Gulf Coast Marinas - Still Open?

[Captain Dick]

Me and the crew (twin 15-year-old-boys) want to sail to Virginia from Texas as soon as these dadburned hurricanes abate. We tend to do best with 50 - 70 nm per day. Can anyone tell me the status of marinas from Lake Charles to Pensacola? Our mighty vessel, "Cinderella Liberty" has a 7.5 feet draft, so often we have to anchor out, but we would like to hook up to shore power once or twice a week.
Any facts, scuttlebutt or unsubstantiated rumors would be appreciated!

[GordMay]

Ask for Skipper Bob’s Marina Report:
http://home.att.net/~skipperbob/waterway.htm

Gulf Coast Marina Report

NOTE: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) is generally open. However, damage to marinas has made it difficult or impossible to obtain slip space or fuel in some areas.

In general, marinas east of Mobile Bay on the Gulf Coast as far east as Panama City are little changed from before Katrina or Rita. However, fuel is in short supply and some marinas are rationing how much can be purchased at one time. This shortage should disappear in a few weeks.

Marinas west of Mobile Bay to the other side of New Orleans and many of those on Mobile Bay have been badly damaged, have no fuel, and/or no electricity or phone service. Some were totally destroyed. After Rita and Katrina more than 30 bridges west of Mobile Bay are damaged, inoperable or closed to navigation. Many of these bridges are not directly on the GIWW, but will affect any effort to navigate outside the main channel. There are numerous reports of sunken objects, including boats. Extreme caution is advised for any vessel traffic moving west of Mobile Bay on the GIWW.

To obtain a copy of a current marina report for this area, E-mail SkipperBob@att.net and ask to be put on the “Katrina Marina Report”. We will send you the current copy as an attachment in Word and updated copies when they become available until they are discontinued about January 1, 2006.

On the report, the marinas are listed by mile marker as shown in the books Cruising From Chicago to Mobile and Cruising the Gulf Coast. “Follow-up” shows the date we have been asked to again contact the marina to see if there have been changes. (October 13, 2005)

[Captain Dick]

Thanks for the response, Cap'n Gord. I am familiar with Skipper Bob's stuff and was looking for something specific - marina names and available services.

[GordMay]

Ask for the report - they are very specific. I've emailed you a copy of the East Coast report, by way of example.

[mario f]

Captain Dick,

From Lake Ponchatrain to Mobile Bay ... Good Luck.
I remain in the canals, harbors are destroyed or disappeared. Few have slips but no power or H2O .stay at your own risk and debris litters most harbors.
Anchorage ??? Remember the MS Sound remains littered with roofs, cars, trees ... The main channels have been cleared, but remain very, very watch full, them trees move and float. From what we hear it will be several months before it will be cleared. Debris has been reported on the south end of the islans.
Personal observations and input from local fishermen.
Good luck