Does anyone have any idea how big a boat you can launch into the inlet? I've seen plenty of trailers parked up the dune but until recently never took any notice of the size of boat launched from them. Just thinking about what to do when the wind aint blowin.
And does anyone have any info about the bar?
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_0418.pdf
This has some info, but not much. I've seen some solid 20+ footers launched from there. I guess that navigating out wouldn't be too tricky, given that there are channel markers within Shallow Inlet. However, as the link says, I would guess that getting out to the ocean could be pretty hairy in anything less than perfect conditions.
Thanks guys. If 20+ footers can launch and retrieve, I should be OK with my 19'. I do remember giving a guy a tow once to help him retrieve, so I guess that might still be necessary for bigger boats. That was in the days before I had a boat so I never took much notice of the size or weight of what was being launched.
As for the bar, please don't think ill of me if I prey for no wind once it drops below say 12kts.
(in leu of that you can email me a small cash donation. I will pass it on...I promise
)
The real issue with boating at the inlet, is that you need to be quick to launch and to land. ie: dont f*** around emptying the boat, having a bite to eat, playing cricket with the kids etc...
The tide moves quickly enough so that it will suck-out the sand from around your car wheels. Having a 4wd helps too, but is not a necessity.
Spotty and Mat have the good advice.
Launching and retrieving in the boat hole is pretty straight forward and bogging is not usually an issue and is best done in the higher half of the tide so you can get out to the main channel without running aground. Retrieve in the main channel on low tide is possible and common but care must be taken to do it clean and quick or disaster can quickly follow, especially on the lower tides. (see Spottys photo 
) Some of the locals use ramps for the trailer wheels to stop them sinking in the sand or a long cable to pull the trailer out on a jockey wheel without getting the car in the water (pull at an angle to pop each trailer wheel out separately). The Abalone boats use long extended trailer bars, drive the boats on quick and get out in one smooth operation using the boat motor pushing to help start moving the trailer.
At the first sign of a problem with wheels sinking, STOP! Unhook/unload. Move the car out and start again and do it quicker this time. Do NOT spin the wheels (you instantly dig a death hole).
One good hint is to actually reverse the car and trailer back a foot when loaded just before pulling out. Easier to get the wheels moving this way and avoid bogging.
The entrance bar is best tackled at higher tides when there is often a clear channel with no breaking waves (unless the swell is pretty large). Danger: Avoid running the bar on the outgoing tide as this makes the waves stand up steep and suddenly, especially on the lower half of the tide. Crossing can usually be done on a lower tide as long as the tide is is running IN and the swell is not too large (maybe under 1.5m?).
Take lots of care. Sit a while on the inside and watch the rhythm of the sets and where the channel is. If in doubt, forget it. Plenty of fish inside the inlet.
Just like the ballet! Beautiful choreography.
I take it they have one of those self latching fittings on the winch post.
Thanks for the vid. Andrew. I didn't realize people retrieved off that part of the inlet.
Yep. Beautiful to watch.
Self latch on post is essential!
From half tide up this is the best launching place. As long as you can get the boat in from the channel. It is too shallow at low tide for that. It is at low tide when all the fun starts on the main channel launch.
