Johns Pass-St. Petersburg, Fl

[flee27]

From looking at navionics (picture attached)I have a question about the channel leading north to Johns Pass through Boca Ciega Bay. The section highlighted between the 2 red marks looks like the depth is questionable. On a sailboat drawing 5' is this channel an issue?

Thanks

Foster

[denverd0n]

Not sure what you mean by "questionable," but if you stay in the channel you will be okay. Stray outside and, yes, the water is very shallow there. The good news is that the bottom is soft sand. That means, as long as you don't run hard aground at high tide, you are not likely to do any damage, and getting off shouldn't be too difficult.

[Snore]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Not sure what you mean by "questionable," but if you stay in the channel you will be okay. Stray outside and, yes, the water is very shallow there. The good news is that the bottom is soft sand. That means, as long as you don't run hard aground at high tide, you are not likely to do any damage, and getting off shouldn't be too difficult.

Didn't someone go aground in that pass IN CHANNEL a little while back? Seem to remember a go fund me for a young couple who went aground there.

[Yellowtulip]

With a five-foot draught you'll need to go on a high tide (another two feet or so) slowly! And wiggle round your upper red mark.

[flee27]

Thank you for the replies.

denverd0n, by questionable I mean that the charted depth in between my red marks is listed as 3-6 ft. Pass A Grille Channel route has more charted water depth. Johns Pass is closer from where I am leaving from and would prefer that route if it is safe.

Yellowtulip, Thank you. From your experience is Pass A Grille a better route from the bridge at Pasadena Ave.

Foster

[rtooh]

I’ve done this leg many several times with a 5’2” draft with no problems. And never timed the trip for high tide....

[Creedence]

The channel depth is maintained, but with all inlets (or in this case, areas near inlets) it’s subject to occasional shoaling. Keep it mid-channel and you’re likely to be fine. Good advice on running it during a rising tide.

[19thol]

Use this all the time, just tuesday in fact, never had a problem, 4.5' draft

[Yellowtulip]

Originally Posted by flee27

Thank you for the replies.

denverd0n, by questionable I mean that the charted depth in between my red marks is listed as 3-6 ft. Pass A Grille Channel route has more charted water depth. Johns Pass is closer from where I am leaving from and would prefer that route if it is safe.

Yellowtulip, Thank you. From your experience is Pass A Grille a better route from the bridge at Pasadena Ave.

Foster

I've never been there. I just treated it as an exercise in visiting a new port, i.e. examining the chart closely and checking the tides. From the above responses it seems you'll be fine. I would still do it on a rising tide the first time, at least.

[tdoster]

Pass was dredged a couple years ago. This was after a couple of high profile grounding. Come in during the day as the markers move or confusing at night without local knowledge. There are large day fishing boats that come and go during the day. Follow in and or ask for advise if confused. ,the captains are all good people. Call the bridge at 4. Once in you can anchor straight ahead, watch your depths carefully and onslaught of weekend boaters on the snad bar. If going south, depths are good close to the houses in the unmarked channel on the right. Once past the slow speed zone, good depths until ICW where you just have to watch fouling and good until before Treasure Island Bridge. Lots of sailboats daily go through the pass.