Recent experience sailing Pamlico Sound with 6' draft

[DeValency]

Any recommendations, pros and cons for sailing north in early June through the Pamlico Sound vs. (way) around Hatteras to Norfolk?

The 6' draft is my main concern.

Thanks!

[hpeer]

6-1/2’ draft.

In 2016 we went south with no issue.
December we moved North from Moorhead City into Albamarle Sound with no issue.

Actually I touched bottom at the N end of the Alligator-Pungo but that was because some idiot huge power boater was screaming down the channel with a huge wake. I moved over to far. FI.

If you spring for the advanced AquaMap version (additional $10/yr) you can see the NOAA soundings. Quite helpful.

[Lowcountry]

I think 6' in Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound is fine. It's 6' in Currituck Sound that I would be more nervous about, especially if the weather is windy.

[tkeithlu]

Very old experience. Going outside means getting to experience the collision between the Gulf Stream and the tail end of the Labrador current. That can be anywhere from fun to damned awful. On the other hand, both Pamlico and the Chesapeake are wonderful sailing, with the Atlantic wind but not the Atlantic wave.

[Jolly Roger]

I too am thinking of bringing my boat up to the Pamlico sound area in June and staying for the summer.
A straight line to Morehead City, then up Adams creek canal.
She draws 6’ 6” in burden, so I know you have to be careful in the sound, but at least we can sail somewhere, and explore the many creeks and rivers.
I understand the water levels vary according to the winds, more than tides. What sort of wind strength causes this effect?
JR

[zstine]

I took the ICW up from Beaufort NC to Norfolk with a 7.5ft draft. No issues with depth provided you don't take the Dismal Swamp leg. I also spent a week in Ocracoke, which is a great cruiser destination!.. this was spring 2019

[skipmac]

Just passed through Pamlico with 5 1/2' and never had less than 3' or so under the keel in Pamlico. Saw 7' in a couple of other spots.

[svfinlandia]

Originally Posted by Jolly Roger

I too am thinking of bringing my boat up to the Pamlico sound area in June and staying for the summer.
A straight line to Morehead City, then up Adams creek canal.
She draws 6’ 6” in burden, so I know you have to be careful in the sound, but at least we can sail somewhere, and explore the many creeks and rivers.
I understand the water levels vary according to the winds, more than tides. What sort of wind strength causes this effect?
JR

My boat and I spend a lot of time in Pamlico Sound I am very familiar with the sound, the Neuse River and the Adams creek cut.
There are shallow spots to watch out for but watch your charts and obey the markers and you should have no trouble at all.
That being said, going from Oriental to the Chesapeake Bay I usually go to Beaufort and up the outside, or across the sound and out Oregon Inlet. I can’t help it. I hate the ditch. ☹️

Al, S/V Finlandia

[DeValency]

Thanks everybody! This is encouraging