T&T: Cape May to Manasquan, Jersey Shore

[Steve Sipe]

Lawrence Zeitlin wrote:

<snip>
> Going offshore along the coast of New Jersey seems to bother a lot of  
> boaters. It is an easy trip if you chose your weather window  
> properly. We have done it numerous times in small boats ranging from  
> a 22' sailboat to our present Willard. Generally we make the trip in  
> two easy stages, Cape May to Atlantic City (Abescon) and Atlantic  
> City to Manasquan,
<snip>
We're in the process of making that run southbound right now, we're 
anchored in the Metedeconk River (don't ask me how to pronounce that). 
We draw an honest 5 ft, and although the passage up through Manesquan 
River was skinny at spots, it is well-marked, we had no trouble finding 
our way up into the river through the Point Pleasant Canal and into the 
Metedeconk River. It is a decent place to anchor, although I imagine 
during the summer weekends it probably gets pretty busy here.

Don't overlook Shark River & Belmar to the north. We stopped on both 
north & south runs, we found it a great stop-off. We stayed at Belmar 
Marina (municipal). Took on 600 gallons of fuel at $3.779. The marina is 
secure, clean, and the folks there were pleasant. The town is close, an 
easy walk gets you to hardware, shopping, West Marine, and Freedman's 
Bakery, not to miss. Our daughter was along and rented a car to make the 
3 hour run home to visit with grandparents & friends before she returns 
to the west coast. The Hertz facility is within walking distance, about 
1.5 mi.
    The inlet and passage up the river to the marina can be tricky, 
check out Active Captain for details, we followed the fishing charters 
in & out, they were quick to suggest we fall in behind them through the 
bridges (3 of them) and we followed their lead through the bridges. One 
is only 50 ft wide, so currents can be intimidating. The bridge 
operators were great with timing the openings. There is a bascule right 
at the inlet, and as the guides suggest, have the bridge tender open 
prior to entering the inlet.

We passed on Barnegat heading north.

Steve Sipe
Solo 4303 "Maerin"
lying Metedeconk River, NJ
40003.129'N  074004.085'W