Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

[milkyway]

My family wants to cruise from Wantagh to Cape May on our 24 cuddy cabin. Any one has tips for me on this trip? I have no other information other than my chartplotter and maptech map. Any danger zones? How do I know what's the best route to use for small boats crusing to southern jersey?

 

[tommays]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

you need to start with the real charts that cover the area this is going to let sit down and plan all the places you can reach saftely if fuel ,the weather or the boat dont decide to be nice<br /><br />i think the number one problem will be your fuel range in less than perfect conditions because your going to have to go in and out of ocean inlets which you really want to try and due when the tide is slack or working in you favor in that inlet<br /><br />the wind kicks up pretty much every day and can really limit you speed in a small boat and increase your fuel use<br /><br /><br />i do trips on my 20 ft but stick to block island and connecticut and other north shore areas because i dont want to deal with the ocean inlets and there are a lot more fuel options <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Scali]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

what cuddy , & deep v or mod ?<br />You really gotta pick your days even with most 24's..<br />I think it's pretty rough towards NYC & the east river if you plan on hugging the shore out of Jones Inlet.<br />I guess you will cut across.<br />Not to sound lurid but remember the Eleni, dont push it with that size boat

 

[milkyway]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

It's a maxum 24ft. cuddy cabin with deep v.<br /><br />I will start from Wantagh, then to Jones Inlet, then to Coney Island. From Coney Island, I will turn left or go south and I'll be on the jersey shore. What can I expect from there on? If I cruise along 1 to 1/12 mile offshore and following the Maptech line, would I be fine? Is it going to be "basically" an offshore cruise, or do you to go thru channels? I will surely have a list of full marinas along the way. <br /><br />Anyone has made this trip from Northern Jersey to Cape May?

 

[tommays]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

just wondering if you have taken the boat out through the jones beach inlet yet to get and idea what its like out there when its a littel rough<br /><br />i have done a lot more sailing in rough water than power boating and have found it to be a Humbeling experience even in a 34 to 44 ft offshore sailboats that could go through pretty much anything<br /><br />me and the guys from work have made a lot of fishing trips on the BIG party boats out of coney island and that really gives you and idea how fast the waves get BIG even on a nice day<br /><br />i have been there and done a lot of stuff i dont think i would do again<br /><br /> and i dont think i would make that trip on 24ft single screw boat<br /><br />i think theres a lot of other places to go with a lot less risk that boat was never ment to go offshore ( i own a maxum also) <br /><br />sailboats that race offshore are required to carry a life raft and a lot of other saftey stuff that most small power boats dont have<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Scali]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Cape May NJ is 178 miles by car from Oceanside { where I live } as per mapquest.<br />That is like the southern most point of Jersey,<br />How big is your fuel tank, LOL ?<br />If it was a straight run down the coast of Jersey for that amount of miles where you can fuel up & head into an inlet if it kicks up maybe a different story..<br />Personally I wouldnt do it in that boat, thats like going to the canyon { ok allmost } in a 24' er..

 

[milkyway]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

It's dissappointing that no one recommends this trip. Refueling stops, knowledge of where the marinas are along the way, and the like are a must to be known. Yes, I always launch at the Wantagh State Park and have been thru Jones Inlet many times, and last time last year I was there, I was surprised by the high waves and took some time to move from a wave to the next. Been fishing offshore (about 3 miles only), cruised offshore, maybe a mile or so off the coastline, from Jones Beach to Coney Island and back, been bounced and slammed here and there due to waves, had to buy goggles for protection against non-stop sprays and splashes, sometimes it was kind of hard to find exactly where I was coz/ everything looked a lot the same, always looking at the chartplotter and checking my course, and watching the depthsounder.<br /><br />So what's wrong with cruising on a single engine to a destination that's only 178 miles? My idea of offshore cruising is not 10 miles offshore, but between 1 and 1-1/2 miles only. Would it make a big difference if I have a 30 ft. boat? Anyone still needs the same skills to make the trip, assuming that weather is not an issue. Yes I have observed drastic changes in waves just between Coney Island and Jones Inlet, and what a relief it was seeing other boaters around you.<br /><br />178 miles is not long for me. Someday I will cruise all the way to florida. On a bigger boat of course. But I want to see what lies ahead on the next state south of me. I still have to make it to Cape May to hone my skills... If I cannot go that far (or that close), why do I have a 220hp V-8? I see myself getting a newer and slightly bigger boat next year but I am staying with a single engine. I still prefer a trailerable boat for flexibility. Easy to bring it to other places, lakes, and the like.

 

[Scali]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

window of opportunity with the weather is key, I fished with my friend in his 25 Chris Craft single screw just off Jersey { from JI } but it was perfect conditions..<br />When we get those high pressure systems planted over our area as often happens in the summer, it's a piece of cake really..<br />This week may have been a goody.<br />I think the thing is if it does kick up to 5-6 { or god forbid higher }out there it could be hairy in a 24' cuddy & the family with you & all. <br />The point I'm trying to make is you really have to do do your homework & choose your days, I dont know your hours logged as a boat owner so I'm trying to give you a reality check.<br />Sorry if I seemed off base .<br />If you were to put in your vacation time for a certain date & expect to do this cruise , it very well may be a no go as the weather really has to be on your side IMHO.<br />I believe with this trip cutting across by Manhatten is known to be rough waters, I wouldnt want to do that in a 24 on the wrong day, I dont think you can hug the coast all the way but may be wrong.<br />I understand your point , I wouldnt think twice about a day cruise from JI to Shinnicock hugging the beach in the right weather in your boat & one thing your boat has going for it which is a big plus is a closed transom with it's I/O ..<br />Try posting this topic on Thehulltruth.com or Boatered.com those are good for getting people to chime in who really know this cruise & may have done it..<br />Good Luck

 

[tommays]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

i agree with scali weather is the key and you could do it on the right day with out a problem<br /><br />the things that make it hard are that you probley only have a 70 gallon fuel tank ? which is the other big unnown your safe cruseing range in mildly rough weather<br /><br />how many bilge pumps do you have the standard boat usally just has one which will not be enough if thers a minor opps with a wave<br /><br /><br />i am thinking you dont have a kicker to keep you moveing and have some control of the boat if thers a break down <br /><br />i dont no how your family is with adventure some people fall apart when it gets a littel nasty i no my wife does not like open water at all<br /><br />i stick with the sound and the twin forks because when i go from montalk to block island i only need and hour of good weather to make a safe trip<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[swist]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Having done some long trips in the northeast, but in a 24' ProLine - perhaps a better offshore boat than a Maxum, one comment I would make is that "hugging the coast" is not only a false sense of security (if you capsize 1 mile from shore or 30 miles from shore you're in just as much trouble), but more importantly there are many more hazards to be encountered - traps, more boats, swimmers/surfers, shallow water etc.<br />The last (shallow water) can be the biggest problem as the surface wave action might actually be worse than farther offshore (bad chop instead of long swells).<br /><br />To my way of thinking, offshore is offshore and you need to be prepared for the trip as much as if you went point-to-point or hugged the coast. If it was me I would stay well off the coast (like point-to-point), and would make sure I was equipped with enough navigational aids (and skills!) to not assume that you could see land. You will have a much better chance of dealing with anything that happens.

 

[milkyway]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Wheeewww.. Excellent comments from you guys. I have only 75 hours of experience but I've been to 4 and 5 footers on the inlet, which was of course not even half a mile. Not comfortable. I have 65 gallons with 2 bilge pumps, since you asked. You guys are scaring me. I have to make that trip and further improve my navigation skills. I will never attempt to dare mother nature for the sake of it. Safety first. Maybe I will make a shorter trip, one way along the the jersey shore, and then come back. Maybe 3 hours at the most each way and see how it feels. I know where to fuel in the rockaways but not yet along jersey. I hope not to meet any of those cruise ships. Will advise you what happens. Thanks.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Milkyway, you could spend a little more time intercoastal and go down Reynold's Channel and out East Rockaway Inlet instead of going out Jones Inlet. There is a refueling station on the South side right before you go out the inlet. Check the weather before you go and make sure you have all your safety equipment including a flare kit that's required offshore. If you plan on making the cut somewhere around Coney Island, remember that you will be cutting across two huge shipping lanes going into and out of the Verrazano Narrows. Cross the lanes at a 90 degree angle so as to get yourself in and out as quickly as possible. I didn't read all the posts above, but if nobody mentioned it, definitely file a float plan with someone you trust. Also a GPS on this trip will be your best friend. Install a route on the GPS before you leave and you'll spend a lot less time worrying about where you're going and a lot more time enjoying the trip. <br /><br />It sounds like great fun. Let us know how it goes.<br /><br />The Rat<br />Former Jones Beach Coastie.

 

[milkyway]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Rat,<br /><br />I have coursed the reynolds channel twice and it was really slow. I can get to coney island but my first worry is how to cross about the shipping lanes. On my last cruise to the caribbean, there were these small fishing boats that crossed the fairway just exactly like you described it. i think it's 45 degrees from coney island. i said to myself " i can do that too". I have to determine the closest marina from that point on ...<br /><br />Question: How do you make reservation for a slip overnight? Do you call the marina by phone days ahead? Thanks.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

MW. Yes I would call ahead of time. Most likely you could find a spot once you get there, but it's not worth the risk in my opinion especially if you plan to arrive on a weekend.<br /><br />Have fun, I wish I had a boat I could do that type of stuff with.

 

[Scali]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

I think a couple of reasons why the waters around NYC are rough are youve got the East river which of course isnt a river @ all, it's a tidal straight & that sucker gets some current going in & out of the sound.<br />Also the Hudson canyon begins to form right there, theres a lot of different dynamics going on..<br />Swist makes a good point I bet hugging the coast is best done @ a minimum of 5-7 miles out which is about 50- 70 ' of water on average around here..<br />Get yourself a 31 Tiara, now theres a nice family cruiser that will handle this cruise no problem,

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Milky, Although that is a long cruise, I think you can enjoy it under the right conditions.<br /><br />I would be sure and locate (chart and GPS numbers) for Manasquan Inlet in NJ. It is the top of the inland waterway in NJ, and has fuel, repairs etc. You can duck in there if the weather goes south, and continue to Cape May across the protected ICW. You will definately need a chart to be able to follow the Point Pleasant Canal into Barnegat Bay. The next inlet south of Manasquan is Barnegat Inlet, home of the famous Barnegat Lighthouse. The ocean side of the inlet is always rougher than the ocean itself, due to boat traffic, tide and wind interaction. Be careful here. This inlet too gives access to the ICW, and again you should have a chart to assist you.<br /><br />I imagine that you will need to fuel up at least twice to have a safety margin and get to Cape May. Manasqual and Absecon inlets (at Atlantic City)would be my choices, if you can make it that far on a tank of fuel.

 

[milkyway]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Chris,<br /><br />Thanks for the staging points. Exactly one of key points that I need. Now I need to get to my Standard Horizon chartplotter and look up these points...

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

I admire your sense of adventure, I like to cruse also, I only have a 21' (actually 4" short of), but have taken it from Fire Island Inlet as far as Long Branch. That being said, I also pick my days, very carefully. I always plan alternative stops, & am not afraid to pull the plug, & say no go for today. Some of N.J. inlets can get nasty, & knowing when to stay outside 'til you get a favorable tide is sometimes uncomfortamle but necessary. Have you taken any boating courses? You can refuel inside Norton's Point, a little way up Coney Island Creek, or go across to the Atlantic Highlands, cheeper fuel & nice resturants. You'll have to go back outside Sandy Hook & further south to get to the Intercostal, but inside there it's pretty nice, but there are places where the water gets skinny. Get some paper charts, or a chart book, & plan your trip, learn what all the symbols on the chart mean, it's a lot more than a map!! It's a bold first long cruse, & a lot of the other people posting have some valid points. There are a lot of other destinations, personally I liked going up the Hudson, very historic & beautiful, plenty of places to overnight, & generally calmer water, once you pass the lower bay. Good luck, be safe have fun, come back & tell us about it. Joe P.S. It's always safer to do this w/ a partner boat, or in a convoy of boats, more fun too when you get there.

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Milkyway,<br />Not to discourage your plans but did you think of going the other way. <br />Head east and go into the Shinnecock inlet, or cruise up throught the bays. There are some nice sights along the canals in the Hamptons but it's a slower passage. Go through Shinnecock canal and into Peconic Bay and continue on east. There's Greenport and Sag Harbor, then Montauk and Block Island. Excellent cruising destinations. Have you ever been to Block Island? Quite unique.<br />Cape May is nice also but the cruise down along the coast may become long and tedius.<br />Just a suggestion. <br />Good luck with what you decide and write back and tell us your story. <br />Dave

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Wantagh, Long Island to Cape May, NJ

Milkyway,<br /><br />Get a chart book of NJ. The channels in the ICW can get interesting. <br /><br />Then, once you depart Coney Island, head south for the tip of sandy hook, then run the shoreline to Manasquan Inlet. Head in there and follow the ICW channel to barnegat bay, then through to egg harbor. There you can go back out the egg harbor inlet and you'll have about 60 miles or so left to cape may. You can also continue down the ICW a little further and come out on the ocean near Atlantic City in which case you'll have only about 30 miles to cape may. You may even be able to go further than that inshore but I am not certain.<br /><br />You can also just run the ocean the entire way but going inside the barrier island will make it a much more interesting trip. Up to you and what you want to do.<br /><br />Don't get discouraged. You've got plenty of boat for what you want to do as long as you use common sense at all times. Have fun out there and give a yell for Stiff Nibbles II on channel 68 when you're down toward barnegat, little egg. <br /><br />HAVE FUN!