Florida USA - Matanzas inlet

[tuffr2]

Just moved to Florida. Was at Matanzas inlet yesterday as the tide was coming in. There huge were same bars. Only saw one 26' fishing boat to out into the ocean in the 5 hours I was there.

Is this a good inlet to use or do the shifting sand bars make it too hazardous?



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[tuffr2]

Here is a good pic of what I observed.



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[Rock-Head]

Charts state the inlet is closed to navigation.

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[Hartleyg]

Active Captain says this about Matanzas Inlet:

" The inlet is obstructed by a shifting bar, and breakers extend across the entire entrance in normal weather. However, in May 1983, it was reported that with local knowledge about 3 feet could be carried through the entrance."

Sounds like you need to find a local and learn how to get through.

[David Hughes]

I've been in there twice on my Leopard 37 PowerCat, drawing 3'2". There are temporary, movable markers that indicate the best channel. Both times I saw 4 foot readings. Once over the bar it's fine all the way under the bridge and good to the south to the next bridge. I have also gone north from there and made it, but the guys at Snook Bight Marina said I got lucky. I wouldn't do this at all in winter low tides.


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[tuffr2]

Agree...this is probably not a good way to reach the Atlantic Ocean. A local told me at low tide you can walk across the inlet.

I guess if I want to use this inlet I will need a jet drive on any boat. Or just buy a wave runner.

Thanks for verifying my thoughts.



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[wesevans]

This is a very dangerous inlet. suitable only for for small agile boats in calm weather and best done with local knowledge.

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by David Hughes

I've been in there twice on my Leopard 37 PowerCat, drawing 3'2". There are temporary, movable markers that indicate the best channel. Both times I saw 4 foot readings. Once over the bar it's fine all the way under the bridge and good to the south to the next bridge. I have also gone north from there and made it, but the guys at Snook Bight Marina said I got lucky. I wouldn't do this at all in winter low tides.

Snook Bight Marina is located near Matanzas Pass in the Ft. Myers area.
I believe the op is referring to Matanzas Inlet in the St. Augustine area.

[tuffr2]

That is correct - referring to Matanzas Inlet about 25 miles south of St. Augustine and about 5 miles north of Palm Coast Florida.

During high tide there was a 26' single outboard powered boat that made the pass look easy.

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[David Hughes]

Originally Posted by FSMike

Snook Bight Marina is located near Matanzas Pass in the Ft. Myers area.
I believe the op is referring to Matanzas Inlet in the St. Augustine area.

Whoops, so sorry. As Emily Litella would say. "Never mind"

[malyea]

Much better to use St Augustine Inlet (probably my biggest understatement in 2016).
I transit STA inlet frequently as St Augustine is home base. Contact me if any detailed questions.
Cheers
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[Boatguy30]

The bridge is like 10' high so ok for small center consoles at mid tide. I live 3.5 miles N of the inlet.

[tuffr2]

I am not far from Bings Landing . Just moved to Palm Coast Florida and am learning my around. I need to check out St. Augustine and the Pounce Inlet at Daytona.

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[malyea]

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[Jsta_Rebel]

I spent many years living in The Hammock just south of the inlet. We had a 30' center console that drew 3'. We would check the inlet the night before we headed out and had to drop the riggers to get under the bridge at high tide. Saves a lot of time if you can do it. It is not something I would suggest attempting unless you have done it with someone who knows the inlet. Use STA instead. Just my ten cents.. (inflation).