Bringing my boat up from Long Island sound to Boston

[BobM]

I need to bring my recent purchase, a 1981 S2 9.2A, home to Winthrop. I am looking for crew or even a professional Captain, and advice regarding the trip. At this point I am thinking it will take about a day to get from Milford CT. to Fisher's Island and then about a day to the mouth of the canal. I certainly understand that the passage through the canal is time/tide dependent. I am estimating it will be a long days passage through the canal to Boston.Any comments, aid or help is greatly appreciated. The move will be in 2-3 weeks.ThanksBob

 

[Tim R.]

Canal to Boston

You can do the Canal to Boston in less than a day. I did Mattapoisett to Marblehead in a day averaging 5 kts.

 

[Paul Akers]

Watch the Canal...

...tides. You MUST go with the flow. It is only 9 miles, but a great ride. I will be passing on June 13th on my way to Portland. I had to wait to schedule based upon favorable tides. I will be staying in Sandwich Marina the first night. The best bet is to check the yellow book called the "Eldridge". I have a 60 mile run to the marina on the first day.

 

[bffatcat]

Milford ct to boston

not a big deal just check the eldridege for the flow in the cape cod canal. Its an easy 3 day sail. Bring your long john if your going this time year.being from winthrop you should know that

 

[Mike]

Hiring a Catain

I moved a boat about 4 years ago from Stamford to Noank. Since the boat was a bit larger than any of my previous experience, I felt more comfortable hiring someone to join me. It turned out to be a great day - basically a 12 hour sailing lesson. In fact the Captain that I had hired just asked me to join him on a transport as (paid) crew. Unfortunately, it was an estimated week long journey. I couldn't take the time from work. If you want his name, send me an email - mdgolds@cox.netMike

 

[Paul4414]

hiring a captain

If you are looking to hire a captain to do this trip just go to CAPCA.NET and use their free posting - Looking for a Captain. This is a great service and should get you a lot of responses. Just fill out the online form.Good luck and enjoy the trip. It is also a good way to learn a lot along the way.

 

[CalebD]

Consider doing it yourself

Buy the "Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book". I can't find it in the Chandelry on this site (any ideas why Dave Groshong?) so the link for it at amazon.com is below. Get the chart books from Maptech (comes with CD's these days) for the areas you are traversing; they list all the marinas along the way (with phone #'s and vhf channels monitored) that you might want to ditch into if the weather becomes contrary to your liking. Read all about the tides and currents along your proposed course, taking note of the Cape Cod canal ebb or northerly flow (only time you can go north in fact). I believe that it is longer than the East River and has a slightly stronger current so you need to be sure that your engine is in dependable working order as you CANNOT sail your way to the bay through the CC canal so take down your sails so the CG don't hassle you. With the current pushing you it can be amazing how fast you get through it.My take is that you are a bit overwhelmed by the idea of doing this yourself and have therefore mentioned hiring a captain. IMHO you will learn a heck of a lot about your new boat and gain a lot of confidence if you do it yourself BUT you need to be prepared and do it safely. Run the motor for a few hours (2-3) just to see how it handles pushing the boat when there are no obstacles around. Use a piece of flotsam (or create one of your own) to practice pulling up to a dock VERY slowly. The corollary to this is: "Always approach the dock at the speed you wish to hit it!" Shift the engine into neutral to slow your forward progress down to under 1 knot and figure out how your reverse gear works (if at all).You don't need a CG license to do this trip but you do need to be safe, careful and stay within whatever limitations you feel comfortable in. You should also know how to reef your main sail and furl (I am assuming RF) the jib. Pay special attention to the current diagrams in the Eldridge. Once you have completed this trip you will want to do it again and you will feel a lot better about your boat and skills if you do. I took my boat from East Hampton, NY to the western Sound and then up the Hudson to Nyack, NY. It was a blast. If you can take your time and not have to keep an itinerary you will enjoy it most as "ship happens". Bring plenty of provisions as you never know when you will want to pass on going anywhere that day. Good (expensive) foul weather gear (foulies) are also worth their weight in platinum as the cheap ones can become quite uncomfortable IMHO.How far west in the Sound will you be starting out from? Have you done a 'shakedown' sail on the boat? Do you have a friends who also bring some knowledge that could be enticed to coming for all or part of the trip? Can you set aside a week to attempt this trip, even if it takes 3-4 days? How much preparation time do you have before you 'have to' move your boat? Do you have a hand held GPS (cheap at

 

[CalebD]

I guess I ran over the new word limit???

Just as well. I will check on your progress after I get back from the Caribbean.You can do it if you plan it. Good luck.

 

[Mat]

CC flow

According to my copy of the 2008 "Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book" the current flows through the canal is Flood east and Ebb west. I did not see any reference to north, south. From Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay it must be West to East. So, it seems a flood will take you through West to East (Buzzards bay to Cape Cod Bay).

 

[Tim R.]

That is correct Mat

Be careful of prevailing southwesterlys and an ebb flow as it will create very steep, high waves that are close together. You will be at risk of a broach.

 

[Paul Akers]

I also agree with Mat!

nm

 

[Rob]

Moving her home....

Should be a fun ride depending on your skill level. The winds in the sound can be tricky, there's either wind or it's dead flat. Are you planning on sailing some of the legs or just motoring the whole way?

 

[Capn Pete]

Hmmm...

Bob,Depending on when you plan on moving the boat, I might be available to help out -- and I'm certainly interested. I'd need a few specifics in order to arrange the time off. Keep me (us) posted as your float plan takes shape.Petes/v EmmieLou (Oday 322)Little Silver, NJ

 

[BobM]

Update

Passed papers on "Triple Play" on Sunday. She is still on the hard in Milford CT. I painted her bottom and did some clean up after the owners dog (a beagle)bit me in the upper arm (no kidding) and we signed off on everything.She has a Standard Horizon 150C color GPS and a recent autopilot (Simrad WP30). She has a roller furler (Hood Seafurl) and a 135, plus a drifter and new loose footed North main. She has her original Yanmar 2GM15. She has single line reefing (2 reefs)and lazy jacks.I would like to get her to Winthrop a week before the week of the fourth. I have identified one Captain who seems reliable, based upon advice from this site, but he would prefer a third person aboard (another $150/day if he provides, so I wouldn't mind the cost savings). He has availability the 27-29th of June for the ~3 day trip. It will be a good opportunity for someone to likewise gain some coastal experience, as I hope to. I provide a ride back to Milford afterwards.I am still talking to other Captains at this point, but am looking for someone who is a sailor, with good references, appropriate licensure and insurance. I'd prefer for this to be a confidence building learning experience. I'd also prefer someone who is familiar with the sound, canal and the entrance to Boston Harbor.Thanks for all the input!Bob