Channel south of Pinellas Point, St Pete

[Mcartair]

I have been wanting to bring my 1990 Catalina 28 through this pass to get under Dick Misner Bridge from the east and north up to a little anchorage near by Eckerd College. This route would save me loads of time getting to boca ciega from st pete muni. However, I'm concerned about this one spot that I have circled in the attached image. My draft is 3'10" wing keel. Has anyone had any experience here? Any problems with groundings? Ive heard of one other sailor that pulled it off but was curious if others have.



Thanks
Lucas

[Cheechako]

I do not have experience. IF you check Notice to Mariners to make sure the two bouys are still accurately placed, it looks doable though if you stay to the top (on the chart) of bouy 7 and bouy 7A

[GreenWave]

I went through there in summef of 2019 on a boat with 5.5 foot draft. You do have to pay attention and shift north a bit.

[Davy J]

I have been through there several times, just be sure to stay in the channel and you should be fine.

You might want to check the status of "Structure E" in Tierra verde. They were blasting the old bridge remnants, I think, just last week.

This article seems to indicate they are done blowing things up......

https://www.tbnweekly.com/beach_beac...b815d3419.html

[sailormarine]

Haven't been there in the past year, but have many times over the years with my 4 1/2' draft Pearson. If you go in sunny wx the shallow on the south side is easily visible, assuming winds haven't stirred things up. I've never encountered less than 6' in the channel.

[mholtzberg]

Mcartair,

I have been through this channel many times... This is the official Gulf ICW so the CG monitors the shifts in this channel. Point Pinellas is neat spot and once you get through this skinny spot you will be OK.

1.5 years ago I successfully sailed this channel both ways in Westsail 32 (draws 5') and at night on one passage. This channel is pretty forgiving... Just stay between the navigational beacons (Jimmy Buffett).

[jackonanthem]

Went through with a 2.1 meter (almost 7 feet) draft early in April this year.

[sailorbobdeb]

We went through there last week with a 6' draft. No worries 👍.

[Catboat Willy]

Went through there 3 months ago with my Catalina 36 with a 5'2" draft ....no problems and go at high tide to ease your concern.

[DDabs]

No problems at all with that area- it's a clearly marked channel.