Corson Inlet

About

Introduction:

The Corson Inlet is located south of Ocean City in the town of Strathmere east of the middle Thorofare. Corson Inlet is unfortunately unreliable and should never be attempted by visiting boats and definitely never during bad weather. On a good day, the inlet is filled with breakers and waves.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 12316.

There are a few factors to consider when considering a passage on the Corson Inlet. First, the inlet is extremely shallow in spots, and as the channel is constantly shifting, buoys are uncharted. (The Coast Guard surveys the inlet periodically and moves buoys to the deepest parts as needed). Secondly, not only is the inlet difficult to pass, but once you

A 15-foot closed vertical clearance bascule bridge crosses the south passage off the inlet proper and opens on demand. The portion of the inlet that branches north is only one foot deep in spots and should not be attempted by any vessels. There is also a six-foot fixed vertical clearance bridge that crosses this passage.

You may see local boats using this inlet heavily, but most of them are small power boats that have limited drafts and knowledge of where the channel lies.

There are three marinas inside the inlet to the south past the bascule bridge, and two of them offer transient slips for overnight stays. One marina has fuel, but none of them offer repairs.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.