[EXPIRED] Government Cut Inlet Alternatives
We have had several earlier postings here on the "Northern Gulf" page of the Cruisers' Net, concerning Government Cut Inlet, south of Apalachicola, Florida. Now, a local cruiser, Captain Doug, chimes in with good advice about other nearby inlets to use instead of Government Cut. Oh yes, and as to Captain Doug's comment about my not suggesting the inlet east of Dog Island, it's not that this passage can't be done. It certain can, as witnessed by Doug's frequent passage of these waters. It's just that East Pass Inlet, immediately west of Dog Island, is more straightforward!
I have read with interest the threads on Government Cut (Bob Sykes cut) between St. George and Little St. George island. As a local I'd suggest going a little farther East and using East Pass between Dog Island and St. George. You can then follow the well marked channel through the bay and into Apalach or Carrabelle.
I know Claiborne doesn't suggest it, but it is also easy to get around the East end of Dog Island as long as you stay west of Dog Island reef. Get well south of the reef before you head east. I go in and out of there all the time in my 36' trawler, drawing 3'. Both my navionics and bluechart software are correct in regard to this area.
You can also sneak across South Shoal at the spot that is charted 4'. There is generally 6' of water there, but don't do it in a minus tide or with a north wind.
Panacea Harbor Marina is a funky place to stop in. The restaurant there, Hook Wreck Henry's is good and they have great music on the weekends.
There is always space at the fuel dock for a boat or two to overnight, but again, don't try it with unusually low tides. Dickerson Bay can be really shallow in Norther conditions. The entry channel to Dickerson Bay is deep and well marked but don't stray out of it. It carries at least 6'.
Doug Cole
Wakulla Springs, FL
We have had several earlier postings here on the "Northern Gulf" page of the Cruisers' Net, concerning Government Cut Inlet, south of Apalachicola, Florida. Now, a local cruiser, Captain Doug, chimes in with good advice about other nearby inlets to use instead of Government Cut. Oh yes, and as to Captain Doug's comment about my not suggesting the inlet east of Dog Island, it's not that this passage can't be done. It certain can, as witnessed by Doug's frequent passage of these waters. It's just that East Pass Inlet, immediately west of Dog Island, is more straightforward!
I have read with interest the threads on Government Cut (Bob Sykes cut) between St. George and Little St. George island. As a local I'd suggest going a little farther East and using East Pass between Dog Island and St. George. You can then follow the well marked channel through the bay and into Apalach or Carrabelle.
I know Claiborne doesn't suggest it, but it is also easy to get around the East end of Dog Island as long as you stay west of Dog Island reef. Get well south of the reef before you head east. I go in and out of there all the time in my 36' trawler, drawing 3'. Both my navionics and bluechart software are correct in regard to this area.
You can also sneak across South Shoal at the spot that is charted 4'. There is generally 6' of water there, but don't do it in a minus tide or with a north wind.
Panacea Harbor Marina is a funky place to stop in. The restaurant there, Hook Wreck Henry's is good and they have great music on the weekends.
There is always space at the fuel dock for a boat or two to overnight, but again, don't try it with unusually low tides. Dickerson Bay can be really shallow in Norther conditions. The entry channel to Dickerson Bay is deep and well marked but don't stray out of it. It carries at least 6'.
Doug Cole
Wakulla Springs, FL
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