Sailing from Ocracoke to Cape Lookout

[IrishmistIII]

At the end of April we are going to head North . Our boat draws 5 feet. Can we sail from Cape Lookout or Beaufort south of Harkers Island.

Bill

[Captain Jimbo]

Please be more specific on your intended route. For the record you cannot sail from Ocracoke to Beaufort on the sound side of Cape Lookout with a 5 ft draft; you would have to go on the ocean side.

[Azul]

If you are coming out of Beaufort Inlet and unfamiliar with the "Slough" you will need to go 153 degrees for about 19 miles to the Knuckle Buoy before turning north to Ocracoke. Similarly, if you are unfamiliar with the channel you should not attempt to go inside of Shackleford Banks from Harker's Island to Beaufort.

[Captain Bill]

If you go outside 5 feet can be marginal at Ocracoke inlet. It's been a couple years since I went through there, but right at the tip of Ocracoke Island I had less than 1 foot under my keels and I draw 4 feet and it was only an hour before high tide. The inlet changes a lot so be sure to get some recent local knowledge before attempting the inlet.

[Jcolman]

Best to take the ICW to Pamilco sound and go from there.