Boating the Upper Chesapeake

[Philster]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

FREAKIN' A-RIGHT!

Awesome!

I know that Marina/Harbor well! Did all my boating around Wildwood and Cape May before I became an Upper Chesapeake newbie!

I will shoot you a PM with things to know about the intracoastal waterway behind Wildwood and Cape May. It has 'nuances'. lol.

You are going out the Delaware Bay inlet (Cape May-Lewes Ferry docks) right?

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

yea, i guess you already know about the currents in the Delaware bay. You def wanna catch the canal on the right current.
my gps/fishfinder had an icon on the map you could click on near the canal, and that would tell you the currents and how strong.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Very cool Brandon. Can't wait to hear how it goes this weekend.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

FREAKIN' A-RIGHT!

Awesome!

I know that Marina/Harbor well! Did all my boating around Wildwood and Cape May before I became an Upper Chesapeake newbie!

I will shoot you a PM with things to know about the intracoastal waterway behind Wildwood and Cape May. It has 'nuances'. lol.

You are going out the Delaware Bay inlet (Cape May-Lewes Ferry docks) right?

Sweet!!! Would love any advice that you have. Also hoping that "ARKS" gets a chance to check in on this too as I know he has done this trip before. I have been talking to anyone around Wildwood that I can to get some advice.

I have been studying the charts and reviewing navagational aids. I know all of the red and green bouys, etc. but I am a little bit rusty on daymarkers, etc.

Yes, I will be headed out past the ferry docks. I have been told to stay within a ferrys length of the docks as there is no water on the opposite shore. (From a ferry worker.)

yea, i guess you already know about the currents in the Delaware bay. You def wanna catch the canal on the right current.
my gps/fishfinder had an icon on the map you could click on near the canal, and that would tell you the currents and how strong.

Same here. But I have been looking at online predictions as well to determine the best time. Want to catch the tide on the way in to hopefully help ride it up the bay. Again, I have got twin 350's so I am not as concerned about the current in the C&D canal.

Very cool Brandon. Can't wait to hear how it goes this weekend.

Thanks Jeremy!! Let me know if you are going to make it down this weekend. Would be neat to swing by and say hi.

Same goes for anyone else that will be out!

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

yea, for you the current is a more minor issue. But if say your top speed is 50 mph, you can go 55 when the current is going with you. And only 45 when fighting it.

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Also hoping that "ARKS" gets a chance to check in on this too as I know he has done this trip before. I have been talking to anyone around Wildwood that I can to get some advice.

Brandon- Navigating the Delaware Bay isn't terribly difficult. Have charts #12304, #12311 and #12277 with you for reference. When exiting the CM canal we went pretty much straight out for 1.5 miles to clear Crow shoal before heading WNW just east of the daymark (60') for Brandwine shoal. We stayed east of the shoal to stay clear of the shipping channel. We stayed east of "14", "16", and "19", then cut between green "25" and the Miah Maull daymark (59'). From that point we ran just east of the channel markers (out of the channel) and passed Ship John Shoal close to starboard. From there, continue running east of the shipping channel, using the bouys as reference. Once you get up to the Salem Nuclear plant, turn a bit more N, still running just east of the channel. It gets a bit tight at the mouth of the Salem River, so you might have to poke inside the channel between "2" and "2N". Gotta leave for work now, so I'll continue this later.....

The SINGLE best advice I can give you is to watch the weather closely and make the run on calm days. Don't let YOUR schedule dictate when to go. The Delaware Bay can be unforgiving because it's shape tends to amplify wave action.

Rob

 

[pole position]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Congrats on your splash and hope your trip goes well.Gus is a great guy,I've known him a long time.The crane is a little shaky looking but gets the job done.Definately stay close to the ferry side when heading out of the canal.We used to head toward Cross Ledge and then turn and follow the channel when we made our return from Wildwood in the fall.I kept a boat down there in the 90's.This time of the year you should be able to get on the public docks at the Chesapeake Inn.Only $15 for the nite.I've used them a few times and theres plenty of water under you.

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

OK, picking up where I left off.....

At Nun "2N", you should easily see the entrance to the C and D. Make your turn there but aim for the 50' tower just off Reedy Point (north side of the canal) because there's a rock jetty projecting from the canals south side. When you're lined up directly with the canal, turn and go!

The big ships can run amazingly fast, so stay aware of what's around you and their relative heading. I tried to beat a car carrier into the canal but couldn't. The boat behind me took this great picture:

We WERE able to pass in the canal, but it seemed to take forever- even at full throttle.

Hope you can get the trip done with ease.
You've done an amazing job on the boat and I can't wait to see her at the marina.

Other random thoughts:
- Binoculars are almost mandatory for this kind of trip. Some of the markers are far apart.

- The weather can be significantly different between CM and HdG. Check BOTH before you leave!

- The CM canal can have a strong current. No problem but pay attention, especially going thru that old swing bridge.

- As you approach the ferry docks, look closely at them to determine if they're ready to depart. They sound their horn but you do NOT want to be near them when they move.

- Make sure you've got adequate ground tackle before shoving off.

- One more: pack some spare gas filters and know how to change 'em.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

the ferry docks? You talking about the cape may ferry?
or a cable ferry crossing a canal?
they have a cable ferry crossing the wicomico river near Salisbury. I wondered how the got the cable deep enough so you didn't hit it, crossing over it in the boat.

I didn't think they still had any ferries like that one in Salisbury.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

FREAKIN' A-RIGHT!

Awesome!

I know that Marina/Harbor well! Did all my boating around Wildwood and Cape May before I became an Upper Chesapeake newbie!

I will shoot you a PM with things to know about the intracoastal waterway behind Wildwood and Cape May. It has 'nuances'. lol.

You are going out the Delaware Bay inlet (Cape May-Lewes Ferry docks) right?

Phil - Would love to get your insight into this!! I have just been starting to explore this area some testing the boat out. Any insight that you can provide running around inside Wildwood and Cape May would be awesome!! Right now I am planning on going under the Rio Grande bridge, following the channel past sunset lake and through Jarvis Sound to the 2 mile bridge. Then hang a right and head through Cape May harbor and then out through the Cape May Channel to the CMLF docks. Thanks in advance for the help!

yea, for you the current is a more minor issue.

Kyle - I agree with you there. I am doing everything I can to plan this trip with everything to my advantage, the weather and tides not being the least of which I take into account!

the ferry docks? You talking about the cape may ferry?

Yep, thats the one. Impressive dock and operations they have there.

Congrats on your splash and hope your trip goes well.Gus is a great guy,I've known him a long time.The crane is a little shaky looking but gets the job done.Definately stay close to the ferry side when heading out of the canal.We used to head toward Cross Ledge and then turn and follow the channel when we made our return from Wildwood in the fall.I kept a boat down there in the 90's.This time of the year you should be able to get on the public docks at the Chesapeake Inn.Only $15 for the nite.I've used them a few times and theres plenty of water under you.

Hey Pole - Thanks for chiming in! Couldn't agree with you more, Gus has been a tremendous help and is a great guy!! Yep, the crane got the job done, but man I hope to never have to use that again Should I tell him that someone in particular says hi next time I am there?

Brandon- Navigating the Delaware Bay isn't terribly difficult.

Great write up!! That is almost exactly what I had charted out. It was suggested when leaving the channel to head right for "Fourteen Foot Bank Light" which is pretty much exactly what you suggested. I bumped into someone at a local marina who works for CMLF and he is the one that suggested that.

The SINGLE best advice I can give you is to watch the weather closely and make the run on calm days. Don't let YOUR schedule dictate when to go. The Delaware Bay can be unforgiving because it's shape tends to amplify wave action.

I hear you loud and clear on that one! As anxious as I am to get the boat back to HDG, I need to make sure that this trip goes as well as possible. Want to make sure that my wife enjoys the trip too! Rocking and rolling in a Snotty Delaware bay on a cold day wouldn't help!! I have decided to cancel the trip for this weekend and look for a better one. The weather forecast isn't getting any better.

OK, picking up where I left off.....

Thanks again Rob, great write and will be very helpful!!

Other random thoughts:
- Binoculars are almost mandatory for this kind of trip. Some of the markers are far apart.

Absolutely agree!! Have a pair of West Marine weatherproof with built in compass. They are already on the boat! I like to be able to see whats coming up ahead before I get there.

- The weather can be significantly different between CM and HdG. Check BOTH before you leave!

Yep!! I have been checking the weather at both locations to make a decision. Trying to make sure the entire trip goes well, not just one end or the other. Very helpful advice, thanks!

- The CM canal can have a strong current. No problem but pay attention, especially going thru that old swing bridge.

Thanks for the tip! First time I had heard this. I will be sure to pay attention and plan for this. Also learning how to factor in the wind on these bridge boats, that really plays into things as well, especially near the docks!

- As you approach the ferry docks, look closely at them to determine if they're ready to depart. They sound their horn but you do NOT want to be near them when they move.

Yep, I have been on the ferry a few times and they really stir the water up when leaving. I have a copy of the schedule in my phone and will refer to it closer to the trip. Although I will be sure to pay attention when getting close in case there are moving some outside of the scheduled times. Those ferries are some big boats!

- Make sure you've got adequate ground tackle before shoving off.

LOL, how does a 35# delta and a Fortress FX-23 sound? Both are rated to hold 45'+ boats Ground tackle is one of those safety items to me. have a new 150' anchor rode on board and the old 150' one as well. Looks to be in decent shape after I pulled it all of the way out and examined the whole thing.

- One more: pack some spare gas filters and know how to change 'em.

You bet. Spare filters, belts, hose clamps, etc. I put 2 new extra tall ones on and have 4 standard spares on the boat already. They aren't the most convenient to get to, but not the worst either.

Also have the Raymarine C90W tied into the ICOM 504 VHF with new antenna and they are communicating with each other. I was surprised, I am picking the CG up out of Baltimore and Long Island from Cape May. I know they both have really tall towers though. MMSI number entered and registered. VHF is at the lower helm with a commandmic 2 on the flybridge. Raymarine is set up on the flybridge. Also have paper charts for all areas we will be in as well.

Lets see, also have all of the other safety stuff. Big flare gun kit with everything in it. Oversized medical kit. 2 fire extinguishers, Dingy with 8 hp outboard, Waterproof, floating Handheld VHF for dingy.

Anything else anybody would recommend having for this trip?

Thanks again for all the help everyone!! It is much appreciated!!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Hope you can get the trip done with ease.
You've done an amazing job on the boat and I can't wait to see her at the marina.

Thanks buddy! Got a lot more to do to her, but she is coming along. Will be alot easier when she is only 1 hour away and not 3! Canvas will be the first to do when I get it to HDG.

We WERE able to pass in the canal, but it seemed to take forever- even at full throttle.

And reposting one more time because this picture blew my mind!!! WOW!!

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Anything else anybody would recommend having for this trip?

One more recommendation: something on the boat just for Christina, so she feels like the boat is hers as much as yours.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

One more recommendation: something on the boat just for Christina, so she feels like the boat is hers as much as yours.

Great idea Doug! There will be plenty for her to help customize when we get it to HDG but I will have to do something special for when she first steps aboard.

On second thought, maybe I should put her name on the back of it, "Christina Joy" - maybe that will help her to like it at first glance Boat needs a new name anyway...

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

let her design the curtains on the windows inside.

 

[maxum2400sc]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I did a run from Delaware City, down the Delaware Bay, out into the Atlantic and up into the bay side of Bethany with my 24' maxum two years ago. I planned it with the tides and it made such a difference. It was a fun cruise, we have 1-2' chop the whole way. Ive been out there in some nasty stuff too.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I think the biggest stuff I have had my sailboat in was 5-6 ft waves. It handled that pretty well. I kinda wanna see how it does in bigger stuff.

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

One more recommendation: something on the boat just for Christina, so she feels like the boat is hers as much as yours.

Yeah, nice touch Doug. Maybe some fresh flowers in the cabin, too.
Do whatever you can to make it a pleasant experience for her.
We had a rough day in the lower Chesapeake in '04 and now my wife won't go anywhere unless it's flat calm.:facepalm:

'LOL, how does a 35# delta and a Fortress FX-23 sound? Both are rated to hold 45'+ boats.'
Good. Those are exactly what I keep on "Winter Dream". I also have a 22# Delta stowed as a 'backup-backup'
The Delta has never failed to hold the first try, but I've had some issues with the Fortress getting a good initial bite. I think it sails a bit due to the light weight. The FX-23 is plenty big enough and also makes a great lunch hook.

Another thing Brandon- if you find yourself in a docking situation where the wind could be an obstacle, prepare in advance by opening all the windows and doors, and take down or open any bridge enclosure panels.
By doing this you minimize the windage. It really makes a noticable difference.

If you end up trying the run next weekend, I hope to be in Cape May- if I can wrap up this work project.
I'll let you know. Maybe I can get some photos of you from the canal or shore.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

It's amazing the difference in anchors you see on some boats. I will see some 26 ft sailboats that have an anchor that is designed for a 1 ft boat. I have a danforth anchor that is designed for a boat 10 ft larger than mine. Its holds great. Sometimes it is hard to pull up by hand, it holds so well.

I just don't see the point in having an anchor that is too small to do the job right.
This one boat's main anchor was as big as by back up anchor. And that boat was the same size as mine.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

So my sailboat got launched on monday, and I am going to keep it at MD marina, down in middle river. So that meant I got to sail it from HDG to Middle river. we decided to go ahead and do it last night. Me and my roommate started gathering supplies at midnight. We had a good deal of work to do, before we left the dock.
I had to fix the bow lights, charge the batteries, and get the oil out of my engine cylinders.
By the time we finished all of this, it was daylight, so the bow lights were a non issue by then. lol

I was plesently suprised by how well the motor ran. It was hard to start at first. I had to spray WD-40 into the air intake to start it. Once it started, it burned off off the crap inside it, and ran like a champ. (It smoked like hell for 30 seconds).
I prob should have changed the lower unit oil thou. Just to make sure it is sealed up tight. My last motor got chewed up because it was missing a plastic seal on the drain screw.

I ran this motor for 5 hours straight, and it never got starved for gas, or anything.
I think it might be 25-30 miles from HDG to Middle river. Frog mortar creek to be specific. I was going at 6-7 mph for 5 hours. So it had to be at least 30 miles, prob 35. I didn't realize how far bush river is from the flats. the charts are deceiving, one inch one the map is 5 or 10 miles in reality. I mean a bouy will look like it is right next to the shore on the map, but its really a half mile out.

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Hmm, Frog Mortar Creek- I have a friend who keeps his Albin 28 there.
That area is more protected from storms and runoff than HdG. Good luck down there, hope you like it.
Guess we won't be seeing much of you around Sand Island this summer since it's a 5 hour trip!