no doubt. after running aground once in the channel due to a 40 ft powerboater plowing at me going 20 kts not following
collision regs, then hitting another bump in the middle of the channel right before the
government wharf, I'm totally paranoid of going out or in at quasi low tides. 3.5 hrs waiting for the tide to
lift me makes me gunshy of going out at all. with the winds there the way they pick up, you really have to commit to a six hour day on the
water if your out for a daysail, and in that vortex between watts and squamish that could mean killing several hours in building winds in excess of 30 kts.
my most recent experience waiting around for tides the
forecast called for 10-15kt inflow, which built well beyond and hit 20-30 with gusts to 50. Not fun trying to go slow and kill time in that. IMO the lack of dredging in that channel is a
safety hazard to anyone with a
keel, potentially forcing boaters to remain in bad and dangerous
weather.