View Single Post
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 04-12-2007
GordMay GordMay is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 552
Rep Power: 10
GordMay is on a distinguished road
John is correct - a 6-1/2 foot draft suggests that a grounding is very likely somewhere on the ICW.

The “authorized” project depth (MLW, or at low tide) of the AICW is:
~ 12 ft from Norfolk, Virginia to Ft. Pierce, Florida
~ 10 feet from Ft. Pierce to Miami, Florida

However, shoaling and silting have reduced controlling depths, in many (changing) locations to as little as five feet (or less), and other underwater obstructions further complicate safe navigation.

Notwithstanding the likelihood of grounding (somewhere on the ICW) with a 6.5 draft, such groundings are not usually ruinous, and should not altogether preclude a safe & enjoyable transit from Nofolk to Miami.

See the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association website:
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW)
and
ICW Channel Conditions:
This report only lists areas less than 8 feet in depth at mean low water.
ICW Channel Conditions
Reply With Quote Share with Facebook