Beaufort NC to Cape Lookout - Back Way??

[Gary A]

We sailed from Beaufort NC to Cape Lookout a few weekends ago. We had a very pleasant trip out, and a wonderful time while at Cape Lookout. On the way back in, we had a TERRIBLE ride through Beaufort Inlet. The charts make it look like there might be a back way through Barden Inlet and through Back Sound past Harkers Island. This would be behind Shackelford Banks. Has anyone done this with a 4' draft sailboat? I'd love to be able to visit Cape Lookout on days when the Beaufort Inlet is too ungly to pass. If so, any pointers on which ruote to take? There are several possibilities according to the charts. Thanks, Gary

 

[OBX Sailor]

back way in

yes you can go thru the back way to Cape lookout. I havent done it in some time now but I have made it with a 3.5 ft draft on "another " boat. Go thru Taylor's Creek and watch the depth close. If you hit the bottom, it is only sand!! Wish I could go there myself. One of our favorite places to anchor in the bight.

 

[Gary A]

Thanks OBX Sailor!

Thanks for the information ... by Taylor's Creek, I'm assuming you mean to go East from the Beaufort Town Docks out past Carrot Island. From there it looks like I can head toward Harkers Island, then take a very narrow looking channel through something called the Middle Marshes. Then run along the channel parallel with Harkers Island to the easternmost point. From there, it looks like another narrow 2.5 mile channel down at abour 180 degrees toward Cape Lookout. Am I headed the right way here?Thanks again for your help. Gary

 

[bill sandifer]

cape lookout backway

i've been the back way with a 14' wood skiff with a 15hp outboard and went aground following a marked channel. beware of shoaling. i wish i could remember which marker had shoaled but my chart didn't show it so ask before you go. there was a guy in a large bayliner behind me who went aground also and blamed me for misleading him. the sight of a bayliner following a 14 foot wood skiff is just a hoot. if you go this route, motor until you're able to turn east around captain jack's marina. this should put you into reliable water if the wind is favorable. cape lookout is one of the most delightfully isolated places on the coast. just have plenty of rode (250 feet or more) if you anchor near the hook. the water is deep and storms can be sudden and vicious. if you watch the depth (and the tide is a big factor) you can anchor near the lighthouse and get by with less rode and avoid the crowd.

 

[OBX Sailor]

Your going right!

You are headed the right way, but beware, you can run aground due to shoaling in the area. Some places that are marked can still cause you to bump.Enjoy!!OBX Sailor