Out in the ocean

[Michal]

I've been in the Hampstead area for the last 4 years and always just cruised the ICW or the New River in Jacksonville. This year I promised myself I'm going to do a lot more exploring. there has been times that when hanging out on the beach we can see PWC out there having fun. This year I want to do the same. That being said, anyone taken their boat through any of the inlets?

 

[fatboyroy]

I often do in the summer when waves here in Florida is calmer, I have a 190 and I only go out when forecast is 2ft wave, with frequency 5 second or more. I do this cause it often change if the forecast is 2 it could be 5 later in the day which boat can still handle. If you have multiple inlet to launch from, choose the wider one, its usually calmer. Also in between tide changes there is about an hour of calm in the inlet where you can use this opportunity to go out and practice, remember it will eventually turn rough again so unless you are comfortable, go back in before it happens (like 1 hour window).

Edit: Also get ePirb and radio if you dont already have. Worth the investment especially if you going off shore.

 

[Michal]

@fatboyroy Thank You for the tip. There is a good inlet about 30 min boat ride from my launch that has jetties that I'm going to try the first time.

 

[fatboyroy]

I just google earth it, the inlet is 630 yards wide, it should be calm there (compared to haulover in youtube). Thats perfect inlet to go out.

 

[bubbasuwannee]

I go through Bogue inlet close to Emerald Isle. It can be a tad rough there, but if you're paying attention to the tide and markers it's pretty easy.