Help! I have read the books, but will ask the question anyway. Can I make to the Keys with a 5'3" draft using the ICW? Anyone out there who has done this?? Thanks in advance. Mark
I agree that you'll have no problem in the ICW with your draft, just watch the depth finder and don't cut corners. The deeper water is always on the outside of a curve. That's the best rule of thumb I can give you. Matt
Better check again... the ICW in NJ is non existent in places. Alot of NJ is lucky to see 5'3" at high tide. Also watch the Keys they are very fussy about the coral reefs and fine heavily for any damage to the natural reef system.
I recently sailed my 37 Hunter to Marathon via Hawks channel. No promblem with depth. On my returned trip we decided to take the Intracoastal. My draft is 4'11'' and I hit bottom at low tide near Barnes bay in Key largo. I did not run aground, but it was close call!
Goind to the Keys via Hawks Channel you should have no problems. Going down the inside ICW you will have to watch the tides very closely and stick pretty much to the center of the ICW. Bay side is very shallow in parts. Anything over five feet and you are going to have to be so careful it won't be any fun.
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