Detroit to Miami

[34Hatt]

We ran a 48' Ocean up the ditch from St Augustine to Norfolk at the beginning of May. I really don't think it was as bad as everyone says. There IS the occaissional "bumping" bottom, but it is soft and mucky. If you pay REAL close attention to PAPER charts (up to date) and your plotter, you should be ok.

Well like I said before we Hit in-between two bouys you could not be in the center of the so called canal any better. We hit sand bottom at 8 kts bent both wheels one shaft and tore the shaft saver apart!!!!! So much for being a shaft saver had to be hauled shaft straighten and spare wheels put on lost two days. It would have been worst if we where going fast. Also the boat I was on was its ninth time with two other Captains who made the trip over a combine total of 30 plus times. But like they say S$$T Happens.
So my point is do as much home work as possible and the forums as we all know is one of the best ways to get up to date Info.
I wish I was doing the trip Enjoy .

 

[labrador]

You are talking about the Manasquan inlet. I would not even think of trying to go South from there to Cape May inside. Do yourself a favor, Gas up in Atlantic Highlands and go to either Atlantic City or Cape May. You will never make it to Cape may from Manasquan with your props or shafts if you go inside. Its only a 100 mile trip to AC from Atlantic Highlands. You can stop for fuel at either shark river or manasquan however.

 

[jcrlaw]

I concur with labrador, don't even think about Manasquan. I've made the trip from Maine to Florida over 30 times. The ICW is just fine from Norfolk down as long as you don't push it too hard and pay attention. I also agree with the use of the most current paper charts. Georgia is not bad at all (maybe boring, but not bad). Unless you have an incredible desire to slowly see Florida from the ICW, I would cut outside shortly after crossing the state line; however, if this is your first trip then stay inside. It's interesting the first 3 times! In May, going north, there was a great deal of activity in the Myrtle Beach area: take it slow and enjoy. It is a wonderful trip. Have a great time.

 

[Walter P]

Maynard, We would love to have you stay over at our club for a rest on your way down to Fla. We are located on your way in NJ on the Shrewsbury River. It is called Patten Point Yacht Club and is a very pleasant place to lay over to re charge yourself as my guest. There are several other forum members nearby and it would be a good opportunity to meet each other.

Regarding the advice about Sandy Hook to Cape May.... Absolutely do NOT attempt the NJ intracoastal from Manasquan to Cape May. You WILL need to change props or worse at least a few times. The run outside is not bad if you pick your day. Inlets are reasonably close together (1-3 hrs apart). Unless you want to visit the Chesapeake, I would also recommend outside from Cape May to Norfolk, Va. It saves a day and gives you the opportunity to stop at Ocean City, MD.

My cell # is 732-991-5665 Walter P (48 MY)

 

[rangerscott275]

Maynard,

I have taken my 53my through Manasquan inlet internally down to Atlantic City. I had no real problems navigating as it was very well marked and though shallow, never presented a problem. There were a few bridges (1 or 2 of them were drawbridges that I needed to call to open), other than that no height problems either. From Atlantic City I took the Ocean to Cape May.

 

[34Hatt]

You are talking about the Manasquan inlet. I would not even think of trying to go South from there to Cape May inside

.
Yeah we went F.I to Norfolk also but had our problem in Wrightsville Beach N.C probally would have made it with a higher tide but stop for lunch in Wrightsville. It was low tide then boy did that Lunch cost time and $$.

 

[Rickysa]

You have to be careful in the intercoastal. Even years back we hit bottom right in that cut that runs through the firing range (is it Cherry Point?). Anyway, we were in the middle of this narrow cut and got quite a surprise. Local knowledge is key. Ask questions at every spot along the way and radio to vessels that you pass from time to time.

Topsail Island NC....skinny, skinny, skinny water and narrow

We are in Beaufort (NC) right beside the ICW...if you need an info on the Morehead/Beaufort area, let me know!

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Maynard, We would love to have you stay over at our club for a rest on your way down to Fla. We are located on your way in NJ on the Shrewsbury River. It is called Patten Point Yacht Club and is a very pleasant place to lay over to re charge yourself as my guest. There are several other forum members nearby and it would be a good opportunity to meet each other.

Regarding the advice about Sandy Hook to Cape May.... Absolutely do NOT attempt the NJ intracoastal from Manasquan to Cape May. You WILL need to change props or worse at least a few times. The run outside is not bad if you pick your day. Inlets are reasonably close together (1-3 hrs apart). Unless you want to visit the Chesapeake, I would also recommend outside from Cape May to Norfolk, Va. It saves a day and gives you the opportunity to stop at Ocean City, MD.

My cell # is 732-991-5665 Walter P (48 MY)

Iooked at the Shrewsbury River on the electronic charts and I am confused. It looks like we would have to go on the wrong side of sandy hook to get to the river and then back track to the ocean. Isn't there any cut between that river area and the ocean?

 

[Walter P]

Maynard,

Your observation of the Shrewsbury River running paralel to the Atlantic is correct, however it's not so bad since you will probably be near for fuel in any event. I think the few extra minutes down the river to our club will be very worth while and you will be able to relax for a while - so long as time permits. Call me and we can discuss details...... Walt P.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Once you get out of the Hudson DO NOT PLAN ON GOING INSIDE UNTIL YOU GET TO CAPE MAY unless it's just for fuel. A good stop is Atlantic Highlands inside of Sandy Hook where you will find the cheapest gas (if I remember you are gas) in the area. I keep my boat on the Navesink river in Red Bank and am moving to New Bern N.C. in 2 weeks. Will be taking the boat down the end of Sept. If you're going to be exiting the Hudson around that time we could go down together thru the Chesapeake and into the ditch. I'm also a sailor and race on a J44 who was doing the around Long Island race which started yesterday( however due to business I had to stay home) And I heard they dropped their rudder and are being towed in as we speak. Oh well good thing I didn't go. Let me know when youn plan on being around Sandy Hook outside N.Y. harbor and maybe we can hook up. Skip office 732 222 4600.

Skip, thanks for the info. We are leaving Detroit on Labor Day so I guess we will be in New York City about a week later. Maybe too soon for you.

 

[ADaily3224]

Maynard:
I can put you up in Buffalo, our Town House Association has 38 docks in Erie Basin Marina, and it's no charge too. I could also lend you charts of the Erie Canal system, and I think I have the Hudson River. Coming from Detroit will probably take you two days, so the timing could be right for an overnight in Buffalo. I highly recommend you follow the markers to the Buffalo Harbor, don't attempt a trip down the Niagara without local knowledge, although going under the Peace Bridge with a 13 MPH following current can be exciting, it is very tricky. Let me know.
Tony D

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Maynard:
I can put you up in Buffalo, our Town House Association has 38 docks in Erie Basin Marina, and it's no charge too. I could also lend you charts of the Erie Canal system, and I think I have the Hudson River. Coming from Detroit will probably take you two days, so the timing could be right for an overnight in Buffalo. I highly recommend you follow the markers to the Buffalo Harbor, don't attempt a trip down the Niagara without local knowledge, although going under the Peace Bridge with a 13 MPH following current can be exciting, it is very tricky. Let me know.
Tony D

Thanks Tony..I will look you up. Please send me a PM with a phone #. We plan on going straight from Detroit to Buffalo. If we stop it would be in Canada which would necessitate two customs events. We figure that isn't worth the hassle. Canada is easy but there is no easy and legal way to enter the US with a boat. I figure we will get to Buffalo by mid morning of the day after Labor Day, weather permitting. Maybe we could swap some lies over lunch.

 

[stewart]

I have cleared cleared Canadian and US customs twice in the last two years by telephone, Coberg Ont. Trenton Ont. and Oswageo NY. with no problems. There is a free video telephone at Osweago. Also you need 19 or less feet to clear all the bridges Albany to Georgian Bay Ont. Cheers Stewart

 

[67hat34c]

Guessing you will be cruising the ICW in Fl. nice run. Stop and see us in Merritt Island, Harbour Town typicaly has a few slips for transients. Let me know ahead of time if you want to stay there and I will find a slip for you.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Guessing you will be cruising the ICW in Fl. nice run. Stop and see us in Merritt Island, Harbour Town typicaly has a few slips for transients. Let me know ahead of time if you want to stay there and I will find a slip for you.

pm me a way to contact you and I will call you a few days before we get to your area. Thanks

 

[Boatsb]

Harbortown Merritt Island? Which dock? Whick boat?

 

[MarioG]

Maynard slow down and wait for me! Our boat is in Maryland. I'll be ready to do "the ditch" in late September early October. So stop on by and join me for some crabs and a beer. You lead the way, I'll bring up the rear.

Mario

 

[67hat34c]

Yes Merritt Island, we are on D-27. Be there this weekend, most likely saturday.

 

[67hat34c]

Harbortown Merritt Island? Which dock? Whick boat?


Is that you over on the E dock slip 3? 60's 41c?

 

[Timeless56]

Maynard:

I just did the trip in May in my 52'C "The Good Stuff". We left Cape Canaveral, FL and ran the boat back to Catawba Island, Ohio. We had incredible weather and ran out side all the way to Beufort, NC. 1st day Cape Canaveral to St. Simons Island, GA both great inlets., 2nd day - St. Simons Island,GA to Southport, NC. 3rd Day ran inside from Southport and out Masonboro Inlet(Wrightsville Beach) to Oriental, NC. 4th day - Oriental, NC inside the sounds(much faster than taking the Ditch. Watch for shallow spots just north of Coinjock, NC) to Norfolk, VA 5th day - Norfolk, VA to Cape May, NJ, 6th day - Cape May, NJ to NYC(Jersey side, much cheaper). 7th day - NYC to Albany Yacht Club, (Troy City docks were closed at the time) tthis was a full day on the Hudson River. 8th day Lock1 to Lock 12. 9th day Lock 12 to Brewerton, NY(must stay at Ess Kay Marina and visit with George Mann) 10th day - Brewerton, NY to Oswego, NY for fuel and across Lake Ontario to Port Weller. Do not fuel in Canada. Day 11 - The Welland Canal, Hire Dino Mcdonald for $150.00 to get you through faster and unscathed. (PM me for his number) Day 12 - Port Colbourne to Vermilion, OH , Day 13 - Vermilion, OH to dock on Catawba Island. Feel free to PM me or call me with any questions regarding the trip. I've done the trip many times and would be happy to help in any way I can. We will be up in your area the last week of August through Labor Day. Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River & Bayfield etc. Good Luck!

Regards,


Mike Petrigan
"The Good Stuff"
1987 52'C
(216) 695-6356