Posted by admin | Posted on 05-31-2009
Northern Mouth of Alligator River
(Statute Mile 81, North Carolina ICW)
The problem - the charted shoal west of flashing daybeacon #8 has been building farther to the south and east. The markers have been moved accordingly. Some non-updated electronic charts will take you too far west as you approach the gap between #7 and #8. This problem remains in place as of September, 2011
The solution – download the latest version of chart 11553 from NOAA. Cruise from unlighted daybeacon #9 directly to a point about 50 yards west of flashing daybeacon #7. Do NOT blindly follow your chartplotter. WATCH FOR NEW, UNCHARTED AIDS TO NAVIGATION AND CAREFULLY STAY TO THE CORRECT SIDE OF ANY SUCH MARKERS YOU SPOT!
Yep the 8A buoy helps BUT dont hug # 7 or you run across the 5′ shoal beside it! Make the turn to the West then shoot down at 8a. giving the 5 foot shoal marked by #7 the honor due it.
JiM Lady Lady
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Northern Mouth of the Alligator River
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch
Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 05-30-2009
Intersection of AICW and Bogue Inlet
Statute Mile 227, North Carolina AICW
The Problem: The Waterway’s southern flank is shoaling badly between makers #45 and #46, particularly between #45 and #45A. Also, Bogue Inlet marker #20 is often mistaken for an AICW aid to navigation. Waterway cruisers should ignore #20, and continue following the AICW channel
The Solution: Favor the northern (mainland) side of the AICW channel between #45 and #46, and try to traverse this section at mid to high tide. Ignore Bogue Inlet marker #20 (recently renumbered from #21 to #20)
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Bogue Inlet!
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-29-2009
Intersection of AICW and Browns Inlet
Statute Mile 237, North Carolina AICW
The Problem: The AICW waters from the Waterway’s intersection with shallow Browns Inlet to a point just north of the Onslow Bridge, have been shoaling badly for only the last several years. During the fall of 2011, this problem stretch was shaping up as the worst section of the Waterway between Norfolk and Miami. Then, confirmed word was received of “spot dredging” undertaken by the US Army Corps of Engineers between the AICW/New River juncture, and Browns Inlet. This project should be completed sometime during the third full week of October, 2011. Thereafter, depths shouldn’t be nearly as much a problem, for several months at least. Eventually, shoaling will reappear here, but let’s enjoy the interim.
The Solution: If you cruise through this section of the AICW prior to 10/21/11, be on the watch for dredging. Otherwise, the fall, 2011 “spot dredging” should make this stretch far easier to navigate, at least until spring of 2012 when shoaling will more than likely once again raise its ugly head
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Browns Inlet!
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 05-28-2009
Intersection of AICW, New River and New River Inlet
(Statute Mile 246, North Carolina ICW)
The Problem: The Waterway classically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. This intersection was dredged in April, 2010, and, as of September, 2011 depths are still not a major concern on these waters
The Solution: Watch the Cruisers’ Net for any notices that shoaling is reappearing at this critical intersection
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying the Intersection of AICW, New River and New River Inlet
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 05-27-2009
Intersection of AICW and Carolina Beach Inlet
(Statute Mile 293.5, North Carolina ICW)
The Problem: By 2009 several shoaling at the intersection of the AICW and shallow Carolina Beach Inlet, north of Snows Cut, and south of Wrightsville Beach, was well on its way to becoming the #1 problem spot on the Waterway. Happily, these waters were dredged in late March – early April, 2010, and as of September, 2011, shoaling has not again become a major problem
The Solution: Depths should not be an undue concern at this intersection until shoaling begins to reappear, which it inevitably will! Watch for notices here on the Cruisers’ Net, and be on the alert for any new, temporary markers placed to warn of encroaching shallows.
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Carolina Beach Inlet!
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-27-2009
Intersection of AICW and Lockwoods Folly Inlet
(Statute Mile 321, North Carolina ICW)
The Problem: This section of the AICW was dredged in February of 2011, and, as of September, 2011 depths do not seem to be a problem, YET!
The Solution: Until shoaling reappears, which it inevitably will, cruising this section of the Waterway should not demand more than the usual caution for very tidal waters, which these most certainly are!
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Lockwoods Folly Inlet!
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-25-2009
Intersection of ICW and Shallotte Inlet
(Statute Mile 330, North Carolina ICW)
The Problem – This section of the AICW was last dredged in February of 2011. As of late November, 2011, we have received definite reports that the AICW channel here is once again shoaling along it southern flank, particularly near marker #81. Fortunately, additional maintenance dredging is slated to take place at this crucial intersection during December, 2011, and is supposed to be complete by January of 2012!
The Solution – Prudent skippers will try to time their passage through these waters for mid to high tide. If you pass through while dredging is underway during December of 2011, carefully avoid the dredge and all its equipment. Following the completion of dredging in January of 2012, all should be well for a few months, but undoubtedly, shoaling will eventually rear its ugly head once again.
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of ICW and Shallotte Inlet!
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 05-23-2009
AICW Channel Between McClellanville and Statute Mile 430
(Statute Mile 430 to 435, South Carolina ICW)
The Problem – over the past two years (at least), we have received numerous reports of shallow depths in the AICW channel, moving south from an intersection with Jeremy Creek and McClellanville to Statute Mile 435, near Awendaw Creek. Reported sounding have ranged from 5 feet to grounding depths, and these shallows still seem to be as much of a problem as ever, as of September, 2011
The Solution – Transit this section of the AICW with maximum caution, and stick strictly to the middle of the channel. Be careful not to cut any corners, nor encroach on the channel’s edge. Try to time your passage through this section for mid to high tide
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the AICW Channel South of McClellanville, SC to Awendaw Creek
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-23-2009
Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Into Coosaw River
(Statute Mile 515, South Carolina ICW)
The Problem – this stretch of the Waterway was last dredged in November – December, 2008. As of September, 2011, shoaling has definitely reappeared between makers #184 and #185. Some dead low water depths of 4.5 feet may be possible between these two aids to navigation.
The Solution – Try to time your passage through this section for mid to high tide. Try slightly favoring the northwestern side of the channel between markers #184 and #185.
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Into Coosaw River
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-21-2009
Intersection of Wright River and Northern Fields Cut
Statute Mile 574, South Carolina AICW
The Problem: prior to 1/11/10 the charted shoal lying northwest of the Waterway channel, between marker #48 and the northern mouth of Fields Cut, was building southeast into the AICW passage. Happy Days! The intersection of northern Fields Cut and Wright River was dredged in early January, 2010! These waters are still not a problem as of September, 2011
The Solution: Watch for a reappearance of the shoal lying to the northwest of they Waterway channel, and carefully identify and observe any temporary markers you may spot along this stretch
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of Wright River and Northern Fields Cut
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-16-2009
Fields Cut
(Statute Mile 575, South Carolina ICW)
The Problem: Severe shoaling has shelved out from the southern and southeastern banks, just north of the Fields Cut/ICW’s intersection with Savannah River
The Solution: Favor the northern and northwestern banks as you cruise south and round the last turn to the south, north of Savannah River.
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Fields Cut area
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-15-2009
Hell Gate
(Statute Mile 602, Georgia ICW)
The Problem: Hell Gate was dredged during the summer of 2009, and for a time all was well. HOWEVER, reports starting in May, 2009 and running until October of 2011, indicate that shoaling is reappeared here, with MLW depths near marker #87 of as little as 4 1/2 feet.
The Solution: Time your passage through Hell Gate for mid to high tide
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Hell Gate area
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-14-2009
Little Mud River
(Statute Mile 655, Georgia ICW)
The Problem: The Little Mud River section of the ICW, particularly the section just north of the Waterway’s intersection with Altamaha Sound, is universally considered to be the WORST single stretch of the AICW, and this assessment is till very much the case as of September, 2011
The Solution:Time your passage through Little Mud River for high tide – NO FOOLING!
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Little Mud River area
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-13-2009
Jekyll Creek
(Statute Mile 683, Georgia ICW)
The Problem: Severe shoaling continues to plague the AICW channel as of September, 2011 north of the Jekyll Island bridge near flashing daybeacon #19
The Solution: Traverse this section of the Waterway at mid to high tide.
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About Jekyll Creek
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 05-13-2009
AICW Channel Through Cumberland Dividings
Statute Mile 704, Georgia AICW
The Problem: The Waterway channel near the southern tip of the “Cumberland Dividings, just north of where the AICW intersects the southerly reaches of the Brickhill River, has multiple problems. First, some charts and chartplotters show the magenta fairway line running on the western side of the red markers in this area. Those who blindly follow this erroneous magenta line will run aground every time. Also, and perhaps even worse, the Waterway is shoaling badly along its western flank, north of marker #63. Even more recently, we have received numerous reports here at the Cruisers’ Net that markers #60 and #60A may be missing
The Solution: Time your passage through these waters for mid to high tide. FOR THE MOMENT (subject to change WITHOUT NOTICE), heavily favor the easterly side of the channel between #59A and #60A. Be on the lookout for missing, temporary or uncharted markers along this stretch, and carefully observe any which are spotted. Proceed with MAXIMUM caution, and be SURE to read the remarks of our fellow cruisers who have recently passed through this AICW stretch, by clicking the “Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the AICW Channel Through the Cumberland Dividings” link below!
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the AICW Channel Through the Cumberland Dividings
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 05-12-2009
Intersection of AICW and Mantanzas Inlet
(Statute Mile 793, Eastern Florida AICW)
The Problem: Since at least April, 2010, the Waterway was shoaling badly along its eastern flank, south of marker #80. Repositioning of the various aids to navigation marking this channel as of late April, 2010, helped the worst of this problem, but most importantly, dredging of this AICW Problem Stretch was completed as of 9/20/11, and as of mid-October, 2011, new navigational markers are in place.
The Solution: For the moment, with the completion of dredging in the fall of 2011, traversing this intersection should have no more than usual problems for stretches where the AICW runs behind a tidal inlet. Eventually, shoaling will reappear here, but let’s hope that sad event lies well into the future
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Mantanzas Inlet!
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”
Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 05-09-2009
Intersection of AICW and Bakers Haulover Inlet
(Statute Mile 1080, Eastern Florida AICW)
The Problem – As of September, 2011, shoaling has again appeared all along the AICW’s run past shallow Baker’s Haulover Inlet. Markers were shifted in June, 2011 to better warn navigators away from the new shoaling. It’s a safe bet that this situation will deteriorate further before this Problem Stretch is dredged again.
The Solution Try to traverse this section of the Waterway at mid to high tide, and carefully observe any new or relocated markers, even if they differ from the latest configuration of aids to navigation shown on chart 11467
Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Bakers Haulover Inlet
Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch
