NSW
203 posts
Hi,
has as anyone been through Swansea channel lately?
I am planning a trip mid November so would be interested in information about the current depths experienced.
thanks
NSW
862 posts
Went through about two years ago and had plenty of room. I draw 1.4m
Best call Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie, they were really helpful when I went through. They'll give you the very latest info on depths and any changes since you last went in. They'll even book your bridge opening for you.
NSW
203 posts
Michael,
thanks. I should have added more information. The channel changes fairly quickly. It was dredged late last year to 3 m. We went through in April this year on a good tide and touched. (2m draft). Anyone been through since then?
NSW
41 posts
Hi went through last weekend, We booked a bridge open for 8 am so it was around 7.40, and about 4 hours before high tide, Not my boat but it was a 34' Phantom, Google the boat and it should tell you the keel depth, Anyway the shallow bit is about 60 metres before you get to the Marine Rescue building, it is only shallow for about 10 metres long and we just scrapped through, so im thinking if you waited for a high tide it would be easy going. Good luck
NSW
203 posts
Ben,
thanks for the information. The phantom draws 1.6 m. I have no idea how much tidal movement there is in the channel but guess that it would be at least 400mm So as you say we should "scrap" through.
NSW
203 posts
Ben,
thanks for the information. The phantom draws 1.6 m. I have no idea how much tidal movement there is in the channel but guess that it would be at least 400mm So as you say we should "scrap" through.
NSW
2711 posts
At the drop over into the lake, the western end of the channel, there is very little tide rise or fall and this can be the shallowest bit, as is the section near Marine Rescue. If it is shallow at the dropover there is very little to be gained by having a high tide. A bit maybe but very little.
869 posts
Probably too much info, but this is what works for me,
Wear Polaroids? The water is usually nice and clear on the run in and high tides. This makes it easy to see where the deep water/channel actually is.
As in the above posts, the parts to be cautious of are west of the Marine Rescue to the drop-off entering the Lake.
Entering the Lake, it is worth knowing there are three courtesy moorings on the ocean side of the bridge. Adjacent is a new floating pontoon/public wharf. It is only a few hundred metres walk to Woolworths and Dan Murphys.
Instead of struggling against the heavy tidal flow or calculating things, I just hang on the mooring till it starts slacking on high tide. Around business hours and a bit each side, you need to give an hour notice to book the on-the-hour bridge opening (details on the Web).
Leaving from the Lake, wait an hour or so after the predicted high tide. If you go on the run out it could force you aground (Or even worse, under the closed bridge?). No hurry; there are courtesy moorings on the Lake side of the bridge where you can wait for the opening.
I draw 4'6", but see heaps of big production yachts coming in and out without drama.
