Has anyone ever traversed this channel in Virginia (just north of Mobjack Bay)? How much water does it carry? I went through several years ago with a 3.5 foot draft, but no depth sounder and had no problems. I now need 4' 8". Will I make it?
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Mark Burrows
Memories
My first trip out in our 1995 H26 included a trip through Hole in the Wall. I do not advise using it as a primary route. We had come out of the Rappahannock (sic) on our way down to Mobjack Bay. The weather was building and we decided that it was too rough given ourlevel of our seamanship. The ADC chartbook showed channel markers through Hole in the Wall and 3-4 ft depth. The H26 with the board up and provisioned draws around 2 ft. We found Hole in the Wall guarded by sandbars. The channel markers did not exist. The depth was less than our board up draft. Maybe it was the tide, maybe the wind but I had to get out and push/pull/turn with the help of our 8HP outboard to get us through. Again, this problem may have been rooted in my lack of experience. However, the Guide to the Chesapeake Bay noted that the Coast Guard avoids going through there. My advise is to go around the Island and say Hi to the swing bridge operator. Mark Burrows
My first trip out in our 1995 H26 included a trip through Hole in the Wall. I do not advise using it as a primary route. We had come out of the Rappahannock (sic) on our way down to Mobjack Bay. The weather was building and we decided that it was too rough given ourlevel of our seamanship. The ADC chartbook showed channel markers through Hole in the Wall and 3-4 ft depth. The H26 with the board up and provisioned draws around 2 ft. We found Hole in the Wall guarded by sandbars. The channel markers did not exist. The depth was less than our board up draft. Maybe it was the tide, maybe the wind but I had to get out and push/pull/turn with the help of our 8HP outboard to get us through. Again, this problem may have been rooted in my lack of experience. However, the Guide to the Chesapeake Bay noted that the Coast Guard avoids going through there. My advise is to go around the Island and say Hi to the swing bridge operator. Mark Burrows
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Bradley Cavedo
Done it many times
Our P42 draws 5 feet. I always get through, although I have not tied it this season. Try to go through on a rising tide. One time years ago in a C37 we could not get over a hump and had to anchor in the channel for 3 hours until the tide came up enough. The have moved that marker since then and I have not hit the hump since.
Our P42 draws 5 feet. I always get through, although I have not tied it this season. Try to go through on a rising tide. One time years ago in a C37 we could not get over a hump and had to anchor in the channel for 3 hours until the tide came up enough. The have moved that marker since then and I have not hit the hump since.
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Buck Harrison
Rob,
Made it thru years ago in a Morgan 41-OI (5' draft).....BUT... it was high tide and I followed a local powerboater thru who had local knowledge... Brad's more daring than I am...I wouldn't attempt it in my 420 today... channel is very tricky. Since you will be comming down from the North, go into the Piankatank, and around. If you anchor in Milford Haven, after going thru the bridge,... (its a very nice protected anchorage)... ck w/ the locals about 'hole-in-the-wall'... YOU might be able to squeek thru at high tide with a local guiding you.....but.. the hour or two it will save you(if you get thru) will turn into a grounding hassel if you don't. Have fun..... (And have your Towboat-US card ready......)
Made it thru years ago in a Morgan 41-OI (5' draft).....BUT... it was high tide and I followed a local powerboater thru who had local knowledge... Brad's more daring than I am...I wouldn't attempt it in my 420 today... channel is very tricky. Since you will be comming down from the North, go into the Piankatank, and around. If you anchor in Milford Haven, after going thru the bridge,... (its a very nice protected anchorage)... ck w/ the locals about 'hole-in-the-wall'... YOU might be able to squeek thru at high tide with a local guiding you.....but.. the hour or two it will save you(if you get thru) will turn into a grounding hassel if you don't. Have fun..... (And have your Towboat-US card ready......)
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Rob
Might have to try.....
i just might have to try anyway. I will be coming from the south and to go around the island would be way to far for "just a visit". Maybe I'll just find a more "convievient" spot to rest on my way back up to Solomons.
i just might have to try anyway. I will be coming from the south and to go around the island would be way to far for "just a visit". Maybe I'll just find a more "convievient" spot to rest on my way back up to Solomons.
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Buck Harrison
Rob...
just go into Jackson Creek (S. side of Deltaville) ... nice stopover and much less time on and off the Bay than going around Gwynns Island to Milford Haven.
just go into Jackson Creek (S. side of Deltaville) ... nice stopover and much less time on and off the Bay than going around Gwynns Island to Milford Haven.
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David C. hirtle
We have been throughthe Hole Twice! We went through with our 28 O'day that drew 4'. No concerns there. Our first trip into milford haven was uneventful...good water...low winds and smooth seas. As we left, however, that was a different story. The winds were projected @ 10-15 from the North but by the time we were inthe channel, they were 20-25kts with gusts to 30plus kts. With winds like that, whipping that shallow channel, it was exciting...and that channel is very narrow (or it was in October 1999) and coming about to duck back in was impossible....It was an exciting experience that lasted all the way to Norfolk! Under the right conditions...it's a beautiful channel and ride into Milford haven. Enjoy!!
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