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The facility I think would work is Hidden Cove Marina which is probably the one @robert843 mentioned.
The potty breaks for my kids is my concern as well... when we stop to eat they will certainly want a potty break too... as long as we can handle that we are good for anything... either eatting before we launch and go straight to charlston or cycle through marinas.. either way..
If you beach at Fort Sumter be very careful and pay attention to the outgoing tides. It gets shallow QUICK when the tide retreats. I seen some idiotic kids get beached there on jet skis. lol
As far as I know you can not dock. The dock is for the tours only. Here is a google earth view and you can see there in really one area to beach and you can see how shallow it is.
Yeah figured beaching was out for multiple reasons. The national park web site says it's a public dock and can be used you just are not allowed to dock where the ferry is assigned to park.
Good question! While on the water it might be easier to use VHF instead of cellphone, especially since parts of the river are very remote and might not have cell service. Of course, cell phones will have to be used while on land.
I know several people will have a vhf on this trip but it is not a requirement but is pretty convenient to have. Other items needed would be to make sure everything is in good working especially your bilge pump since we will be mooring over night. Anything you feel you need to securely moor your boat over night. Once we clear the locks it will be 50 miles before there is anywhere to stop for any needed items so anything you think any of your passengers will need for aprox 2-3 hours I would make sure is on the boat. Pack a lunch at least for the trip down to Charleston I anticipate to be back at Rocks Pond by noon on Sunday to give everyone plenty of time to get home so lunch may not be a necessary to have on the boat that day. If there is anyone who would like to hang around Charleston on Sunday instead of heading out early you guys maybe able to organize here and plan a little later return. The return trip is pretty easy to figure out as the river is marked fairly well coming from Charleston. I know this wont make sense but coming from the lake its not marked as well. I know its the same markers but there are a few spots on the way from the lake where the river opens up in a few spots it can get a little confusing if you dont have a gps or have never been.
Thanks for the offer...but I think I will go ahead and pick one up. I should have one on the boat anyway even just for the NOAA weather channels if for no other reason. It will be good to have even on our lake.
Your lines should be fine. 2 bumpers will likely be enough but I will use three just as an extra measure but by no means required..
It would be 40-60 minutes yes but in full disclosure if we all get there and the lock just closed that is how long the wait will be. If we get even just 3-4 boats to go early we will be good. @Seadeals let me talk to the rest of the people with me and if they are good to depart at 10am we will. We can then meet everyone at a restaurant or Marina at the bottom of the lock or stop somewhere for lunch on the river and meet everyone.