T&T: Hudson currents and tides

[Dennis Bruckel]

Dan DeBruin asked...

Could the list help me with the effects of tide/current between NYC and
Troy.
How much does the current increase in the early spring? I would like to try
to
get here as soon after the Canal opens May 1. I know that the weather can be
extremely variable that early in the season and I may end up stopping at a
marina to leave the boat if the weather is exteme. Any suggestions that are
safe and relatively cheap if I had to leave it somewhere on the upper Hudson
for a few weeks?

Dennis replies...

I've not used a newer computer based tides and currents program on the
Hudson, but have traveled from Troy to New York City many, many times using
Eldridge. As I recall their stated time of current change goes only as far
north as West Point. Depending on the volume of water moving downstream,
the current can actually change all the way to Albany. Troy often has a
tidal change as much as 5-7 feet, although no current change.

The actual time of the current change is hard to predict as it depends on
many factors. But, generally its about an hour every twenty or so miles.
Eldrige gives the time correction from the current change at the Battery,
and time is added or subtracted to their stated change there. At Albany the
delay is 8-10 hours, midway between West Point and Albany, perhaps
Saugerties, the change of current will be 6-7 hours after the Battery.

Reading the local tide tables in magazines along the river is of little
help as they state the time of high and low water, not when the current
changes. Its difficult to make a trip up the Hudson with fair tides the
whole way unless you are willing to put in several short days.

Dennis



Dennis Bruckel, Cruising Editor
Waterway Guide
Albin 27  Sadie B
website www.debruckel.com