Jaybeaux
Well-Known Member
- Jan 3, 2016
- 2,024
- Boat Info
- 2006 Sea Ray 48
Naught On Call
- Engines
- Cummins QSC-540s with V-Drives
11 KW Onan Genset
In a couple of weeks, we are making a trip down the Potomac River which will take us past the Naval Testing Center in Dahlgren, VA. We've been through that area before, but it was on holidays or weekends, which means the firing range is not in operation. My upcoming trip will be on a Thursday, so there is a distinct possibility that the range may be in operation.
I'm familiar with the Range Boats, the telephone numbers to call in advance to see if the range is open, the Yellow ATONs the Navy has on both sides of the river. Also, the "danger area (specifically the Middle Danger Area) is well marked on my charts and electronic maps.
My plan, if the range is open, is to take the Maryland side route. I'll pick up Buoy "R" at Lower Cedar Point. My next buoy is "Q", followed by "O". Here is where my question starts. Is there sufficient water depth to get past Swan Point if we are required to navigate down to Navy buoys "M" and "K"? To stay out of the range, I have to be inside of a white beacon (shown on the charts) and hopefully not run aground on a spit that runs southward off of Swan Point. It just looks like awfully skinny water right there.
My "proposed" route is shown by the blue line. I'm just concerned about getting through this tight spot.
Also, with my down-river course, keeping the Navy Yellow ATONs on my starboard side is correct, yes?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Jaybeaux
I'm familiar with the Range Boats, the telephone numbers to call in advance to see if the range is open, the Yellow ATONs the Navy has on both sides of the river. Also, the "danger area (specifically the Middle Danger Area) is well marked on my charts and electronic maps.
My plan, if the range is open, is to take the Maryland side route. I'll pick up Buoy "R" at Lower Cedar Point. My next buoy is "Q", followed by "O". Here is where my question starts. Is there sufficient water depth to get past Swan Point if we are required to navigate down to Navy buoys "M" and "K"? To stay out of the range, I have to be inside of a white beacon (shown on the charts) and hopefully not run aground on a spit that runs southward off of Swan Point. It just looks like awfully skinny water right there.
My "proposed" route is shown by the blue line. I'm just concerned about getting through this tight spot.
Also, with my down-river course, keeping the Navy Yellow ATONs on my starboard side is correct, yes?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Jaybeaux