AICW Bogue Inlet Intersection - Click for Chartview

The Bogue Inlet/AICW intersection has long been an “AICW Problem Stretch.” Not only is perennial shoaling a problem for AICW cruisers at this intersection, but the inland-most marker (#20) on the Bogue Inlet channel is often mistaken for an AICW aid to navigation. This mis-identification often leads to groundings.

We passed through this area [on the AICW] at 1012 on 11/15/2012 (2 hours after high tide) and found no problems. The key to this is to stay close to the docks on the north [mainland - editor] or (southbound) starboard hand. Doing this we found 15-20′ most of the way.
Richard B. Emerson

We passed thru bogue sound inlet [AICW intersection] on 12/06/12 in a 6 foot draft power boat & found a minimum of 14 & mostly 15 to 16 feet of water between markers 45 & 46. Red marker 20 a floating nun buoy could be confusing, but as previously noted it is part of the channel & not an ICW marker. Also of note is there is a green 45, 45A & 45B. Marker 45B is south of red 46. We transited the area two hours prior to high tide.
Tim Carter

Bogue Sound Inlet Crossing. No problewm. Favor the main land side.
Raymond W. Smith

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Bogue Inlet Channel Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

Here’s another excellent report from our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and originators of On The Water Chart Guides. This article concerns the “AICW Problem Stretch” found at the intersection between the Waterway and shallow Bogue Inlet, hard by the community of Swansboro, North Carolina.
The real surprise here is that Diana and Mark discovered one stretch (see below) that promises only 6.3 feet at MLW. Sure, that’s barely enough for most cruising craft now, but what if more shoaling occurs. Clearly, this stretch bears close monitoring as time goes forward!

Hi Claiborne,
Diana and I transited northbound by Bogue Inlet, NC June 21st, near high-tide and rising. The relevant tide station, Bogue Inlet, has a Spring Tidal Range (STR) of 2.6 feet. Our plan was to transit, strictly surveying the Magenta Line, but honoring any navaids.
The screenshot shows the approach with slightly varying, but good depths (15-19 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW).
Near the ICW-Bogue Inlet junction there was a rapid drop before G45A to under 10 feet (at 1.7 feet above MLLW).
Transiting the junction soundings quickly climbed and held varying but good depths (13-20 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW).
Past the junction, there was another slight dip in depth (12-13 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW), followed by increasing and more consistent depths (15-19 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW).
Our course line was steady, along the Magenta Line, presumably marking the deepest water.
A few observations on the ICW-Bogue Inlet junction:

1. There currently appears to be only one shallow spot along the Magenta Line portion of this area, as shown in the screenshot.

2. This shallow spot, near G45A, (around 8 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW) will be a bit of a nail-biter for keel boats or power boats with deeper draft.

3. However, with all of the other soundings above 12 feet, at this height of tide, Bogue Inlet currently seems to be a reasonably safe area to transit, along the Magenta Line, even near low water.

Again, no recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. Captains are responsible for their decisions and outcome.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Bogue Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

The AICW/Bogue Inlet intersection is one of our perennial “AICW Problem Stretches. This intersection is found just north of Swansboro, NC and has been the subject of numerous warnings regarding depths. However, dredging accomplished in the spring 2010 has alleviated much of the issue.

Came thru yesterday near low tide, plenty of water in the channel. 10′ MLW or more.
Pascal aboard MY Charmer, 70′ 6+ draft

Came through Bogue Sound north bound on May 23, 2011 at dead low tide aboard Hielan’ Lass II. We stayed to the red side and saw nothing less than 10 ft depth.
Skipper John Funston

Click Here To View Another Recent Posting on AICW/Bogue Inlet Intersection

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW – Bogue Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch