Tom Hale Reports from Shallotte/AICW Intersection Statute Mile 330
The intersection of Shallotte Inlet and the Waterway has been an infamous Problem Stretch for years, but this detailed report and advice from experienced cruiser, Tom Hale, will help you plan for your passage through this Problem Stretch.
Shallotte Inlet. This is hairy. The channel is narrow, probably less than 40 feet wide in the trouble area, and shallow. We transited today about 2 hours before low water. We had +1.8 feet above MLLW. We saw nothing less than 7.8 feet which means that along the track we took there would be about 6 feet at MLLW. The trouble area is R80A, G81 and R82. We did our best to just line up the three marks and head straight down the line. Dead slow speed, white knuckles, we made it. Pucker factor was extreme. NOTE: due to high barometric pressure and strong westerly winds, the tide may have been running below normal. Would not suggest anyone transit this area with a 5.5 foot or greater draft except on a rising tide and about 2 hours past low water. The deepest water channel is very, very narrow!
Tom Hale
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