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NC Inlet Caution: Beaufort Inlet
- Date Reported: Jun 2, 2022
- Reporter: Jani Parker
- Source: Waterway Guide Staff
- Description:
Overview: Wide, deep and very well marked. Farthest "northerly" inlet recommended for transient recreational boaters. To the north lie the Outer Banks; rounding them entails a long passage in Atlantic Ocean waters.
Approach: Lighted red and white whistle buoy "BM" located at N 34° 34.830'/W 76° 41.550' (5 nm out).
Navigation: You can forgo the sea buoy, which is more than 5 nm out, and start your approach from flashing green buoy "9" and flashing red bell buoy "10," which are just southwest of N 34° 40.000'/W 76° 40.000'. From here, follow the markers and stay in the center on a course slightly east of north to quick flashing red buoy "16" on Shackleford Point then bear west of north. (Shoaling has been reported at quick flashing red buoy "16.")
If you are headed for Beaufort itself, take the channel leading to the east side of Radio Island, taking care to round quick flashing red buoy "2." Don't cut flashing red buoy "20" short; it is very shallow out of the channel. If your destination is Morehead City, bear to port at flashing green buoy "21," and then continue to follow the channel markers under the bridge.
Cautions & Hazards: Areas of constant shoaling have been identified throughout the Beaufort Inlet and Harbor. Current runs 2 knots on the flood. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution when transiting the area.
ICW Connection: Proceed to the turning basin (ICW Mile 204) and bear to port if you are heading south on the ICW. If heading north, continue through the Beaufort Channel Railroad Bridge (4-foot closed vertical clearance, usually open), followed by the fixed Beaufort Channel (US 70) Bridge (65-foot vertical clearance) immediately ahead.
- Lat / Lon: N 34° 41.487' / W 076° 40.137'
