Firefly
New Member
Are any of these lakes open to the ICW or ocean? My boat isn't trailerable.
Anyone ever been to Lake Lure?
- Thread starter brian2001ss
- Start date
OneMoreHour
New Member
- Jun 14, 2007
- 92
- Boat Info
- 2004 280 Sundancer,
Kohler 5E Generator, Garmin 740S GPS
- Engines
- Twin 4.3L MPI w/Alpha 1 Drives
Unfortunately, none of these lakes have ocean access. They are all man made resevoirs with dams seperating them from river/ocean access.
The only lakes in SC that have ocean access are Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. These lakes have access by way of a lock to the Cooper River that will take you to Charleston. But, I don't these lakes would be a good fit for your cruiser. They are shallow in most places with lots of stumps and trees very close to the surface.
Here's a link to a map of lakes in SC:
http://www.sciway.net/maps/south-carolina-lakes-rivers.html
The only lakes in SC that have ocean access are Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. These lakes have access by way of a lock to the Cooper River that will take you to Charleston. But, I don't these lakes would be a good fit for your cruiser. They are shallow in most places with lots of stumps and trees very close to the surface.
Here's a link to a map of lakes in SC:
http://www.sciway.net/maps/south-carolina-lakes-rivers.html
Firefly
New Member
Thanks for the map and the info. I was figuring that most of the lakes wouldn't have access, but I had to ask when everyone was telling how beautiful they are.
Too bad the other two lakes are too shallow. It sounds like it would be nice trip.
Too bad the other two lakes are too shallow. It sounds like it would be nice trip.
OneMoreHour
New Member
- Jun 14, 2007
- 92
- Boat Info
- 2004 280 Sundancer,
Kohler 5E Generator, Garmin 740S GPS
- Engines
- Twin 4.3L MPI w/Alpha 1 Drives
Firefly,
Althought lakes Moultrie and Marion are pretty shallow, there is a marked channel and a few deeper areas that would allow you to make a trip up from Charleston. I have seen a couple of larger cruisers on these lakes, but not many. They're just not the type of lakes that you would be able to freely cruise around on. Pontoon and bass boats are the most common boats on these two lakes.
If you're going to be in the area for awhile, definitely try to make a trip up the Cooper River from Charleston, its a very nice trip. I have made this trip several times, and there is a thread or two on this site about a trip several other CSR members have made.
Bill
Althought lakes Moultrie and Marion are pretty shallow, there is a marked channel and a few deeper areas that would allow you to make a trip up from Charleston. I have seen a couple of larger cruisers on these lakes, but not many. They're just not the type of lakes that you would be able to freely cruise around on. Pontoon and bass boats are the most common boats on these two lakes.
If you're going to be in the area for awhile, definitely try to make a trip up the Cooper River from Charleston, its a very nice trip. I have made this trip several times, and there is a thread or two on this site about a trip several other CSR members have made.
Bill
Firefly
New Member
I'll look for that thread. Do you remember what the depth is up the Cooper River? Or in the marked channel part of the lakes?
OneMoreHour
New Member
- Jun 14, 2007
- 92
- Boat Info
- 2004 280 Sundancer,
Kohler 5E Generator, Garmin 740S GPS
- Engines
- Twin 4.3L MPI w/Alpha 1 Drives
You wouldn't have any problems with water depth if you stay in the channels. The Cooper River depth ranges from about 50' in Charleston where the ports are, to about 8'-10' deep in a few places further up the river closer to the lock. I recall that I was seeing depths of 10'-30' in most of the river.
But, the upper part of the Cooper River is not well marked since there is almost no commercial traffic up there. If you are not very careful about looking out for the few markers that are there, or don't have some local knowledge or a good GPS track to follow, it would be very easy to end up in old rice fields that border the river in many places which are only 1-3' deep. This is especially true at high tide when many of the old rice fields are underwater and you can't differentiate them from the river channel. It would probably be best to get a GPS track from someone or follow someone the first time or two.
The channels in the lakes also had plenty of water. I don't remember exactly what they were, but I think they ranged from 10' to 30' or maybe 40'. Kingfisher Maps has a chart of the lakes that you can purchase. Just look for the Santee Cooper Lakes map.
But, the upper part of the Cooper River is not well marked since there is almost no commercial traffic up there. If you are not very careful about looking out for the few markers that are there, or don't have some local knowledge or a good GPS track to follow, it would be very easy to end up in old rice fields that border the river in many places which are only 1-3' deep. This is especially true at high tide when many of the old rice fields are underwater and you can't differentiate them from the river channel. It would probably be best to get a GPS track from someone or follow someone the first time or two.
The channels in the lakes also had plenty of water. I don't remember exactly what they were, but I think they ranged from 10' to 30' or maybe 40'. Kingfisher Maps has a chart of the lakes that you can purchase. Just look for the Santee Cooper Lakes map.
SearayPaul
Active Member
There is a low railbridge a fair way up the Cooper River that you might have trouble getting under. I do not remember the clearance. You can call ahead and they will open it for you.
