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