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    • May 28, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.8609,-81.08359999

      Good News Report from Hell Gate, GA AICW Problem Stretch Statute Mile 602


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      Our thanks to Bill King for confirming the success of last year’s dredging of this Problem Stretch, which, for the time being at least, seems not such a Problem Stretch.

      BTW…on the north-bound transit, came through Hell Gate (GA) last week at dead low tide. I know it was dredged but I did not expect to see 9’-plus all the way through following the USACE survey route.
      Bill King
      Stuart, Florida

      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)

      1. Nelms F Graham -  January 10, 2021 - 6:05 am

        Went thru the Gate on 1/9/21 at low tide. Lowest observed depth was 7.6 ft.

        Reply to Nelms
    • Oct 19, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Reminder: Cruisers Net’s Problem Stretch Listings by State

      Our thanks to Jim Healy for reminding AGLCA’s Forum readers about AIWC trouble spots and let us remind you about Cruisers Net’s easy to research, state by state and region by region listing of Problem Stretches  from North Carolina to Florida. Open ink below for Hell Gate Problem Stretch in which  dredging was completed on October 1, 2019.

      There are several “Hell Gates” around (Maine, New York, Georgia), but the one this post refers to is at MM600 in Georgia, between the Ogeechee and Vernon Rivers. “Heading north to Savannah…” from – let’s say – Florida, you will have to pass through Georgia’s version of Hell Gate.”

      The tides in that part of the East Coast run to 8 feet or so; there are SEVERAL known ICW trouble spots in that region that become issues at low tide and especially at celestial low tides. You WILL want to know about them. Altamaha Sound, The Little Mud River, Hell Gate and Elba Cut all come to mind. Start with Tom Hale’s great information at Sail Magazine (https://www.sailfeed.com/2019/09/icw-observations-updates-september-2019/). Join the Facebook Group run by Bob Sherer (Bob423) called ICW Cruising Guide. Facebook is so hard to use and get meaningful information from quickly that you might be better off with Bob’s website first, at Fleetwing.blogspot.com. These two guys are actively cruising the ICW seasonally, so their information is both timely and current.

      If you don’t have Aqua Maps Master for a cell phone of tablet, get it. The Master add-on gives you US Army Corps of Engineers sounding information that is highly useful.

      You don’t say where you’re starting, but there are several historic trouble spots in North Florida, too. READ UP ON THE ICW BEFORE YOU GO, or make sure your towing insurance is paid up… (OK. That was stupid… I lost track of the subject line. But if you’re familiar with Jekyll Creek – and the history thereof – you should understand the words “ICW Trouble Spots” all too well…)

      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

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    • Oct 29, 2018by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.8609,-81.08359999

      Sherer Report: Hell Gate, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


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      Our thanks to author/cruiser, Bob Sherer, for this report on the notorious Hell Gate Problem Stretch where the Waterway follows the narrow, man-made canal between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. As posted on Bob423.

      Robert Sherer to ICW Cruising Guide by Bob423
      October 27 at 10:21 PM ·
      Hell Gate report (10/27/2018) There is no deep path. You need tide. Strong west wind lowered the water level some, perhaps 0.3 ft or more. The 3.5 ft MLW spot was very brief, just a flash on the depth sounder. The 4.2 to 5.6 MLW areas were persistent.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s AICW Problem Stretches Listing For Hell Gate

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    • Oct 23, 2018by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.8609,-81.08359999

      Report from Hell Gate, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


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      Our thanks to Lori Rackliffe for this report on the notorious Hell Gate Problem Stretch where the Waterway follows the narrow, man-made canal between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. As posted on Bob423.

      Hell Gate- MM601. Georgia
      We transited at 9:30 Tuesday Oct 23,2018. With 6.7’ of tide assist. High at 7:43,8.2’ above datum.
      Using Navionics Sonar Chart we stayed centered, no hugging or favoring.
      The least depth recorded was 10.9’ just before G91. Directly off G91 we saw 12.6’. Off R90-13.2’
      Lori Rackliffe

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

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    • Oct 29, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.86,-81.08359999

      Healy Report: Hell Gate Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


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      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)

      1. Tom Hale -  October 29, 2017 - 10:26 am

        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

        Reply to Tom
    • Jun 21, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.8609,-81.0839999

      Precise Depths Report from Hell Gate Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


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      The AICW 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. Despite recent reports of shallow water at low tide, this marker by marker, rising tide report from Bob Kovach is good news and good advice for cruisers. SSECN continues to recommend mid to high tide for this passage.

      Marine Trader 50 “ALLEZ!” ALL Depths are from the water line. We have a 5 ft Draft
      High Tide was at 4:11 P.M. Began Transit at 3:32 North Bound at Marker #90 11.3 ft, Marker #89 11.4 Ft
      Marker #87 10.4 ft Speed 7 MPH, Wind 15-22 MPH
      Ended Transit 3:39 PM
      Safe Cruising.
      Chief Engr Bob, Onboard ALLEZ!

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

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    • Jun 4, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.9796,-81.05619999

      Elske: From Hell [Gate] to [Isle of] Hope, Savannah, GA, AICW Statute Mile 590


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      FULL MARINE SERVICE ON SITE TRANSIENT DOCKAGE WELCOME

      David and Jaculeyn continue sharing the log of Elske via their delightful blog, The Voyage of Elske on America’s Great Loop. A personal note regarding Elske’s title for today’s page, David is a retired Methodist minister. Today’s page recounts their passage through Problem Stretch, Hell Gate, and on to Isle of Hope Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, which lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of Waterway marker #46A. Be sure to see FOCUS ON Isle of Hope Marina.

      CLICK HERE FOR ELSKE’S LOG AND PHOTOS

      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

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina

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    • Mar 5, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.8609,-81.08369999

      Shallow Water at Hell Gate Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


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      The AICW 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. Looks like the surrounding shallows are once again beginning to creep into the channel. Effective immediately, cautious captains should begin to time their traversal of Hell Gate for mid to high tide. Our thanks to John Wampler for this report.

      Passed thru Hell Gate this morning – 3.2 above Vernon View tide datum with 5.3 feet at waterline.
      John Wampler

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

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    • Sep 25, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 31.8609,-81.08369999

      Reports from Hell Gate Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 602


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      We hear lot of stories of extreme shallows at Hell Gate, so this report from longtime contributor and experienced skipper, James Newsome, is good news, PROVIDED you take his and our advice to wait for mid to high tide if you draw more than 4ft. See /156050 . And see 9/24 report below.

      I negotiated Hell’s Gate on Sunday 08/28/16 traveling northbound exactly two hours before low tide. High tide was approximately 7.3′ for this day. Therefore, we calculated that we had 1.25′ per hour x 2 = 2.5′ of water over low tide. The least water we saw was 8′ which means the net low was around 5.5′. We steered pretty much down the middle following the magenta line, not favoring any marker.
      I draw 5’8″ to 6′ loaded which means I could have made this passage through Hell’s Gate an hour before low tide and barely had water under the keel. At low tide I could not have made it through.
      Based on the draft of your vessel, Hell’s Gate is only a concern within an hour or two of low tide, and if you only draw 4.5′ you can travel through here any time of the day, unless there is a negative tide perhaps. Just take it slow and easy on the south side of Hell’s Gate. There is some squirrelly current on the southern entrance to Hell’s Gate, but it’s nothing to be too concerned about.
      James Newsome

      9/24 Nelms Graham had a less easy passage, even 3 hours after low tide and in a shallow draft vessel!

      Transited Hells Gate on 09/24/16 three hours after low tide, “bumped” in channel approx. 75ft. from marker “89”, in vessel drawing 2-‘6.
      Nelms Graham

      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 (2)

      1. Fragrante Delicto -  March 5, 2017 - 8:08 am

        You fail to mention what tide station you used. Was it Vernon View?

        Reply to Fragrante
      2. Wally Moran -  September 2, 2016 - 11:43 am

        Hey James – thanks for that information – knowing you, I know it is reliable.

        Reply to Wally
    • Mar 30, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 31.8609,-81.08359999

      Advice on Hell Gate Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


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      We are always hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate and recent conflicting reports still indicate problems at low tide. See /153633 and /153843. This report comes from one of our friends in AGLCA. SSECN still recommends MID TO HIGH TIDE as a requirement for navigating through Hell Gate.

      Hell Gate GA
      As a general rule, this section is best attempted with a rising tide. I guided 5 sailboats through there last November 21, 2015 during the Sail 2015 Rally Down the ICW.. We entered Hell Gate at exactly dead low and proceeded slowly. Of the 6 of us all drawing between 4.5 and 6 feet only the 6 footer ran aground. We draw 4.5 feet and several of the other boats with us were 5.5 feet. We were fine at dead low. In my experience, it is best to stay off G 89 about 75-100 feet.
      Reversing that route for north bound, stay center channel as you proceed into Hell Gate and then be on the west side of the as you approach G89, After the G89 continue north for about 300 feet before you actually take the turn towards the east. G89 does not exactly mark the actual bend in the channel After bend continue to stay west but then shift to the center of the channel as you approach the Vernon river.
      The most recent crowd sourced charts show 4-5 feet in the channel at low water. Given that the tidal range here is 9 feet, If you approach Hell Gate an hour or two after low you will have plenty of water in the channel. If you would like to have a copy of my tracks, please PM me.
      Cheers,
      Tom

      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 (2)

      1. Nelms Graham -  September 25, 2016 - 5:14 am

        Transited Hells Gate on 09/24/16 three hours after low tide, “bumped” in channel approx. 75ft. from marker “89”, in vessel drawing 2-‘6.

        Reply to Nelms
      2. James Newsome -  August 31, 2016 - 11:47 am

        I negotiated Hell’s Gate on Sunday 08/28/16 traveling northbound exactly two hours before low tide. High tide was approximately 7.3′ for this day. Therefore, we calculated that we had 1.25′ per hour x 2 = 2.5′ of water over low tide. The least water we saw was 8′ which means the net low was around 5.5′. We steered pretty much down the middle following the magenta line, not favoring any marker.

        I draw 5’8″ to 6′ loaded which means I could have made this passage through Hell’s Gate an hour before low tide and barely had water under the keel. At low tide I could not have made it through.

        Based on the draft of your vessel, Hell’s Gate is only a concern within an hour or two of low tide, and if you only draw 4.5′ you can travel through here any time of the day, unless there is a negative tide perhaps. Just take it slow and easy on the south side of Hell’s Gate. There is some squirrelly current on the southern entrance to Hell’s Gate, but it’s nothing to be too concerned about.

        Reply to James
    • Nov 17, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.8609,-81.08359999

      Another Report from Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


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      We began hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate last year, see /?p=145174 and /?p=146335. Mike and Cathy wisely made this passage near high tide and had no problem. SSECN still recommends MID TO HIGH TIDE as a requirement for navigating through Hell Gate.

      Just passed Hell Gate 1 hour before high tide- minimum observed depth 10 feet. Had approx 6 ft of tide
      Mike & Cathy
      S/V Second Flight

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

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    • Nov 4, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 31.8609,-81.08369999

      Report from Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


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      We began hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate last year, see /?p=145174 and /?p=146335. Now Skipper Horowitz gives us further confirmation that MID TO HIGH TIDE is a requirement for passage through Hell Gate. This is trusted advice…TAKE IT!!

      Transited Hell Gate southbound today, Wednesday, 11/4/15, at 0825-0840, roughly ½ hour before low tide 0902 at Florida Passage, Ogeechee River. Had a range of tide corrections from +2.09′ at 0825, +1.53′ at 0838, and +1.16′ at 0902. Tried to stay mid channel from G87, favoring red side. Ran out of water mid channel at G89-always interesting when the fathometer reads —, but no bump. Also saw a low spot exiting around 5.8′. ALTAIR draws 5′. This section is getting very bad again.
      Mike Horowitz
      M/V ALTAIR

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

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      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Al Sutherland -  November 6, 2015 - 9:22 pm

        Passed through Hell Gate at :40 mins past low tide. Sea Tow tide app. showed low tide at 1.5 ft above MLW (near full moon). 6′ was the lowest. we saw. From our chart there was a new Red 90 which we honored. We draw 4’3″ but still had white knuckles.

        Reply to Al
      2. Kevin R. Quinn -  November 6, 2015 - 3:39 pm

        Everyone hears all these freak out stories and they are anxious about going thru Hell gate. To add to the fear you always arrive around low tide. I live in Savannah and go thru the gate on a regular basis, on all tides. Yes it is low but the USCG keeps the red buoy in the proper place. The above Captain said he tried to stay in mid channel favoring the red side. Well that is what they call a diametrically opposing statement. You are either in mid channel or you are favoring the red side. One or the other, you cannot do both. The channel is the same as always. Stay in the middle keep, all markers and buoys at an equal distance to the proper side and you will be fine. When in doubt stay out. If you are anxious waiting one hour can make all the difference in the world. Pick up the radio and ask that local guy who is just about to go thru for help. Ask him to take readings for you. Again like the anxious captain above said after all that he didn’t even bump.

        Reply to Kevin
    • Apr 24, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 31.8609,-81.08369999

      Extreme Shoaling at Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


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      We began hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate last year, see /?p=145174 and /?p=146335. Now Captain Healy gives us up-to-date confirmation that MID TO HIGH TIDE is a requirement for passage through Hell Gate. This is trusted advice…TAKE IT!!

      Larry:
      As of 4/22/2015 at 19h45:
      Egg Island, GA, tide data: L – 17h09
      Range: -0.2 to +8.0
      Readings at 19h45: +2.8
      – NB, one-half way between G91 and R89: 6.2′
      – At G89: 5.8′
      – 100 yards north of G89: 5.6′

      Conclusion: minimum depth at normal low would be 3.0′, less for celestial low tides; not navigable at low tide for most cruising boats. Channel is narrowing, and tidal currents require careful attention.
      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently northbound at Hilton Head, SC
      http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
      Monk 36 Hull #132

      Unluckily, I had to pass both Hell Gate and Jekyll Creek at dead low tide the last couple of days. Both were 4 feet. Jekyll was 4 feet from beacon 20A to 13. High banks of mud less than 50 feet on both sides means the channel cannot be more than 100 feet wide when full. I consider this to be a no passing zone. Hell Gate was 4 feet from just before beacon 89 for another few 100 feet. I draw 3′-9″ and just had my Fathometer rebuilt, so I now have confidence, but have not touched bottom recently for the final accuracy test.
      Ray Schmidt

      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 (3)

      1. martin -  April 24, 2015 - 4:19 pm

        Just another reason to wait for a 24 hour window and bypass Georgia completely by leaving out of Port Royal sound and gliding along the coast to Florida. This usually takes me 20-24 hrs under sail.

        Reply to martin
      2. Al McGillivray -  April 24, 2015 - 3:34 pm

        SV Airtime (draft 5′ 3″) passed through Hell Gate from the south this morning (April 24, 2015) at 10:00 approximately 2 1/2 hours after low tide. Low tide at Egg Island was at 07:32. The lowest depth I saw was 6.0 feet but I know I was a little too far to starboard expecting the incoming tide to set me more to port. We were behind 2 other sailboats with drafts of 5 feet + that passed through approximately 1 hour previously. The lowest depth reading conveyed by radio was 6.2 feet.

        My advice for this passage is trust the aids to navigation, do not believe your chart plotter, stay centre channel and exercise caution.

        Reply to Al
      3. Richard Ross -  April 24, 2015 - 3:06 pm

        We passed thru Hells Gate in early March, within 1/2 hour of a normal low tide, and saw a minimum of slightly over 5 feet. We draw 4.5 feet, and did not touch bottom. However, another boat closely following us on a slightly different track reported 3.5 feet. From this, and from Jim Healy’s remarks, it would seem that the channel is now very narrow. The problem is to figure out just where the deep water is.

        Reply to Richard
    • Jan 6, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.8609,-81.08369999

      More on Depths at Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


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      The Waterway follows a short and narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years and mid to high tide is recommended for vessels drawing 5ft or more.

      Today, Jan. 5th 2015 went thru Hell Gate at 14:00. Found only 2.7 feet at low tide. Very shallow, luckily my PDQ 34 power cat made it.
      Sailors be aware!
      Reiner Zeppenfeld

      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)

      1. Captain Vic Wilreker -  February 10, 2015 - 12:01 am

        We came through Hell Gate at 1500 that same day (January 5, 2015). It was low tide. Add to that a NW wind blowing water out of the rivers all day and the tide was very low. Well, anyway, Hell Gate was closed to 4.5 foot draft vessels. Our first indication was the temporary green and red buoys laying on their sides in the mud completely out of the water. We dropped the hook to wait for the tide. An hour later, the tide had come up two feet, the buoys were floating, and we got through without a problem.

        Reply to Captain
    • Oct 30, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.8609,-81.08369999

      More Shallow Water Reported at Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


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      Panoramic View of the Sunbury Harbor Relaxed Laid-Back Atmosphere Fresh Steamed Blue Crabs caught Daily Homemade Crab Cakes and Crab StewRestaurant offers a Full-Service BarSunday Home-Cooking LunchThe AICW follows the short and narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years and mid to high tide is recommended for vessels drawing 5ft or more.

      SSECN is glad to hear that Skipper Dammeyer and our friends, the Salemnos, stopped at Sunbury Crab Company Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! which lies along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek

      Larry,
      We passed through Hell Gate this morning about 2 1/2 hours after low. Favoring green 89 by about a boat length we saw 6 1/2 to 7′ for just a few yards and then the water deepened again. On the way in I tried to cut behind the shoal at the Northern approach as marked on the chart, but the water went to 8′ and less, so I turned around,
      went back to the river and made the turn just before the north green in plenty of water. This seemed to be consistent
      with what boats in front of me were reporting.
      Rick
      PS we just tied up with Carmen and Cathy at Sunbury Crab.

      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)

      1. Jim Healy -  November 7, 2014 - 9:54 am

        Sanctuary and crew came through Hell Gate yesterday, 11/6/2014, at 06h30. The chart plotter almanac said we were at +8.4 ft on a +9.1 ft tide. The tidal range was a celestial range around the full moon.
        On both sides of G”89” in the cut, we saw depths of 11.4 ft. At MLLW, that would be 3.0 ft. Yesterday with negative spring tide, it would have been only 2 ft.
        We did not do the Little Mud complex as we would have arrived there at low tide. Instead, we went out at St. Catherine’s Sound and came back in at St. Simons Sound. To avoid the shoaling on the shelf, we ran about 6 miles offshore in acceptable seas of 2’ – 3’. It was a good alternative of 64 StM, and put us in Brunswick at 15h30. Fuel at Ocean Petroleum is $3.04 per gallon, including tax.
        Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, southbound at Brunswick, GA
        http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
        Monk 36 Hull #132

        Reply to Jim
    • Jun 14, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.8609,-81.08369999

      Shallow Water Reported at Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602


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      The AICW follows the short and narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years.

      Clairborne,
      Came thru “HELL GATE” in the dash lines connecting Ogeechee River with Little Ogeechee River at Racoon Key on a half tide (+3′) and bumped with a 3.5′ draft boat.
      John Wampler

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

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    • Nov 26, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      The Latest From Hell Gate AICW Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 602) – Captains Mark and Diana Report

      Our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), give us an updated, graphic report below, relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the AICW Hell Gate Problem Stretch on 11/20/13! Note that the Doyle’s soundings were taken near high tide, so to calculate MLW depths, you must subtract 7.8 feet from their figures. Applying this correction, Diana and Mark noted “multiple soundings around 5 feet at MLLW, southward toward R90.”
      PERHAPS THE MOST USEFUL PART OF THE DOYLE’S REPORT, IS THEIR DISCOVERY OF A NEW, UNCHARTED MARKER, #90, LOCATED BETWEEN CHARTED MARKERS #89 AND #91! Be sure to observe the new #90 marker as you cruise through!
      Incidentally, Diana and Mark have recently published a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above left for more details, and to place an order!

      Hi Claiborne,
      For those transiting Georgia, Hell Gate has a new, uncharted navaid that should help passage through the shallower sections of this perennial ICW Trouble Spot.
      I’ve attached a printable high-resolution file of our November 20th survey report and depth-annotated track.
      Hopefully, SSECN readers cruising this area will find the report useful.
      Best and hope to see some of the Cruisers’ Net gang at this year’s St. Marys Cruisers Thanksgiving!
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      m/v Semi-Local
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

       

      Just transited Hell’s Gate on 11DEC2013. Delivery of 58′ power vessel with 5’4’³ draft. Passed through at 0620, with tide at approx +2.2. Minimum depth noted was approx. 2.5′ under under running gear.
      Captain Rob Welling

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW Hell Gate Problem Stretch

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

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    • Oct 27, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report from Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602

      The AICW follows the short and narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years.

      Captain Kipnis’s report agrees with a report from June of this year, /?p=117878, but does not agree with a report from earlier this month, /?p=125114. However you choose to rely on these reports, SSECN advises that you take Captain Kipnis’s advice and navigate this Problem Stretch at mid to high tide.

      With a 2′ tide, we saw between 4.3′ and 4.5′ midchannel between G89 and G91. Wait for mid-tide on this one! We have a 3′ draft and found only 1.5′ under our keel. At low tide, we would have been aground.

      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

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    • Oct 10, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report from Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602

      The AICW follows the short and narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years.

      Came through here this morning (10-9-13) from the North at 8:25 AM (2 hours past low tide). Read 8.6 feet abreast of marker Green “89 and 9.2 feet abreast of marker Green “91.” I steered center channel for the entire passage.
      Bob Poovey m/v Threadbare

      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

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    • Jun 24, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      New Report from Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602

      The AICW 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.
      Cruising News:
      I transited Hell gate on 6/22/13 enroute from Thunderbolt Marine to my home at Ft McAllister on the Ogeechee River. I have made this passage many times in the past as I’m a “local” and it is part of my cruising area. I have a Bristol 29.9 CB which only draws 3.5 feet, so I was not concerned at transiting at low tide. However, this time I was mistaken. I made the passage at 1500 hours which by my estimate was low slack water. Tide tables indicated a very low -0.9 tide. I always follow the same “established route” on my GPS, so I know that I am always on a route that has been successful in past. As I traveled south between G89 and temp R90 my depth sounder went from 5 feet to 3 feet and I slowed from 6 knots to 3 knots. I estimate that I was plowing a furrow for 200 feet or so, before I started to get more water under my keel. Fortunately, I didn’t go hard aground as the bottom was obviously silt and loose sand. Everywhere else on that trip through Hell Gate the minimum depth that I saw was about 5 feet. Hope this post helps some cruisers.
      Richard Brown

      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

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