Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

[EMC 1810SS]

Our Entire extended Family (Parents, Brothers, Sister, Our Spouses and all of our kids, three generations in all) usually rent a house in Litchfield beach. This year we need to find a house with at least one more bedroom due to the fertility rate of my siblings. While looking in the area I found a few places in the same price range and amenitys tha would fit our needs ALONG with a floating dock.

I know all of the "beachy" things to do in the area but I have never towed my boat down and explored these options. Suposedly these are "deep water access" and accesable even at low tide. I have an 18 foot open bow fiberglass boat with a 4.3 V-6 IO. (See Photo) Now here is my question. WOuld it be worth it to drag my boat thru the mountains and use it on this trip? Is this area someplace I could tow the kiddos on a tube/cruise them around etc? or is the Big water the only option? I think I would be ok in the ocean on a calm day but I am not to keen on pushing my luck.

Thoughts?

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

If I remember correctly getting from the inlet into the ocean can be an interesting ride...but it can be done.

 

[sasto]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

Murrells Inlet...my old stomping grounds in the late 70's. The Waccamaw River would be something to look into. We clamed for a living, all I ever saw were oyster beds..Say hi to Bubba Love, the self proclamed mayor, and cook at Drunken Jack's. I hear he is still there.

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

The places we are looking at are on the canals off of what the map calls the "Main Creek" When we go to Litchfield we generaly eat at least once in Murrells and I have been to Drunken Jack's. Is there quite a bit of boating here to justify? Or would be be better to leave my little rig at home?

 

[sasto]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

I wouldn't recommend the inlet unless you have somebody with expierence with you, and a bigger boat. Lots of yahoooo captains in that area. There is plenty of water there in the creeks and lots of exploring to do. Maybe rent a boat, the cost of the extra fuel getting there dosen't sound feasable to me. Plus you jump in the rental and bring her back dirty. If your traveling thru WV, KY, or TN......may not be your best bet in hauling her. You can have a good time in a small tinny. I would wait for other posts to make up your mind.....as mine isn't as good as it once was and I was a beginner boater.

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

Its hard to tell from the map but it looks like several miles are navigable. How wide are the channels thru the creeks?

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

You will not like what the salt water does to a non-galvanized steel trailer even if you wash it down after every launching. Flushing out your boat's engine will help prevent long-term issues with it. Good luck!

 

[IES99]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

You will not like what the salt water does to a non-galvanized steel trailer even if you wash it down after every launching. Flushing out your boat's engine will help prevent long-term issues with it. Good luck!

Agreed, I wouldn't put that painted trailer in salt water. It will ruin it with even just one dip. The salt will get in all the tiny spaces and rust will appear.

I would look into renting a boat: if not in Murrell's Inlet, try Georgetown or Myrtle Beach.

Welcome to South Carolina.

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

I am not worried about the salt water. The Boat and Trailer have seen Salt before in the Chesapeke. I am more or less wondering about the area.......

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

The tides in this area have a six foot+ "average" range meaning they can vary. Above average highs and lows, in particular, create additional challenges. Charts are very important even for those of us who were born and raised around here. Being on the ocean is a wonderful experience but, like most other things in life, has some dangers. Be safe!

 

[rwidman]

Re: Garden City/Murrells Inlet SC

.........The Waccamaw River would be something to look into.

Yes it would but you can't get there by boat from Murrells Inlet. Well, you could but ............

There's a boat ramp on the Waccamaw where you could launch the boat. It's right next to the Wacca Wache marina.

http://www.waccawachemarina.com/

Your "little rig" will be fine on the Waccamaw River, but not in the ocean. The Waccamaw is a beautiful river.