Want to know: I'm not the best source for this, having not used the inlet in several years now. It was a fine fair weather inlet. The shoals used to be very tricky but the Coast Guard revamped the jetties somewhat and it was a lot better. To ascertain how it is after a couple of years, it would be best to talk to the Coasties and also to check with those who use it constantly. (There are a ton who do.) The southerly drift of the current had made the entry a curve starting well south of a straight line into the inlet. This is not at all like Manasquan, which is fairly straight. If you are in limited visibility and a nasty swell, I'd think about AC or Manasquan, unless you have good local knowledge.

If this question is based on a real estate interest in the area, I’d say go for it. In the weather where you had trouble getting in and out, it would be the kind of weather that it would be wise to stay in the bay. Sailing to the north of the inlet is a lot of fun in the bay.

Bill Holt

You might want to check with the US Coast Guard in Barnegat Light.