ponce de leon inlet

[Cbarg]

I am going to single hand starting this weekend, weather permitting and wondered if anyone had any info on the current condition of this inlet. Traveling from St. marys inlet to melbourne beach and was going to go to canaveral but with the lock thought it might be a little tough alone.Any info would be appreciated. I have Steve Dodges inlet chart book but it looks like he last checked it out in 2004. My draft is 4.5' and 54' tall.

[camaraderie]

Somebody on line did Ponce recently and had NO issues with depths. BUT there has been a buoy move and other shoaling reported in the last year:
1. Ponce Inlet: Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighted Buoy 9. Aid has been temporaily relocated to approximate position 29-04-12.590N 080-55-13.199W to mark best water. All mariners are urged to transit the area with caution. 1/9/09
2.More Shoaling in Ponce Inlet (NOT on the ICW):
This area has been shoaling constantly in recent months. We saw it in March, and apparently the sand continues to shift. Temporary markers have been placed, but may not mark the deepest water. From the USCG 7 th District LNM 27: Shoaling has been reported between Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighted Buoy 7 and Ponce de Leon Inlet Light 10. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution.July 2008


Note that all these areas are inside the breakwater...not offshore.



Note also that PONCE is not an all weather inlet...so you should still be prepared to go on to Canaveral if necessary.

Since you mention St. Mary's...are you aware of this?:
Fernandina Beach Shoal Update:
Now we have an exact position for this reported shoal. From the 7th District LNM 05: The Coast Guard has received a report of shoaling in the vicinity of Fernandina Beach Light 1 (LLNR 37985) less than 6 feet at mean high tide. This shoal appears to be approximately 30 feet wide and extends from 30-39.8N 081-29.05W to 30-39.5N 081-29.1W. All mariners are advised to use caution in the vicinity.