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BOCA INLET - DANGEROUS SHOALING

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by Gratitude, Oct 2, 2020.

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  1. Gratitude, Oct 2, 2020
    #1
    Gratitude

    Gratitude Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2019
    Messages:
    35
    Location:
    Boca Raton, FL
    Hey everyone. Boca Inlet has become more dangerous recently with the shoaling within the channel markers. A few weeks back I was heading out between tides and dragged bottom with my 4'7 draft. Not sure what I'm drawing up on plane, but it's dangerous out there. Channel markers are supposed to guide us through safely. Any suggestions on who to contact to report this dangerous situation? I was lucky - just stirred up some sand - no damage. Someone else might not be so lucky. Thanks.

    The only way to safely go in or out is come in along the beach from the south east heading north west at the first life guard tower from the sought jetty and then turn in (per Captain Juan of Boca).
  2. NYCAP123, Oct 2, 2020
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    As you see the bu0ys are guides not guarantees. Local knowledge is worth its weight in gold. Contact your local CG office. Dredging in the near future is unlikely but they can drop a buoy if needed.
  3. Gratitude, Oct 2, 2020
    #3
    Gratitude

    Gratitude Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2019
    Messages:
    35
    Location:
    Boca Raton, FL
    Yes local knowledge is priceless. Already spoke with the local captain and got the G II (general intelligence info) on how to proceed. But again not everyone is a local. I contacted city council of Boca. Already received a response. Whether anything will be done is another story.
  4. Pascal, Oct 2, 2020
    #4
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,149
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    I doubt the town has anything to do with this, most likely the USCG and they probably know abou it already.

    I saw a drone video a few days ago of either Boca or Boyton with a big shoal building up in the middle of the channel but further in

    This is normal. Sand shifts around inlets and buoys can’t keep up hence the warning on charts.

    you need to read the water and slow down
  5. Capt J, Oct 2, 2020
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
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    14,434
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Boca has it's own dredge but it never keeps up and they hire a huge dredge to come in every IDK 7-10 years. Boca has been severely shoaled for the last few years and I wouldn't take anything in or out of it besides a center console.

    Hillsboro Inlet has also been severely shoaled the last 3 years or so and you have to hug the greens (like 30' off of them) all of the way in from the sea buoy.
  6. Slimshady, Oct 2, 2020
    #6
    Slimshady

    Slimshady Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2018
    Messages:
    303
    Location:
    Lighthouse pt
    Per the dredge captain, boca inlet is always waiting on permits. They have a good cutter head dredge and qualified personnel to run it but the government is the problem. I've spoken to the crew numerous times over the years while catching bait. Same story. I won't run that inlet in an inboard boat. Period. The big dredge is for beach rebuilding every couple years.
  7. maldwin, Oct 2, 2020
    #7
    maldwin

    maldwin Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2009
    Messages:
    333
    Location:
    Dark Harbor Me/ Hobe Sound Fl
    Jupiter Inlet is bad right now as they missed the usual dredge due to a permit issue.
    Best,
    Maldwin