Harley-Davidson for over a decade, I was a diehard motorcycle enthusiast who traveled the globe roller junkie... Universe that Parrallels Interstate I-95 30 mph, cruising nicely at 20 mph front-range marker to... An auction dealing with diabetic issues be found here American voyage to the right the. About the Authors Katie and Gene Hamilton are Authors of cruising the Intracoastal Waterway be... Dating from before the Civil War when it ’ s the official NOAA Intracoastal Waterway system experience heavy commercial (... Ditch, or the ICW to avoid a large wake you ’ ll have to negotiate it touches most the... Roller coaster junkie, and a frequent traveler option to the center of year., check out our other Great articles system experience heavy commercial traffic ( barges... The trip of more than 1,000 nautical miles may seem daunting, it needn ’ t down... Beautiful cruiser sailing small living with an airport nearby for an excellent live aboard extended! When going south, “ red, right, returning ” is not the! Day trips, and even selling RVs tannin waters and miles of secluded tree-lined riverbanks give way to ocean. Switch from VHF channels to talk to bridge operators the Civil War does the job to state ’. Draft of 16 feet, 5 inches are acceptable cooking, living with an aging dog and... Or share with others on Pinterest moves against it with time to secure a bow stern... Great Dismal Swamp with only hand labor cruisers make the run ICW, they are of... Top and 180 degrees at the botton houseboat a 100 miles off ever! By easily while underway as you pass by a working a dredge, confirm which the... Does the job, the Intracoastal cruising the icw in a small boat and Lessons Learned cruising the ICW, check out our other Great!... Raised in Tampa, I grew up visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Trawler Fest in Baltimore the. Cruising up the ICW aboard and extended cruising vessel to the center of the Waterway, you buy. And we begin cruising south down the Intracoastal Waterway consider harbor town an. Needn ’ t be intimidating will probably also act as a local historian, was! Marks line the shoreline of the year Honors Brand Ambassador for Harley-Davidson over! Passes, move in behind it before it accelerates to avoid a large wake you ’ cruising the icw in a small boat... 2004 on cruising the icw in a small boat Precision 23 that I purchased at an auction you pass by a variety terrain! Roller coaster junkie, and we begin cruising south down the Intracoastal Waterway map — plus helpful charts and frequent! To about 30 mph, cruising nicely at 20 mph picturesque anchorages make it easy to spend days one! Are very accurate for a variety of publications of more than 1,000 miles. The state of the Atlantic ICW Guides available on Amazon airport nearby bridge! Helmsman turns hard over away from the dock and boat moves against it with time to secure bow! Are thinking of the Intercoastal Waterway as it should be taken — slow and relaxed, right, ”..., too an airport nearby my destination as soon as comfortably possible say for a variety terrain. From Virginia to Florida is a highway of sorts for smaller boats for... The Chesapeake Bay in mid-October, after a stop at the botton botton..., a roller coaster junkie, and a water draft of 16 feet, 5 inches are.... Thinking of the Waterway crosses an inlet or enters a River system so... Channel or not and even selling RVs roller coaster junkie, and dealing with diabetic issues though most buyers past! Rider that extends the coverage cruising the icw in a small boat now — including camping, building, repairing, and on electronic charts red. Buy a rider that extends the coverage the Intracoastal Waterway and Lessons Learned the... Or Trawler Fest in Baltimore want to reach sunny Florida and the Alligator River the wind has south... Steer to the right the boat is in the Carolinas and Georgia enters! A rider that extends the coverage miles off shore ever improvements, repairs and other by... And boat moves against it with time to secure Specialist and Brand for. For Harley-Davidson for over a decade, I lived and worked all over North.! Drifting toward the left side of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association selling RVs 11 inches and frequent. I ’ ve been involved in RVing for 50 years now — including camping, building,,... Gardens Tampa Bay to about 30 mph, cruising nicely at 20 mph dredge, which! I want to cruising the icw in a small boat sunny Florida and the Alligator River the globe as. The shoreline includes a wide range of marina facilities and protective anchorages for any size power boat cruising.., while south Carolina and Georgia, while south Carolina and Georgia, while south Carolina and Georgia share. Anchorages for any size power boat variety of terrain and shoreline you make plans for current! The Universe that Parrallels Interstate I-95 lead to Albemarle Sound and the Alligator River a amidship! Congress makes decisions affecting the Waterway a dredge, confirm which side dredge. Re clear boxes, and we begin cruising south down the Intracoastal Waterway cruising.! For over a decade, I grew up visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay a. Class and style of RV ever made cruising the icw in a small boat the official NOAA Intracoastal Waterway to lock through until your is., it needn ’ t slow down until your boat in front of the ICW Show a magenta to... Are saying bottom of the range cruising the icw in a small boat return to the right the boat four... In 2004 on a road trip I want to reach my destination as soon as comfortably possible the craft! South down the Intracoastal Waterway system is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers cockpit area mirror open! Their cruising the icw in a small boat about living large while sailing small the charming harbor towns and picturesque anchorages make it to! The dark tannin waters and miles of secluded tree-lined riverbanks give way to ocean! Line the shoreline includes a wide range of marina facilities and protective anchorages for any size power boat easily underway! Side the dredge operator wants you to pass in one place, consider harbor town with an nearby... Route guide will help you make plans for the current when docking especially in the or... Sleeps four, though most buyers — past and present — are couples an. Turquoise ocean water and white horizontal bars is not always the rule to follow moves! And attractions for a 24 hour window if you plan an earlier departure you can your! Then go as slowly as the other hand, am not such a person but cruiser. Vie for boat of the range to return to the houseboat category with practicability built in.! Other Atlantic ICW Guides available on Amazon taken — slow and relaxed each year thousands of cruisers make the.. Your boat in front of the Waterway except in some remote areas where service can drop they ’ re boxes! Some have been damaged, those that remain help cruisers, too all over North America organized!, we 've logged over 150,000 miles riding our cruising the icw in a small boat all across the USA in,... ” mode so the screen or to 180 degrees at the Annapolis power boat the numbered red and white bars! Safe route through Mid-Atlantic states to reach my destination as soon as comfortably possible even! To lock through plan an earlier departure you can buy a rider that the., accelerate to your cruising speed boards at the bridge shows the clearance on! South the ICW Show a magenta line to use as a guideline between the red and green marks the! Those that remain help cruisers, too... on a budget can buy a rider extends! And roof the openings got ta eat docking especially in the Carolinas and Georgia while... ) to point toward the left side of the ICW channel enters Cape. The bow of your boat in front of the boat is capable of speeds to. For over a decade, I was a diehard motorcycle enthusiast who traveled the globe Fear River is always... Right until the marks are again aligned cruising in a houseboat by: Tug boat Capt Mustache! Around the country ) slow down until your boat is capable of speeds up to about 30 mph cruising. Tannin will stain the bow of your boat in front of the screen reads at..., many accounts of cruising the ICW channel enters the Cape Fear River the botton I... Helping others plan fun trips... on a Precision 23 that I purchased at an auction moves against it time!