Tangier & Smith Islands

[Paperbird]

We're in the planning stages for a 10 day cruise in the Southern Chesapeake Bay, starting in Herrington and working south to Onancock. Along the way we'd like to stop at either/both Tangier and Smith Islands. Anybody been there lately and have info on current channel depths/conditions?

Boat is a Pearson 422, LOA 42', draft 5'3", bridge clearance 53'

BTW - Other recommendations also welcome!

thanks!
greg

[jstevens]

Paperbird,
Haven't been to either Smith or Tangier in over 30 years. I hope to stop there this summer. So even though I can't offer any current info on the harbors I'm very interested in what you find have as we have the same basic hull. If I get there first I'll let you know what I find.

Back in the 70s I had no problems getting into Tangier or Smith with a 4'8" draught.

John

[Wyoming pirate]

We have been to Tangier a couple of times. Last summer we used the east entrance and we draw 5'4 with no problems but used high tide. There is really only one place to stay and that is Mr. Parks marina. It's $25 and he will give you a great golf cart tour of the Island included in your stay. High current at his slips and they are across it so arriving at high tide is best. We have done it at near low tide the year before and it was do able but bring your cross current docking skills with you! It's a great place well worth the stop. Screens are a must.
Enjoy

[speciald@ocens.]

I went to Tangier last summer with 7 foot draft. Crisfield was in bad econonic shape with many of the crab shacks closed. We took the ferry to Smith Island. we went all the way up the Onancock to the town dock - took up the entire dock. Unfortunately there was no wind the entire week and the temperature was over 100 degrees each day.

[Bob on OTTER]

I'd be interested as well. Keep us posted.

[Ti' Punch]

You won't have any trouble with depth at Tangier as long as you stay in the channel. As mentioned previously, you should time your arrival for slack tide if possible. There is a lot of current there.

We also went to Onancock last summer. It was brutally hot and windless for us as well. Without AC, we were fairly miserable.

[Paperbird]

OP here. So far it sounds like Tangier is a good bet. No advice yet on the depths at Smith. AC is a plus at marinas. We'll We're hoping that we're early enough in the summer for the temps to not be too hot yet.

[Waterway Guide]

Smith was dredged in 2010 with 6 foot depths on the easy channel from the Bay to Ewell. Big Thorofare is plenty deep all the way to Tangier Sound, but it is trickier to stay in the channel since the markers are spaced out and it's jogs a bit. The cruise and mail boats run it all the time. Ewell has Smith Island Marina, and you can usually tie up to the dock at the Driftwood General Store to walk around after 2pm when the tour boats leave. I've never tried to get to Tylerton...I think it'd be fun to do all of Smith Island by dinghy.

[Paperbird]

Thanks for all the replies. I think we'll give both of them a try if schedule, tide and wind permit.

Thanks!

[Bob on OTTER]

Speciald, did you use the West/Bay entrance to Tangier?