Drago
Veteran Member
Does anyone have any comments on cruising the ICW at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac river? I've heard the conditions can be rough.
How bad does it have to be life threatening? I don't know but in anything stronger than 20 knots of wind opposing tide and it will be lumpier than I like it, the rest of the bay will be uncomfy and that section downright nasty.
Giving this comment some thought - I'd say that's a pretty logical rule of thumb for me - over 20 knots opposing the tide and it will be less enjoyable than I'd like!
Under these conditions, you will likely see a small craft warning posted anyway. I was out Saturday in this location with 15 to 20 knot winds in a lobster boat just making holes in the water. I washed the topside pretty well, but never felt at risk.
The Potomac is a lazy river. The current is seldom over one knot. But precipitation does increase the ebb current. NOTE. The time of slack current is 3 hours after the high and low tide.
Thanks!! What is the tide swing of the Chesapeake in that area?