This report of good depths in this perennial “AICW Problem Stretch” south of Charleston, SC is good news for the upcoming spring migration. However, that sounding of 5.8 feet at the cut’s southwestern tip (see below) shows the channel is indeed shoaling once again. By fall of 2011, this stretch might once again become a serious problem for AICW cruisers.

Cruising News:
We passed through the cutoff at DEAD LOW TIDE on March 13, 2011. Skinniest water was at the southern end of the cut, between markers 184 and 185, where we saw 5’8″. Most of the rest of the cut showed 7′-9′. March 13 was not a particularly low tide, so you might encounter shallower water on low low tide days.
Skipper Larry Thackston on M/V PEACH

Transited this area on 3/26/11 and stayed in the middle to tending towards the green side of the middle. Tide was at 3.2-3.5 feet above mlw. Between the two entry markers at the south end saw 9.8′. Least we saw in the southern third of the cut was 9.1′. the rest of the cut was at or above 10′ with most readings above 12′. Estimated minimum depth at mlw through the southern third is 5.5′.
Skipper Ed Grygent

At the Ashapoo – Coosaw Cutoff (about mm 516 – North of Beaufort, NC), there was 6′ at the entrance near R184 just after low water. Also in the cutoff stay well clear of G177. When we went through there was 10 of dry ground between the waterway and the marker. The Waterway Cruising Guide details this cut well.
Mitch & Carole Brodkin

AICW Problem Stretch Link:
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Ashepoo/Coosaw Cutoff

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