Re: How Deep is Water from GWash Bridge to TappanZee?
If you launch at the GWB, the west side of the river is 9 to 17 feet, and center and east side range from 20 to 40+ feet.
Heading north toward Alpine (where the marina is) the west side shallow area widens and ranges from 10 to 20 feet.
I made that trip last year and the launch at the GWB is rather steep. The jet ski crowd will give you a hand tying up to the dock because they are always hanging out there. Nice new launch and dock.
Be aware that there are very strong currents. The GWB launch is well protected and you should have no problems launching or loading.
Up at Alpine where the party facilities and the marina is, be sure to enter the marina directly at 90* and be prepared for the current to drag you south. There are lots of stumps from old construction left so stay true to course. If you are going to anchor, expect 10 to 20 ft depths on the west side.
Heading north to the Tappenzee, the channel narrows to only about 20% of the river and is east of the center of the river about 19 to 40 feet deep. But everything west of center is really shallow, much of it less than 4 feet. If it looks like marsh, stay away. Most of the water under the Tappen Zee is 7 feet deep.
If you can, pick up a chart. It would be worth it.
It's one thing to trash your prop on a rock or the bottom when you are on a lake. Completely different situation on a strong current river. You will end up in the bay with the super tankers while the Coast Guard looks for you.
Believe me, my 14 footer was a mear speck on that river. If I had a problem, they would have had a hard time finding me.
I met the Alpine Police boat and crew at the marina and we chatted. They said the best time for boating is early morning and late afternoon because the river is calmest at those times.
If you see the Coast Guard anchored in the river, stay away, they'll just wave you off anyway.
Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.
BTW, the info I posted is right off my Waterproof Charts brand Hudson River chart #57.
