Barnegat Bay Info

BigBoysToys

BigBoysToys

New Member
Mar 12, 2013
421
Hudson River/NY Harbor/LI Sound
Boat Info
2009 Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht
Engines
Twin Volvo Penta IPS600
I have family staying in Seaside Park for the 4th of July weekend and they asked us to come down with the boat for the weekend. I've never been in the Bay here, only passed by out in the ocean. My boat is roughly 50' and draws about 52" fully loaded. Is there anywhere we can stay? Is there adequate depth for safe navigation? What is there to do by boat in the area? We have a 30hp tender as well so we can access shallower areas if necessary. I know you guys will give me all the local info I need and then some.


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Rod, 15 years on this bay and had no idea this marina existed!
Very good reviews on ActiveCaptain, but the approach for a boat that draws over 4' is going to be harrowing. Matter of fact, BigBoyToys, plan on seeing not much more than 6' depths when you leave the ICW. It's not so bad, once you get used to it.
 
rondds said:
Rod, 15 years on this bay and had no idea this marina existed!
Very good reviews on ActiveCaptain, but the approach for a boat that draws over 4' is going to be harrowing. Matter of fact, BigBoyToys, plan on seeing not much more than 6' depths when you leave the ICW. It's not so bad, once you get used to it.
Click to expand...

Normally I wouldn't be terribly concerned but I've got ips pods. The last thing I want to do is damage one of those damn things. I'd prefer to do all the research I can before we go, IF we go. Is the Toms River deeper? I would stay upriver and just see the family for a couple dinners. I'm not much for sitting on the beach all day so I'm looking for recommendations on what else to do there.


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I do not think that you will have any issues through the ICW to the Toms River bridge. I draw 42" and never had an issue. As you aaproach the TR bridge you will see the sticks to your port ... which brings you into the marina. This might be the area of concern.. best to plan that at a higher tide. You can also stay on the hook in the approaching bay which is 14 ft deep.. I have stay on the hook there for years ..dinghy to shore (seaside). Locals call this area jump island. Anchor set is tricky as the bottom is heavy mud.. also a very protected area. My preference is to stay on the hook .. enjoy !
 
Big Boy
Toms River is definitely deeper and less unsettling. There are three marinas you could contact for a slip. First as you head west on the north side of the river is Dillion's Creek Marina. Further west, on the south side is Shore Point Marina. And all the way up the river (about 4 miles) is Lighthouse Point Marina. We kept our boat there for 2 seasons. I'd look into those. As you mentioned, you could always take the tender out to visit your family. You may also want to check out Pier One Marina http://www.pieronemotelandmarina.com/marina.php. Much easier dink ride across. There are some big boats in there and they have slips up to 80'. This may be your 2nd best choice if you can't get into Seaside Park Public.

The bay is definitely a shocker for someone who is used to looking at the depth finder and seeing double digits routinely. That just doesn't happen down here. BUT if you are careful and watch the markers and your speed, you will be fine.
 
Dillon' Creek Marina, in Island Heights is a 5 minute drive to Seaside Park...Brain is the owner, and the link is below... Dillon's Creek is a classy place... Light House Point is a beautiful Marina, but it is 10+ minutes farther from the beach.

The Shore Point Marina has the good fuel prices, with 10 cents off per gal for BoatUS... It is a nice marina, but it is too far to drive to the beach...

I know the John Kleva, who runs the Seaside Park Marina, had the entrance dredged. It is the best location for meeting you family...



http://dillonscreekmarina.net/
 
Great info guys. Much appreciated. Which of these marinas would be the most fun? Bars, restaurants, live music, pools, etc?


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BigBoysToys said:
Great info guys. Much appreciated. Which of these marinas would be the most fun? Bars, restaurants, live music, pools, etc?

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Click to expand...

Pools: Lighthouse Point
Bars/Restaurants: Seaside Park or Lighthouse Point
Live Music: Some by boat (Water's Edge, The Cove, Water Street Grill, Xiana, Captain's Inn, Latitudes) Seaside Park for walking
 
Lighthouse point has a fabulous pool right on the river and usually live music poolside Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There's also a bar at the pool.

If you like your family you should try to get into the Seaside Marina esp if Rod says the approach has been dredged. Seaside is a fun place with a boardwalk. If you want to be able to step away from the fam go to one of the marinas across the bay!

I would suggest you make a reservation asap. We have been closed out of Farley State Marina in AC and two more of our other favorite destinations this summer. Seems the Sandy Effect that created so many slip vacancies in the "cruising boat size" market is just about over.
 
Last edited:
BigBoy
What did you wind up doing?
 
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