If you are a boater who loves to explore new places, you might be tempted to venture into some of the inlets on the East Coast. But be warned: not all inlets are created equal. Some of them are notorious for being dangerous, difficult, and downright deadly.
Top 10 worst inlets on the east coast
In this article, we will reveal the top 10 worst inlets on the East Coast that you should avoid at all costs. We will also explain what makes these inlets so challenging and how to navigate them safely if you have no choice. Read on to find out more about these perilous passages and how to survive them.
Cape Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina
This inlet is known for its strong currents and shifting sandbars. It’s also home to the infamous Diamond Shoals, a dangerous area for ships and boats.
Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, Virginia
This inlet is prone to shoaling and requires frequent dredging. It can be treacherous in rough weather and has a narrow entrance with jetties on both sides.
Little River Inlet, South Carolina
This inlet is shallow and constantly changing. It has a long and winding channel that can be confusing for boaters. It also has a high tidal range that can create strong currents.
St. Augustine Inlet, Florida
This inlet is one of the most challenging in Florida. It has a large sandbar at the mouth that can create breaking waves. It also has a strong tidal flow that can cause turbulence and eddies.
Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey
This inlet is one of the most dangerous inlets on the East Coast from a navigation standpoint. The District typically dredges the inlet twice a year with the USACE-owned dredge Currituck or Murden. However, a large amount of sediment remains shoaled in the state and federal navigation channels with limited funds and places to put the material.
Chesapeake Bay Inlet, Maryland
This inlet is the largest estuary in the United States and has a complex hydrology. It can be affected by wind, waves, tides, storms, and freshwater inflows. It also has many tributaries and islands that can create navigational hazards.
Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina
This inlet is the gateway to Morehead City and Beaufort, two of the state’s busiest ports. It can be congested with commercial and recreational traffic. It also has a narrow channel that can be difficult to maneuver in adverse conditions.
Fire Island Inlet, New York
This inlet is located at the western end of Fire Island, a barrier island that protects Long Island from the Atlantic Ocean. It can be affected by storms, erosion, and sedimentation. It also has a strong tidal range that can create powerful currents.
These are some of the factors that make these inlets dangerous for boaters:
- Shoaling: The accumulation of sand or sediment in an inlet that reduces water depth and creates obstacles.
- Currents: The movement of water in an inlet that can vary in speed and direction depending on tides, winds, and waves.
- Waves: The undulations of water in an inlet that can be generated by wind or swell. They can break over shallow areas or jetties and create hazardous conditions.
- Jetties: The structures built along the sides of an inlet to stabilize its shape and prevent erosion. They can also create turbulence and eddies in the water flow.
- Channel: The deeper part of an inlet that allows safe passage for boats. It can be marked by buoys or signs, but it can also change due to shoaling or storms.
To conclude, these are some of the worst inlets on the East Coast that boaters should be aware of and avoid if possible. They require careful planning, preparation, and skill to navigate safely.
FAQ
Here are 10 most asked questions and answers about these inlets:
Q: What is the difference between an inlet and a bay?
A: An inlet is a narrow opening between land masses that connects a body of water to another body of water, such as an ocean to a bay. A bay is a large indentation of a coastline that forms a partially enclosed body of water.
Q: How do you navigate an inlet safely?
A: Some general tips for navigating an inlet safely are:
- Check the weather forecast and tide charts before you go.
- Avoid going out or coming in during low tide or rough weather.
- Follow the marked channel and stay away from shallow areas or jetties.
- Watch out for other boats and give them enough space.
- Use your radar, GPS, chart plotter, depth finder, and VHF radio if you have them.
- If you are unsure or inexperienced, seek local advice or assistance.
Q: What are some signs of shoaling in an inlet?
A: Some signs of shoaling in an inlet are:
- Discolored water that indicates sand or mud.
- Breaking waves that indicate shallow water.
- Changes in water depth or soundings.
- Changes in channel markers or buoys.
Q: What are some benefits of dredging an inlet?
A: Some benefits of dredging an inlet are:
- Improving water depth and navigation safety.
- Reducing erosion and flooding risks.
- Enhancing environmental quality and habitat.
- Supporting economic activities and tourism.
Q: What are some challenges of dredging an inlet?
A: Some challenges of dredging an inlet are:
- Finding suitable locations and methods to dispose of the dredged material.
- Minimizing environmental impacts and disturbances to wildlife.
- Coordinating with multiple agencies and stakeholders.
- Securing adequate funding and permits.
Q: What are some alternatives to dredging an inlet?
A: Some alternatives to dredging an inlet are:
- Using natural or artificial structures to stabilize the inlet shape and reduce shoaling, such as jetties, groins, breakwaters, or reefs.
- Using water jets or propellers to flush out the sediment from the inlet.
- Using boats or barges to transport the sediment from the inlet to another location.
Q: What are some dangers of jetties in an inlet?
A: Some dangers of jetties in an inlet are:
- They can create turbulence and eddies in the water flow that can affect boat handling and stability.
- They can cause waves to reflect or refract and create unpredictable conditions.
- They can be submerged or hidden by waves and pose a collision risk.
Q: How do you avoid jetties in an inlet?
A: Some tips for avoiding jetties in an inlet are:
- Stay in the marked channel and keep a safe distance from the jetties.
- Follow the rule of thirds: enter or exit the inlet during the first or last third of the tide cycle, when the water level is higher and the current is weaker.
- Avoid crossing the mouth of the inlet perpendicular to the waves, as this can expose your boat to breaking waves or jetties. Instead, angle your boat slightly into the waves and maintain a steady speed.
Q: What are some factors that affect currents in an inlet?
A: Some factors that affect currents in an inlet are:
- Tides: The periodic rise and fall of water levels due to the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. They cause water to flow in and out of an inlet at different speeds and directions throughout the day.
- Winds: The movement of air over the water surface. They can push or pull water in or out of an inlet, depending on their direction and strength.
- Waves: The undulations of water in an inlet that can be generated by wind or swell. They can create pressure differences that drive water flow.
Q: How do you deal with currents in an inlet?
A: Some tips for dealing with currents in an inlet are:
- Know the direction and speed of the current before you enter or exit the inlet. You can use tide charts, current tables, local knowledge, or visual cues, such as floating debris or foam lines.
- Adjust your speed and course accordingly. You may need to increase your speed to overcome an opposing current, or decrease your speed to avoid overshooting a turn. You may also need to steer into or away from a current to maintain your desired direction.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in current due to wind, waves, or tide changes. Always have a plan B in case you encounter difficulties.