What are the water depth limitations and navigation rules for Coatsworth Cut when departing from Ashbridges Bay?
Verified: 2026-06-22
Quick answer
Coatsworth Cut has a critical depth limitation ranging from 6 to 8 feet. Vessels must strictly navigate between the port and starboard lateral buoys, avoid shallow waters outside the marked channel, and it is strongly recommended to lower sails and proceed under engine power.
Detailed answer
Navigating Coatsworth Cut from Ashbridges Bay requires strict adherence to specific draft and channel regulations due to significant silting and shifting sediment. The controlling depth within the dredged channel is notoriously variable, generally ranging from a minimum of 6 feet (1.8 meters) to a maximum of 8 feet (2.4 meters) under normal water level conditions. Mariners must not attempt passage if their vessel's static draft exceeds these limits, particularly during low water periods. The channel is delineated by standard IALA Region B lateral navigation markers: red port-side buoys (even numbers) must be kept to your port side when returning from the lake, and green starboard-side buoys (odd numbers) must be kept to starboard. The primary hazard is the extremely shallow water immediately outside these marked boundaries, where depths can drop to less than 2 feet, posing a severe grounding risk. Due to the narrow fairway and potential for strong crosswinds, it is mandatory best practice to lower all sails and proceed solely under auxiliary engine power to maintain maximum steerage control. Maintaining a no-wake speed is legally required to prevent erosion and damage to moored vessels. Mariners should monitor VHF Channel 16 and consult the latest Notices to Mariners for any temporary depth changes or buoy displacements before transit.
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