I am considering cruising the Jersey Shore this August starting from Staten Island. I am totally unfamiliar with the waters & I was looking for some input/advice. Is ocean sailing that difficult in an O'Day 27? What are some good ports? etc.
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Jim McCue
At least 27ft.
I'd say 27ft is about minimum. You need enough boat (and keel) to get you out of trouble if the wind really kicks up. You may want to check out inlets.After Sandy Hook there's a stretch before Belmar/shark river which doesn't have to much in the way of overniters. Then there's Manasquan Inlet (better) and from there you can take the beginning of the ICW into Bayhead/Metedeconk River where there's several overnite possibilities. Taking the "inside" route you can sail down thru Upper and lower Barnegat bay (& Toms River) come out thru Barnegat Inlet and take the ocean home. Check you maps, some areas are shoaly in Barnegat. Jim McCue
I'd say 27ft is about minimum. You need enough boat (and keel) to get you out of trouble if the wind really kicks up. You may want to check out inlets.After Sandy Hook there's a stretch before Belmar/shark river which doesn't have to much in the way of overniters. Then there's Manasquan Inlet (better) and from there you can take the beginning of the ICW into Bayhead/Metedeconk River where there's several overnite possibilities. Taking the "inside" route you can sail down thru Upper and lower Barnegat bay (& Toms River) come out thru Barnegat Inlet and take the ocean home. Check you maps, some areas are shoaly in Barnegat. Jim McCue
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Randy
Jersey Shore sailing
Mike-- I sail my Catalina 27 out of Stone Harbor, about 10 miles above Cape May. I don't know too much about North Jersey inlets, but can oofer you some input on those further south: Atlantic City has a top notch inlet, which is well marked and has deep water. There are also lots of facilities, including Farley State Marina, Harrah's Marina, etc. Cape May inlet is superb, with deep water, and rock jetties on either side. In Cape May Harbor there are lots of facilities, including the yacht club and several marinas. All of the inlets in between the two above are subject to changing conditions. Some are marked, some are not. I use Hereford Inlet on a regular basis (between Stone Harbor and Wildwood), but it is not marked, it's shallow, and it changes frequently. Don't try to use it without local knowledge. Also, watch out for bridge clearance...some of the bridges over the ICW are only 35 ft. high, others require opening the draw...check your charts! Randy
Mike-- I sail my Catalina 27 out of Stone Harbor, about 10 miles above Cape May. I don't know too much about North Jersey inlets, but can oofer you some input on those further south: Atlantic City has a top notch inlet, which is well marked and has deep water. There are also lots of facilities, including Farley State Marina, Harrah's Marina, etc. Cape May inlet is superb, with deep water, and rock jetties on either side. In Cape May Harbor there are lots of facilities, including the yacht club and several marinas. All of the inlets in between the two above are subject to changing conditions. Some are marked, some are not. I use Hereford Inlet on a regular basis (between Stone Harbor and Wildwood), but it is not marked, it's shallow, and it changes frequently. Don't try to use it without local knowledge. Also, watch out for bridge clearance...some of the bridges over the ICW are only 35 ft. high, others require opening the draw...check your charts! Randy
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Al Sandrik
I second what Jim said...
watch Barnegat Inlet, my family lost a boat in in back in the 70's. Desite additional jetty work it was still shoaling when I went through it three years ago. Long Beach Island has some good marina's but they get crowded. Try to plan ahead and make reservations. Also there is a nice hole with good holding right behind Barnegat light (I think it's called Miller's Hole but don't hold me to that as it's been three years since I've been up that way).
watch Barnegat Inlet, my family lost a boat in in back in the 70's. Desite additional jetty work it was still shoaling when I went through it three years ago. Long Beach Island has some good marina's but they get crowded. Try to plan ahead and make reservations. Also there is a nice hole with good holding right behind Barnegat light (I think it's called Miller's Hole but don't hold me to that as it's been three years since I've been up that way).
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John
more NJ shore info
I'd add that Ocean City is also a good stop if you need somewhere between Atlantic City and Cape May. A little tricky in the harbor but well marked. I've stopped several times at Barnegat - it can be rough on a tide change with an easterly wind but has always been well marked. As with most narrow passages, the biggest risk is the "other guy" who may not know how to handle 3-4' swells in a narrow area. There are several restaurants along the Navesink that offer dockage for overnight or for a meal stop. The bridges between Sandy Hook and Sea Bright are timed well for the time it takes to motor between them. Also a couple of "yacht clubs" in Raritan Bay that are nice if you have reciprocal priveleges from your home base.
I'd add that Ocean City is also a good stop if you need somewhere between Atlantic City and Cape May. A little tricky in the harbor but well marked. I've stopped several times at Barnegat - it can be rough on a tide change with an easterly wind but has always been well marked. As with most narrow passages, the biggest risk is the "other guy" who may not know how to handle 3-4' swells in a narrow area. There are several restaurants along the Navesink that offer dockage for overnight or for a meal stop. The bridges between Sandy Hook and Sea Bright are timed well for the time it takes to motor between them. Also a couple of "yacht clubs" in Raritan Bay that are nice if you have reciprocal priveleges from your home base.
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Jim McCue
Further thoughts
I just want to emphasize that you would want to go thru the Manasquan-to-Metedeconk Canal at slack tide. The current differential can be significant enough to neutralize your motor and you will need to radio connect with the Bridge tender to ensure that he will be lifting. Talk to other boats in the area to figure how long a lead time is involved. At the Metedeconk River go inland almost to the fork- you will see Wherlen Marina on north side ( with lots of motor yatchs) - You can tie up and eat dinner at "Anne's Place" in the marina. Ask any local boater. Jim McCue
I just want to emphasize that you would want to go thru the Manasquan-to-Metedeconk Canal at slack tide. The current differential can be significant enough to neutralize your motor and you will need to radio connect with the Bridge tender to ensure that he will be lifting. Talk to other boats in the area to figure how long a lead time is involved. At the Metedeconk River go inland almost to the fork- you will see Wherlen Marina on north side ( with lots of motor yatchs) - You can tie up and eat dinner at "Anne's Place" in the marina. Ask any local boater. Jim McCue
Barnegat Bay
Cruising Barnegat Bay with any more than 2-3 ft draught will definitely demand your very best shallow-water navigation skills. This is where as a teenager I learned to 'read' the depth by the water colour. Do not put too much faith in the posted 'channel' depths of 4 ft minimum. You can still almost wade across the bay at the middle (and now there are few crabs left to pinch you). JC
Cruising Barnegat Bay with any more than 2-3 ft draught will definitely demand your very best shallow-water navigation skills. This is where as a teenager I learned to 'read' the depth by the water colour. Do not put too much faith in the posted 'channel' depths of 4 ft minimum. You can still almost wade across the bay at the middle (and now there are few crabs left to pinch you). JC
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