St. Lucie Inlet

[Don1500]

Does any one know of a good chart for the St. Lucie inlet (FL). every chart I have seen, including Inset #3 of 11428 stops at showing the actual inlet past the Colregs line.

[FSMike]

"Channel buoys are not charted because of constant shifting of the channel. Passage through the inlet is not recommended without local knowledge of all hazardous conditions affecting this area."

Taken from "St. Lucie Inlet Caution" on my MapTech chart kit.

That pretty well explains it, don't you think?

[Double-Wide]

I have been thru this inlet several times. It is very easy in good weather, very well marked and plenty of traffic to watch where the locals go. My last trip out. Was in June 2013 with a cat drawing 4'.

[GordMay]

What FSMike said.
See ➥ http://www.floridaocean.org/uploads/...ucie-inlet.pdf

[tamicatana]

here's another resource with webcams

St. Lucie Inlet.com

[Thanna5]

I second the StLucie.com cam. Although St Lucie inlet is very prone to shoaling it is much used and has generally no depth problems as marked. It is constantly shifting and re buoyed. Approaches from the sea buoy R"2" are best made in clear visibility. Trickier once you enter the river.

[Don1500]

Thanks for the information, much better than just reading the same note that is available for every inlet from Southport to Miami.

I require 5.5 ft to pass, do I need to wait for high tide or is there enough water at low tide by following the bouys?

[tamicatana]

I also seem to recall, when I was doing my research about it, suggestions to call the local SeaTow guys for knowledge

[Don1500]

Originally Posted by tamicatana

I also seem to recall, when I was doing my research about it, suggestions to call the local SeaTow guys for knowledge

The Seatow idea is very good, should have thought of it myself. I have done it before.

[nautical62]

My Okechobee waterway waterproof chart#20 shows the entire inlet. My Florida coast cruising guide does as well. My Ipad garmin app shows the inlet fairly well, though I think I see the section right at the inlet you are talking about.

As others have said, the channel can change, but in my experience they have been very good at adjusting the buoys accordingly. I even came in under sail one time when my engine wasn't working. I don't recall ever seeing less than 7 feet MLW, but it's been a while so I can't speak with confidence to it's present depth.

[ShaktiGurl]

Originally Posted by Don1500

Thanks for the information, much better than just reading the same note that is available for every inlet from Southport to Miami.

I require 5.5 ft to pass, do I need to wait for high tide or is there enough water at low tide by following the bouys?

Ride in the rising tide from around mid-tide and it should be fine. We go in and out of there frequently and the outgoing tide can be pretty strong so it can be a slow slog

[cheoah]

Ft Pierce is not far away Don, and a better inlet I think. Sounds like St Lucie no big deal if you pick the right tide, but my impression is that Ft Pierce is a safer bet in a variety of conditions. I'm not from there, locals can confirm what the better inlet is

[beachbum29]

Was through there in early July. Temp buoys around the icw and river approach area. Stay within the markers and watch your depth.

Dregging rig was in place, so be careful.

Saw a small runabout hit the mud by trying to cut across a corner.

[ShaktiGurl]

Yes, Ft. Pierce is a bigger and easier inlet with plenty of width and depth. I believe there are not too many bridges between Ft Pierce and St Lucie but at least one 65' and some low lying power lines that look lower than they are. South from St Lucie is Jupiter, which is a little shallow and narrow at the entrance but not too bad either.

[Hudson Force]

Don, The last few times I've been in at St. Lucie it was a straight shot and the only potential problems were after the intersection with the ICW, but I also choose Ft. Pierce with any weather stress. I also talk to the BoatUS or SeaTow guys for confermation. You always seem way ahead of us. We're approaching your Osprey place on the Waccamaw now!