The shallowest spot you're likely to see, is right around the beginning of the dredged/marked channel at the north end, above the entrance to Shallowbag Bay and Manteo... The last time I was thru there, something around 7.5 feet was probably about the lowest I ever saw... Sure, it could be very close for you, but I would think it's do-able in anything but a blowout tide in the sounds... The Old House channel down behind Oregon Inlet can change overnight, of course, but you should be able to make it thru there no problem...

There was an article in a recent CRUISING WORLD about sailing the Sounds of NC, by a guy who lives in Elizabeth City... I don't have it handy, but I'm pretty sure he mentioned he's never had a problem passing to the east of Roanoke with 6' draft... I'd suggest perhaps trying to get in touch with him, he obviously knows the waters well. Or, give SeaTow or TowBoat US in Manteo a call, or the folks at Manteo Waterfront Marina, or Marshes Light Marina for the current conditions, somebody should know the latest... Manteo is a very friendly place, nice spot to stop... And, if you do, and have never been to the Wright Brothers memorial and museum over in Kitty Hawk, it's a must-see, a very worthwhile excursion...