The one thing (of several) that will spoil you about sailing locally, is that you never have to worry about running aground. Sure, there are the known spots (like immediately north of your SS gap) but, once out, you never think about it. Not true, elsewhere. This summer in the North Channel I felt/heard my CB 'dragging' on the bottom rocks two different times. My fault the second time, as I was in the midst of a dozen islands trying to PLOT my position... and of course I wasn't where I THOUGHT I was

It's often times 'Rock Soup' elsewheres.

I hit rocks with my keel this past summer inside the breakwater at the far southend:blush: . It made a hell of a racket we were under power coming in and it also turned the motor so we were heading for the rocks on the breakwater boy did I move fast. I cranked the keel up then ran to the motor and straightened it out. Live and learn.

Yeah, well, nothing stops a casual and relaxed conversation dead in its tracks faster (not to mention grabbing one's attention) than hearing the centerboard bouncing over rocks that the chart says aren't there, lol's! And, man, it certainly sounds incredibly loud... or is it that it only sounds that loud to the OWNER of the boat?