ICW Stuart fl. To Brunswick Ga

[jsquared]

I will be taking the ICW north from Stuart to Brunswick in July. Don't have my charts yet. Can anyone tell me about anchorages along the way? Good spots to anchor, or cheep/ free moorings? Is there a website with info on this or detailed maps maybe? Any advice on cool things to see or stop at along the way? (cheep or free) thanks!


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[a64pilot]

Active Captain, if you don't have it, Google it. I wouldn't use it for Nav, but it's what I go to for anchorages, plus a good cruising guide might be a good idea too.

[rwidman]

If you're doing this "on the cheap", active captain and cruisers.net are good resources. If you can afford it, the Waterway Cruising Guides http://www.waterwayguide.com/shipsto...x.php?cPath=21


are nice.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Active Captain, if you don't have it, Google it. I wouldn't use it for Nav, but it's what I go to for anchorages, plus a good cruising guide might be a good idea too.

wouldn't use it for Nav ???

My understanding is that AC uses the NOAA charts. Right?

If so, then why not?

[Waterway Guide]

I recommend each of those too, including the Waterway Guide guidebooks. We also have free cruising resources on our website – anchorages, fuel prices, marinas, nav alerts, and news. Take it slow and enjoy if you have the time – there are some beautiful anchorages along the way, and even some free docks to tie up to overnight. Happy cruising!

[kjdavie01]

AC uses NOAA charts, however there's no way of being sure they are current that I'm aware of. Good for reference, but if you want to be sure something hasn't changed, you have to look farther.

[Tom and Maje]

We got all the paper charts, and Garmin charts, and cruising guides for the ICW. The thing I go was the Garmin Blue charts for my iPad. We have found that invaluable for anchorages, mooring fields, and marinas. And yes you can use it for navigation. It's actually much better than either the paper charts or the regular Garmin charts.

Maje

[RTB]

Plenty of good info here. Personally, we find Skipper Bob's (NY to Key West) the easiest source for planning our anchorages, and easy reference when underway. It also lists the bridge info at the appropriate mile markers. On that run up to Georgia, there are many, many anchorages for you. We mention each anchorage we used in our blog, if you just want some ideas.

Ralph

[jsquared]

You guys are awesome! Thank you for all of the great info


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[Scrimshaw4]

I've done the trip countless times and strongly recommend the Water Way Cruising Guide and the assocated Chart Book. Yea, the paper chart book for that region. It's a fantastic planning tool for gunkholing the ICW!

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

wouldn't use it for Nav ???

My understanding is that AC uses the NOAA charts. Right?

If so, then why not?

Mostly because it's just too easy to use Open CPN, and the assumption is Open CPN is meant to be a Nav program whereas AC isn't, but other than that I haven't given much thought about it.

[a64pilot]

I've found the cruising guide pays for itself by allowing you to "shop" for fuel and services

[AnchorageGuy]

I guess I will jump in here and recommend our anchorage guide for the ICW. Although it covers from Hampton Roads/Norfolk to Key West and includes the St. Johns River, it will give you plenty of options for anchorages and any free docks that might be along your route. Ours is a guide for anchorages only and does not include other information found it cruising guides. We have designed it to be a supplement to your favorite cruising guide, which often is light on anchorage information. There are lots and lots of choices along your route. Click on the banner in my signature line to go to our website and see examples of the actual pages for the guides. Let me know if you have any questions. Chuck

[cofc]

Just get Garmin Blue Charts on you're phone or iPad. The app is free, charts are $40. It has an active captain overlay that will tell you everything you need to know about marinas, anchorages, and bridges. Charts are dead on, you can use this instead of a chart plotter. No need for a book.

[Capt Sam]

I use the AC and the "latest responses from a captain" that just passed your area in a week are priceless.....

Saved me from running aground.
Gives alerts as you are moving on the water, on my smart phone.