looking to run out the inlet early tomorrow morning. I havent run the inlet in over a year. In past years I have stuck about 200 yards off the Kiawah beach and have followed it around the bend until in open water, clear of breakers. Is this still the deepest route to take out the inlet? I understand the sand shifts often and was just looking to get some intel on the safest way out. Thanks
The Stono is often questioned. The routes have stayed relatively the same for the last 5-6 years. It has shifted some but the easiest advice is a simple thought process. Once you get to a point of directional concern in the inlet, slow the boat to trolling speed, proceed with caution, try and read the water, watch your depth finder, mark the safe channel with your gps, and then pick up speed once you are through the area of question in the inlet. This should be standard operating procedure in any inlet you are unfamiliar with. Low tide with light wind will always reveal the safe route and the areas to avoid. Good luck
I’ve been trying to plot the best route myself. How did it go?
I have run the beach south but those breakers go a good way down that beach. The best route I’ve found is one at low tide after following out what looked to be a charter. Got down to 5 ft at low low tide. The beach still tends to be the most consistent and safest way though. You just have to watch out coming in. Sometimes you can’t see the backs of the breakers until you are right up on them.
Here are a few images I’ve put together over the last few months for my own record.
Key West 1720 - Charleston
Pathfinder 2200 - Savannah
quote:
Originally posted by SossyShrimpYou just have to watch out coming in. Sometimes you can’t see the backs of the breakers until you are right up on them.
def agree with that…same in Lighthouse Creek inlet…we come and go from there a few times a year…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
quote:
Originally posted by Bonzo72quote:
Originally posted by SossyShrimpYou just have to watch out coming in. Sometimes you can’t see the backs of the breakers until you are right up on them.
def agree with that…same in Lighthouse Creek inlet…we come and go from there a few times a year…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
I can’t think of many things more dangerous than heading in and happening upon the top of a breaker. If you try to turn to late - your toast. If you punch it and your nose dives - your toast. If you try to squat through it and one breaks over your stern your toast. If you squat and one builds on your stern faster than you are travelling and turns you because your keel digs - your toast. A how-to on that situation would be a great resource for future reference.
Those smaller inlets can be wild. Now Lighthouse… I think thats one of the most bipolar inlets. At low tide it seems so tame. But at high tide with some wind it looks like a beast from north folly.
Key West 1720 - Charleston
Pathfinder 2200 - Savannah