Inland boaters don’t have tides to contend with. However, if you boat on the Intracoastal Waterway, tides can be a big issue. Unlike a river which always flows the same direction, tides cause currents that can flow in totally opposite directions at different times of day. The closer you are to an inlet, the more dramatic the flow-sometimes reaching over five knots. This affects your speed and fuel performance in accordance with running with the current or against. How the current is flowing also affects docking, entering a channel, and crossing.

Understanding Tides and Why They Matter

Tides are very long waves that move across the oceans primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon, and to a lesser effect the Sun, on the Earth’s oceans. The Moon’s gravity creates a bulge of water on the side of Earth facing it, and another on the opposite side due to inertia. These bulges result in high tides, while the areas between them experience low tides. The east coast of the United States experiences two high and two low tides every 24 hours and 50 minutes.

Top Tips for Anchoring and Beaching with Changing Tides

A popular activity for boaters on the Intracoastal Waterway is to beach their boats on sandbar islands or on beaches. Not paying attention to the changing tide can quickly become problematic. Beaching on a rising tide can lift your boat and if not secured with an anchor, it will literally “float your boat,” and not in a good way.

When anchored on a falling tide, your boat can quickly settle into the sand. Most boats weigh more than two tons. A Harris Solstice 250 tri-toon can weigh over 4,900 pounds, and the wet sand creates a suction of the rounded hull. Remember, it’ll be between six and 12 hours before the next rising tide will lift your boat again.

The best way to avoid unintentional grounding is to monitor your boat every few minutes. As the tide drops, loosen the anchor line and push the boat into deeper water, then refasten the anchor line.

If you do get stuck, illicit help to push the boat into deeper water. Rock the boat to break the suction. If the motor is in deep enough water, you may consider running it in reverse. However, be certain that there is no one in the water near the boat. Have anyone onboard move to the back of the boat to help lift the bow.

There are several very good tide apps that will help you plan your sand bar excursions. My personal favorite is Tides Near Me. You can enter your location or any location you plan to visit along with the date of the visit and it will give the last tide, the upcoming tide and the next tides for that day. Have fun out there!

CAPTAIN MARK KELLUM | THE BOAT COACH
MARKTHEBOATCOACH@GMAIL.COM
MARKTHEBOATCOACH.COM

Ponce Inlet July 2025 Tide Chart