Steven Shelikoff wrote:

I'm just curious why, on a trip like that where there are lots of
canals, locks, etc. that can cause all sorts of delays and problems, you
would say New Jersey is the biggest problem.

....


Well, to make a long story short, We made it behind the jetty and once
there, everything was smooth and easy. What a wonderful inlet Cape May
is. While it defintely was exciting, we were never in any real danger.


I think you just answered your own question.