Here is my list of things which get experienced people killed, making bar crossings.

• Don't assume you know what you are doing.
• Stay scared. A little fear is very healthy.
• Identify the danger area. Don't linger in it.
• Be sure your fuel supply is ok.
• Don't ever change the fuel supply and then start across the bar.
• If you have changed the fuel supply, wait 10 minutes.
• If the swell is above 10 feet, watch the bar for at least 10-20 minutes.
• If not familiar with a particular entrance, watch it for awhile.
• In breakers? Don't get airborne. Cut the throttle just before impact(if bow-on).
• If water depth is less than 60 feet, be wary. Most bars are < 60 !
• Current speeds above 2 knots, flood or ebb, stay away from hard spots(buoys, rocks).

  ---

                                     Things to Avoid
• Crossing during the Ebb
• Entrances with less than 30 feet of depth in the channel.
• Crossing eny entrance near Max Ebb, with swell heights above 4 feet.