VA Inlet Caution: Rudee

Date Reported: Jun 2, 2022
Reporter: Jani Parker
Source: Waterway Guide Staff
Description:
Overview: Near-constant dredging is part of a beach-replenishment program, which, in turn, keeps this channel deep enough for the Lake Rudee’s numerous marina-based boats. Two jetties protect this inlet, which offers easy access to the Atlantic, making this a haven for sportfishing boats.
Approach: Rudee Inlet Entrance Lighted Buoy “1” is at N 36° 49.778’/W 075° 57.724’.
Navigation: Use NOAA Chart 12205. The dredged channel leads between the jetties to a basin just inside, then westward to a safety area about 0.2 nm above the entrance. Lake Rudee is to the north and Lake Wesley to the south. Lake Rudee is crossed by the Pacific Avenue Bridge (28-foot vertical clearance), which is locally known as the Gen. Booth Boulevard Bridge. Depths in the inlet and lakes can be 7 feet MLW. Vessels that cannot get under the bridge can dock at Lake Wesley to the south.
Cautions & Hazards: This is a dynamic area where shoals may develop after storms. Calling for local information on this inlet would be wise. This is home to a large charter boat fleet so it is well maintained but shoaling is a constant problem in the inbound channel at the east end of the jetties. If you can’t get under the bridge due to your air draft, turn left into Lake Wesley.
Lat / Lon: N 36° 49.788' / W 075° 58.068'

1 Boater Comment

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Comment by: Norbert Hildebrand, The Nors, on Dec 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

12/4/2021 we could not enter into Lake Wesely 1h after low tide because of shoaling. Even the inlet was very low at 5ft

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VA Inlet Caution: Rudee

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