Cruising from Deltaville Va to Oyster bay NY

[pk2684]

Hello All,

Recently bought a 1981 36ft Ford Lehman 120 and will be making the trip back in the upcoming weeks. Has anybody made a similar trip? and if so can you please share some tips ie good marinas to stop at along the way and any clue how long it would take if we were looking to cruise 10hrs or so a day. I ideally would like to make it back to the Long Island sound in 3 days. Suggested root would be up the Chesapeake through the canal down around jersey ect. Thank you in advance for the help.

Paul

[jleonard]

I have made that trip in an old Mainship so I know the route. But the Mainship was much faster.
Figure 7 knots times 10 hours = 70 nautical miles MAX per day. Currents (even cross currents) will affect your speed big time in that boat.
I don't know the mileage, but I think 3 days is a big stretch. 5 running days yes, and will make a much nicer trip.
Lots of places to stop over night in the Bay. Annapolis perhaps if you can make that. I don't know the mileage.
Chesapeake City is at the Chessy Bay end of the C&D canal and is a good anchorage for overnight. You should be able to make that from Annapolis.
You'll probably need to start from there to make Cape May in a day depending upon the wind/current in the Delaware river.
In Cape May I like Utch's marina. Good fuel stop if you need it and they are friendly. Last time I was there the bathrooms were immaculate.
From there you should be able to make Barnegat inlet from either the inside or outside. You can anchor in Tices Shoal or go into the Forked River and dock at the Captain's Inn for cheap if you eat there (you'll be hungry after 10 hours). You can also anchor just inside Barnegat inlet there is a little anchorage on the port side after the breakwater. You'll see it on the charts.
From there you may be able to make Oyster Bay if the East river gives you a nice shove. If you're bucking it you'll have plenty of time to take pics of NYC and make an alternate plan.
These are only a couple of options, there are many more.
Best of luck with your delivery trip.

[Carl]

I found these sites very helpful when planning a trip from Deale to OC Md. I would be sure to have the updated charts for the Del Bay in case you have any trouble. Not a lot of choices in some areas. The calculator site was spot on. Spend the time in front of your plotter and lay down the route when your not bobing around. Have fun, sounds like a nice trip!!






http://frugalnavigator.com/cart


http://www.boatbookings.com/yachting_co ... tances.php


http://www.offshoreblue.com/cruising/cd-canal.php

[Jeremyvmd]

In cape may I would say south jersey marina. Not the cheapest but very nice place to stay. Barnegate bay is a great stopping place, if you find yourself there you should swing by key harbor, home to shady lady;). Im sure Fred could find you a spot. Good place to fuel up too!

[pk2684]

Appreciate all the feedback..Much appreciated.

[Jay Knoll]

I don't have a chart of the upper Delaware bay but check out the submerged jetty on the western shore south of the CD canal entrance. Years ago a friend of mine (who was a very experienced sailor/large ship captain) put his 40' sailboat on it, things did not go well, but he was able to get it towed off and repaired.

[tbnolin]

Sounds like a nice trip....no worries...all will work. Just take your time and enjoy the scenery! Unfortunately, our trip south was late in the year and we opted to shoot down the coast to Norfolk, so we missed the Chesapeake Bay and all it has to offer. Ahhhh yes...Oyster Bay....I was born in Bethpage many moons ago!!

[ScubaPete]

If you want the best information about marinas, anchorages, fuel prices and hazards along the way, then a membership in Active Captain is worth it's weight in gold. (It's free by the way) Lots of boaters write reviews about the places marked on the interactive charts, so you get a first hand review about a place before you even get there. I never plan a trip without spending a few hours on Active Captain.

https://activecaptain.com/

Just register and begin using. As you submit your own reviews, you can accumulate points and get a FREE HAT !!!
It does require ActiveX so it doesn't work well on an iPad or iPhone.

[pk2684]

Boat made it to Northport in five days with no overnights. While I couldn't complete the journey myself due to work etc. Captain said all was good and only ruptured a hydraulic line on the bow thruster so it was a successful trip. If anybody is looking to transport a boat from the Deltalville area I can recommend a great capt. Safe cruising - Paul