Bodkin Creek, Northern Chesapeake Bay

[s sauer]

We're planning on delivering a Hunter28.5 with a 5'-2" draft across the Bay into Bodkin Creek tomorrow afternoon, anticipating decreasing winds and a rising tide.
The entrance channel seems well marked, but somewhat narrow. Any advice from someone with local knowledge of the entry channel?

 

[Bill Roosa]

know it well, used to keep my boat there.
the flashing green 2.5 second outer marker can be taken on either side
Then aim for the Red 10/green 9 entrance door. This is the bar marker and the thinnest water. once past the bar just follow the greens to the "11" marker flashing 4 second green and you are in. The channel is not that wide but is is not threading the needle either. I'd keep the markers 15-20 feet to port to stay in the channel.

 

[s sauer]

Bodkin Creek

Thanks, I recognize your name as a long time (experienced) contributor and that's just the kind of information I was looking for. With the strong winds blowing the water out of the Bay, we've waited for less wind and hopefully more normal tidal range, & expect to be going in on a rising high tide.

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

the flashing green 2.5 second outer marker can be taken on either side Then aim for the Red 10/green 9 entrance door. This is the bar marker and the thinnest water. once past the bar just follow the greens to the "11" marker flashing 4 second green and you are in. The channel is not that wide but is is not threading the needle either. I'd keep the markers 15-20 feet to port to stay in the channel.

I agree. It's narrow but well marked and not difficult. Bodkin is around the corner from where I keep my boat in Rock Creek and I have had no problems getting into Bodkin. I draw 5.5 ft and several friends have entered and they draw 6 ft. Navionics charts indicate 6'9" at MLLW in that channel.