I am planning a visit to Rock Hall. The charts show sufficient depth within the Harbor, but the entrance shows a 4 foot depth (from 2010) at the entrance to the Harbor. I draw 5'. I am looking for local advice about the current condition and depth of the entrance to the Harbor at low and high tides. Thanks.
Rock Hall Md - local knowledge
- Thread starter Blue Eyes
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My sailing cub was there last June and August, with boats to 6.5 foot draft going in. There was a small temporary green right before the seawall we had to look for. It's the same color as the stripe on the side of my boat
I doubt you'll have a problem. When are you going? We go back June 22/23, so could give you more info. The town trolley was back in business.
I doubt you'll have a problem. When are you going? We go back June 22/23, so could give you more info. The town trolley was back in business.Thanks for the info. I would not attempt it at night. Do you know the depth after the dredging was completed? If I can manage to stay in the channel would I be OK with a 5' draft?
I am going this weekend. I am going from Annapolis up to DE (and eventually NJ) and thought Rock Hall would be a nice stop over for a night.
I'm very sure 5 feet is no problem. If you're going to a marina, why not call them for local knowledge? You won't be able to anchor inside the harbor.
With winds expected to be out of the NNW for the next 24-36 hours at 20+ knots, the Bay will experience a blow-out. Be prepared for water levels much lower than normal through the long weekend.
You could also consider Swan Creek instead of the main RH harbor. Somewhat more depth, huge anchorage, some moorings available, and several marinas. There's the trolley or loaner bikes at the marinas can get you into town. None of the marinas whether you're in Swan or the main harbor are really all that walkable to main street or the major restaurants other than RH Landing.
You could also consider Swan Creek instead of the main RH harbor. Somewhat more depth, huge anchorage, some moorings available, and several marinas. There's the trolley or loaner bikes at the marinas can get you into town. None of the marinas whether you're in Swan or the main harbor are really all that walkable to main street or the major restaurants other than RH Landing.
On Tuesday of this week we measured 6.5 feet at normal low tide. That was in the center channel between the green 1 and red 2 and was the most shallow section of the channel. You MUST honor the green 1.
Last season that outer section would drop to as shallow as 5 feet at low low tide when there was a strong north wind, like today.
We routinely travel the channel with the 5 foot draft on our P 36-2.
If you are staying at The Sailing Emporium look for us.
Dave
s/v ARIEL
Last season that outer section would drop to as shallow as 5 feet at low low tide when there was a strong north wind, like today.
We routinely travel the channel with the 5 foot draft on our P 36-2.
If you are staying at The Sailing Emporium look for us.
Dave
s/v ARIEL
Thanks all. I did check with the marina and they assured me there would be no problem - but its always good to get input from experienced people with no business interest. And you've all provided more info and tips than the marina offered. The wind forecast and affect on the depth is not something I had considered.
Dave, the reason for this trip is I'm picking up a boat to replace my P-36-2 that was lost to hurricane Sandy (it was on the hard and taken out by the storm surge). If we make the stop I will try to get by to say hello.
Dave, the reason for this trip is I'm picking up a boat to replace my P-36-2 that was lost to hurricane Sandy (it was on the hard and taken out by the storm surge). If we make the stop I will try to get by to say hello.
Don't try to anchor in swan creek with a danforth. Hard mud and lots of dragging. Also watch the shoaling once you get into the creek. it goes from barely passable to hard aground in short order, steep banks even though it is quite shallow.
Gale force winds, 3 to 8 foot waves. We were out to love point and turned around to Kent Narrows. Wild ride, poor decision on our part, glad to be tied up out of the weather
Local Knowledge
Suggest you try www.tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov and check for locations in the upper Bay. Tides are very low right now due to strong winds of 30+ out of the NNW blowing water out of the northern Bay. Usually a lot of traffic to follow in and out, but not as likely if wind conditions don't moderate. I draw 5'-2" and haven't had a problem in normal conditions. The channel back into Swan Creek can be dicey north of Gratitude Marina, but it deepens as it narrows at the turn to Starboard. On a good weekend it will be crowded back there.
Suggest you try www.tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov and check for locations in the upper Bay. Tides are very low right now due to strong winds of 30+ out of the NNW blowing water out of the northern Bay. Usually a lot of traffic to follow in and out, but not as likely if wind conditions don't moderate. I draw 5'-2" and haven't had a problem in normal conditions. The channel back into Swan Creek can be dicey north of Gratitude Marina, but it deepens as it narrows at the turn to Starboard. On a good weekend it will be crowded back there.
Re: Local Knowledge
There is a full moon tonight in about an hour so the tides will be at their greatest for the next frew days. That coupled with the winds from the NW will create very low tides all along the upper bay.
There is a full moon tonight in about an hour so the tides will be at their greatest for the next frew days. That coupled with the winds from the NW will create very low tides all along the upper bay.
Use this 'real time' tide reporting station for Rock Hall and surrounding area: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/data_menu.shtml?stn=8573364 Tolchester Beach, MD&type=Tide Data
Note that the time listed is GMT or UTC (Greenwich England)
Note that the time listed is GMT or UTC (Greenwich England)
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