Quote:
Originally Posted by Chompnoles
I just bought a 1979 hunter 27 and plan on taking it to Tampa and keep in at regatta point marina. Is it clear to sail up the intercostal with a draft of 4'3" ?
|
Absolutely, but do study a paper chart. That Intracoastal probably isn't unique in this way, but there are some 90º turns in the channel that you*really* don't want to miss.
Regatta Pointe is located ideally. There are no bridges between you and the Gulf, and typically you can sail most of the river rather than
motor (there are some places where the channel is narrow enough that the
wind direction will have to be good.
Things to know about the Manatee River: the entrance is surrounded by VERY shallow
water, and the channel itself isn't all that deep in some places. The waters there can get very rough in confused even in
weather most here would call "moderate," so ... heads up.
Enter the channel on the south side, not the north side. Have your
boat in good balance if it's rough. If I were you I would start the
engine and have it in neutral.
Watch your
depth sounder for signs of
water getting shallower where you didn't expect it; the channel is shifting.
All along that stretch of coast, the south side of the channels is nearly always the deeper side. So when in doubt, go to the south side.