For the last year or two, the AICW channel north of Charleston, SC Harbor, between the Isle of Palms and Ben Sawyer Bridges, has been an SSECN designated “AICW Problem Stretch. Recently, these waters were the co-subject (along the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff) of a joint call from the SSECN, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, and the South Carolina Marine Association, suggesting members of the cruising community contact the SC US Congressional delegation, and ask them to support a special appropriation to dredge these waters. (see /?p=121335). Now, 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 relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the Waterway north of Charleston on 8/27/13. NOTE THAT THE DOYLE’S SOUNDINGS WERE TAKEN AT MID-TIDE, MEANING THAT YOU MUST SUBTRACT 2.3 FEET FROM THEIR SOUNDINGS TO DISCOVER WHAT MLW DEPTHS WOULD BE. As you will discover, there are a few spots southwest of the Swinton Creek intersection that would only carry as little as 3 feet at MLW! YIKES!!!!!! We need to get these waters dredged NOW!!!!! Incidentally, Diana and Mark are just about to publish a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above right for more details, and to place a pre-order!
Click Chartlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Barefoot Marina
We have just heard by telephone from dockmaster, Bill Rathbun, at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Barefoot Marina, that a new, official AICW no-wake zone has been established from a point just south of the Barefoot Landing Bridge, to a point 100 yards or so east and south of Barefoot Marina. This new no-wake zone will protect vessels at both Barefoot Marina, and those moored to the facility on the other side of the Pine Island Cut/Canal at Barefoot Landing Marina Transient Dock. So, as you cruise south this fall, SLOW DOWN as you pass under the Barefoot Bridge, and continue at idle speed until you are well south of the marina docks! THANKS for this update Captain Bill!
For the last eight weeks or so, the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff (canal) section of the South Carolina AICW (north of Beaufort, SC) has been the subject of an ACOE survey (FIRST seen here on the SSECN), multiple SSECN postings, and a joint call from the SSECN, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, and the South Carolina Marine Association, suggesting members of the cruising community contact the SC US Congressional delegation, and ask them to support a special appropriation to dredge these waters. (see /?p=119918, /?p=120036 and /?p=121335). Now, 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 relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff’s southwesterly mouth on 8/26/13. NOTE THAT THE DOYLE’S SOUNDINGS WERE TAKEN AT MID-TIDE, MEANING THAT YOU MUST SUBTRACT 4.4 FEET FROM THEIR SOUNDINGS TO DISCOVER WHAT MLW DEPTHS WOULD BE. As you will discover, there is at least one spot along the southeastern flank of the Waterway, a short hop northeast of marker #185, that would be less than 3 feet at low water! YIKES!!!!!! We need to get these waters dredged NOW!!!!! Incidentally, Diana and Mark are just about to publish a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above right for more details, and to place a pre-order!
Jarvis Creek and its anchorage opens on the eastern shores of northern Calibogue Sound, south of Jenkins Islands and east of flashing daybeacon #1. In the SSECN “South Carolina Anchorage Directory, we have always given Jarvis Creek our lowest recommendation (only one anchor), and the shoals surrounding this stream’s mouth are certainly one reason for this less than glowing review. Now, based on the experiences of the two shrimpers (see below), we are wondering whether we should remove Jarvis Creek entirely from our suggested anchorages???? If ANYONE has had a good or bad experience exploring and/or anchoring in Jarvis Creek, PLEASE share your observations. Either make use of the “Comment” function below, or send e-mail to EditorialDirector@CruisersNet.net. Many thanks in advance!
UPDATE: Make SURE to read the note from Captain Moore below the photo at the bottom of this posting. His local knowledge clears up most of the mystery surrounding this grounding!
Cruising News: island packet . 2 trawlers aground in jarvis crk. trying to re float today [8/15/2013]. s of broad crk marina on icw? Wooduck
And this reprint from The Island Packet:
By SARAH BOWMAN sbowman@islandpacket.com Posted: August 17, 2013 Two shrimp boats ran aground Wednesday in a marsh on the north end of Hilton Head Island. James Murray is captain of the overturned Lady Essie, a 1969, 65-foot shrimp trawler based in Port Royal. He said he came into Jarvis Creek at 7 a.m. to tow another shrimp trawler, the Dianie, from the dock behind the Crazy Crab restaurant, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Sgt. Robin McIntosh said. Murray, who is 69 and from Savannah, said he was unfamiliar with the creek and the shallow areas, and he ran aground as he was trying to leave the creek.
Island Packet - Staff Photo by Drew Martin
We live near the Jarvis Creek grounded shrimpers, and they are not at the mouth of the creek. I would estimate that they are a little over 1/2 mile into the creek. (I cannot check this, as we just pulled our Whaler for some maintenance.) I do not disagree with your conclusions regarding Jarvis Creek, but I would doubt if the typical anchoring boat would be where these boats are grounded. K. C. Moore, Jr. Hilton Head
I live on Hilton Head Island and dock at Windmill Harbour, just visible on the upper left corner of your map insert, the entrance where the 10 ft. depth is shown, so I pass this mess all the time. My guess is that it is skipper error, rather than silting, and it is farther up the creek than I would go. the boats are a long way up the creek Shrimp boats always used Jarvis Creek to tie up next to the Crazy Crab restaurant on Highway 278 one mile on the island. The article says there was towing involved, so I believe that was the issue, as it is exceptionally tight in the upper are of the creek. the crazy crab is some 1/4 mile further up the creek than where the boats grounded. From what I can see, the boats are considerably higher up the creek than where your red anchor is placed, and I would place them between the 9ft and 5ft marks on the upper right hand side of the map insert, where it turns to the starboard (as you enter) – nearly off your insert. They appear well North East of the red anchor at any rate. There was a Coast Guard or Auxiliary boat looking at them when I passed them the other day, and they took fuel off them, so it looks like they may be there for a while. They are on the Northwest bank of the creek, parallel to the shore, and both well aground. The fishing rig and booms have now been removed from the second boat (see left boat in picture still has booms on – they are now gone), so it is a lot safer. I would not go that far up the creek to anchor anyway, because it would be really tight to turn around. Hope This helps – Bill Lawrenson, SV Serenity, Hilton Head Island
Captain Constant’s (dockmaster at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port Royal Landing Marina) report below is yet another confirmation of the many reports we have posted on the SSECN about AICW shoaling in the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch (see /?p=120036). And, just last Friday we appealed to the Cruising Community, for help in lobbying the South Carolina US Congressional delegation for a “supplemental appropriation” that would allow the US Army Corps of Enginners to dredge the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff, and the AICW, north of Charleston, where it passes behind shallow Breach Inlet (see /?p=120893). Captain Constant’s suggested alternate route to avoid the Cutoff seems valid, and his is Local Knowledge – always good to have! Cruising south, the “bypass” would begin by turning southeast on the Ashepoo River (downstream), at the southern end of Fenwick Cut, then continuing downstream to Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound. After CAREFULLY bypassing the “Combahee Bank” shoals, this route then turns northwest and heads for the Coosaw River, rejoining the Waterway near statute mile 519.5, west of marker #186. Unfortunately, both the route around the “Combahee Bank” shoals, and the AICW route near the point of rejoining the Waterway west of #186, are very sparsely marked, and the open waters from St. Helena Sound could kickup with an outgoing tide and easterly wind. THE USE OF A WELL FUNCTIONING GPS CHARTPLOTTER IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED WHILE TRAVERSING THIS ALTERNATE ASHEPOO-COOSAW CUTOFF BYPASS ROUTE! In spite to these challenges, until and if dredging is accomplished in the Ashepoo – Coosaaw Cutoff, this alternate passage may be preferable to the shallow depths in the Cutoff, particularly at low water. SSECN would like to hear from ANY other cruisers who have made use of this Ashepoo – St. Helena Sound – Coosaw River alternate route. PLEASE share your experiences with our fellow cruisers. You can use the “Comment” function below, or send e-mail directly to EditorialDirector@CruisersNet.net. Thanks in advance!
I’m the dock master at Port Royal Landing Marina in Port Royal, SC. The shoaling going on just north of Beaufort at the Ashepoo-Coosaw cutoff is too low to navigate at low tide now with most trawlers and virtually all sailboats. How the dredges get through I don’t know. One alternative to dredging this area is to move the ICW one inlet closer to the ocean. If you go east out the Coosaw River to the Ashepoo River you will see its inlet at Otter Island. This inlet is a natural river with fresh water influx and is about 20′ in depth at the mouth at one point is about 15′ then back to 20′ at the Fenwick Cut. If traveling south you would take a left when clearing the Fenwick Cut and travel close to Otter Island into the Coosaw River. I live across the sound from this water and it is the way us locals travel now. Tony Constant
Captain Constant offers further advice on the Ashepoo/Coosaw Rivers junction at Combahee Bank.
When entering the Ashepoo River From the Coosaw River you should be closer to the beach at Otter Island than to the port channel marker. The shoal is shoaling there as well but not near as hard. As a rule I use, when north bound, if I see 12′-15′ of depth I will steer to starboard until I see about 20′. The Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff’s bottom is V shaped, meaning the channel is in the middle of the cut. 6-8 months ago it was much deeper with 9′-10′ of depth last year. Capt Ted took a 45′ trawler through about a month ago and only found 3′ of depth. Tony Constant
Well this is a bad thing with the cut off! But, it would be nice if reporting vessels would post the state of the tide in their reports. If Capt. Ted had 3′ at low water very bad, but if there is 5′ at high water, not so bad. Cygnus ll draws 3’4’³ Capt. Mike Wright
We did take this alternate route a couple of years ago when heading north at low tide. We decided to avoid the cutoff and go the long way around. It worked well with our 6′ 3’³ draft. The only advice I would give is to give the Combahee Bank plenty of respect. It would appear to be shoaling further southeast. Captain Richard
Does this alternate route turn up the coosaw river north of combahee bank or do yu have to go around the bank on the southeast end? Jake Smith
In answer to Captain Smith’s question above, we recommend rounding Combahee Bank, by carefully passing to the east and south of this shoal, staying well south of the one unnumbered, but lighted marker which denotes its position. Then, set a course to the northwest, passing southwest of marker #12. Use your chartplotter to keep to the wide channel while continuing northwest to rejoin the AICW, west of marker #186. Hope that helps to answer your question!
With a closed vertical clearance of 7ft, Little River Swing Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 347 just north of the Marina at Dock Holidays.
Upon arrival at the swing bridge at approximately 11:00 pm on August 10, 2013, our boat could not make it under the swing bridge. We waited patiently for approximately 10 minutes while we watched the `swing bridge’ worker walk around in his operations office as well as look out the window at us. Although even knowing that he saw us waiting, we gave him the benefit of the doubt and politely touched our horn one quick time to try to make certain that he saw us. Well, as soon as we did that, he turned off his lights in his office as if he didn’t exist! So, we were at a loss as what to do and luckily I had my phone to try to locate a website with information about the bridge. Fortunately, I found the site with a contact number and we called it only to get harassed by the man working that night. He told us to put the top of our boat down’¦which we could not do because it is a permanent metal frame’¦then he preceded to asking multiple questions as our boat name and where we were from’¦but what really was unprofessional was the comment from him and I quote, `This is the last thing I need at midnight!’ What a very bad and frustrating ending to what was a perfect day. I would hope the inconsiderate, unprofessional, and very rude man will be dealt with according!!! Sharon Walker
And, just in case you thought that cruisers could not make a difference by posting their experiences here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, SSECN Senior Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, forwarded Captain Walker’s note above to Michael.B.Lieberum, USCG Chief of Operations Section, Bridge Branch. We received this very encouraging response:
I will advise the bridge owner of this unprofessional behavior. If the vessel owner would like to make a formal complaint, they can email me with the details, this would allow this office to formally issue a complaint to the State of South Carolina, the bridge owner. Mike Michael Lieberum Seventh Coast Guard District Bridge Branch Chief of Operations Section
I hope they do file a complaint. We have been cruising the ICW for many years and this bridge/bridge tender has always been a problem. Nastiness has been the order of the day here! Bobbie Blowers
We have cruised through the Little River Swing Bridge many, many times north and southbound and it has always been pleasant passage. Sunday, April 13, 2014 being the latest passage. There have also been times when i have heard Boaters not being so pleasant with the Bridge Tenders causing them to get a little agitated with the Boater. A `10’³ for the Little River Swing Bridge. Keep up the good work. The `Fire Dog’ & Crew Raymond W Smith
The swing bridge tenders have to deal with licencesed professional captains as well as the weekend warriors who think they are captains and quite often under the influence from the many surrounding bars accessible by water in the area. They are responsible not only for the vessels but motor and pedestrian traffic as well. If your lucky enough to be on the water slow down and enjoy it.
Windmill Harbour Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – sits hard by the southwesterly mouth of AICW’s passage south down Skull Creek, on the shores of Hilton Head Island, south of marker #27 (on the easterly banks)
We are docked in Windmill Harbour Marina. This is a great hurricane spot with a lock so no tides or currents, and homes all around the marina for wind protection, but the marina association discourages full time liveaboards for more than 14 days a month. Stay safe, Tom and Patsy
It’s no accident that the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association is pushing very hard to have this Problem Stretch dredged (which they term as “behind Breach Inlet”), and, along with the AICW’s passage through the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff (see /?p=5480 and /?p=119918), the US Army Corps of Engineers in Charleston, SC have made dredging these stretches their #1 priority. Now, we just have to find some money/”supplemental appropriate” to get the job done!
We traveled this section 8-2-2013 leaving McClellanville just as the tide started back up at the marina dock. Traveling on plane in an express cruiser we saw 8 to 11 ft under our hull most all the way. The last mile or so going into Isle of Palms I did see readings down to 5 and 6 ft. Keep in mind we traveled mid channel by the `sticks’ paying no mind to any `pink lines ‘ on the chart plotter. Magneta lines can be a good guide but nothing beats eyes on the sticks and following the marked channel. David Doyle
Recently renovated Leland Oil Company sits on the northern shores of Jeremy Creek, in the heart of McClellanville, hard by the stream’s charted turn to the west. Like Captain Dick, we find McClellanville, to be one of the most delightful stops on the AICW, and, yet, it’s known to only a few cruisers. Stop for awhile and make the acquaintance of this village that time has forgotten. You won’t be sorry!
Came in to McClellanville to get out of the rain. The Leland Oil Company was empty as this is not the time that Cruisers go north. the attending Dock master, Rutledge, was wonderful. Loaned his truck to us to go to the diner for lovely fish/shrimp dinner. we were to leave the next morning but the radar showed nothing but big thunder storms. We decided to enjoy this lovely place for another day and do some engine oil change. Found a problem which led a series of folks that found the right guys to fix the situation. Such good and talented people in the small out of the way places. When I commented to the young man working on the problem I asked him how he learned to do these things his comment was `we are in the middle of nowhere so we have to know.’ I highly recommend this stop to all. floating docks are wonderful as well with the huge tides. Capt Dick
On 7/28/13 (a weekend no less), the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net received a telephone call from Captain Mike Verdolini, (Civil Engineering Technician, Navigation Branch, South Atlantic Charleston), at the Charleston, SC branch of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Captain Mike informed us that the Corps had just finished an official survey of the AICW from Charleston, SC to Beaufort. Two patches of severe shoaling had turned up, which he thought (quite rightly) should be brought to the IMMEDIATE ATTENTION of the cruising community. By the way, before going further, let me just say how honored we are that the US Army Corps of Engineers turned to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net as their FIRST MEANS to get this important information into the hands of cruising captains. One patch of NEW shoaling appeared at the NORTHEASTERN tip of the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, near marker #177. We have put up a separate posting/Navigational Alert, about these shallows at /?p=119918. The other area of concern appeared on our old friend, the “AICW Problem Stretch,” at the southwestern tip of the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff (Statute Mile 517), between markers #180 and #185. As you will see in the below graphic, supplied to the SSECN by the USACOE, low water depths on the southern-southeastern side of the channel, from the interior reaches of the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff, to a point southwest of marker #185, run from 5.6 to as little as 2.6 feet. SOMEWHAT BETTER DEPTHS CAN BE MAINTAINED BY FAVORING THE NORTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN SIDES OF THE CHANNEL, but even with this plan of action, low water depths of as little as 4.7 feet are quite possible. WE NOW STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL CRUISERS WHO PILOT VESSELS DRAWING MORE THAN 3 FEET, TIME THEIR PASSAGE OF THE AICW/ASHEPOO COOSAW CUTOFF STRICTLY FOR TIMES OF MID TO (PREFERABLY) HIGH TIDE! WE ASK THE HELP OF THE CRUISING COMMUNITY TO HELP US DISTRIBUTE THIS VITAL INFORMATION TO OUR FELLOW CRUISERS. If you belong to other nautical lists or forums, please direct members of such associations to this posting at /?p=120036. Both year round Palmetto State cruisers, and those cruising south on the AICW this fall, need to be well aware of this new hazard long before they actually arrive on these waters. The entire Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net team promises to keep a very CLOSE EYE on this developing situation as we move into the fall, 2013 transient season. We will bring you fresh info just as soon as it is available. In the meantime, everyone take care on these waters, and, again, please let us hear about your experiences at #177!!!!
Sir, In response to your call for feedback from cruisers who recently traversed the Ashepoo Coosaw cutoff:On Monday, 24 June 2013, I traversed this area southbound at dead low tide. I encountered very shallow water, around 3.5 feet, all the way from marker 180 to 185. My sailboat with a wing keel is aground when my sounder reads 4.3 feet, but the bottom seemed to be soft mud and I was able to plow through it, although at severely reduced speed because of the viscosity. (I had increased the engine speed to maximum rpm.) My position was the “magenta line” which travels down the middle of the cut in this area. Having passed marker 185 and into the Coosaw River, the water deepened and I was out of trouble. The tide tables predicted water depths to be 1 foot below mean low tide on this day. Peter Denoncourt S/V Kite
Dock Holidays has long been a favorite with my family and many others. There’s an adjacent bus stop to take you into downtown, a supermarket just across the street and you are within an easy bike ride of the beach. Located about a mile south of the Little River swing bridge, the marina’s canal offers calm waters from the passing AICW traffic.
Dock Holidays is alive and well. Same GREAT service is still be provided by Dock master Rhett Dickson. There are now TWO bars on site, along with TWO fishing boats and PWC rental. Rates are inexpensive and it is above the salt line. Capt Mark J. Chest
Fields Cut lies just north of the intersection of the Waterway and the Savannah River. Shoaling there has always been an issue and even with last year’s dredging, shallow depths might be expected. However, Captain Quinn’s report brings good news about recent depths at dead low tide.
I was traveling in my Catalina along with a Lagoon 380 through Field’s Cut on the 7th of July 2013 we agreed to take different lines through the cut at dead low tide. Now we are not paying attention to the magenta line on this chart or any other chart we are dividing the water way in half right down the middle. The Lagoon went through traveling toward the Savannah River and stayed just to the ocean side of the middle of the cut and he marked 7 feet at the low point. I went through just to the inland side of the middle of the cut and marked 10 feet at dead low tide. Captain Kevin R Quinn
The “AICW Problem Stretch” at the intersection of northern Fields Cut and Wright River was dredged three years ago and was more or less clear through the end of 2012. However, as recent reports confirm and as Captain Lawrenson experienced, shoaling is once again a real problem at this intersection.
We grounded badly on May 24, 2013 about 30 feet short of the north exit of Fields Cut running northbound (about where the line runs through the chart next to the N on the insert chart). I had 4.0 to 4.5ft MLW about 10 feet to the red side of the center line. As it was a negative 1.0 tide and I draw 4.5 ft., we sat for 1 1/2 hours in 3.5 Ft of water and swatted flies. After we came free (about + 0.5 ft from MLW) I went back towards Savannah a short way. A trawler passed us and despite my warnings promptly went aground just past where we had been (they also drew 4.5 ft.). I then turned back and went north again, strongly favoring the green side ‘“ about 75% (half way between mid channel and the green shore) and had 7.0 ft. or better past the grounded trawler and all the way out of the cut splitting the markers outside the cut. The shoal is like hitting a brick wall from the Savannah side. I had 11 ft. and then stopped abruptly, aground. It was so sudden I thought I had snagged something ‘“ no warning. All the locals including the Bloody Point Ferry (Savannah to Daufuskie) that passed us three times strongly favor the green side. On the other end, (Savannah River Side) we came through just fine favoring the red side (1/3 from red bank, 2/3 from green bank) at the entry where the cut bends right after the northbound entry from the Savannah River ‘“ 7.5 ft or better at about MLW. Stay away from the jetty on the green side and don’t follow you plotter line. I am a sailor, not a marine professional, and this is what I recall happening to us. Hope this helps others. William Lawrenson
July 8, 2013 Every time I went through S.C. Field’s Cut this weekend there were sailboats aground in the middle of the north entrance of the cut at low tide. Either they don’t read anything don’t know anything or don’t believe how far to the east side of the cut you have to go. I know people are afraid to try this but to go through the north end of the cut you have to stay all the way to the east side of the cut: that means 25 feet from the dirt if you cannot reach out and touch the grass you are not close enough. Do not worry if your GPS or Chartplotter shows a covered and uncovered place here. Look at the water and the mud bank. You will find a channel here where all the water goes out of the cut and it is 10 feet deep at dead low tide. Captain Kevin R Quinn
Did have serious problem with north side of Fields Cut, went aground in middle part of channel before turning south into Fields. Hard grounding with quick stop. Carter Hopkins M/V Amazing Grace
Cricket Cove Marina flanks the ICW’s northern banks, immediately east of flashing daybeacon #11, in the heart of Little River, SC. Moving south from North Carolina to the South Carolina portion of the AICW, Crickett Cove is the first marina you will come across in Palmetto State waters.
I have stayed at Cricket Cove in 2003, 2005, 2011 and most recently 6-8-2013. Tropical Storm Andrea had just passed through the area and winds were a good 20 knots out of the S. Arriving at Cricket Cove at low tide 3:30 PM, Siskiwit grounded approximately 15′ off the fuel dock. We thew a line to Brian and asked him to simply cleat us off as we’d wait for half tide. My depth sounder showed 5.9′ at that moment. High tide that evening was 8.9. This was a first for Cricket Cove and they report they will be dredging in the fall of 2013. Its a great marina, good food, friendly folks, cheap diesel and due to the inconvenience offered a discount on the face dock. Not a big deal, but when one calls in advance and providing that we are 6′ draft, there should be greater awareness of expressing the conditions one is to find upon arrival. Henry Young
Unlike SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Charleston City Marina, located on the Ashley River, the Charleston Maritime Center is found on the Cooper River side of the Charleston peninsula. This facility is very popular, but there is usually some rolling at your slip, due to strong tidal currents.
So much to see and do and the Charleston Maritime Marina people were wonderful and worked with us. Our bikes came in handy and got to see a lot of the beautiful parks and history. The rolling at the docks wasn’t great, but for the most part a great place to stop as not too far from anything and could walk to so many places. Karen & Dennis Baldger 360 Sundancer “Shell Seakers”
Click Chartlet Above to Open Chart View Page Centered on AICW/Waccamaw River Marker #36
We have just heard some GOOD news from Captain Dan Virga, onboard his vessel at SALT SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bucksport Marina, Flashing marker #36, whose destruction caused us to issue an urgent SSECN Alert on 6/5/13, HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED by the USCG. Hooray, all is back to normal on the AICW’s run through beautiful Waccamaw River! We have cancelled the SSECN Navigation Alert for these waters!
Mr. Young, Just wanted to post an update regarding the missing marker in Bucksport SC. Marker No. 36 . The Coast Guard has replaced the temporary marker with a permanent marker now. Sincerely, Capt. Dan Virga
Sunrise Bistro will require automobile transportation to get to, but it definitely sounds worth asking a favor of a friend or the cost of a taxi. The City Marina courtesy van does not go out to Johns Island. Please note that Charleston City Marina is a VALUED SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Earlier reports have indicated depths of 5.8 feet at dead low in this perennial “AICW Problem Stretch” north of Beaufort, SC. Captains Cordello, Horowitz and Raynor all confirm our recommendation to take this passage at mid to high tide.
June 1, 2013 Ditto to the above comments. Arrived at Asheepoo Coosaw Cutoff at dead low tide on June 1, 2013, and plowed into mud with a depth under 4′. Waited for 2 hours and got through with 6′. Wish I’d have looked at the alternate route down the Coosaw River and up the Asheepoo to Fenwick Island. It adds 4 miles but would have been a lot faster and less nerve-wracking. Bill Raynor
April 20, 2013 We just came thru Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff on 4/20/2013 and the reported shoaling has gotten worse. We consistently saw 4.5 feet at MLW and one 3.9 foot at MLW. There appears to be an easy by pass by going down the Coosaw River toward St Helena Sound and up the Ashepoo Rv. We have not tried this route but will on the trip south next fall. John Holmes
Oct 12 we also transit the Ashepoo/Coosaw Cut on a falling tide, just 2.5 feet above mlw, what we saw was exactly what was reported between markers 184 and 185 there would have been only 4.5 feet of water, strongly suggest going at mid to high tide. Doug Cordello
Southbound, 3 November 2012. Exited the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff (`185’³) at 1735. Low tide at 1818, +1.27′. Saw depths as low as 6 1/2′, so when you do the math there is not a lot of water at MLLW +0.0. At 1600 +2.8′, 1700 +1.8′, 1800 +1.2′, so check the daily tables and plan your passage accordingly. Mike Horowitz ALTAIR
The AICW is shoaling badly along its southern and southeastern flank between the Ben Sawyer and Isle of Palms Bridges. MLW depths of as little as 2 feet have been noted by an official November, 2012 US Army Corps of Engineers survey.
I came through this stretch at exactly low tide on June 2, 2013. I stayed to the preferred north side, but bumped bottom and plowed mud almost continuously from G119 to just before Isle of Palms bridge. I draw 5.5′ and made it, but don’t recommend it. Bill Raynor
Well, what better information can one get on an inlet other than an account from a professional captain who pilots a large, deep draft ship through the seaward passage in question on an almost daily basis. Hats off to Captain Henry Young for obtaining this report, and passing it along to the cruising community. Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the North Carolina – South Carolina state line, and just a stone’s throw north of the marinas at Little River, SC. The “Big M” gambling ship is stationed at a dock just south of AICW/Little River Inlet intersection. We have seen it dockside during many of our passages through northeastern South Carolina waters.
Cruising News: Transiting my Offshore 40 with 6′ draft N and requested local knowledge on Little River Inlet and received this detailed response from the Captain of the “Big M” Henry Young
Sir: The M/V Big M Casino has a draft of 8′-0’. At a low tide of -.9, which is the rarest of low tides, we have been close to the bottom in a couple of places but have not hit. At middle to high tide just stay in the channel. At low tide, The worst spot is near green #19 near Tilghman Point. There is no good route through there. The channel is wide but the shoaling goes all of the way across. At low tide you still have 8-9′ though. The next bad spot is on the approach from Tilghman Point to the Calabash Crossroads. Stay slightly to the green side middle. As you approach the jetty, outbound, don’t go too near green #5. Give it a little extra room and head straight to #4 in the jetty fairway. Outbound, there is some shoaling to your right. Outbound exiting the jetties stay to the right and head to about 150yds to the right of the sea buoy. Do not go to the left. You are good to go anywhere from there. Hope this helps. Captain William (Bill) Jacobson, Master M/V Big M Casino
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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