AM I crazy to sail in the Delaware Bay

[jssailem]

For a daysailer, the Hobby 16 would be a lot of fun. You can always sail to Lewes and rent a room. You do not need to sleep on the boat.

 

[Sethc30]

Thanks for the reply, while I want to stay small , I do not plan on on trailing my does not exits yet boat, I do not have a car that could tow a boat and I figure with a marina less than a 5 minute drive It would make sense to have a slip so I would use it more. I will look into the boats you mentioned.

Hi @Sethc30, with no experience as stated in your bio, the idea of going small makes sense. Doing a trailer boat adds time to getting on the water, but it is easier on the pocketbook as you don't pay monthly marina fees. You must find a launch site; sometimes that can be an issue.

For 18 years, I sailed a 15-foot Montgomery trailer sailer, sometimes called a "Pocket Yacht." It was like backpack hiking. The accommodations were minimal, but she was a great, sturdy sailboat and carried me on many different waters, from lakes and rivers to bays like your Delaware Bay. Easy to rig and solo sail. A dry boat that could handle the chop and wakes you are likely to see on the bay. She had a stub keel that stuck out about 15 inches below the hull. She could be beached, or in deeper water, the centerboard could be lowered, and she sailed straight and true in all manner of wind.

MONTGOMERY 15 - sailboatdata

sailboatdata.com

Going small, there are all sorts of options and prices. While my boat had a cabin that could sleep 2, many daysailors are open-decked. The Lido 14 is an excellent starter sailboat. It is easy to rig and yet forgiving as a boat that, when swamped, still floats above the water.

You need to walk the marinas in your area and look for a boat that intrigues you. It's like looking for a girlfriend. You'll know when you see her.

 

[jssailem]

Just because the boat can be put on a trailer does not mean you have to put it on a trailer. It would be an option for the next person who is in a similar situation yet desires to have the boat out of the water and not pay the moorage fees.

 

[Sethc30]

Thanks for the reply I am looking for something w a cabin. A Hobie while I am sure fun might not work for me in the Bay, I would want a little more around me.

For a daysailer, the Hobby 16 would be a lot of fun. You can always sail to Lewes and rent a room. You do not need to sleep on the boat.

 

[Sethc30]

Thanks for the reply, it seems you know the area well, I have kayaked between Egg Island and teh lighthouse so I somewhat know that area. I would assume I would still have to leave from Fortescue Marina to access that? I am less concerned about the cargo traffic , they keep to the Delaware side not the NJ side at least from what I see in Fortescue.

Delaware Bay has a fair share of heavy cargo traffic as there is the Port of Wilmington which serves unloading of Cars, Fruits and other cargo containers. Further up there are refineries and the Navy Yard. Fortescue is located where the bay starts to narrow as you head up to Philly and beyond. The bay has strong tides and can be quite unpredictable with winds and wave heights. I would not use it as a training ground for a small craft. I recommend using the little bay between Egg Island and Eastpoint Lighthouse. It's more protected. At least to start with, to get experience. Over time move up to a larger boat and start your adventures with confidence in your ability to handle it. Just my opinion, as always. Have fun.