Tamaroak wrote:
Next month I'm bringing a trawler with a 4' draft up the coast of
New Jersey. I've read some information stating that most avoid the
ICW and run the outside. I'm wondering what the best way to go and
why people do this, the draft, bad scenery, hassles with the
markings?
How about that section betweewn Little Egg Inlet and Manasquan
Inlet; that looks pretty easy....
And what would be some good anchorages or marinas along there?
Of course you must run outside from Cape May to Atlantic City (about 38 NM).
I don't think the inside will carry 4 feet all the way, and there is at
least one 25 foot bridge. I am not sure what the other writers are
referring to, but there are no bridge obstructions under 55 feet between
Atlantic City and Manasquan Inlet. Also the bridges that _do_ open are
year-round.
You can anchor just off the USCG station in Cape May Harbor (Cold Spring
Inlet), and ditto just off the USCG station at Atlantic City (Absecon
Inlet). Then it's about 45 or so NM to Tom's River inside, or about 60 NM
to Manasquan outside. The depth inside will usually be OK for 4 feet, but
watch the stretch around Money Island near Little Egg Inlet, and along the
marked channel north and south of the Long Beach Island causeway. You can
get fuel at Cape May, Atlantic City, Toms River, and Manasquan.
You can anchor off Tices Shoal, which is above Barnegat Inlet and marked on
the chart. You can also anchor in many spots on the Toms River. The chart
makes this clear.
Then it's about 15 or so NM to Manasquan Inlet via the Point Pleasant Canal.
You can anchor off Bay Head YC just before the canal in around 6 feet.
After that it's outside again to Sandy Hook and beyond.
Remember that in the spring there are often misplaced markers and missing
buoys on this route. Things don't really settle down until about June 1st.
I don't know what the other writers said exactly, but many folks consider
the inside route nice enough, especially through the Brigantine Wildlife
Refuge. Keep the binoculars handy for wildlife.
This is (or was) our home grounds so e-mail if you need additional info.
--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.home.comcast.net/