Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 1, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Downtown Marina of Beaufort and Downtown Beaufort Dining and Attractions (Statute Mile 536.5)
On 4/30/13, as part of a `South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
9. Statute Mile 536.5 ‘“ who has spent a night or two at either of the principal Beaufort, SC marinas ‘“ Downtown Beaufort Marina and/or Lady’s Island Marina. Please give us a full report.
Responses follow:
Spent 2 nights [at Downtown Marina of Beaufort]. They said they had a 50 foot spot against a dock, but it was about 45. The current is fast here, but they got us in without hitting another boat. This was November 2012. The chocolate shop in town is great as is a shop selling locally made products. Very friendly city. Good place to walk the dog. Sorry can’t remember names of the shops.
Patricia Sienstra
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort
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May 1, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Osprey Marina (Statute Mile 373.5)
On 4/30/13, as part of a `South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
43. Statute Mile 373.5 ‘“ who has had the good fortune to spend a night or two at Osprey Marina, near AICW marker #26? Did you find this facility to be absolutely first class? Were you able to find a local restaurant that would provide shoreside transportation to and from the docks?
Responses follow:
Gizmo was at Osprey from late Oct until April 1, and I was aboard about a quarter of that time. Wonderful marina…quiet, super safe, and very well managed.
The restaurant that offers free pick up and return is Scatori’s and it’s actually one of the best around. It also happens to be right next to both an excellent Lowe’s Supermarket and a Lowe’s Home Improvement Center. I enjoyed both Scatori’s pizza place and their restaurant but have not yet tried the custom $50 tasting menu that some boaters raved about.
http://www.scatoris.com/
Best,
Ben Ellison
Editor/Publisher, Panbo, The Marine Electronics Hub
Senior Electronics Editor, AIM Marine Group
Spent the night right after hurricane Sandy. First class experience all around. When you pull in for fuel, they give you a free pump-out as well. It’s a little isolated, but several restaurants deliver and a couple will even give you a round trip in a courtesy car. There is a cafe during the season but not in November. They have a little ship’s store and will order anything you need. Clean heads and laundry. The kicker, though, is the staff. Other marinas should come and watch how efficiently and proficiently they operate.
Jeff Moore
We were placed on the new docks along the entrance channel. It was the next best thing to being at anchor with natural, wooded areas on both sides of the boat. It is a long way to the marina office, but they provide a golf cart for the boats on this dock to share. Friendly helpful staff, nice facilities, great prices on dockage and fuel. Osprey is now our favorite marina.
Glen and Jill Moore
DeFever 40 Last Dance
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina
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May 1, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Wacca Wache Marina, AICW Statute Mile 383.5

Wacca Wache Marina - Click for Chartview
Wacca Wache is located along the AICW’s north to south run along beautiful Waccamaw River.
Awesome marina. I rent a slip every year. The staff is nice and the night life even better.
Vessel No Mixes
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Wacca Wache Marina
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Apr 30, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Lightkeepers Marina on Coquina Harbor, AICW Statute Mile 346

Lightkeepers Marina - Click for Chartview
Lightkeepers Marina is one of three faculties located on Coquina Harbor, a body of water that was once a rock quarry. The two others are Coquina Harbor Yacht Club and SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Myrtle Beach Yacht Club. The Coquina Harbor entrance channel cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite marker #13.
We stayed at LKs in April 2013. We were blown away by the friendliness and hospitality of James and the locals. James arranged an appointment when my cat needed a vet, plus dropped me off and picked me up. The marina was cute, clean and you won’t beat the price. We draw 6’9’³ and had absolutely no problem getting in.
S/V Trance
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lightkeepers Marina
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Apr 26, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shoaling Confirmed in Northern Fields Cut, AICW Statute Mile 574

Northern Fields Cut - Click for Chartview
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 Captain Healy observes, shoaling is once again beginning to occur.
North entrance of Fields Cut is a BIG problem. At +1.2′, a sailboat in front of us grounded mid-channel. We saw less than 5′ on the Green side. Later radio traffic said better water depth was found in the RED quarter, but I can’t personally confirm that. Also, Later radio traffic indicated several groundings.
So, control depth at normal low would less than 4′. Less for celestial low tides.
FOLLOW THE OUTSIDE RADIUS OF ALL BENDS!
Note: we followed small passenger ship American Star through Fields Cut. At +1.2, that small cruise ship can make Fields Cut, Watts Cut and Ranshorn Creek.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Currently at Beaufort, SC
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
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Apr 26, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Depth Report from South Fields Cut, AICW Statute Mile 575

Fields Cut South - Click for Chartview
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 can be expected. Follow the link below for the detailed specs on this AICW problem stretch to learn more!
As of 4/24/2013 at 12h17:
Field Cut tide data: Low – 14h17
At 12h13: +1.2 against normal low reference on my Garmin CP almanac…
Readings, northbound:
South entrance is not a problem; slightly favor RED (west)
Approx 1000 ft north, favor RED; avoid the docks on the east shore (inside radius of that first bend. We saw 10.3′ at 60 ‘ from the docks
FOLLOW THE OUTSIDE RADIUS OF ALL BENDS!
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Currently at Beaufort, SC
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Fields Cut
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Apr 17, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Heritage Plantation Marina (St. M. 394.5) Seeks New Dockmaster
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has been contacted by Captain Darla Spillane, property manager for Heritage Plantation and it’s adjoining marina. We have happily agreed to assist in her search for a new Heritage Plantation Marina dockmaster. If this position is of any interest to you, please follow the link below for a full description of the job requirements. You can then contact Ms. Spillane directly for more information and/or consideration.
Heritage Plantation Marina guards the eastern shores of the AICW/Waccamaw River between marker #79 and Butler Island, a few miles north of Georgetown, SC. While this facility was once open only to residents, over the past several years there has been a change in philosophy, and cruising visitors have been once again welcomed.
Click on the chartlet to the right, and a Chart View page will open, centered on this facility. You will then have a very good idea of its location.
Good luck to one and all who seek this position!
Click Here To Learn More About the Dockmaster’s Position at Heritage Plantation Marina
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Heritage Plantation 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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Apr 10, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Good Words for Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377

Bucksport Marina - Click for Chartview
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
Ralph and crew are really doing a great job here. Rob, the Dock Master knows what he’s doing and goes out of his way to make you welcome. They have CONWAY SAUSAGE again!! Yeah, that’s the good stuff. Prices are very good and the facilities just keep getting better. Stop in for the food and music it will be worth your time.
Capt. Dan
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
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Apr 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
AICW Shoaling in Northern Fields Cut, AICW Statute Mile 574

Northern Fields Cut - Click for Chartview
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 Captain Colburn relates from personal experience, shoaling is once again beginning to occur.
This posting at first created quite a ruckus here at the SSECN, as Captain Colburn originally recommended favoring the “red” side of the channel. Heretofore, the shoaling at the northern end of Fields Cut, always seemed to build from the northwest side of the passage, between the northern mouth of Fields Cut, and marker #48. We wondered if the new shoaling was coming in from the southeast, rather than its traditional direction from the NW, and sent out a special “Alert” soliciting more information from the cruising community.
SHORTLY AFTER ISSUING THIS SPECIAL ALERT BASED ON CAPTAIN COLBURN’S ORIGINAL RECOMMENDATION TO FAVOR THE “RED” SIDE OF THE CHANNEL, WE RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING CLARIFICATION, AND HAVE CHANGED HER ORIGINAL TEXT ACCORDINGLY!!!
Yikes! What was I thinking??
I can’t say I’m sorry enough, but I meant to favor the GREEN side of the channel. Please amend my recent report on the intersection of the Fields Cut north end with the Wright River.
Patrece Colburn
April 7, 3:30PM
North end of Fields Cut ‘” stay way over on the GREEN side of the channel coming out of the cut (northbound).
After spending the last hour or so aground in the center of the channel at low tide, I could recommend staying close to the [GREEN] side of the channel. A sail boat was also aground with us. We waited for the tide to come up and both freed ourselves under our own power.
Patrece Colburn
Claiborne,
I transited Field’s Cut in late Jan. 2013 and found the shoal dead in the middle of the channel on the north side. I was pulled off by Boat U.S. Savannah, very expertly may I say. We entered the cut right in the middle of the channel and about 100 yards or so, ran aground. The tide was ebbing, but not dead low.
We were on the bar about 30 minutes before a boat passed us near the south side of the channel and shouted the deep water is to the “green ” side.
Unfortunately, we discovered a fuel leak from a corroded injector and had the Boat U.S. captain take us to Thunderbolt Marina where we spent 2 weeks getting it and one other injector fixed.
Instead of continuing on south, we decided to return to Charleston, SC and lick our wounds.
On the way back north, we paid particular attention to Field’s Cut and stayed on the “green” side and had no problem.
Our Boat US captain said a new shoal had been forming for a couple of months.
Then northwest side of the channel is not the side to transit. There is some deep water on that side of the shoal,but finding it may be difficult.
Captain Phil Mullins
S/V Katash
Isle of Palms, SC
We were the sailboat aground at the north end of Fields Cut during low tide April 7, 2013. We had followed the advice to favor the red side and ran aground. The trawler that ran aground with us was close to the center of the channel, on the magenta line. The deepest water was while hugging the green side of the north end of the channel and going close to G47 going into the Wright River. We were traveling northbound.
Roger Globig
AllEZ! MT50 with 5 ft draft. Transited Hells Gate on 4-14-13 at 2 hours into a rising tide. Transit time 4 minutes.
Water 8-10 ft. (5 ft under our keel) Fields Cut Transited on 4-14-13 @ 12:25 Noon Entered from South going North
5 ft draft we had 10 feet under the keel. We were 1 hour into a falling tide. Just stay in the middle and do some
cruise planning. Follow you Depth sounder. No Drama, just planning.
Capt. Bob
We just passed thru Fields Cut on 4/19/2013 and found no problems. We carried over 10 feet MLW for the entire cut. As a point of interest we changed sides (going north favoring Red to favoring Green) at about 32 04.611N and 080 56.836W.
John Holmes
Here are my GPS tracks going and coming last December. My draft is only 4’-3″ but I start paying attention whenever the depth gets under 8. I don’t remember any particular concern on either transit. There are lots of other stretches that seemed worse.
Roger Long
S/V Strider

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
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Apr 5, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Recommendations from Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403
Reflections Grill is at 816 Front Street and Harborwalk Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – is the northwesternmost marina on the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront. Check out their shiny new, first-rate, shower and laundry building!
Cruising News:
While visiting Georgetown, SC we had lunch at a delightful restaurant named Reflections Cafe. Great burger with a large choice of toppings. Highly recommend this eatery. Also we found Harborwalk Marina to be very friendly with very good accommodations.
Horace Whitaker
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
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Mar 15, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Rates at Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 346

Myrtle Beach Yacht Club Marina - Click for Chartview
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club on Coquina Harbor has been a great stopping place and a friend to cruisers for years and low dockage rates are certainly good news for the spring migration!. Naturally, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
Just a friendly reminder that Myrtle Beach Yacht Club in Little River,SC has remained at $1.25 per foot regular and $1.00 per foot for Boat US members. Come see us and save some $$. Happy Boating!
Bud Coonfield
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
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Mar 4, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Words For Barefoot Marina (Statute Mile 353.5)
The SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR facility, Barefoot Marina, discussed in such glowing terms below, is located on the WESTERN side of the AICW/Pine Island Cut, just south of the Barefoot Landing Bridge, and should NOT be confused with the Barefoot Landing Marina, which flanks the eastern side of the Waterway.
We have spent several months at Barefoot Marina, off and on usually in the off-season, say November – April. It is a wonderful facility, great floating concrete (Bellingham)docks, right on the ICW. Easy walk or bike ride across the bridge to Barefoot Landing and lots of restaurants and shops….although the shopping is not as nice as it was 5 or 6 years ago. Also, Alabama Theater is right there and has good shows.
Talk directly to Bill Rathbon about rates. They are very inexpensive for what you get…nice showers, pool, very clean facility.
Be sure to eat at the Seafood Hut across the street and slightly north of Barefoot Landing – small and little atmosphere, but great food and great owners. I can guarantee you’ll get a hug before you leave.
[If] you’re talking about being there for several months you might want to look in to purchasing one of the restaurant discount books, which offer many great buy one get one free deals at the nicest restaurants. Use it twice and its paid for itself! Sold by Ritz Limo, I’m sure Bill can help you get in touch…the owner keeps his boat there at the marina I think.
Betsy Johnson
Rick ‘n Roll
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Barefoot Marina
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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
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Mar 2, 2013by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Bucksport Sausage Available Once Again at Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377

Bucksport Marina - Click for Chartview
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
The ONLY negative thing we have heard about the new regime, is the FORMER absence of the famous “Bucksport Sausage” for sale in the on-site ship’s store. AS YOU WILL READ BELOW, THAT OVERSIGHT HAS NOW BEEN REMEDIED! So, as you pass up the Waccamaw River (AICW) this spring (or anytime), be SURE to stop and sample this delightful treat!
Cruising News:
Just a note to say hello to everyone and remind you to stop by and see us on your trip on the waterway. We do have sausage in the Ships Store now. We are open 7 days from 8 am till 5 pm.
Ralph Simms
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

june dienes - August 31, 2015 - 8:21 pm

My son Jeff Meyer, brought me a Bucksport sausage and I have never seen one before.
I have no idea how to cook it. Where can I find directions, I need help.
June Dienes
Reply to june
Feb 28, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
New Hydrographic Surveys Public Website from USACE, Charleston District
The Corp of Engineers of Charleston has rolled out a great website that allows you to see the latest hydrographic survey data in the Federal Channels in Charleston Harbor and the AIWW. It works great on an IPAD or other tablet.
1. Click on the Charleston or AIWW block. Use your mouse to drag the map around and scroll wheel to move in and out. The legend is in the upper left corner (Small squares with lines).
2. Remember in the legend generally Blue is good-Green-OK-Red Look Out. The depths are at MLLW. We will be adding the buoys and markers.
3. This is a small step and we will be putting a comments button on it for the public so we can improve the site.
Link is: http://w3.sac.usace.army.mil/home/;
Regards,
David Warren
Project Manager Civil Works
USACE Charleston District
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Feb 26, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Georgetown Dry Stack Marina (formerly Boat Shed Marina), AICW Stetute Mile 403

Georgetown Dry Stack Marina - Click for Chartview
Georgetown Dry Stack Marina guards the northeastern banks of the Sampit River along the downtown Georgetown Waterfront.
Headed south from Beaufort, NC on ICW. Stopped over at the old Boat Shed Marina in Georgetown. It is now called Georgetown Dry Stack Marina. This is a very recent event as is evidenced by some improvements which hopefully will be undertaken very soon.
The people are very friendly and this facility should improve to be a nice stopover.
Mens and Womens restrooms and showers need some attention but are adequate.
Dockage is $1.50 per foot and $5 per day for 30 or 50 amp electrical per day or $10 for both.
One note, I could not raise the marina on the radio and had to call at 843-546-1700. Hopefully, they will be equipped with handheld radios before long. Address is 18 South St. James Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. email at gdsm5461700@gmail.com
Harold `Cap’n H’ O’Briant
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Georgetown Dry Stack Marina
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Feb 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.1779,-80.77149999
Good Words for Palmetto Bay Marina, east of AICW Statute Mile 564, Hilton Head Island, SC

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Palmetto Bay Marina - Click for Chartview
After leaving Calibogue Sound, Hilton Head Island’s Broad Creek runs northeast for a bit and then turns sharply east. Soon after flowing through this easterly cut, Palmetto Bay Marina will come abeam to the south. As Captain Murtha confirms, this facility also mechanical and haul-out repairs.
Stayed here for three months (Dec 2012 ‘“ Mar 2013). Inside docks are comfortable and location is fairly protected in three directions. Dockmaster is friendly and attentive. Laundry faciities (one washer and dryer) & shower (1) is located in restaurant area (fairly private early in am).
Had an excellent experience getting routine mechanical maintenance (adjusting Yanmar 3JH3E valves , adjusting idle speed, and checking hoses/belts) with Palmetto Bay Yacht Services. They are on site & efficiently performed requested work without looking for additional tasks. I would recommend their service.
Jim Murtha
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palmetto Bay Marina
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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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Jan 1, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.2248,-80.78189999
Another Report of Reduced Clearances on AICW Bridges, Statute Mile 557.5

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Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has received so many reports of reduced clearances at both fixed and opening bridges, plus damaged tide boards and higher-than-normal tides, that we would have to post a Navigation Alert at practically every bridge. This has been a major annoyance for our tall masted friends and our advice to all is to assume a lower vertical clearance and wait for a lower tide.
Our boat is a 43′ Fontaine/Pajot catamaran. Our mast is 62′ from the water. Hilton Head says it’s 65′ fixed clearance and our VHF radio antenna hit the bottom of the bridge as we passed. We went under the Hilton Head Bridge on December 23, 2012 at about 1 PM at about a 4.6 tide. A bit of a close one.
Sandy Horn
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Hilton Head Bridge
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