Factory Creek cuts into the southern shores of the AICW/Beaufort River, just east of the Beaufort – Lady’s Island Swing Bridge. I’ve always found good depths here, unless you accidentally edge out of the channel at the creek’s entrance. I don’t know if that happened to Captains Martin & Betsy, or not, but all should now enter this creek/anchorage with a bit more caution.

Subject: Mile 535.9 Factory Creek, Beaufort, SC
Cruising News: As we left our Factory Creek anchorage this morning we were surprised to find depth of 4.5′ MLW at the entrance off G’1′. Fairly shallow depths continued to the ICW. Fortunately the bottom appeared soft. Molly Blossom draws 5′.
Martin & Betsy Basch,
mv Molly Blossom

I e-mailed Captains Betsy & Martin, and asked if they might have accidentally eased out of the channel as they cruised from Factory Creek back to the Waterway. They sent the response below:

Hi Claiborne,
We were about halfway between the G’1′ and the road bed leading to Ladies Island Bridge. I would just advise people to proceed cautiously through the entrance to Factory Creek at MLW. We got through OK, but were just surprised by depths shallower than we remembered in the past. Trick o’ the tide perhaps. Plenty of water inside for anchoring.
Betsy Basch

Having seen the above two postings, Captain Chuck chimes in with his message below. Looks like he has the answer on how to find the best depths when entering Factory Creek.

Cruising News: As a follow up to Molly Blossoms post regarding Factory Creek, If you enter close to Green Marker #1 you will certainly find shallow water since the shoal is moving out from the marsh. However, if you stay close in to the bridge and the highway as you enter and pass the deserted boats anchored at the mouth, then stay close on the side of the Creek where the marina and private docks are you will find plenty of water, at least 6’+ at low, low tide at the entrance. Once past the public ramp the water is fairly deep close to both sides of the shore. We are currently at Lady’s Island Marina, so holler when you come by.
Capt. Chuck

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Factory Creek