Knapps Narrows Shoaling Report

[Warren Milberg]

For those who sail the Chesapeake Bay, here is a note posted in the latest Notice to Mariners regarding shoaling in Knapps Narrows:"MD - CHOPTANK RIVER AND HERRING BAY - KNAPPS NARROWS - SHOALINGThere has been a report of shoaling channelward to a depth of 3.5 feet MLW in the vicinity of Knapps Narrows West Channel Light 4 (LLNR 25930)and on the centerline of the channel between Knapps Narrows East Channel Daybeacon 5 (LLNR 25945) and Knapps Narrows East Channel Light 6(LLNR 25950) to a depth of 4 feet MLW. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting these waterways. Chart: 12266."(FYI, I went through the Narrows about a month ago at mid-tide and my depth sounder never read below 6 feet the whole way into the Choptank River.)

 

[Boat Babe]

NOW you tell me!

I went through Knapp's Narrow about a month ago and couldn't understand why I had a soft grounding right in the mddle of the channel! Had to easily back off and try again a bit to the south side of the channel then made it with my dept guage reading 5.0 a the most. I draw 5'3". Guess it depends on the tides since I came back thru the next day without any problem. Good to know it wasn't me but there really is some shoaling.

 

[Ross]

Steph, my wife gets panicy when we touch

bottom but if we are going slowly we can back off and try some place else. everybody touches the ground on the chesapeake sometime.

 

[jviss]

Calibration

"with my dept guage reading 5.0 a the most. I draw 5'3". "Your depth gauge is not calibrated to the waterline.

 

[Boat Babe]

Probably right

Just got the boat last year, Cal 28. I've assumed it was calibrated to the waterline but maybe not. One of these days, I have to sound the bottom and set it appropriately. Thanks

 

[Bill Roosa]

Other reports

YEP there be a shoal there on the north side of the channel right where they said it would be. That was as of the end of last season so it has probably gotten worse.