GL: Cruising New Jersey

[Ralph Yost]

"Tom & Claire suggested a need to avoid the ICW in New Jersey because of
too shallow water for his 4.5 foot draft boat.  That is not as accurate
as it could be.  It is a very viable trip taken with judicious use of
tides. Skinwalker, our 49 foot, 4.5 foot draft Marine Trader, has done
the inside route and found traveling the six hours from half high to
half high tide presented no problems and never saw less then 6 foot of
water.  Outside of the channel is another matter.  Cape May to Manesquan
is easily do-able and opens a whole new cruising adventure.  Inside is
more fun and slower, outside, however, is considerably faster."


I have to completely agree. I would not hesitate to take the ICW with a
4ft or 4.5 ft draft boat, but I would be paying attention to the tides.
Tidal range is about 3.5-4.5 ft depending on the moon and weather
conditions. I have done it myself many times, but then again, its always
with a single screw boat and I am more adventurous than some.

You don't have to run outside all the way to Manasquan, if you want to
make progress on windy days. Get up to A.C. however you choose, then you
can go easily ICW to Manasquan, taking you through Great Bay and
Barnegat Bay. The one caveat is after July 4 the GREAN HEADS come out
along the ICW.
R.


-----Original Message-----
From: great-loop-bounces+ralph=alphacompservices.com at lists.samurai.com
[mailto:great-loop-bounces+ralph=alphacompservices.com at lists.samurai.com
] On Behalf Of Wayne & Lynn Flatt
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 6:01 AM
To: great-loop at lists.samurai.com
Subject: GL: Cruising New Jersey