Can I use the Western Channel to get into Tangiers? The Criusing Guide doesn't say yea or nay, only talks about it being a narrow channel. Currents?
Tangier Island
- Thread starter Broke sailor SV Marcell
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NOPE!!!!
I took my last boat, a Hunter 22 with a swing keel, through the western past two years ago. I ran aground in quite a few areas (I am actually surprised that I was able to get through the channel). I wouldn't use that channel because there is a ton of shoaling etc. The begining of the channel looks inviting but as soon as you get to the first marker going into the island it gets shallow!
I took my last boat, a Hunter 22 with a swing keel, through the western past two years ago. I ran aground in quite a few areas (I am actually surprised that I was able to get through the channel). I wouldn't use that channel because there is a ton of shoaling etc. The begining of the channel looks inviting but as soon as you get to the first marker going into the island it gets shallow!
We have not had a problem
We have been trough the western entrance into Tangier several times and never saw anything less than 8 feet or so. We draw about 4.5 feet. I think the chart lists it as 6 ft MLW. We went through earlier this year with no problems. Coming from the western shore, it seems to be the best entrance. Others I know come through that entrance as well when they hit Tangier. Stay in the middle of the channel and you should be fine. Now the currents, that is another story. They get pretty wicked through there. Take your time pulling up to Parks Marina. They current kicks through the middle of the channel and then stops about a boat length or so from the slip. Just pay attention to where the current is going.
We have been trough the western entrance into Tangier several times and never saw anything less than 8 feet or so. We draw about 4.5 feet. I think the chart lists it as 6 ft MLW. We went through earlier this year with no problems. Coming from the western shore, it seems to be the best entrance. Others I know come through that entrance as well when they hit Tangier. Stay in the middle of the channel and you should be fine. Now the currents, that is another story. They get pretty wicked through there. Take your time pulling up to Parks Marina. They current kicks through the middle of the channel and then stops about a boat length or so from the slip. Just pay attention to where the current is going.
Yep
Was just there this summer. Came and left thru the western channel. I draw 4'6". There can be a current. There is a mine feild of crab floats you need to work thru to get to the outside marker. The channel is pretty well marked. If coming from or leaving to the north give the shoal on the north side the necessary room. Really not a problem.
Was just there this summer. Came and left thru the western channel. I draw 4'6". There can be a current. There is a mine feild of crab floats you need to work thru to get to the outside marker. The channel is pretty well marked. If coming from or leaving to the north give the shoal on the north side the necessary room. Really not a problem.
I'm Sorry
I was thinking of Smith Island. The western passage into Tangier is fine. I did that and didn't see anything under 8 feet. Just don't try to go into the Western Passage of Smith Island.
I was thinking of Smith Island. The western passage into Tangier is fine. I did that and didn't see anything under 8 feet. Just don't try to go into the Western Passage of Smith Island.
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