Depth is not really an issue. Large tugs and barges drawing 5' plus regularly run the ditch. There are a couple of places where you will need to travel at half tide or better. Spots that come to mind are the Mud River north of St Simons, Hells Gate, Jekyl Creek, the McCllelanville area, Lockwood's Folley and Shallotte. One tip for running the AICW is to remember the ATONs generally tell you where not to be. In general stay well off the day marks. I always scan the next day's route on Active Captain to get the latest on water depth issues.
There are a lot of good anchorages. Skipper Bob's anchorage book is a good reference for planning. Northbound from Ft Lauderdale, I have used the following:
Lake Boca, Mile 1047, Lantana, M 1031, North Palm, M 1012 (first cul de sac) on west, several areas in Hobe Sound, M 999 to 1001, Peck Lake, 992, Ft Pierce M 965, Vero Beach mooring balls, many places between M 925 to 878 protected by bridges, Daytona M 830 & 829, St Augustine mooring balls. Mile 769 inside of sand bar, Bells River M 716, Drum Point Island, M 711(VISIT Cumberland Island if the visitors dock has re-opened), Brickhill River M 696, Frederica River M 673, Back River, M 651, Duplin River, M 649, Wahoo River M 630, Kilkenny Creek M 613, Herb River M 584, Skull Creek M 553, Beaufort M536, Wimbee Creek M521, Mosquito Creek M513, Stono River M 472, Whiteside and Price Creek M~ 450, Minim Creek, M415, Thoroughfare Creek M 389, Carolina Beach 297 (moorings), MIle Hammock Bay M244 , Bear Creek M161, Slade Creek M 140 sticky mud), Alligator River M101 south or no winds only, Be SURE to honor the day marks north of the Alligator River Bridge, Buck Island M 58, Elizabeth City free docks, M51, Hospital Point mile 0, Willoughby Bay Chesapeake Mile 196, Hampton River above th3 public piers if you can get under the bridge. I have no issue with 22' air draft.
The Chesapeake has way to many places to suggest.
Bobk
