Best Route?

[cpenrose]

Anyone know the best way to get from Beaufort NC to Cape May NJ without going in the ocean? If we need to we can jump out in the ocean for a bit but our engines like to die a lot so we would like to stay intracoastal. Thanks

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Best Route?

Can't help you on the route, but if my engine liked to die, I would repair that and figure out the issue before trying to go on a lengthy trip like that. Good luck.

 

[arks]

Re: Best Route?

I've done this route on my 34 footer. Just stay on the ICW to Norfolk then run all the way up the Chesapeake and thru the C and D canal, which will take you to the upper Delaware bay. From there, head SSE down the bay and turn into the Cape May canal.

Use a cruising guide to plan your route for fuel stops and bailout points. Pay particular attention to the weather when running across the mouth of the Potomac and down the Delaware bay. It's a fantastic trip if you plan around the weather.
What size/ type of boat do you have?

 

[cpenrose]

Re: Best Route?

'88 Luhrs Alura 35 with twin Chryler 360s.We'll be heading down twice in January to repair and do bottom pint possiby.Twin 130 gallon tanks if that matters, and 1 mpg:joyous:

 

[arks]

Re: Best Route?

Nice boat- Luhrs and Silvertons were made at the same factory back then. Hope you get things shipshape over the winter.


I checked my notes from our trip in 2004. We departed Southport, topped off the tanks in Swansboro and stayed overnight at Morehead City dock. We shoved off at 5AM and ran Adams creek cut into the Neuse. From there we went around Pamlico Point and entered the Pungo.
NOTE: Do yourself a favor and get gas before entering the Alligator-Pungo canal; both my tanks were on 'E' by time we made the Alligator River Marina.... Once you get to the Albemarle Sound you'll need to decide which ICW to take- I took the Dismal Swamp route and thoroughly enjoyed it, but the canals DO get boring after awhile. Watch for barges around the twisty parts.
BTW- before crossing the sounds, check the wx- winds over 10-15 can make a nasty chop. I got lucky with calm conditions.
We made Norfolk at 9PM the same day we left Morehead City, but we only stopped for gas, the lock, and a bridge or two.
If you want info about our Chesapeake transit, let me know.