Fire Island Inlet NY advice?

[dgelber]

Plan to enter Fire Island Inlet next week, early morning, just before high tide, I think. On a Tartan 33' with 4.56' draft, powered by 26hp diesel. I would really appreciate advice from anyone familiar with this area of Long Island NY.
p.s. just joined this message board and not sure if this is the right place to pose my question; please advise if there is a better place on the site. Thank you all in advance.

[john61ct]

Seems not a good idea unless you get a "harbor pilot" to help with current local knowledge.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...rk-220763.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nd-142384.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ly-148710.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...let-38727.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nd-173995.html

[dgelber]

I spoke to Fire Island Coast Guard stationmaster yesterday who told me the channel was just dredged to 12 feet and he thought a sailing vessel my size/draft (33 feet, 4.5 draft) should have no difficuly entering the inlet. Is there anyone with specific recent experience going in/out of Fire Island Inlet? What tide stage is optimal for entering and exiting? And what special circumstances would preclude this transit? Thank you in advance for any advice from a sailor with recent local knowledge.