Ponce Inlet, Fl

[Aaronjr]

I heard that Ponce Inlet can be very difficult? Anyone have any recent experience there? I will be there next week. I was thinking about anchoring instead of spending the $80 a night slip rental? I heard there was some shoaling?

Thanks in advance,

Peace.

[Cotemar]

There is shoaling between Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighted Buoy 7 and Ponce de Leon Inlet Light 10.

[Aaronjr]

I guess if I go slow I should not have a problem? Only need about 4 feet?

[Cotemar]

Ponce Inlet and Ponce Inlet Cut AICW Dredging:Maintenance dredging will commence in the Ponce De Leon Inlet from the Intracoastal Waterway along the Halifax River to the Atlantic Ocean from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway along the Indian River to the Atlantic Ocean on July 26, 2011. The dredge CURRITUCK will be used to dredge the Ponce De Leon Inlet Cut 1S, Cut 3N, Cut 4N, Cut 5N, Cut 6N and Cut 7N. The project will continue for approximately 15 days. Mariners should operate vessels with caution due to potential floating debris, increased traffic due to operation, and large equipment working in and along the waterway. For additional information contact the US Army Corps of Engineers point of contact Sirisha Rayaprolu, Jacksonville, Florida at 904-232-3455. (7th District LNM 31)

Date: 2011-05-08
Captain: John Loving+, Annapolis (684)
Went out inlet at .5' above Low Tide. Never saw less than 11' (near Green 7a). Rest of the way had no less than 25'.
Very well marked. Favor the north side (jetty side).

[Aaronjr]

Awesome information, thank you so much for your help!

[C Skip R]

Not sure when your coming through Ponce Inlet but just stay on the north side of inlet when entering. Stay close to the rock jetty (75'-150') and you will be fine. Depending on time of day/night there are usually alot of smaller boats anchored up close to the rock jetty fishing. Just come in close to them , stay in channel and you will be fine. Inlet is normally not too rough or difficult. If tide running out and wind blowing out of E or SE it will get moderately rough but not unsafe. My powerboat draft is 4'6".