Harbour Island question

That thing moves pretty regularly. The pole is a point of reference but should be re-visited each year. My suggestion would be to call one of the local pilots to show you the way across the bar.

yup the pole is still there

now that i could not tell you, ive never used a pilot going around the backbone before

Yeah, and his wife still bakes...

I typically will if I have passengers aboard. If I have only the owners party, I'll leave it up to them. I'm comfortable enough doing it, nor am I offended if they want to call Woody on, and I always appreciate his wife's baking. As you know, it's not really that difficult to run, especially if you are running the backbone with the sun over your shoulder. The flats inside are a bit more tricky, especially in the dark, but you just go slow and feel your way in. Some boats it's best to trim down by the bow.

Anyplace where the chart says , in big bold red letters, to use a pilot; this captain uses a pilot. Seems like pretty cheap insurance and a fine boost to the local economy.

YES, I agree. AND, anywhere the chart says to use a local pilot and you did not and have an issue, the insurance company is going to say sorry, you should've used a local pilot and we're not covering your loss.

Sigh....not true.

Which part isn't true? The chart does say to use a local pilot. And insurance companies have, in fact, denied claims for boats not undertaking a pilot there. I can't say what the final outcome was after the lawyers got involved, but that was the initial reaction as relayed to me.

Please provide a case example.

I can't recall the name of the Ferretti which ran over the backbone in the late 90's (1999 I think?). I was doing an extension/refit at Allied Marine on the New River at the time; they were the dealer so the boat was taken there for repairs. The yard manager told me that the insurance company had denied the claim since there was no pilot aboard.
Sorry I can't be more specific but I remembered what, for me, was the most important part- pay attention to the warning on the chart and take a pilot.

I probably have 100 track lines laid on my GPS from taking our 145' through there and I have probably done it another 100 times on other boats. Can I do it on my own?- yes. Would I?- no.