Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 21, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More on Shoaling in AICW Problem Stretch North of Ben Sawyer Bridge, Statute Mile 460
Shoaling North of Ben Sawyer - Click for Chartview
From earlier reports and as Captain Mullins confirms, the water gets thin between AICW markers #111 and #119, north of the Waterway’s entrance into Charleston Harbor. These waters have been designated an SSECN Problem Stretch and caution should be exercised through the AICW channel past the Ben Sawyer Bridge and the Isle of Palms.
AICW abeam of Breech Inlet:
I’ve written about this area before but I am noticing an increasing number of sailboats aground during low tide. It is in the area where 3 creeks wash from Breach Inlet into the AICW. There are 2 green day marks north of the Ben Sawyer bridge and this bad stretch is shoaling between them. You can make it in a 5 ft. draft boat, but you must weave and bob a little to get through.
Philip W. Mullins (Phil)
S/V Katash
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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May 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Awendaw Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 435.5)
You almost have to think of Awendaw Creek as two different bodies of waters. First, there is the southwesterly branch, which is followed by the AICW for several miles, southwest of marker #50. Then, there is the seaward branch, south of marker #50, and bypassed by the Waterway. This latter stream can make for a good overnight anchorage, but, over the years, we have received reports from some cruisers who have found shallow depths here. Clearly, as you will see below, Captain Kent did not have that problem!
We spent an enjoyable night anchored in Awendaw Creek last night with two other sailboats. We entered Awendaw Creek at R48 on the north side of the creek to avoid clearly visible shoaling to the south side of the entrance. The tide was high when we approached and anchored and almost to peak when we left the next morning. Carina, our 34-foot sailboat, draws 4-1/2 feet and had no problem. Terrain is open marshland. Even the no-seeums weren’t horrible
We entered the creek on a high tide, avoiding the visible shoaled area on the south side of the entrance. We anchored in about 15 feet, surrounded by unprotected marshlands. It was a beautiful, quiet anchorage when we were there. The no-seeums hardly showed up. We left on a rising tide the next morning with no problems. Carina, a 34-foot sailboat, draws 4-1/2′. Read the tides, keep your eyes open when you enter and leave and enjoy the anchorage.
Captain Kent
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Awendaw Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Awendaw Creek Anchorage
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May 3, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Tolers Cove Marina (Statute Mile
We are glad to hear that Tolers Cove Marina is taking transients. In the past, this service seemed uncertain.
Watch out for entrance depths when approaching the back side of Tolers Cove, where you will find all their docks. Between dredging cycles, depths here can get thin.
I stay[ed] at a small marina, Toler’s Cove Marina, tucked in off the ICW just south of the Ben Sawyer Bridge. It is home to a number of sport fishing boats but they do have room for transients. One of the best things about this marina is there is no current to deal with. The only drawback is they have no restroom or showers at the present time. I found the location to be ideal. It is only about a mile from Sullivan’s Island where I walked to Poe’s Restaurant for one of their famous burgers. About 1.5 miles in the other direction are a couple of grocery stores, West Marine, and number of local restaurants. If you need transportation, the marina manager, Kevin, can arrange it for you. Great spot!
Randy Hondros
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Tolers Cove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tolers Cove Marina
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May 3, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Inlet Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 461)
Inlet Creek makes off from the northern banks of the AICW, north (really east) of the Waterway’s intersection with Charleston Harbor, and is surrounded by marsh grass shores. We have always found the mainland branch of Inlet Creek to be an acceptable anchorage, and a good place to wait for daylight or fair weather to make good our entry into Charleston Harbor at Sullivans Island.
We got chased off the water on 4/25/2013 by fast approaching thunderstorms and severe weather warnings broadcast on the VHF. It was 15h30, just off celestial low at Ben Sawyer Bridge. We considered hiding at Toler’s Cove Marina, which has been a friendly stop for us in the past, but instead, we decided on Inlet Creek. The entrance is shoal to the south side, but center-line and north side depths carried 16′ – 17′ at approximately 1+ on tide. low water. We went in to about 200 yds from the shoal at the back of the creek, and dropped the hook in 13′, with a tidal range of 9′. We laid out 130′ of rode, and did not set out a second anchor. We had adequate swing room for our 40′ Sanctuary. We were later joined by a large sailing catamaran, greater LOA than ours, who also did not set out a second anchor. The holding was fine; no problems with the 35kt t’storm gusts we got. There were no small, fast fishing boat wakes, and the wind protection was “salt marsh average.” Sunset and sunrise were spectacular.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Inlet Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Inlet Creek Anchorage
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May 3, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Isle of Palms Marina (Statute Mile 457)
On 4/30/13 as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 457 ‘“ can someone who has stayed here recently give a report on Isle of Palms Marina, near AICW marker #117? Did you try the on-site restaurant? How did you find the bill of fare?
Responses follow:
I live at Wild Dunes and eat at Morgans Creek Grill at the Isle of Palms marina quite often. They do a very good job with fresh seafood. Happy hour is 4 to 7 week days as long as you sit at the bar, either on the first floor or upstairs. Appetizers are half price and beers, wine and cocktails are reduced price. The mussels (only available on the first floor) are to die for.
In season they have an oyster roast on Saturday afternoons in November, December. Usually have music on weekends. Good Spot.
Philip W. Mullins (Phil)
s/v Katash
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Palms Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Isle of Palms Marina
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May 2, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Whiteside Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 451.5)
On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 451.5 ‘“ anyone anchored on Whiteside Creek, off the AICW’s northwestern banks, north of marker #97? What depths did you find? Was the lee of the surrounding shores good enough to afford you a comfortable evening?
Responses follow:
Anchored there 4/25/13. Went in at low tide. Had 14′ all the way in. Anchored before where chart shows 11′ (another boat anchored at that spot). Had storm but no holding problems. Gave anchorage 4 stars. Creek is much narrower than looks at high tide but depth was 14′ from bank to bank when tide is out.
s/v Skye
Click Here To View the South Caroling Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Whiteside Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Whiteside Creek Anchorage
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May 2, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Minim Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 415.5)
As part of a 4/30/13 South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 415.5 ‘“ who has anchored on the waters of Minim Creek, south of AICW marker #4? Did you find sufficient swing room and depths here? Would you recommend this anchorage to fellow cruisers?
Responses follow:
We anchored in 8 feet at mid tide. There is plenty of swing room for a 41ft cat proably enough for a 50 ft monohull. We anchored seaward.
JackP
We anchored on the western branch of Minim Creek, just past the dock. There was plenty of swing room and good protection from fetch. Very quiet area, so remote that no lights could be seen at night. Our kind of anchorage. It was a good stop for us to stage for a morning arrival at the Georgetown Public Docks, so we could visit the town during our day-only free stay.
Glen and Jill Moore
DeFever 40 Last Dance
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Minim Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Minim Creek Anchorage
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May 1, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
McClellanville, SC and Leland Oil Company Marina (Statute Mile 430)
On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following queastion:
Statute Mile 430 ‘“ Who has visited McClellanville, SC lately? Did you find the shallow MLW depths on the southern section of Jeremy Creek that we reported a few months ago? Did you dock at Leland Oil Company’s recently upgraded piers? What were you overall impressions of this marina and McClellanville in general? Did you dine ashore? Did you find McClellanville as picturesque as ever?
Responses follow:
We stayed at the Leland oil Co. We draw 5’3 and made it in and out following their directions. The town was quaint, not much there, but a peaceful stop over.
Patricia Sienstra
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Leland Oil Company Marina
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Apr 12, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Stretch To Sight Eagles on South Carolina AICW, St. M. 416 to 410
Having cruised through the waters referred to below, between the AICW’s southerly exit from Winyah Bay, and the crossing at North Santee River, for well over thirty years now, I can wholeheartedly second Captain Hartsell’s recommendation. This portion of the Waterway is bounded by vast grass marshes which stretch back to higher, well wooded banks. You can see all sorts of bird life along this stretch, in addition to the “eagles” mentioned below.
As Spring is now in full swing, the northern migration is beginning. I’d like to share a place that I have found along the South Carolina ICW for spotting Eagles. Beginning at the North Santee River and ending at Winyah Bay I have found the largest concentration of Eagles, seeing as many as 12 Eagles on one trip along this portion of the ICW. They are often sitting on a branch high in the tallest pine trees along the banks but I have seen them flying and landing along the shoreline as well. For those of you doing the loop this year, I envy you. It is a magical trip, Enjoy!
Leslie Hartsell
m/v Somewhere
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the AICW Between North Santee River and Winyah Bay
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Mar 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
AICW Problem Stretch Shoaling Confirmed Near McClellanville, SC, Statute Mile 434
Due to persistent shoaling, in early 2011 we designated the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek, as an “ICW Problem Stretch.” As before, we recommend passage at mid or high tide. Capt. Schmidt confirms that shoaling still persists in this area.
As you know, there are problems here.
Today, Jan. 11 starting at mile 430, beacon 35 depth drops to as low as 4 feet and is consistently 5 feet. Found two boats aground at beacon 40. It was 1330, dead low tide, new moon with prediction of -0.7 feet. By beacon 42 it was back to the normal 9-10 feet.
Your advice to pass at mid to high rising tide is correct, but time and mother nature put us there at the wrong time. But we made it. I draw 3′-9″ so I slowly passed the grounded vessels.
Ray Schmidt
Went thru this area on January 6 2013 and saw 8.1′ at mid-tide. Be cautious in this area.
Captains Gregory and Mary Yount
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jan 11, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report on Depths in SC Waterway, AICW Statute Miles 420 – 455
Extreme tidal ranges have been the norm for the last year, giving not only lower, but also higher, than charted depths. Seeing highs and lows a foot or more off the charted numbers has been common. Navigating the constantly changing depths in the Waterway channels is part of the challenge (fun?) of staying off the bottom, even in normal depth conditions. Our advice has always been: follow the markers and do not depend entirely on the magenta line on your chart or chartplotter.
Cruising News:
Hi – wanted to report general shoaling in the stretch from just south of the South Santee River and extending down to Price Creek, past marker 80. We just ran it at low water, and did not see 9′ anywhere in that entire stretch; the average depth was 7.5 to 8′, and running a narrow zigzag centered on the channel showed the deepest water to be in the center and shoaling (mostly) slowly toward the edges. The variation in depth is small, with no bars that I saw. Extreme caution is recommended.
Also note that it doesn’t get a whole lot better after Price Creek: the depths come up very slowly, until suddenly going completely schizophrenic just past Dewees Island: up to 35′ as you cross the rivers and the inlets, instantly dropping to 7′ or 8′ as you come up on the other side (silting in.)
Ben
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Dec 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments 33.0789,-79.469999
IMPORTANT – Serious Shoaling on Jeremy Creek – McClellanville, SC (Statute Mile 430)

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Our contact at the US Army Corps of Engineers has just forwarded copies of an official USACOE survey of depths on Jeremy Creek taken 11/19/12. Take a look at the first three lines of soundings north of the stream’s mouth, in the enlargement of the survey below. You will quickly see why we have designated this posting as “Important” and have set an SSECN Navigation Alert for these waters.
All depths shown on this survey are corrected for Mean Low Water. So, a quick glance will show you that, at low tide, you might be cruising through as little as 2.0 to 2.6 feet depths, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHANNEL! Fortunately, channel depths improve farther upstream.
However, until and if dredging can be accomplished on the southern portion of Jeremy Creek, entrance and exit at times near low water will be relegated strictly to shallow draft vessels!
Now, why is this such a big deal. Well, Jeremy Creek provides the only water access to the charming village of McClellanville, South Carolina, and its recently improved marina, Leland Oil Company. The shoal depths at the entrance to Jeremy Creek are going to be a real obstacle to visiting both this marina and the adjoining community.
Fortunately, there is a 5.5 to 6 foot tidal range in this region, so most cruising craft will be able to navigate southern Jeremy Creek near the time of high tide. Of course, having to time your travel around the tides can be a major inconvenience to cruisers.
A telephone conversation with the dockmaster at Leland Marine on 12/28/12 confirmed the surveyed shallow depths, and we were told that deeper draft boats are indeed having to play the tides when entering and leaving. On the other hand, the dockmaster said he had accommodated several boats this fall season with 5-foot draft, but clearly, these vessels did not arrive or leave at low water.
The dockmaster went on to say that everyone in McClellanville is hoping that the USACOE will dredge Jeremy Creek this year, but he has not heard of any definite plans to do so. Let’s hope this dredging happens soon!
In the meantime, ALL mariners bent on a visit to McClellanville and/or Leland Oil Company, NEED TO TAKE THIS INFORMATION INTO ACCOUNT!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the southern section of Jeremy Creek
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Oct 5, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Good Words for Awendaw Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Miles 436
Awendaw Creek - Click for Chartview
Located halfway between Georgetown and Charleston, SC, Awendaw Creek has been successfully accessed for anchoring by several recent cruisers. On the south side of the Waterway, Awendaw Creek is best approached through its northern entrance which is due south of marker #48 and just west of marker #47 in Harbor River.
Anchored here on 10/1/2012-all positive comments on this anchorage are true. Went in at 1 hour before low tide and never had less than 8′ and mostly double digits in the anchorage. `No-seeum’s’ came out at sundown but an `Off’ coil kept them to a minimum.
Capt. Pat Carter
Oct 10 we anchored at Awendaw Creek turned the corner in charted 13 feet but saw 16 feet, surprisingly very quiet night even though it appears to be wide open.
Doug Cordello
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Awendaw Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Awendaw Creek
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Jul 22, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More AICW Shoaling Reported Near Isle of Palms, (Statute Mile 460)
From earlier reports and as Captain Bell confirms, the water gets thin between AICW markers #111 and #119, north of the Waterway’s entrance into Charleston Harbor. While not yet designated an SSECN Problem Stretch, we have established a Navigation Alert for these waters and caution should be exercised through the AICW channel past the Isle of Palms.
Three days ago we had to wait for one hour past low water, which was `0’³ tide, to pass between 117A and 119. Our sailboat has a five foot draft. We made two slow attempts to pass but ran aground mid channel and west or land side of mid channel. NOTE: while we waited for an hour past low tide we made an attempt to bypass the low spot by going around the Atlantic side loop. The chart shows deep water, which there is until you are 100 yards from 119, then there is a shoal that is less than four feet. So back to 117A you go.
David Bell
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jul 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good News from Leland Oil Co. Marina – McClellanville, SC (St. M. 430) – Captains Mark and Diana Report
Leland Oil Co. Marina
Here’s another excellent report from our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and originator of On The Water Chart Guides. This article concerns Leland Oil Company Marina, located on the waters of Jeremy Creek at McClellanville, SC. This facility lies about half-way between Winyah Bay and Charleston Harbor.
As has been previously reported here on the Cruisers’ Net, and made clear once again below by Captains Diana and Mark, McClellanville Oil Co. Marina may just be “the” most improved facility in the SC Low Country. Even so, no-one will ever mistake this place for Pier 66, or Morehead City Yacht Basin, BUT with things as they now stand, we can recommend a stop here for those who want to experience a last, little piece of South Carolina Low Country, small town, charm!
T. W. Graham & Co. Seafood Restaurant
Hi Claiborne,
Diana and I were through McClellanville last month and thought you’d like an update on what Dwayne’s up to at Leland Oil.
ICW veterans have long known about the shrimp boat docks at McClellanville, SC (STM 430.0).
In the past, you’d trade beer to raft up for the night In the tiny harbor of Jeremy Creek. But, of course, you’d have to stay up with the shrimpers to drink the beer ‘¦ and then untangle your boat at oh-dark-thirty so they could get off to work and you could catch a few hours of sleep before moving on.
Now there is a more “civilized” alternative. Last year, Dwayne Merritt at Leland Oil put in floating docks to provide a place for recreational boats to tie up for the night, allowing them to keep their beer … and get some sleep.
We recently stayed at Leland Oil and saw first-hand the new floating docks. Very nice! And Dwayne continues to make this facility more welcoming to cruising sail and power boats.
McClellanville is worth a saunter, a quiet village of well-kept houses clustered on a few blocks near the shrimp docks. With its small streets, lack of traffic, and friendly residents, walking the town feels like going back a few decades.
There is one stop in town, the local seafood restaurant, T.W. Graham. In true small-town style, it has abbreviated hours but is worth the wait. FRESH-FRESH seafood!
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Co. Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Leland Oil Co. Marina
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
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Jul 9, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
ARGUS Confirms Shoaling on AICW Problem Stretch – AICW Channel South of McClellanville, SC to Awendaw Creek (St. M. 430 to 435)
Perhaps the #1 advantage of being Survice Enginnering’s ARGUS Project’s strategic web partner, is that the SSECN is the FIRST to receive shallow water updates from the various ARGUS volunteer research vessels traveling Southeastern USA coastal waters. And, that’s just what’s happened here!
Now, it isn’t exactly a surprise that the ARGUS equipment aboard M/V Elixir has just reported finding less than optimum depths along the path of the AICW south of McClellanville, South Carolina. After all, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net declared these waters as an “AICW Problem Stretch” several years ago! However, it’s certainly nice for ARGUS to verify this data, and even to pin-point the shallowest spots!
Take a look at the first graphic below, and note the color coded ARGUS “solution sets” along the track of the AICW immediately southwest of marker #37. This stretch of the AICW lies just southwest of Jeremy Creek and McClellanville. As you can see, Elixir discovered some 6-foot MLW depths right along the mid-width of the AICW channel. Still enough for most vessels, but definitely getting on the thin side:
And, then we have a second set of ARGUS soundings (“solution sets”) depicted in the graphic below, just a small hop farther to the southwest (northeast of marker #40). Again, LOTS of 6-foot MLW depths noted here:
PLEASE NOTE that these depths (“solution sets”) are so NEW, they are NOT yet depicted on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Chart View “ARGUS Layer.” That will be corrected on our next update from Survice Engineering, due to be received soon. However, we thought this data was so interesting, it was worth calling to the attention of the cruising community even before this update is received and processed!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW Channel South of McClellanville, SC to Awendaw Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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May 19, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Continued Praise for Leland Oil Company, McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 430
We understand from many sources that Leland Oil Company Marina, under a new owner, is making big improvements, including new floating docks, to this very affordable facility – long a source of good fuel prices. We hear, too, that the owner will take time to drive you to nearby stores. Also note that if you have never visited the backwater village of McClellanville, SC, you owe it to yourself to stop here and at least take in the community. It’s like stepping into a time machine that transports you to what most of the Low Country must have looked like 50 years ago. Try it, you might just like it!
We haven’t been there since Leland Oil Company began the renovation. Jeremy Creek was being dredged during our last visit, and we were extremely happy with the rumor
that there was a possibility of a dock in progress. We own six acres on Drayton Lane, immediately across from ‘˜Gussie’s’ house, and the church which is on the grounds of the slave cemetery. (This church was turned on its foundation during Hurricane Hugo in 1989) McClellanville is on the Historic Registry for those who may not be aware; and the two restaurants in our small little town can compete with any 5 Star restaurant around. Plus, the seating is a lot more comfortable.
We are full-time cruisers and are proud of McClellanville for its citizens caring enough to progress slowly without spoiling its heritage. Since cruisers and McClellanville share a lot in common, we look forward to taking our sv Gypsysails into Jeremy Creek with the first opportunity that prevails.
Thank you Leland Oil Company, we will be sure to share with as many cruisers as we can, because they appreciate communities like ours.
Ginger & Maury Thompson
We stayed at Leland Oil in McClellanville on 16th May 2012 on our 50′ Benetau with a 6′ draft. The entrance to the the creek was a little shallow but no real problem (a foot above low). At the dock during a normal low tide we still had 6’³ on the bottom. Plenty of space on the new dock easy tie up and departure. The fishing boats all respected the no wake which made for a very pleasant quiet nights sleep, we will visit again.
Andrew
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Entrance to McClellanville Channel
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May 15, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Photos of Leland Oil Company’s New Floating Docks (McClellanville, South Carolina – AICW, Statute Mile 430)
Back in April (2012), we published several reports from fellow cruisers detailing the very welcome new, floating docks at McClellanville, South Carolina’s Leland Oil Company (see /?p=81422 and /?p=85795). I had always wanted to recommend stopping in McClellanville, as this idyllic village is a real throwback to yesteryear, with its moss shrouded lanes, and quaint homes that look as if they just stepped out of the early 1900’s. However, until these new docks were added, the roughness of Leland Oil Company’s dockage facilities were a real trade-off against the community’s other charms. Now, while no-one will ever mistake this facility for Fort Lauderdale’s “Pier 66,” we can recommend a stop here!
Just a few minutes ago, the dockmaster at Leland Oil Company transmitted a series of photos detailing his new docks, You can see one to the right. Follow the photo gallery link below to check out the rest!
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May 2, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Praise for Leland Oil Company Now Open and New Docks Ready for Cruisers, McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 430
We understand from other contributors that Leland Oil Company Marina, under a new owner, is steadily making improvements to this very affordable facility and long a source of good fuel prices. We hear, too, that the owner will take time to drive you to nearby stores. Also note that if you have never visited the backwater village of McClellanville, SC, you owe it to yourself to stop here and at least take in the community. It’s like stepping into a time machine that transports you to what most of the Low Country must have looked like 50 years ago. Try it, you might just like it!
Stayed here 4-30. Great new floating docks as advertised. Daune greeted us at the dock and did a good job tying up the boat. We had a wonderful afternoon biking thru the town. Saw a 1000+ year old oak tree. The village museum is only open Thurs Fri and Sat. We will have to see it next time.
Ron & Audrey aboard Lucky Girl
Stayed overnight on Sunday 4/29. Great new floating dock. Full up that night, 7 boats. Great place between Georgetown and Charleston. Amenities are spartan, should be upgraded on ground level. Met by Dockmaster Duane to tie up. Highly recommended.
Has Royer
Stopped in last fall. nice people-short walk into small town ‘˜down home’ cooking in local restaurant.
JiM Lady Lady
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Entrance to McClellanville Channel
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Apr 20, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.0502,-79.51889999
Shallow Water at Marker #43, South of McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 434.2

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Due to persistent shoaling, in early 2011 we designated the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek, as an “ACW Problem Stretch.” As before, we recommend passage at mid or high tide.
And what began as a caution has turned into an excellent discussion on GPS. Read and learn!
Yesterday we traveled from Charleston to Georgetown on the ICW. At GREEN 43 we were dead on the magenta line when the depth under our props went to 0.2 feet. We draft only 39 inches so this is really a problem for most boats.
We put out a securite call on the VHF and saved a couple of boats from going aground. I later heard chatter from a couple of sailboats we had passed earlier that they were having to wait for high tide to traverse this section. It was only a bar and lasted a few seconds as we cleared it but it gave us a start. Today I heard locals in Georgetown talking about trouble in the same place. Be careful out there.
Rusty and Jan Carlisle
I too experienced the shallow water following the magenta line on my Garmin 4210 in this area. I have found that Mr Garmin has put my “boat cursor” in the marsh while in the waters of Georgia and S. Carolina. I have find deeper water by going off the magenta at slow speed usually toward the inside of turns. I poke around a bit and find the “real channel”. With all this said, I still love my Garmin electronics. Most of the time the magenta is right on.
Rick, Sun Gypsy
I think you meant the outside of the turns. General rule of thumb is stay 2/3 rds of width to the outside. Imagine the current flow scouring out a channel. The scouring velocity is greatest on the outside of the turn.Seek the side with larger vegetation and steeper banks. Of course there are many other factors that can cause variations with this “thumb” rule.
Joe
This may or may not be another example of what can happen by spending too much time following the magenta line rather than using visual observations and following the channel markers instead. Often coming up and down the waterway, we found our plotter showing us crossing land instead of being in the channel. We have transited this section many time and were told by other boats over the VHF that there was shallow water, one telling us they
found 4 feet in the channel. When we crossed we actually found 8 feet of water in the channel some five minutes after they passed through. There are other areas like Cumberland Dividings where following the chartplotter will put you solidly aground. I’m not saying this is the case here, but would caution everyone to not depend on the plotter for more than a reference and use good old fashion navigation. When I hear any reports that the boat was aground and on the magenta line, I have to ask myself how accurate the plotter is in this section. Many boats will make the same mistake and before long there are several reports of groundings because too many of us religiously follow the magenta line. The towing companies will often tell us that they have pulled many boats off shallows in the area. The reason is because following the plotter into shallow water is a common problem. We often see many boats running from green to the next red marker down a channel instead of staying well in between the markers. Many channel markers along the ICW sit in one or two feet of water, but boaters will think that as long as they are inside the markers the channel is deep. Running up close to them will almost always lead to a grounding. Since our first trip south on the ICW in 1993 we have observed so many boats hard aground in what they thought was the channel, while we passed safely by. The depths do change for a variety of reasons and caution is always needed, especially in known problem spots. We too follow the various websites looking for the latest information, but often find reports that are based on operator inattention more than poor conditions. Some channels are less forgiving than others should one stray too far.
Chuck Baier
The problem isn’t with the chart plotter, it’s the map they used. The GPS is telling you exactly where you are, but the channel has moved relative to the chart that is published that was used on the chart plotter. The magenta line is published on the chart, and so if the channel has been moved by the moving water, which it has, then the magenta line will lead you astray.
Follow the channel, NOT THE MAGENTA LINE! Makes no difference how new your chart plotter is, it has to do with when the chart used was updated. When you update your chart plotter, hopefully they have used the latest charts available.
Chuck Gorgen aboard ODYSSEE
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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