[Bushwacker]

There is a reason there are no marker bouys in Jupiter Inlet . . . the channel moves around so often that it's strictly a "Local Knowledge Required" inlet!

Here are some interesting comments on that e-mail I got from my friend that owned the Moesly 21 "Unohu":

". . . Having traversed Jupiter Inlet more times than I could count – starting from 1961 – in my little 21 ft. SeaCraft and NEVER took water over the bow of that boat! – NOT EVER ! – From observing the slide show, I believe I know what may have occurred.

The FIRST thing one must have in his boat traversing Jupiter Inlet is RESPECT ! – for the Inlet, that is.—USCG will NOT use it unless it is a matter of life or death. (Their sworn Duty.)

Next, he needs either to ask a RELIABLE old timer where the “hole” is that day.

Better yet, he needs to slow speed as he approaches exit of the Inlet, look carefully at WHERE the rollers are SMALLEST or non-- existent. – THAT location is known by us locals as “The Hole” on ANY given day – because the dang thing can “shift” even while you have been outside only a couple of hours.

Proceed out the place where the rollers are “leastest” and memorize that “HOLE” location relative to the mouth of the Inlet.

When you come back in, watch for other boats exiting the Inlet, observing and evaluating their performance and situations.

Moreover, scan the rollers again to see if the Hole has shifted or if you see a better HOLE.

One MUST know his “water colors” at this place or at MOST places in navigating boats. STAY away from any but GREEN or BLUE water, if possible. Jupiter Inlet usually (not always!) has a sand bar right across the middle. Sand bars are kinda’ yellowish white and if there is a “sea” running, there will be BIG ROLLERS ! – and the shallow water will “grab” your keel and you WILL broach, even capsize!

Since the skipper was purported to have been experienced with Jupiter Inlet, one would expect he knew ALL of what I have written.

n But, he had BIG ROLLERS & following sea, making me suspect he was not at the HOLE. Without better view can’t call that one.
n If he was not going thru the HOLE, he would probably run aground, stall and broach for sure.
n His prop could have fouled (and thereby stalled) on a fishing net, rope, ????
n He may have been trying to “prove” something – like a bet ???? – by NOT going thru the HOLE.
n His engine(s) may have stalled, making him broach for sure in a following sea of that height.
n He may have been “throwed” out of his seat, reaching for a CELL or ???. – Happened to my little wife, Beth, in that Inlet one day.
n The HOLE – MOST of the time (NOT ALWAYS) was south of the Inlet. So we would proceed southward, inside the breakers, really close to shore, but in green water. When we reached the 2nd Life Guard Station, that was usually where the HOLE was. We would then make a hard turn to port and proceed out thru the BEST water in the Inlet zone with no more than a few splashes going into a sea of REASONABLE height. – BUTT ! – There WERE daze we just said: “Uh—Oh – Not today. Neptune is pouting.”
n Big cruisers like that one would have difficulty sweeping south close to shore without striking “ground.” So, I cannot judge him without having been able to see the whole situation. Jupiter Inlet has KILLED lotsa’ folks. – It demands and deserves RESPECT !" . . . from the skipper of the "Unohu".