"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
I found some current charts for some areas, they give slack, max ebb,
and max flow. this I understand.
For other areas I find only the H & L tide chart. I want to make max
use of the tide (ebb). Say H is at 0800 and L is at 1400. is it simply
a matter of shoving off at 0800 and 'ride the out going tide till
1400?
TIA

Peter has given an excellent answer!(even if he got my name wrong).

I would only add one thing. You need to use "slack water" as your
reference, instead of HW, or LW.

Geographical features can have a major impact on the tides. For example, at
Portsmouth the current changes direction 2 hours before HW (or LW) because
the proximity of the Isle of Wight. The Island produces a "circular" effect
which completely changes the normal flow.

It is also worth knowing that the current will be much smaller in shallow
water. If the current is with you, then you should get into the deep water.
If it is against you, then you should get into shallow water.

Furthermore, you may be able to benefit from back eddies. A good tidal
stream atlas for your local area should show where the back eddies are.



Regards


Donal
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