We have never been through the inlet and was wondering how hard it is to navigate. I’ve searched this site and haven’t found any good current info. Is it safe to try at half tide or higher?
Blue Runner
33T Contender
can be very difficult…Coast Guard has deemed it un-navigable, meaning if you get in trouble the tow companies will not tow you back through there…
http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=126394
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
Safe… Sure. Stay west toward Kiawah going out (green can), go slow, weave amongst the breakers as needed. It may be work, not pleasure, but yes it’s safe.
i went through there today on dead low water,4 ft was as shallow as i saw headed to the lowcountry reef… rounded the green marker then went between the breakers…ocean was calm today so it was easy to see where the good water was,when its rough,you better have a track line to follow
Safe is a relative term. Strongly recommend NOT running that inlet. Especially in a 33’ boat. some guys on here know it and run it frequently. None of you realize how often towers, law enforcement, and uscg have to rescue people that get in trouble. TROUBLE HAPPENS FAST IN STONO INLET. In many cases the vessel is only a boat length from good water. Also take into consideration that if you get in trouble, those responding must decide whether to go outside to get to you or inside. If the wrong decision is made then its a long trip back around. They also may deem it unsafe to approach. The uscg will not put a boat into breakers. They will pluck you off with a helo and you can hope for the best with for your boat. The uscg has deemed it a non navigable inlet…there’s a reason for that. My 2
Captain Steve Little
TowBoat US Charleston
Psalm 107:23-32
www.towboatcharleston.com
Captain Steve, your comments are noted and appreciated. Now, excuse me for hijacking this thread. What about the NORTH Edisto inlet into the ocean. Is this a safe route out to the various fishing reefs? I have been as far out as DeBeaux (sp) Banks but was leery of going further. Thank you, Mike.
quote:
Originally posted by CPT STEVESafe is a relative term. Strongly recommend NOT running that inlet. Especially in a 33’ boat. some guys on here know it and run it frequently. None of you realize how often towers, law enforcement, and uscg have to rescue people that get in trouble. TROUBLE HAPPENS FAST IN STONO INLET. In many cases the vessel is only a boat length from good water. Also take into consideration that if you get in trouble, those responding must decide whether to go outside to get to you or inside. If the wrong decision is made then its a long trip back around. They also may deem it unsafe to approach. The uscg will not put a boat into breakers. They will pluck you off with a helo and you can hope for the best with for your boat. The uscg has deemed it a non navigable inlet…there’s a reason for that. My 2
Captain Steve Little
TowBoat US Charleston
Psalm 107:23-32
www.towboatcharleston.com
North Edisto is a much safer choice. They have cans marking the entrance. I’d assume Tiger Wood’s yacht came in throught the inlet and didn’t take the ICW…
'04 Sea Hunt 200 Escape w/ Yami 150
N Edisto and Charleston are our preferred inlets.
Captain Steve Little
TowBoat US Charleston
Psalm 107:23-32
www.towboatcharleston.com