Between the Winyah Bay Entrance south of the AICW from Georgetown, SC and the Charleston, SC harbor entrance, there is really no safe inlet and Dewees Inlet carries this emphatic warning from Claiborne: WARN ANYONE OFF FROM USING THIS INLET. THERE IS NO CHANNEL TO SPEAK OF AND TO SAY IT’S TREACHEROUS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. IT COULD BE DEADLY!!!

We are headed back off-shore to the south – Charleston, but would prefer Isle of Palms as it takes about two hours off the trip… if we can get in through Dewees Inlet. Charts show no marked channel to the outside but inside the water is charted deep (no channel markers), tides run 5+ feet and there are some tempting areas that may not be shoaled up. Does anyone know if this passage can be made safely with a ~6 ft. draw at HT? Thanks
Captain Ric

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Showing the Location of Dewees Inlet

Located in the calm waters of the Sampit River harbor and convenient to all the attractions of downtown Georgetown, Harborwalk is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

We just stayed at Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown, SC and found it newly renovated… great showers and laundry. Low tide is a trip coming in – stay to starboard after the entry marker and hug the docks. At Harbor Walk Marina depth is around 6.5 ft. at the inner most dock at low tide. Outside and finger docks have plenty of water even at a dead low tide.
Captain Ric

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina

Follow the link below for some interesting and somewhat disturbing reading!

http://www.wmbfnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=12803115

Dock Holidays has long been a favorite with my family and many others . There’s a adjacent bus stop to take you into downtown, a supermarket just across the street and you are within an easy bike ride of the beach. Located about a mile south of the Little River swing bridge, the marina’s canal offers calm waters from the passing AICW traffic.

Friendly, helpful management. Low rate for week’s stay. Close to beach, bicycle rental, mini-golf (choice of two theme-type courses). Very pleasant restaurant and patio bar.
Captain Lionel

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For The Marina at Dock Holidays

Struggling through a tough economy, the new St. Johns Yacht Harbor, formerly Buzzards Roost, is regaining momentum among local and cruising boaters. Without doubt, the facilities – including pool, showers, ship’s store and captain’s lounge – are among the finest in South Carolina. St. Johns Yacht Harbor – a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! – is on the Stono River, just off the AICW near statute mile 472.5.

I just went to Saint Johns Yacht Harbor in Charleston. The marina is beautiful, the staff was very professional and the gas was the cheapest I could find. They also have a wonderful bar with a gorgeous view overlooking the water . It was a great place to get a hot dog and a cold beer!
Captain Louise

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For St. Johns Yacht Harbor

Minim Creek Anchorage lies west of flashing red maker #4 at the southern end of the AICW/ Estherville/Minim Creek Canal in 6-6 1/2 feet of water with swinging room for a 40-footer. Thank goodness, the winged varmints are seasonal – hopefully!

Great anchorage except the mosquitoes were killer this past weekend.
Captain Tracy Hellman

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorages Directory Listing For Minim Creek Anchorage

There two anchorages in the seaward intersection of the North Santee and the AICW, one right by the Waterway at marker #16 and one northwest of marker #18. If you can avoid reported shoaling at the mouth of the south branch, just south of marker #16, Captain Hellman suggests dropping your hook farther to the east.

It’s best if you go around the bend and get away from ICW traffic. Good Anchorage!
Captain Tracy Hellman

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorages Directory Listing For North Santee River Seaside Anchorages

Departing the AICW at statute mile 375, four miles south of the Socastee Bridge, this “off-road” venture from the Waterway on the lovely Waccamaw River has pleased many cruisers and has proven to be a worthy side trip. Please be sure to read the comments found in the links below.
One fixed bridge does lie between the AICW and Conway. We have never found a published vertical clearance for this span, but it has always appeared to us to be 30 feet or so. Clearly, the wonderful side cruise to Conway is off limits for most sailcraft.

Cruising News: Left the ICW June 24 2010 at low tide and proceeded to the Conway City Marina for an overnight visit in a power yacht drawing 4 1/2 feet. At marker 2 depth was about 5 1/2 feet and varied to 35 feet with 7 1/2 encountered intermittently. The mouth of the marina has a sand bar and has shoaled to 4 feet; however the soft bottom permitted us to gently slide though to the 10 ft basin. No hose bibs for shore water are available and there are two power pedestals, each with two 30 amp connections and one 50 amp connects. Several eateries are within 4 blocks – from fried food grills to linen table cloth “fine dining.” The tide change at the marina is only about 1 foot at the most and at the ICW it is only about 2 1/2 feet. The Waccamaw River from Georgetown, SC to Conway is a beautiful stretch of meandering black river and picturesque flora and fauna.
Captain Lewis W Haselwood Jr

Click Here To View Another Posting Concerning A Cruise Up the Waccamaw River to Conway, SC

Click Here To View Earlier Comments Concerning A Cruise Up the Waccamaw River to Conway, SC

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Conway City Marina

Captain Bob Poovey, like others, found shoal depths on the southern end of the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff, where the Waterway moves south into the wide Coosaw River.

Submitted on 2010/05/22 at 9:58pm
Came through this area Thursday, 5/20/10 from the south staying in mid-channel. Time was one hour and fifteen minutes past low tide. Noted low depth readings of 7.9 feet between “184″ and “185″. Proceeding north lowest reading was 8.4 feet south of Red marker “184.” Also observed a low depth of 7.9 feet between Green marker “181″ and Red marker “180″. Noted depths as low as 8.4 feet on to marker 180.
Captains Marsha & Bob Poovey aboard M/V “Threadbare”

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Section” Listing For The Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff

Another cruiser shares his experience, and the advice of TowBoat US, concerning a troublesome stretch of shoaling waters.

I came through that area (Day Mark 110 at White Point) going south in April and hit there at low tide. I grounded where it says there should be 12 feet. I called Tow Boat US to see if they had and tricks about how to get through there. Their advice was to anchor,  eat lunch, and wait until the tide came up!! Turned out to be excellent advice. When returning north in May, I made sure to pass through there at high tide and no problem.
Capt. Sykes DeHart

Click Here To View an Earlier Posting on a Grounding at the Intersection of N Edisto and Dawho Rivers

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Intersection of N Edisto and Dawho Rivers

Certainly the Waccamaw River is one of the most scenic portions of the AICW. The dark waters and moss-hung cypress trees take you to another time before GPS and Iphones. Larry and Suzi seem to have found a favorite spot in Thoroughfare Creek.

There are so many places to choose on the Waccamaw River, but this one is great. We were here for the first time on 6/12/2010, a Saturday. Found several locals using the area for swimming and water skiing but had a very pleasant night and early morning there anchored by the sandy bank. Would recommend it highly.
Larry and Suzi

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Thoroughfare Creek Anchorages

As you approach the southside of McClellanville on the AICW, please heed the advice given below, especially in the stretch between markers 37 and 38. Please open the links below for more information and a Chart View of this area.

Submitted on 2010/06/14 at 12:16pm
Hit the McClellanville area in early afternoon Saturday, June 12 near low tide. A 44 ft power boat was aground on the green side between markers 37 and 38. Hang near the red side as I had no problem there.
Capt Jim J.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the “Alert” Section of the AICW South of McClellanville, SC Where The Shallow Water Described Above Was Encountered

This section of the AICW just north of Charleston remains somewhat of a problem – or a mystery – depending on your luck passing through. Conflicting reports of shallow water, unlike Captain Pascal’s experience, only add to the growing mystique of the newly rebuilt Ben Sawyer Bridge. Check out the links below for information on this area.

Submitted on 2010/06/14 at 12:28pm
Came through northbound with a 6 1/4 draft late May, this section was dredged last year but you must stay on the centerline. IF you do, you will have plenty of water (8′ MLW)… do not favor either side.
Same further north, just north of Isle of Palm and the marinas, after the turn to port. Plenty deep on centerline, shoals up quickly on either side on the edge of some of the cuts.
Captain Pascal

I run a 22′ Grady and have seen depths as shallow 4.5′ and as deep 5.5′ at MLW during the last 5 weeks. Be sure and check your tide tables for this area as any minus low tide means extra attention to depth!
Captain Pascal is correct in that any deviation from centerline means shallow quick, but i have never seen 8′ MLW on the strectch between Ben Sawyer and IOP connector. I get nervous wih my draft much less anything with 3-4′.
Captain Farley

Click Here To View a Previous Posting on AICW Depths Near the Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of An Earlier Grounding N of Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Isle of Palms Bridge

Fields Cut remains a problem for anyone with a draft in excess of 5 feet, even at mid-tide. If you carry that draft, waiting until high tide to enter from the Savannah River is your best bet. Click on the three links below for more observations re Fields Cut

Submitted June 13, 2010
Fields Cut SC.
We are traveling north with another trawler, we draw 4’8”, the buddy boat 5’5”. I was following as we entered Fields Cut mid channel two hours prior to low tide. The buddy boat was aground 100 yard in, and as we followed I saw rapid decreasing depth(Down to 1.5’ below keel). Made another try 20 -30 feet from the north shore, saw 20 feet of water. The rest of cut was not a problem.
Adrew Stepniewski

Click Here To View a Previous Posting on Fields Cut

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Section” Listing For Fields Cut

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Section” Listing For Intersection of Wright River and Northern Fields Cut

Adding their positive experience to the many comments in praise of this anchorage, the crew of Elixir names Church Creek as a favorite. Eighteen miles south of Charleston, Church Creek, with 13-22 ft. depths, lies east of the AICW’s flashing green daybeacon #77.

Submitted on 2010/06/12 at 9:52am
We spent 2 nights here, 6-11 & 12-10. Very nice and peaceful. Straight off the ICW- East from green 77 at about 487.5mm. Anchored off the small dock- only one. Seems like excellent holding. Beautiful sunrise. This is definitely going into our log book as a favorite stop. Would have good protection from SW wind. Otherwise more of a fair weather anchorage.
Charlie and Jackie
on Elixir

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Church Creek Anchorage

Dolphin Cove Marina is located on the Ashely River upstream of the other Charleston Ashley River facilities. I can personally vouch that this is a quite, reasonably priced facility, with excellent management and a new on-site restaurant. It is located well away from the action of historic Charleston, but if you are looking for a place to keep a boat for an extended period of time, look no further. And, of course, Dolphin Cove is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Subject: Dolphin Cove Marina
Cruising News: I can recommend Dolphin Cove Marina about 2 miles up the Ashley River – through the 16ft clearance bascule bridge – which does open upon request – eventually that is!
Dolphin Cove is an easy going friendly marina. They will be seeing me again!
Capt. Arnold

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dolphin Cove Marina

Even being “on their toes” didn’t prevent Laura and crew from confirming the shoaling that’s occurring in this stretch of the AICW. Slow and Easy is still the by-word as you travel to or from the north side of the Ben Sawyer Bridge. Check the Chart View of this area in the previous posting linked below.

Submitted on 2010/06/10 at 8:03am
After reading the above we were on our toes going thru this area. We were towards the red side between Inlet Creek and Swinton Creek and ran aground in 5.5 ft of water at MLW.
We were able to motor our way thru the mud to get off heading back towards the center of the channel.
Laura

Click Here To View A Previous Posting For Shoaling N of Ben Sawyer Bridge

Here is valuable information and advice from Larry Shick aboard his Valiant 42 about the AICW just north of Charleston:

As we were entering Charleston Harbor from the S, we got a VHF call from a skipper from one of the towboat companies (sorry, I can’t remember which, or I’d give credit) warning of shoaling between the Ben Sawyer Bridge (MM 462) to the Isle of Palms Bridge (MM 459). His advice was to avoid the green side (which does not mean favoring the red side). According to his report, this is a new (last several months) problem.
We went through at MLW and “touched bottom” (6′ draft) at 32-47.3N 079-48.3W, which is a bit N of the channel according to the e-charts, but by turning SW we were able to proceed immediately.
As a reminder, the Ben Sawyer bridge is passable only on its N side. After several weeks of swing bridges, I made the assumption that both sides of the swing were available, and was saved from ignominy at the last moment by the bridge operator. Also, the operator’s VHF was *very* faint: even when we were just below her cupola we could barely hear her.
Captain Larry Shick aboard S/V Moira

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Grounding N of Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Ben Sawyer Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Isle of Palms Bridge

Captain Larry Shick shares more details of his recent grounding at the intersection of N. Edisto and Dawho Rivers:

Further on my earlier experience:
I think we hit the shoal amidships at the Lat/Lon given. It was difficult to tell in the muddy water, but it appeared that one could transit the intersection either (a) *VERY* close to (within 200′ of) marker 110 or (b) as we eventually did traveling due East at 32-37.5N. By then we were at +2′ tide and after getting unstuck we saw no less than 7′.
Larry Shick aboard S/V Moira

Click Here To View the Original Posting on a Grounding at the Intersection of N Edisto and Dawho Rivers

We’ve received a number of reliable reports of shoaling in the N. Edisto/Dawho Rivers intersection and now Larry Shick provides us with a specific location of his grounding near White Point (See Chart View link below). Slow and easy is the caution for this section.

The intersection of N Edisto River and the Dawho River (SM 497) in SC has been a problem in the past. E.g. there is a note in my copy of Skipper Bob (10th edition) about shoaling to the effect that “the bottom no longer resembles the chart!” I can vouch for that. We’re aground at 32-37.556N 080-16.750W where my chart shows we should have had over 12′ at the time we ran aground at about +1′ tide.
Captain Larry Shick aboard Moira, a Valiant 42

Click Here To View An Earlier Post on N Edisto/ Dawho River Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Intersection of N Edisto and Dawho Rivers