Ocean City, MD Entrance

wwilson · #1 (**permalink**) 04-04-2005

Has anyone taken a moderate draft (5-6-ft) sailboat into Ocean City, MD? I''m interested in channel depth, current, anchorage & holding and facilities. I''m going up the DELMARVA coast in July and might like to come in. The charts present a "hospitable" looking harbor, but there''s not much information available short of a MapTech cruising guide and mine is out of reach (in the boat 80-mi away).

Thanks,
Wayne

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 04-04-2005

I have Wayne...but it was about 5 years ago on a Delmarva circumnavigation. The entrance at that time was a dog-leg but straightforward and lots of big sportfishers going in and out can make it a bit choppy.
No problem with depths at that time but I think I read recently that the inlet was scheduled to be dredged...it may have been over on the BoatUS board under East Coast alerts that I read that. You may want to give the Coast Guard a call shortly before you leave to check current conditions.
We had a fairly rough passage coming up from Norfolk and had to stand off in the dark for a few hours which was no fun given the conditions...so be sure you have a good forecast as there really is nowhere else to put it south of there.
That said...my experience was that it is a decently protected inlet in settled weather and once you are in there is lots to see and do nearby. The clam chowder at the marina dock there was outstanding! There is really no anchorage there.
Have fun!

wwilson · #3 (**permalink**) 04-05-2005

camaraderie,

Thanks much for the info! You say no anchorage though. There is a bight just south of the bridge on the west side of the dredged fairway that looks like it has room to anchor. It is not labeled an anchorage however - I had hoped to anchor there if my draft (6''1") keeps me out of the marinas.

Wayne

camaraderie · #4 (**permalink**) 04-05-2005

My recollection is that the area you describe is not suitable for anchoring. There is also a big tidal current running through there. As I recall, also, the marinas on that side are too shallow for you as they were for us. We used the newer marina on the other side of the inlet near the commercial fishing docks...

Kenshu · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2005

I have put into Ocean City twice in the last few years. There can be good tidal current but overall a pretty straight forward entrance. I draw 5.5" and had no problem. I stayed at the White Marlin Marina, first marina past the inlet, great people. Try Bahama Mama''s for crab and seafood.