Post Florence Onsite Report from Lockwoods Folly/AICW Intersection, NC Statute Mile 321
Our thanks to Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care for this onsite report from Lockwoods Folly Inlet/AICW intersection, a Cruisers’ Net Problem Stretch. The intersection of the Waterway and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. As Hank agrees, Cruisers Net recommends mid-high rising tide for passgae.
Good morning gentlemen,
Finally got the Whaler up and running and had a chance to go down to Lockwoods Folly Inlet yesterday. As I imagine you’re aware, USACE completed a post-Florence survey. A few points – see attached image:
1. Buoys shown are on station.
2. My own sounding corroborate the depths shown on the survey chart.
3. The USACE suggested Waypoints work BUT you will note that the route brings you “under” G47. That is – you take G47 to your starboard Southbound – along with the Reds. The difficulty I found is lack of a reference point to port and, with the shoal so close to port, there is very little room for error. I would be particularly concerned about following that route on a strong ebb when you are being sucked towards the inlet. The black solid line is an alternative. That is not to say there’s deeper water there but, in my pea-brain, it was easier to follow the channel around – keeping the G47 to port.
4. It is shoal around R48 as the survey suggests. USACE AIWW Waypoint 5 is a good target to clear the shoal at R48 before turning.
5. For all but the shallowest draft vessels, I suggest a mid and rising tidal passage.
Finally, there are two fixed bridges between Southport and Lockwoods Folly – MM 312 and MM 317. I went through at High tide and neither was less than 65’
Feel free to use any of this to help get the word out.
Best regards
Hank
P.S. I plan on taking the sailboat up to Wrightsville this weekend. If I do, I will report on Snow’s Cut, Carolina Beach crossing, etc.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Be the first to comment!