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SC: Isle of Palms, shoaling MM 460 - 461
- Date Reported: Dec 21, 2024
- Reporter: Bob423
- Source: User
- Description:
Update: 4.3 MLLW as of 11/8/2024 on the Bob423 track at MM 460.3
Load the latest Bob423 track to see the way around the 0.7 MLLW shoal in the middle of the NOAA channel. The 11/8/2024 USACE survey is shown in the pictures. First, the overview photo of the Isle of Palms
The approach to Isle of Palms from the north at MM 460.3 is shown below. Follow the Bob423 track to avoid the 0.7 MLLW shoal on the red side of the channel. The Bob423 track turns to avoid the many shoals here. You have to go outside the channel to find deeper water but then it's only deep to 4.3 MLLW. There are no plans yet to dredge Isle of Palms in 2025.
Another option is to take the "detour" route and avoid the 0.4 MLLW shoal entirely by following the red dotted line in the photo for 6.7 MLLW as of 10/20/2024. There is a dredge in the area with dredge pipes marked with buoys along the detour route but captains reported the buoys did not block the detour route. It can be downloaded at the site link shown. The American Independence cruise ship with an 8 foot draft took this detour at half high tide when she missed high tide at the shoal area.
https://bobicw.blogspot.com/p/bob423-long-tracks.html
There are more shoals to avoid farther on at MM 461.1. Follow the Bob423 track for 6.4 MLLW as of 11/8/2024
The final shoal before the Ben Sawyer Swing Bridge (going south) at MM 461.5 is shown. In this case, the best path is right in the middle of the channel for 6.9 MLLW as of 11/8/2024
USACE = US Army Corps of Engineers
ATONs = Aids TO Navigation such as buoys and daymarks
Aqua Map = a navigation app for Apple and Android devices
Bob423 Long Track = blue dotted line
How to download tracks - Lat / Lon: N 32° 47.274' / W 079° 48.391'
4 Boater Comments
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Comment by: Hubert Hopkins on Nov 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'There are two temporary Green buoys 117B and 117C just south of marker 117A at mile 460.3. They are very close to each other. I passed to the north of those and had 6' depth above MLLW. This follows the Bob423 track pretty closely.
My passage was exactly at low tide with 1' above MLLW so it was very shallow.
I believe that the "detour" would be less stress for some if the dredge is not blocking the channel. They were not working the day I went through.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Comment by: Rick Vicars on May 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'5-16-24 No less than 8 ft (low tide) taking the alternate route avoiding the AICW shoaling.
View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Comment by: Elizabeth Lenoski, Tranquilo, on May 15, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 5.0'Came through at 3' tide northbound. Bob alt route had no less than 11' of water. Dredging equipment is set up just south of the bridge and more was being brought in as we passed. Dredge is near center but plenty of space to get by.
View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Comment by: Teresa Scott on May 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.5'Came through at low tide and used the detour. Lowest we saw was 7.8. A bit nerve wracking especially with a large MV who impatiently had to pass during this.
View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
