When it is bad keep the bow up you'll be ok. That means be prepared to goose it. Let everyone onboard know that you may have to goose it at any time.
Again, its not always bad but if the current is running...
Stay in the middle.
Always remember that you can't turn if you are moving downstream slower than the current. Sailboats have almost no control. Give them room.
I used to have a tin boat that I launched at the dirt ramp near the Marine Police station.You are going to be entering the canal from the side.
From years of experience launching and fishing in the canal ...
Be damn sure your motor is not going to konk out as you enter the canal.
People won't be paying attention to YOU entering the canal.
always approach the entrance to your marina from downstream, even if that means passing it and hanging a u turn in the canal.
Turning and turning about are very different in a current. That is the main reason for boats smacking the bulkheads and bridge. Practice safely and get used to it.
Please, wear life jackets in the canal. Things happen fast.
In my tin boat I saved 2 drifting boats and was saved once just before drifting into the canal from the bay side and once I drifted from Bridge Ave to Rt88 while cleaning out the fuel filter as my buddy held us off the bulkhead with an oar.
I used to fish the canal religiously in the tin boat at night on the high& slow tide. Great striper fishing. The area at the mouth of the bay is Dales Point. there can be awesome fluking there at times and winter flounder is great.
Back in the day before limits we caught 15 pounds of winter flounder fillets one 80 degree day in March. I don't fish the canal or bay with the V20. Its all yours.
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