New to the site and planning a trip end of July. Hoping I can get some good information on launching before the locks and going to Charleston. Looking for any and all help on this one.
Landing?
How the lock system works?(how do they know when I’m there)
Time it takes to get to the harbor?
Places to dock/stay in Charleston?
Any other tips are greatly appreciated!!
Thank you
-Bobby-
quote:
http://www.santeecoopercountry.org/lakeinformation/lockstrawberrybridge.htmlSantee Cooper’s Pinopolis Lock on Lake Moultrie, at the Jefferies Hydroelectric Station has a single lift of 75 feet. It is 180 feet long and 60 feet wide, passing vessels from Lake Moultrie to tide level in the Tailrace Canal.
Hours of operation: One-half hour after dawn until one-half hour before dusk year round. Lock does not operate during thunderstorms or rough-water conditions.
There are phones located on the lake and river sides of the lock. If you have a large party of boats you may want to call in advance. The phone number is (843) 899-LOCK (5625).
Railroad bridge crossing the Cooper River at Strawberry is tended from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year round. The bridge has a 10? clearance and if you need to have it opened you must notify the attendant 6 hours in advance (843) 899-7647 or (843) 761-1572 Mon - Sun. 8:30am to 4pm
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>Several years ago we camped at the Boy Scout Camp on Moultrie near Short Stay and did a up and down run through the lock. It was a pretty simple process. Boats started gathering on the lake side and we got in line with them. I think we just floated around and waited for the lock to open.
When the lock opened, a flood of boats left the lock and us waiting boats filed in one by one and tied off to the floating docks inside the lock. There so many boats, we rafted off each other. When everyone was secure, they closed the doors and dropped the water and down to the canal level we all went. They opened the doors and we all untied and single filed out.
We left, turned around and went right back in for the ride up. It was pretty cool.
[img]http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/SC-Claim/2010-07-241638
It takes about 2.5-3 hrs going,less coming back. There are a couple of places you have to pay attention, the first is Mepkin Abbey, the river takes a sharp turn starboard and it looks like you can go straight to the next marker but you go right. Look for the markers. There is a Top Spot Chart of the river I found helpful. The old railroad bridge has a clearance of about 10’ my 20’ Grady with hardtop went under easily but watch your VHF antenna.
If you are wondering which way to go, watch the grass, it follows the river. Deeper water is on the inside of the bends.
There are 2 marinas, Ashley River and City Marina. Good hotel is Courtyard by Marriott that is walking distance from City Marina and is at the Ashley River. Catch a cab to go downtown for dinner. I like Coast Restaurant.
Here’s some info on one of my trips.
http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=58469
Carolina Skiff Doug
1980DLX Carolina Skiff
208 GW
Just got back from this same trip about 3 weeks ago…it’s a blast. With that said, however, the sticky point is on the return trip…if the wind gets up on the lake, especially if the wind is out of the north, the lock operator will not put you through the locks. Wind tends to get up in the afternoon with all the tstorms, so beware, you may have to wait it out and it could be all night. On the last trip we had to wait about 2 hours and then the operator had to be convinced to let us through. However, a good plan b would be to take a cab to where you left your vehicle and trailer, drive to the ramp on the river across from the restaurant, and take out. That way you won’t have to spend the night. BTW the lock operator’s number is 843-899-5625 which gets you to the control room. Hope this helps and have a great trip!!!
Ice Blue Pathfinder 2200
“Kemosabe”
<’}}}><
Thanks for the information so far guys!!! Very helpful. I’ve got a 25 foot Century CC and not really sure where to put in as I’ve never been to that part… Any good ideas on landings close by or coming from Columbia? Just don’t wanna take a chance in tearing up the boat by putting in on Marion…
I’m comming from Columbia also and I would Love to do this trip. Any idea if there is anywhere to refeul along the way in the event I may need some? I am in a 16 foot Tracker.
quote:
Originally posted by Thompson321Thanks for the information so far guys!!! Very helpful. I’ve got a 25 foot Century CC and not really sure where to put in as I’ve never been to that part… Any good ideas on landings close by or coming from Columbia? Just don’t wanna take a chance in tearing up the boat by putting in on Marion…
Several places. There’s a couple along Hwy 6 north of Moncks Corner, even a few fish camps off Hwy 6. There’s a public landing near Lyons/Lions Beach that looks pretty safe if the water level is not too low. Then there is a pay to launch place over at Bonneau Beach. There’s a little store and probably some kinda-watched parking.
If you have a military ID, you may be able to use Short Stay between Moncks Corner and Bonneau off Hwy 52.
Going off memory, the circled locations are the places I know of. I’ve used Short Stay once and the canal location on the Tail Race Canal once, so I can’t recommend or not recommend any of the lake landings. I would caution…I would not leave my vehicle at the Hwy 6 landing near Cross. It’s secluded and you hardly see many people leave vehicles there - I suspect it’s very shallow also.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
190cc Sea Pro w/130 Johnson
1- 18 year old ( has decided being with parents isn’t cool)
1 - 15 year old (still does not mind hanging with the 'rents)
1 - wife (The Warden)
ECFC
quote:
Originally posted by Thompson321Thanks for the information so far guys!!! Very helpful. I’ve got a 25 foot Century CC and not really sure where to put in as I’ve never been to that part… Any good ideas on landings close by or coming from Columbia? Just don’t wanna take a chance in tearing up the boat by putting in on Marion…
The William Dennis ramp is a good place to launch but I have heard of issues leaving the trailer there over night, vandals and such. I launch there and then drive the trailer over to Gilligan’s just across the river. The ramp at Gilligan’s, the last time I was there, was real rough.
Also do not stop; loitter or take pictures when going by the old navy base and the training subs anchored there. Ask me how I know.
Carolina Skiff Doug
1980DLX Carolina Skiff
208 GW
Thank you all again…Im taking notes from all!! Sounds fun but alot of factors to consider!! Keep the info coming and thanks again!!
Just wondering what your opinion is on all the rain and if it will affect Moultrie/locks/or the Cooper River in reference to flooding or debris in the water. Will it make the trip difficult? Thanks again.
quote:those boys on the gunships are all smiles, ain't they?
Originally posted by CS-DougAlso do not stop; loitter or take pictures when going by the old navy base and the training subs anchored there. Ask me how I know.
All giggles and grins. My son stood up and started taking pictures since a buddy of his was stationed there going thru Nuke School. The guys stopped us, took the camera and deleted all the pictures. Those big guns on the bow of those boats are impressive. I could not imagine them shooting at me.
Carolina Skiff Doug
1980DLX Carolina Skiff
208 GW
Thomson321, did You Make the trip? How did it go?
Carolina Skiff Doug
1980DLX Carolina Skiff
208 GW
