New Pass, Sarasota

[pdecat]

what is the current condition, controlling depth and any cautions for New Pass?

 

[tcijoe]

i personally did not go thru ....however saw two professional captains leaving the boat show on ken thompson go thru...they were in 40'+ sea rays

i ran on the side of caution, ran up sarasota bay and out longboat pass, to get my buddies boat back up north.

 

[Skeetobite]

I went through there about 2 weeks ago. Pretty dicey entering from the Gulf in 3'+ seas. Shallows all around, exposed sandbars and a couple of temporary marker cans. You REALLY want to hit the entrance at the right angle (from the south)or you'll be agound. We came down the coast from the north on the outside and had to pass by the entrance, then turn back north to enter (sounds like bigger deal than it actually is). Once you get inside the channel (about 50 yards), it's wide and deep. No currents to speak of unless there is an outgoing tide.

 

[Ocean Spray]

We had no problem last Sunday going thru the pass. It was well marked, about 50 feet wide, you must approach from the south to enter. It is marked with temporary bouey"s, but we were running in 8 feet of water at all times with a 38 inch draft Meridian, for no problem. Just watch out for weekend warriors that anchor off the sand bars in the inlet, we have been cut off many times by people that just dont know the rules!

 

[longboatsailing]

We go out New Pass almost every evening to watch the sunset. It is well marked now, but as others indicate, be sure to approach from the south. In fact, stay south of the entrance all the way in.

We have seen several boats run aground, including a sailboat a few months ago that ended up hard aground, requiring a coast guard and towboat call for help.

All thought they should head "straight in" from the permanent seaside channel entrance marker. Whatever you do, don't do that, you need to be significantly south of the permanent channel entrance marker. Basically, just head for the beach south of the last house on the beach and you will be fine.

You should have at least 5 ft of water all the way in, even at low tide.

 

[pdecat]

since I draw 4.5' that sounds a bit skinny unless it is dead calm.

 

[Skeetobite]

Went through there 2 days ago at slack tide. Sounder read over 5' all the way out. FOLLOW the markers or get stuck and wait for the tide/tow. FYI - the tides are running +/- 0.5' from normal this week.