Dismal Swamp Canal?

[Skybolt]

I think I have buddy talked into it for a week in August. He also wants to get back to Coinjock. Thanks @FootballFan, didn't realize that, great advice since there isn't much around there.

 

[Skybolt]

The latest known depths are reported in the Local Notice to Mariners on the Coast Guards site, so you can always consult those documents. Its "maintained" to 9' which is a pretty good margin for most Sea Rays.

Personally, I think it would be a blast and a challenge!

I watched a youtube vid of a guy in a SR 400 Sedan Bridge do it about 9 months ago, so it is possible. I think if you attempt it, you need to have a well thought out plan for contingencies/emergencies, file a float plan etc relevant spares.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Featured-Content/Mariners/Local-Notice-to-Mariners-LNMs/District-5/

I haven't seen 9' only 6', but if 9 then it's a no brainer and good news. And yeah a really cool adventure to check out. Great vid thanks for posting. The only issue is if 6' then a prop strike is almost guaranteed.

 

[dtfeld]

I haven't seen 9' only 6', but if 9 then it's a no brainer and good news. And yeah a really cool adventure to check out. Great vid thanks for posting. The only issue is if 6' then a prop strike is almost guaranteed.

6' is plenty IMHO. If you boat in SW FL, 7' would be deep!

I don't think a prop strikes is guaranteed, but hitting some floats/branches is certainly possible, but not likely catastrophic.

Just doing a little investigation, and it loks like everything is open and accessible. If I were planning on going, I'd call down the the Dist 5 Office and see if some of the coasties have up to date intel. I bet they would be of imense help.

The other option is the AGLCA.

 

[atrick]

Just came thru that way first week of march and everything was open and ok, me and Rusty brought my 400 sedan bridge down from Baltimore that week.

 

[ranger58sb]

Has anyone ventured the Dismal Swamp Canal?

I have only ever gone through the Albermarle/Chesapeake canal. I was reading up on it a bit and it looks like a really nice trip to take through there. It's maintained at 6' deep, I am not sure of the bridge heights or if my boat would be able to run the full length or not (Bridges). Although I have seen pictures of the canal with sail boats going through.

Anyway, if anyone has ventured the canal I would love to hear about it. Thanks.

We've only done the Albemarle Cut, so far, but I'd like to eventually do that loop -- one canal south, the other back north.

You might find this discussion useful, since it's semi-current:

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s3/dismal-v-aicw-68057.html

-Chris

 

[FootballFan]

Regarding the comparison to 7' water in SW FL ---

The issue I had in the area was the lack of tides (at least tide movement I could figure out and count on). Those that know more about the area would have better insight.

I agree with the statement about SW FL and 7' water. Difference for me in SWFL is 7' is MLW, I can get another 1-3 feet based on timing with the tide.

We went from Charleston to Hilton Head on the ICW - some very skinny water for us. But timed to a high tide and sailed right through. I would not take our current boat through that stretch on anything other than riding a higher tide.

Question for those in that area - tell me about the tide? Do you get any movement at all? I know the wind has alot to do with water level, but other than that - what's the common experience?

 

[dtfeld]

@FootballFan

This is correct, and the real killer is when you have a negative tide.

 

[Steve S]

I second checking out the AGLCA AT www.greatloop.org. And also check out the Great Loop Facebook page. Loopers are or have recently gone through the Dismal Swamp.

 

[Skybolt]

We've only done the Albemarle Cut, so far, but I'd like to eventually do that loop -- one canal south, the other back north.

You might find this discussion useful, since it's semi-current:

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s3/dismal-v-aicw-68057.html

-Chris

That's exactly what we want to do. Leave Norfolk area and stay at Coinjock then venture back through the other canal. I think we'll only have ~9 days for the trip,but that includes leaving from Kent Narrows area.