The positive effects of recent dredging in the AICW Problem Stretch running behind Bakers Haulover Inlet, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, seem to be waning already. The USCG has already reset the buoys to mark the recent shoaling. Captain Long relates first-hand experience with navigating this Problem Stretch.

Cruising News:
After transiting this section of the ICW several times in prior months with no issues. My students and I, avoiding the deteriorating weather offshore this week, decided to again take the ICW from Biscayne Bay to Fort Lauderdale. The section around MM 1080 has always been narrow with encroaching shoal. I have always seemed to hug the new green cans around the problem shoaling area, probably just due to southbound traffic. This time we were mid-channel and hit bottom between Red 6A and 6B. It was hard sand and we quickly got underway. My draft is 4’11”. I advise to proceed slowly through this section and stay nearer the newly moved green cans where I had no less than 9′, just after low tide.
Capt. Edana Long, Sailing Academy of Florida

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Section” Listing For AICW Bakers/Haulover Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To The AICW Bakers/Haulover Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch

Recent dredging in this AICW Problem Stretch seems to not be holding, and the USCG has reset the buoys to mark the shoaling. Captain John offers advice on proceeding through this Problem Stretch.

The ICW channel thru there is good but narrow. Stay as close to the east side green buoys as possible because the strong current (and wind) coming in from the inlet often pushes hard east to west, and it is easy to wander into shallow water on the west side of the ICW. Also the sand bar and channel is very crowded on weekends. Be careful.
Captain John

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Section” Listing For AICW Bakers/Haulover Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To The AICW Bakers/Haulover Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch