Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake
Yeah, both BillDC and Bowman are correct- due to its relatively shallow depth and conical shape, a breeze from the south can whip the Delaware bay into a
very nasty chop- particularly during an ebb tide (flowing out). Even big cruisers are uncomfortable in those conditions. That chop can travel all the way up into the river around Philly.
IMO with planning a 20 footer can do the trip, but any prudent mariner will have contigency plans if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Some tips:
- On the canal, be careful of the commercial ships. They cannot easily turn and have limited visibilty- especially if a small boat is close. ALWAYS give 'em a wide berth and stay out of their way. They can move surprisingly fast. See image below!
- Bowrider- have a canvas bow cover and USE IT if the bow is getting wet.
- Early-to-mid morning hours typically have less breeze, and therefore less chop.
-Time each part of the trip to correspond with the flowing tide- especially east of the C and D.
- Give the breakwaters at the eastern end of the C and D plenty of room- they are often submerged at high tide and go pretty far out. Many small boats have been damaged. Go STRAIGHT out until you're near the marked shipping channel of the Delaware and you'll be A-OK.
- Figure out your fuel range and be extra conservative. For example, if your calculated range is 100 miles then fill up at 50. Some stops enroute: Elk River- Harbor North Marina. C and D canal- Summit North Marina. Delaware Bay North- Delaware City Marina.
- Carry a paper chart in addition to the GPS, depth sounder and VHF radio you SHOULD already have. If you don't have all three, RECONSIDER THE TRIP.
- Have foul weather gear onboard even if the weather forecast is good.
- Don't try to come home in the dark. IMO that's a recipe for disaster. Plan ahead to stay somewhere and wait until morning to shove off for home.
Bottom line- always be safe. Good luck!
Here's a shot of my 34 foot Silverton approaching a ship just east of the C and D. Hard to believe how big those ships are!
By the fourth, the Chester, Wye and Tred Avon will all be swarming with jellyfish. I know, because I have to deal with them all over the trautline and the pots. My hands pay for my crabs..lol
