If you don't already know how to read channel markers you should read up on it. The channels are deep but narrow and curvy. Its not unusual to be motoring along in 13 ft of water and see birds standing ankle deep 50 ft to starboard. When in doubt, slow down & trim up. Also, whenever possible follow another boat that seems to know what they are doing.
They will run aground before you will.
I'm very cautious when I take my V through the sound. I have some knowledge of the unmarked areas where deep water sloughs, but not a lot. It also changes with the currents. I've run aground 3 times. Twice was navigating from the OI fishing center to go out of Oregon Inlet and the other was at Hatteras trying to make my way to the inlet. Every time I was going too fast.
