My First AICW Experience

[Tia Bu]

Originally Posted by hpeer

Ok, stupid questio maybe.

6-1/2' draft ...... Can I make it?

Full keel 1/4 inch steel so I'm not gonna faint if I run aground ( yet again.)

Oh sure. You'll probably get stuck at some point, but you'll get off, probably with the tide. Read the advice above carefully and with a critical eye. Some of it is good.

Also, look at www.activecaptain.com and Cruiser's Net. The number of problem areas on the whole ICW is really relatively small.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by hpeer

Ok, stupid questio maybe.

6-1/2' draft ...... Can I make it?

Full keel 1/4 inch steel so I'm not gonna faint if I run aground ( yet again.)

'not at all a stupid question. There are about 7 or 8 well known places between the Chesapeake and Florida where this draft can be at or near aground and a couple more brief points in Florida. Most of the spots are in South Carolina an Georgia. Two strategies will get you through these questionable places. Travel at these points on a rising, but not maximum tide and get feedbackreports from those you have overtaken you and those that you meet. Ask them about the depths they encountered and if they found a side to favor. It's also important to note that those that report a four foot spot usually had a far deeper option to their port or starboard.

[Kettlewell]

It's also important to note that those that report a four foot spot usually had a far deeper option to their port or starboard.

Ha! Best advice in this thread.

[hpeer]

Thanks guys. More help than you know.

[bobconnie]

All I can say about the ICW at least down here ! Is that Ive found the bottom more since we moved down here then I did in 40+ years sailing in the Pacific! LOL Darn Im glad Louisiana and Lower Missisippi are made of Mud !! sure makes it a lot easier to get off LOL we now have 5 1/2 ft draft and its not to bad ! but the 61 ft mast hight makes for close chart watching !! We sorta like the Icw cruising, at least in the summer time !! Short trips and good anchoring and lots of free docks!!