Decided to go out of Newburyport yesterday for the first time (what a mistake). Went threw the mouth at the worst time 2 hours before low tide, to find 8-10 foot walls of water standing staight up. never saw anything like that before, almost s..t my pants.
Now I know why it's called the worst place in the country to get in and out of. Locals said best time is slack time but never go out 3 hours before low tide.

Grew up down there. Oh yeah does it get NASTY!!!! Could share some crazy stories..

+1 Do most all my boating around that area. Went up the river once this year and that was the first time in years because of this. The 50ft sport fishermen and whale watch wakes don't help much either.

Strange area. A couple tight turns, people fishing the sides in rippin current and a complete free for all after a no wake zone. It always seems if you get stuck behind traffic you're gonna get wet or if you have the room to hammer it over the tops( Phantom style ), you get the finger. Lots of current in there. Try it towing a barge after a storm coming from sea. That's when I had underwear problems. lol