v20 in the sound off of Avon, NC?

[Blue_Runner]

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.

[cfelton]

I put the V in at Pirates Cove Wildlife ramp two weeks ago and ran out to the inlet and bumped the outdrive on bottom once. I just eased over out of the channel a few feet and felt the steering wheel snatch alittle. Luckily I was idleing along and it did'nt hurt anything. Be extremely careful in the sound and if possible follow someone who knows the channel good!

[Blue_Runner]

The nice thing is if the water is so shallow that you run aground, it is also shallow enough to get out and push the boat off the bar.

Ask me how I know.

There might even be some photographic evidence, taken from a friend's boat. There MIGHT be, maybe.