Healy Report: Hell Gate Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602
The Waterway follows the narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an AICW Problem Stretch for years. See /165309 for a June ’17 report. Due to constantly shifting channel, Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend mid to high tide for this passage. Our thanks for this report from experienced cruiser, Jim Healy.
Sanctuary and crew transited Hell Gate (A-ICW, Georgia, MM 600) 10/28/2017, southbound, at 11h00, +3.4 ft on the tide (Ayetides app, Egg Islands Station). Passing G”89″ at a distance of about 30 feet, we saw 5.5 feet of water.
Passing R”90″ at a distance of about 15 feet, we saw about 5 feet of water. Not good. The control depth of Hell Gate at MLLW is 5.0 – 3.4 = 1.6 feet. We may have been slightly too close to R”90,” but in any case, no more than about 2 feet of water at low tide, less for celestial lows.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Hi Jim,
Thank you for the update on Hell Gate. The shoaling at G89 has been the worst place on HellGate for at least the past 4 years.
I learned the hard way to stay away from G9. I now have two waypoints which have given me better water.
Southbound I stay more or less mid channel to a waypoint 31 51.721 N, and 081 05.008 W. This places you about 300 feet northwest of G 89 before I turn to the south. I then stay about 150 feet west of G 89 to 31 35.677 N and 081 05.017 W. These points are based on 7 tracks through here over the past 3 years. There is no doubt that this is very shallow, but it does pay to stay north of G89 before you turn, and then stay well west of it as you head down the southern section.
Cheers,
Tom
Southport NC
Southbound on the ICW