Knapps Narrows-Chesapeake Bay

[Parker9645]

Due to severe shoaling the fowling changes to ATONs has been created. R4 is now G4, G5 is now a "DANGER" marker. G5 is now a can located off the Tilghman Island Inn and closing half the channel. Depths as low as 3-4 feet have been noted in the channel.
Instead of dredging the channel, an attempt has been made to redirect vessel traffic. Severe shoaling still exists.

[sneuman]

Originally Posted by Parker9645

Due to severe shoaling the fowling changes to ATONs has been created. R4 is now G4, G5 is now a "DANGER" marker. G5 is now a can located off the Tilghman Island Inn and closing half the channel. Depths as low as 3-4 feet have been noted in the channel.
Instead of dredging the channel, an attempt has been made to redirect vessel traffic. Severe shoaling still exists.

Thanks. I've never used the Narrows -- prefer to go around. But, good to know!

[AnchorageGuy]

Thanks but R4 could not have been changed to G4. Green buoys and markers are always odd numbers and red even numbers. Chuck

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by AnchorageGuy

Thanks but R4 could not have been changed to G4. Green buoys and markers are always odd numbers and red even numbers. Chuck

Yep. Good catch.

[jstevens]

I think the Knapps Narrows has been viable for only shallow draft fishing boats for sometime. The last time I went through (1986) I hit bottom a couple of times in the western channel with a boat with 4'8" draft.
I do have a lot of memories of that area. Back in the late 70s that was our favorite destination on the first weekend of good weather in April. We'd stop for dinner at the Bridge Restaurant. The owner was also the bridge tender. Back then you could get all the oysters you could eat for about $9 or $3 extra if you ordered one of their entrees.
Times have changed.

John

[btrayfors]

I draw 6.5 feet and was in the Narrows last fall. We tried to get up to the dock in front of the restaurant just on the south side of the bridge, but found only about 4.5 feet there.

However, right across the Narrows on the north side, there is a marina with long floating docks, and plenty of water. We remained there overnite. Nice stop, free breakfast, showers, etc.

The channel itself is tricky, but you can sure carry 6.5 feet thru to the bridge. Once you've learned it, no problem.

I've not been on the east side of the bridge, though, and some have reported thin water there.

Bill
S/V Born Free

[Eric22]

We've sailed out of Herring Bay across from Knapps for many years and have been through many times. Our boat draft is 5 ft. and we had no problems on either side last year. I haven't been through yet this year, but the channel has been dredged in the past few years. Still shoaling is a problem, and it sounds like it was a bad winter.

[Parker9645]

Error correction R4 changed to G3 and the new R4 is reported as missing in the latest LNM. On Memorial day weekend several boats ran aground and "Lady Patty" a touring sail boat suffered mast damage after running aground.