Southwold entrance

[snowbird30ds]

Is the entrance to southwold still 310-320 degreesish or has the beast from the east moved it at all? I assume the depths are still roughly the same once inside the piers.
Any local info appreciated, I only need 1.5 metres.
Dave.

 

[ianc1200]

View attachment 69994

I'm sure this will help; Southwold seen when going past on Sunday.

 

[Leighb]

???

 

[snowbird30ds]

View attachment 69994

I'm sure this will help; Southwold seen when going past on Sunday.

I thought the entrance may have moved, I didn't realise the whole of southwold had been nicked!

 

[ianc1200]

I'm not even sure that was the "off Southwold" photo, I took several similar. did see light at Southwold, bit of the YC at Aldborough, top of the Orford lighthouse, the Deben entrance buoy then the cranes at Felixstowe. No other boats, thank god, until Felixstowe deep channel arrived at. But sorry, a bit off topic to the original post.

 

[hisw]

From my understanding, not much has changed apart from the sand bank to the north of the entrance has extended so just head out a bit further before handing a left for lowerstoft.

 

[Cantata]

The HM always suggests that visitors call him anyway from outside, and he will give you advice including the best heading into the entrance.

 

[matthewriches]

Had quite a few customers in an out over the last few weeks and nothing untoward reported. Mike - do you know anything?

 

[Javelin]

The local fishermen say there is little change that effects us yachties.
Yes there is a new "shallow" off the entrance but unless you draw 3m its not a factor.
The Avril Rose (fishing boat) is in and out most days at all states of the tide and she draws 1.8m
She came in 20 minutes after LW springs the other day with no problems.

Coming from the North I'd advise keeping at least 1/2 mile out and waiting until you can see up the river before turning in.
From the South is much easier - Head for the water tower up on the hill, then aim for the entrance at around 1/4m off and turn in as soon as you can see up the river.

Either way do not get sucked up North of the North pier, once within 1/4m off, as it gets very shallow very quickly.

With a f4 or above onshore, you do get a standing wave right on the entrance but as long as you don't dither its fine.
For some reason I've never quite understood, it actually gets easier the lower the tide is.

The shallowest points in the channel are well inside the harbour so if you ever do touch its never normally an issue.

 

[snowbird30ds]

Thanks guys.
Aborted anyway as first full throttle test since removing engines to replace fuel tanks showed a vibration at cruising speed so went back into the broads to get shaft alignment checked before getting near the river mouth, not worth killing a gearbox for a trip out in crap weather.
Next time hopefully if spring ever makes an appearance.