I understand that exploring a new inlet should be done at low tide to reely get a feel for what is there but I’m looking for pointers at Dewees Inlet. When ya’ll navigate out/in there do you hug the front of IOP/Wild Dunes or the front of Dewees? There is a sand bar/shoal directly in the middle. It looks like hugging the Dewees side may be a more direct route out, less running parralel to the beach. Not reelly sure, just looking for expert advice. Thanks in advance.
It safer to run south along IOP. Look at Google Earth and see where the breakers are and it will give you an idea of the route. There is really no way to post the route because the sand bars shift drastically and it changes almost daily. All you can do is be careful and watch for breakers as you head out. Take the windward or upcurrent side of the channel so if you hit bottom you can drift off.
You can run straight out right now. If you hug the dewees bank it can get awfully shallow at one spot. Not advisable at low tide if you haven’t done it before. Going south in front of IOP is how you used to HAVE to go but the sandbars are constantly shifting out there. Straight out has been good to me since early Feb. and I have run the inlet at least a dozen times out and back without any problems.
I went through there 3 days last week. I stayed to the Dewees side, maybe 150 yards off the shore. I never got under 3.5 feet. I just kept my motors trimmed up and idled through. It’s only about 200 yards where you have to be careful. I found that way so I never tried the IOP side. I did see the parasail boat running on that side. 45 minutes - 1 hour through the harbor vs 10 minutes through the cut,It’s worth the risk.
Cape Horn 24OS
twin 150 Optimax
quote:
Originally posted by CaptFritzYou can run straight out right now. If you hug the dewees bank it can get awfully shallow at one spot. Not advisable at low tide if you haven’t done it before. Going south in front of IOP is how you used to HAVE to go but the sandbars are constantly shifting out there. Straight out has been good to me since early Feb. and I have run the inlet at least a dozen times out and back without any problems.
cosigned
quote:Are you trying to ground them? If you run straight out you will hit a big sandbar. Hug dewees bank(100yds off) on a ne heading and then ease out.
Originally posted by CaptFritzYou can run straight out right now. If you hug the dewees bank it can get awfully shallow at one spot. Not advisable at low tide if you haven’t done it before. Going south in front of IOP is how you used to HAVE to go but the sandbars are constantly shifting out there. Straight out has been good to me since early Feb. and I have run the inlet at least a dozen times out and back without any problems.
If you are not experienced at running inlets that are prone to shift then don’t do it. A single instance of grounding in waves can mean catastrophic damage to boat and motor. Bounce the boat backwards one time on the motor and you can destroy your foot and tear up the transom. If the way through is not clear to you then run out the harbor. Ride a time or two with someone experienced at reading inlets and get them to explain. Sorry to be so paranoid. But I’ve seen a few attempts go badly wrong. And never mind the safety concerns of a boat loosing power and getting pushed around. People could be in real jeopardy.
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott
Fritz - by “straight out” do you mean to the north or south of that really obvoius sand bar between IOP and Dewees? I was poking around there last Friday (mid tide) and water depth seemed fine where I was, closer to Dewees, north side of breakers.
Sea Hunt 220
Yam F225
My Dad runs in and out of that inlet a lot- the safe passage way moves. We hug the front of IOP/Wild Dunes and then head out.
My Dad scouts the inlet during low tide. Also, watching the parasail boat is instructive, as that boat is an inboard and is in and out of there a lot- they seem to know that inlet as good as anyone.
We normally don’t run in or out of there at low tide as a matter of precaution.
WJF
Stay closer to Dewees. Like I said round the point stay on a ne heading for about 400yds then ease out.
I am new to the area, and will (hopefully) be keeping my boat @ IOP marina. It is a 32’ Albin with keel and 4’ draft. Should I even consider using Dewees Inlet, or do I have to travel out of the Harbor Channel. High tide, any tide, or not at all? If so, how much time would that take to get outside of the harbor from IOP?
quote:
Originally posted by Hot WaterI am new to the area, and will (hopefully) be keeping my boat @ IOP marina. It is a 32’ Albin with keel and 4’ draft. Should I even consider using Dewees Inlet, or do I have to travel out of the Harbor Channel. High tide, any tide, or not at all? If so, how much time would that take to get outside of the harbor from IOP?
i mean just check google earth and be careful going through there…it takes a good 30 min to get to the harbor through the no wake zones and all…just be careful on your way out and listen to the advice on here…
I have checked Google Earth, and gotten an idea of how tricky it can be. But, I wonder how current those images are? That is why I asked the question. Because I agree, there is no better advice than from those who have been there and know the drill. I’ll gladly accept any and all such advice. I’ve already learned this much - first time, go with someone whose done it many times before.
Living for Fishing
It seems like you should go parasailing…?
Low is considerably easier to see the passes, and for most boats theres still enough water to run. At low, a 4 ft draft is a whole different ball game than a CC running on plane. If you slow to idle and miss a cut by a few feet, youre in trouble. But going at high tide isnt much better because you cant see the bars as easy and you still run the risk of something bad happening if you touch bottom.
Maybe you should charter one of the IOP guides for an hour or two and go check it out for yourself on a smaller boat at low tide. Bring a GPS and find a pass you feel comfortable with.
Unless Google took those photos the day youre going out, I wouldnt use them.
Capt. Graham Hegamyer
Southern Tail Charters
Light-Tackle Inshore
843.991.8372
www.SouthernTailCharters.com
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