During a planned trip from Perth Amboy, New Jersey to the Chesapeake I plan to use the Cape May canal to shorten the trip around Cape May into Delaware Bay. I am interested in hearing how 'sailboat friendly" the canal is. my Hunter 33.5 draws a little less than 5'. Will this draft pose a problem in transiting the canal. how long should I plan to take to transit the canal? i would also like any comments on places to either drop a hook or tie up in the north end of the C & D canal. Comments on places to refuel before entering the northern end of the canal would also be appreciated. Any comments would be appreciated.
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Depth isn't your only problem...
it's height I think. I think there's a bridge with 55' clearance over the canal, HOW specs show you have 53.5' so you better confirm the bridge height and be REAL careful....
it's height I think. I think there's a bridge with 55' clearance over the canal, HOW specs show you have 53.5' so you better confirm the bridge height and be REAL careful....
Michael, I was in there last year
I stopped at Utiches(sp) Marina which is on the left just before you enter the canal outbound. Very nice place and friendly - important thing it is close to the restruants. If you anchor out I suggest the area on south side between red "6" and green "5" which is on the east side of the Coast Guard. There is a 6 kt speed limit and wakes are minimal. Going thru the canal is not bad - good depth in the middle and should be taken with the tide falling or going towards Delaware Bay. I was not able to take since the tide was almost at high and my mast is 55'. Make sure you leave Cape May with the tide its a long ride up the bay to the Chesapeake canal (make sure tank is full) There is a great marina "Summit Harbour" at the conrail lift bridge. Real nice place. Don't try to go into Chesapeake City on the left, the depth went from 40 - 4 ft in the length of the boat - bad currents. Enjoy the trip. Jim S/V Java
I stopped at Utiches(sp) Marina which is on the left just before you enter the canal outbound. Very nice place and friendly - important thing it is close to the restruants. If you anchor out I suggest the area on south side between red "6" and green "5" which is on the east side of the Coast Guard. There is a 6 kt speed limit and wakes are minimal. Going thru the canal is not bad - good depth in the middle and should be taken with the tide falling or going towards Delaware Bay. I was not able to take since the tide was almost at high and my mast is 55'. Make sure you leave Cape May with the tide its a long ride up the bay to the Chesapeake canal (make sure tank is full) There is a great marina "Summit Harbour" at the conrail lift bridge. Real nice place. Don't try to go into Chesapeake City on the left, the depth went from 40 - 4 ft in the length of the boat - bad currents. Enjoy the trip. Jim S/V Java
Thanks Jim
Jim, Thanks for the information on the Cape May Canal. I appreciate the information and advice. Enjoy the remainder of the sailing season. Mike
Jim, Thanks for the information on the Cape May Canal. I appreciate the information and advice. Enjoy the remainder of the sailing season. Mike
Thanks Don
Don, I agree-height is the key factor. i am checking height of bridge and dont want to trost a 1.5' margin for error. I am also looking at tidal range and considering whether to transit at less than high tide. Life's complications... Mike
Don, I agree-height is the key factor. i am checking height of bridge and dont want to trost a 1.5' margin for error. I am also looking at tidal range and considering whether to transit at less than high tide. Life's complications... Mike
Charted Bridge Heights
I recently "ran" into a problem with charted bride heights. On NOAA chart 12324, the charted height of the Route 72 bridge over Manahawkin Bay (ICW G 67) is 60 feet above Mean High Water. Two weeks ago, approaching the bridge almost near high water, the depth marking showing on the side of the bridge was 56.5'. There is not a large tidal range in the region and it was not a full moon tide. This is a problem for the 55'9" mast (plus antennae) on my H340. I had to motor around in the very narrow channel until it dropped to 57' and I made it slowly under while holding my breath. I contacted NOAA and they politely replied that they will file a notice of discrepancy with the Coast Guard and get back to me.
I recently "ran" into a problem with charted bride heights. On NOAA chart 12324, the charted height of the Route 72 bridge over Manahawkin Bay (ICW G 67) is 60 feet above Mean High Water. Two weeks ago, approaching the bridge almost near high water, the depth marking showing on the side of the bridge was 56.5'. There is not a large tidal range in the region and it was not a full moon tide. This is a problem for the 55'9" mast (plus antennae) on my H340. I had to motor around in the very narrow channel until it dropped to 57' and I made it slowly under while holding my breath. I contacted NOAA and they politely replied that they will file a notice of discrepancy with the Coast Guard and get back to me.
Reedy Island
Hey, I just did the Delmarva. First you MUST plan on going north on the EBB. I rode it for 6 hours out of Lewes all the way to Reedy Island. About 2 miles south of the C
Hey, I just did the Delmarva. First you MUST plan on going north on the EBB. I rode it for 6 hours out of Lewes all the way to Reedy Island. About 2 miles south of the C
55' on the C
more more thing, I was originally going to Cape may from Hampton before weather diverted me to Lewes, but I had decided not to try the cape may canal with my 55' height. TOO RISKY.
more more thing, I was originally going to Cape may from Hampton before weather diverted me to Lewes, but I had decided not to try the cape may canal with my 55' height. TOO RISKY.
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