What is best route into Charleston Harbor from offshore?

[ZZ13]

Took the first offshore ride from south of Charleston into the harbor and Ashley River. We went all the way out to marker 15 to get in to miss the jetty and the debris between 15 and 17 indicated on the chart. Could we have saved time and come into the channel closer to shore below the jetty?

 

[JimT]

Looks like there is an opening in the jetty marked 1 and 2 south of the the green can 21. I have not tried this.

 

[ZZ13]

I saw that when we were coming in. Hoped to hear from someone who has done it. Boat Guy? Rusty? Alex? I know you all have been there recently.

 

[Boat Guy]

Personally, I wouldn't do it. You have shallow water getting in there and no protection.

I guess if it's a real flat day you could, but I prefer going around 15. It's just safer, and more responsible, and I don't need to save a few minutes.

That's a nice opening if you are a 25 CC.

Also, when I'm doing a long run, there is nothing like cutting into a shipping channel to let you know you're heading into port. I wouldn't cut it too tight for that reason alone.

 

[Alex F]

Bill,

When I came in to Charleston harbor from the outside it was at midnight, so I wasn't going to "cut any corners". If I recall, I entered the chipping channel (coming from North) between R12 and R14. All other times in/out Charleston I was in ICW.

I've heard that underwater jetties extend quite a bit, but don't know by how much. Having said that I wouldn't cut anything closer than between R14 and R16, just to be on the safe side.

 

[fwebster]

When we entered Charleston, it was at slack low tide and you could see the jetties and water breaking over the rocks. We had the Charleston sea bouy set as an arrival waypoint and we coming from about 40 miles off shore so cutting the corners wouldn't have helped us, besides we drew between 5- 6 ft, so it wan't worth the risk.

 

[ZZ13]

Thanks everyone. I'll stick with 15.

 

[Boat Guy]

For those that find this thread later, here's a chart of the inlet. I've circled "Green 15" and placed a yellow arrow line where the opening is in the jetty.

You can see the shallow water marked on the chart. You might not hit bottom, but the wave action will be rougher the shallower it gets.