There are hundreds, if not thousands of great
anchorages all along the ICW. Many of them are
noted in the guides and charts I've recommended,
dozens more will be obvious to you as you review
your charts.
Something to keep in mind when you choose an anchorage, particularly if you're a fresh water boater, is the effect that tides can have on your choice of the perfect anchorage.
There is nothing more embarrassing than putting down the hook in the evening, and finding yourself aground in the morning, because the tide dropped and left you high and dry. It happens - I know this personally! (And sometimes
Something to keep in mind when you choose an anchorage, particularly if you're a fresh water boater, is the effect that tides can have on your choice of the perfect anchorage.
There is nothing more embarrassing than putting down the hook in the evening, and finding yourself aground in the morning, because the tide dropped and left you high and dry. It happens - I know this personally! (And sometimes
you do it deliberately, knowing the bottom is soft
and you'll be afloat again when it's time to
leave).
It's most likely to happen in South Carolina or Georgia, where the tides are larger. What happens is, you've put out lots of scope for the depth you're at. The boat swings and takes you over an area that will be too shallow for your vessel at low tide - and there you are, bump, in the muck.
Of course, your boat will refloat as the tide returns, but if you've anchored in eight feet and the tide is six, well - you'll have a tough time sleeping won't you?
So when you anchor at a higher tide, check the charts and make sure that you have adequate depth in the area you'll swing in, keeping in mind that as the depth drops, your swinging room increases.
It's most likely to happen in South Carolina or Georgia, where the tides are larger. What happens is, you've put out lots of scope for the depth you're at. The boat swings and takes you over an area that will be too shallow for your vessel at low tide - and there you are, bump, in the muck.
Of course, your boat will refloat as the tide returns, but if you've anchored in eight feet and the tide is six, well - you'll have a tough time sleeping won't you?
So when you anchor at a higher tide, check the charts and make sure that you have adequate depth in the area you'll swing in, keeping in mind that as the depth drops, your swinging room increases.
Anchorage Suggestions by state, including some
caveats
◊ Virginia
◊ North Carolina
◊ South Carolina
◊ Georgia
◊ Florida
My apologies - this page is horribly out of date - my only excuse is that I've been busy with paid writing, and getting to Cuba. If you have questions, e-mail me here and I'll attempt to answer them until such time as I get this page up to date.
◊ Virginia
◊ North Carolina
◊ South Carolina
◊ Georgia
◊ Florida
My apologies - this page is horribly out of date - my only excuse is that I've been busy with paid writing, and getting to Cuba. If you have questions, e-mail me here and I'll attempt to answer them until such time as I get this page up to date.