Fraser Island by SAILBOAT: Calculating Tides to NOT Run Aground | Ep.14-2026
September 27, 2026 · 29 min · 4K views · K'gari
What this video covers
Navigating the shallow, shifting sandbars near Fraser Island, Australia, requires precise tidal planning to avoid grounding a vessel with a two-meter draft. The crew of a sailboat utilizes the Australian tide app for Moon Point to time their passage, aiming for high tide to ensure sufficient clearance over depths that otherwise measure only 1.5 meters. During a transit from Tin Can Bay to the northern end of the island, the crew monitors depth sounders and charts closely, navigating 24 miles through narrow channels while accounting for two-knot tidal currents. They prioritize arriving at anchorages before dark and use high-resolution weather modeling, specifically the Access Brisbane "small" model with 1.2-kilometer resolution, to predict wind shifts and seek protection from forecasted 40-knot gusts. The vessel, which features a 560-watt solar array and a new monitoring system, relies on these calculations to safely traverse areas where water depths can drop to 3.5 meters. Proper tidal timing and local weather forecasting remain essential for safe passage through these shallow, current-dominated coastal waters.
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