Lower Chesapeak Bay

[Frank Acampora]

I have a 21 foot Manatee cuddy with 125 hp. I have cruised it down from Conowingo to Annapolis. I want to cruise to Tangier Island. Is this boat sufficient to handle the chop in the lower bay? I am fully rigged with radio, GPS, compass, extra tanks and kicker engine, charts, flares etc.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

I made the trip a few times in a 19' with a 140 hp I/O. Not a bad trip but you have to pick your days carefully.

We get a persistant SW wind in the summer and that coupled with an out going tide would make for a very long, "bouncy" trip back home. Not much to hide behind either. It's mostly open water all the way back to Annapolis.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

Thanks! Sets my mind at ease. Just wanted to know that the boat could handle it. I've seen the water from land, but it's deceiving. What looks like small waves could be 5 footers.

I'm not afraid of a little bouncing; couple of years ago went to Baltimore with a 15 footer and teenage driver. He only knew one throttle position and had the boat in the air a number of times. I actually had to hold myself down onto the seat. The next day, my butt was bruised.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

couple of years ago went to Baltimore with a 15 footer and teenage driver. He only knew one throttle position and had the boat in the air a number of times. I actually had to hold myself down onto the seat. The next day, my butt was bruised.

Exact reason why I upgraded to a 22' W/A w/ 225 hp on the back.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

If you ever see me on the water come over and say hello. AMANDA FORD teal color

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

I use to live in Shady Side, MD and spent many days in this part of the bay with my 18' SeaPro. You should be fine, but be absolutely certain to pay attention to the weather.

You can go to this NWS link and click on the bay to see the forcasted waves:

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/lwx/

I use to work for the NWS and will warn you that this changes often and may be updated much worse after you leave the dock as new model data starts rolling in around 11AM. Also, check out the real-time buoy reports at:

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/

The one poster was right on the money when he explained that when a South or Southwest wind channels up the bay against the tide, the waves get pretty nasty. Very early morning and evening are typically the calmest times.

A great place for protection and a great place to stay overnight is the Rhode River and near Poplar Island (just north of St Michaels). Poplar island is a great place to fish also. Need some good food or drinks on the way...this is a good place:

http://www.piratescovemd.com/about.html

There are several other restaurants next to this one that have great food.

If you have not been to Tangier or Smith Island then you are in for a treat...Very strange place. You will never guess you are in the MD/DC area.

Let me know if you need any info on this area.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

I just mapped out conowingo...If the weather is rough, another nice trip would be to launch your boat in Denton, MD (Choptank River about 1.5 to 2 hours away)...cruise down and go up the Tuckaho River which is very smooth and awesome fishing...Head back down the Choptank to St. Michaels or Oxford, MD...I have done this trip in the past when I know the bay will be punishing....It is fun and very remote/scenic.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

Thanks! Of course St. Michaels. Who doesn't want to go there? That's one of my destinations on the bay.

Now that I know you fellows have done it in 18 and 19 footers I will try it. (Tangiers) I was there with a group --we took the ferry but really, there's nothing like cruising your own rig into harbor.

I've been in some big stuff: I circumnavigated Manhattan Island New York in a 15 footer and took green water over the windshield. Bastard in a 100 footer in the East River (narrow part next to Roosevelt Island) was throwing a 5 foot wake and just blasted past me. That doesn't bother me. I know my skills and the limits of my hull but passengers generally start to say their prayers when they see a wall of water coming at them. I had no place to run so I took it like a man. I quartered the wake but even so, she stuck her nose in. Then boat bobbed up like a cork. Interesting ride! Only in New York will you see men peeing off the fantail of a 40 foot sailboat. Hello! They have a head.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

Boating in near Long Island...I feel for you....As you are probably aware, the Chesapeake conditions will be much different than what you experienced in the narrow NY/NJ border waterway. If the wind is from the s/sw in the bay, then it will be like you are off shore. Their is a direct correlation between wave height and wind speed/direct/fetch....You will never get a long fetch in the NY/NJ waterway like you will have the chance to get in the Chesapeake....I know many watermen in this area and I use to listen to my VHF radio frequently...You would be surprised how many rescues are made on the bay in a given week...Chances are you will be fine, just be more than prepared and have an alternate trip planned if there is a small craft advisory....You can probably deal with 5' waves, but it will be punishing.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Lower Chesapeak Bay

You want to make that run sometime, Frank, I'll go with you. On your boat or I'll take mine. Your choice.