The Carolinas - Beaufort to Harkers

Guys, the only way I have ever gone to Harkers island is to head out the inlet then turn in behind Shakelford then follow the markers to Harkers. I am wondering if I can put in at the Beaufort ramp and head straight to Harkers...two questions are is it navigable and is it marked?

It is marked, but confusing. Unless you have a shallow draft boat, go at high tide the first few times.

"Beaufort ramp'', do you mean the one on Taylors Creek? If so, it depends on the boat. Used to do it regular with a twin WA. From what I understand, the entrance of the east end of the creek is pretty shallow now. Once out of the creek, it's not a straight shot. You have to head south toward the inlet and then depending on draft and tide, you might still need to go around Middle Marsh.

If you're trailering, why not put in at the HI bridge?

BTW, it is marked, but you can't believe everything you see.

I'm a little different than sealion, I like to go at low tide and see it at it's worst. I learned the different routes with a good pair of sunglasses and a broom stick. I found that a depth finder lied to me too much or was too late.

Thanks guys, Yeah I'm talking about the ramp at Taylor's creek...

That's about what I figured...I've found myself on a bar a few times back behind Harkers...still learning...

The east end of Taylors creek is very tricky and like everywhere else, changes from week to week. Hug the right side coming out of the creek and stay near the PVC pipe then head straight for the danger marker due south and pass by it just on it's right side. Keep that heading till you hit the deeper water then you can turn left towards the middle marsh.
The shallowest you'll see on that is about 3-4' right before you hit deeper water. If your going to the back side of the island, follow the marks to the east.

I'll add that once you learn the route, stay on plane (if possible).

I don't know how many time I'd go out on a weekend with my larger boat and see a boat stuck that had less draft than myself. Even with my V-hull skiff that drafts about 12", I go through water that's about 8". It drove my ex wife crazy when I'd be doing 30+ mph in less than a foot of water. :grin:

One of the reasons I liked to "scout" areas at low tide, the incoming tide was your friend. ;) Also, at low tide, you can really see what's there. Huge difference between hitting some sand/mud and hitting an iron shaft or whats left of an old boat, etc.

Would agree to make the first run in unfamiliar water under low tide conditions. At least if you run aground, you'll eventually get off. If ya do the same at high water, you be in a heap of do do.

The east end of Taylors creek is very tricky and like everywhere else, changes from week to week. Hug the right side coming out of the creek and stay near the PVC pipe then head straight for the danger marker due south and pass by it just on it's right side. Keep that heading till you hit the deeper water then you can turn left towards the middle marsh.
The shallowest you'll see on that is about 3-4' right before you hit deeper water. If your going to the back side of the island, follow the marks to the east.

About a month ago someone made some real improvements marking the East side. The old PVC pipe just off Carrot Island and the shoal marker have been removed and replaced with about a dozen or so PVC pipes painted red and green. It's still shallow, but easy to navigate.

Gary

About a month ago someone made some real improvements marking the East side. The old PVC pipe just off Carrot Island and the shoal marker have been removed and replaced with about a dozen or so PVC pipes painted red and green. It's still shallow, but easy to navigate.

Gary

Yep...just made that run this past weekend. I was impressed with the new markers. Sure would have been nice a few weeks ago when my buddy SWORE he knew how to navigate that area in another friends boat, and hit the sand wide open. Needless to say, I was in the water pushing my buddies boat off the sand.

Needless to say, I was in the water pushing my buddies boat off the sand.

I bet the water was a little cold for the "boys"! :o

:grin: