Navigating Moriches Inlet/bay BE CAREFUL!!!

[MorichesBayBum]

I see some fellow owners/members concerned with navigating Moriches. The Moriches Inlet is OK at best. It can be a bit tricky, but there is an east and a west cut. They can be hard to see from the ocean side. From the East you need to stay right on the tip and head into the middle and once your in, you're good to go. If you are coming from the west there is a clear path through the surf that you can see from the Inlet side. If its a rough day, you'll see the commercial, or larger boat vessels going in and out from the west cut. There are sand bars if you try to go straight out, you will be calling for help. At high tide its much more forgiving.
Once you are in Moriches bay, just remember that its not uncommon to see 6' of water in the channel, or most depth sounders just flash. Just stay in the channel and do not dare move out. ONCE YOU ARE INSIDE BE CAREFUL!!! THEY REMOVED BOEY 18 AND 20. THERE IS 2' AT HIGH TIDE, BEWARE!!!!! If you have Sea Tow or Boat US, swallow your pride and call for assistance, they are really nice guys and they would rather escort you, than tear your boat apart trying to get you off a sandbar at high tide. The Sea Tow Captains just hang out there all day, every day. Its a know problem by the CG and they are not doing anything about it. Please be careful and if there is a boey on your chart or gps and its not in front of you, STOP!!! Hope this helps without scaring everyone away. Its just a small part of the channel that is terrible and the rest is ok if you're paying attention to where you are and staying in the channels.

-Moriches-bay-bum-

 

[Robski97]

I was under the impression the inlet was closed to navigation by the coast guard ? Any damage obtained by a vessel transiting a closed inlet would not be covered by insurance ? This has been an on going conversation by boaters on other web sites

Rob

 

[Alex F]

I'm with Rob on this one. As far as I know the inlet is officially closed.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

When transporting my (new) to us boat from Newport RI last month we decided to go the inside route at Shinnecock Inlet. After touching ground the Tow boat US captain informed me that there was no water west of west Hampton and i would surely run aground, he recorded 2' at high tide that day and advised me to turn around and go back to the ocean which i did the next day he said" its closed" no water in front of you" so just dont try ot guys!!!

 

[Alex F]

I wonder what happened to the dredging project that took place last year? From what I recall, the channel was in good shape and the buoys were moved in more of a straight line.

 

[Robski97]

Alex,
U dont agree with me on other stuff ??? lol

The issue with Moriches now is WEST of the dredging project. So west of the Coast guard station .

Rob

 

[bmac]

Rob

Did Ann Marie finally give you your computer back? Haven't seen you post here in awhile. I don't think Moriches Inlet is "closed" but the USCG classifies it as non-navigable. Not sure what the difference is (I'm sure my insurance company does) but last year we went out Moriches on the way to Montauk. Cut an hour and a half off the trip. I have not tried coming back in Moriches Inlet, but this year I think I'll be forced to. See you in 2 weeks at WH, heading to Seaview this weekend to visit the "Land of No".

 

[Bob - At Last]

Any status on the condition of navigating through Moriches Bay this season? I've heard reports of severe shoaling again. I usually time my voyage through there at high tide and generally don't have problems if I follow buoys and go through at idle speed. Hoping it's ok this season.

 

[tdschafer]

Any status on the condition of navigating through Moriches Bay this season? I've heard reports of severe shoaling again. I usually time my voyage through there at high tide and generally don't have problems if I follow buoys and go through at idle speed. Hoping it's ok this season.

Bob,
I'd give a call to the CG or Sea Tow/ Tow Boat US, whomever you use. They will give you the latest & best info on the status of the channel. I also go to (b o a t e r e d.com) and look under the LICC section. People that run out there usually post some helpful info too. Good Luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Todd

 

[btyman11]

I just bought a nice used 280DA and took it from Hampton Bays to Freeport last Friday. First time boating out that way. Also to note I had no depth gauge going. There is definitely not much water in Moriches Bay. I did not touch bottom at any point but noticed about 2 feet of water right in the middle of the channel. I got lucky as the conditions were pretty calm and I was able to see most of the bars. I have no plans going back that way. But if you take it slow it can be done.

 

[Bob - At Last]

Thanks for the update, taking it slow through there is key! As another boater noted below, Sea Tow members can call them to get the latest shoaling conditions prior to travel, which I plan to do.

I just bought a nice used 280DA and took it from Hampton Bays to Freeport last Friday. First time boating out that way. Also to note I had no depth gauge going. There is definitely not much water in Moriches Bay. I did not touch bottom at any point but noticed about 2 feet of water right in the middle of the channel. I got lucky as the conditions were pretty calm and I was able to see most of the bars. I have no plans going back that way. But if you take it slow it can be done.

 

[Ol Yella]

Hi to all fellow boaters! I'm new to the boating experience as this Sea Ray 240SRV is my 1st boat. I've been launching/learning in the Moriches Bay and dare to go anywhere near the inlet anytime soon. My question is, is there anywhere I can launch on the east end with deep water?? A couple of friends are telling it's better to launch outta Port Jefferson (the sound), but I'd have to be careful of the rocks, I think I'd rather run aground in sand than hit a rock!!LOL. I picked the boat up last Sept, nice boat with a bad motor. Rebuilt (worked) the motor with a nice low end torgue cam (stage 2). She runs great and planes with ease, just wanna enjoy it!!LOL

 

[Shaps]

Wish I could help @Ol Yella
I won't go anywhere near the moriches. I run on the outside and double back across Tiana Bay then through the canals to West Hampton. way too shallow out there

 

[Spark600]

I just took my 2015 410 with pods ( 4' draft ) though Moriches on dead high tide with no problems at all.
Never touched bottom or kick up any mud.
Came from the west around the inlet into Harts cove and back to main channel.
I made a track of this route on Navionics if anybody wants it just PM me your phone number.