Cruising Guide Recommendations (NY/NJ/MD)

Alex F

Alex F

Well-Known Member
Nov 14, 2006
9,166
Miami / Ft Lauderdale
Boat Info
2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
Engines
Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
Now that we’ve upgraded to 320DA I need to learn a different way to plan my trips (by water, no trailer option). As I understand, the first step is to get a good cruising guide. I’ve seeing number of them and don’t really know which is better. Can you guys recommend which one should I get?

So far a good helping tool I got the PC Planner from C-Map. I just have to learn how to create routs and copy them to the user card.

The longest cruise we’ve done on our 240DA from Barnegat Bay to Atlantic City. The idea of the cruise was to get from point A to point B and enjoy the stay at the final destination. Now that we have bigger boat I’d like to learn how to plan a cruise with multiple stops and include some fun activities on shore as well (sightseeing, activities for kids, parks and museums, etc.). Is this something that gets covered in cruising guides?

I would appreciate any other tips and trick for cruising plans anyone may share.

Thanks,
Alex.
 
For MD, the best one is the the Cruising Guide to the Chesapeake Bay.

Coming from NJ, and depending on the length of your trip(s), I would look into Cape May, then Chesapeake City in the C&D Canal, and then there are various options on the upper Chesapeake Bay depending on your preferences. Baltimore, Annapolis, Havre de Grace, Great Oak Landing, Still Pond, Middle River area, even St Michaels. It depends how far and how long you plan to come.

Another excellent cruising guide is this forum. Just give approximate dates, number of days, and preferences (family, couple, quiet/party, city, at anchor, etc.) and a number of people will give you suggestions.

Some cruising guides focus more on the charts, while others focus on narrative. You probably want to get one of each kind.

Congratulations on the 320.

Esteban
 
Alex,

I have found the Dozier's Waterway Guides (http://www.waterwayguide.com) to be terrific and packed with great, up-to-date info. I got the Northeast and Great Lakes editions last winter and they were invaluable for my summer cruising. They also provide a great starting place for your web research. Start with a marina that looks good on paper, then check it out at at the marina's site and marinas.com (another terrific site).

Happy planning!
 
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Thanks for the tips guys. I don't have any dates yet, but I'll start putting them togther, so I could ask about specific destinations and cruising times.

I guess, in the meantime I'll keep myself busy with reading and get ready for new advantures.

Thanks,
Alex.
 
alex
when you are ready for destination ideas, let me know. i've got some good ideas for you if you havent done them already with the 240 (besides AC). i probably asked you this before :huh: Is your boat in morganville or on barnegat?
 
My boat is actually in Barnegat bay (chadwick Isl.). My idea was to get some useful guide so I can start planning my trips. I had few trips in mind. Couple for distantce
like 50 miles or more (A/C, Long Island, NYC), which we would do over a long weekend or a weeklong vacation. Others, something shorter (something along the shore, either way south or north from where we’re) to make our regular 2-3 day weekends more exciding.

I looked at this book “A Cruising Guide to New Jersey Waters” and really didn’t like it. It’s black and white with latest publication in 2004. It’s good train reading, but I was looking for something better. http://www.landfallnav.com/-ben100.html

There’s something else that I think could be the best choice (Red Stripe, thanks for the link) “Waterway Guides For Northern Region” http://www.waterwayguide.com/publications.php, this looks like might be something with great details, but stores don’t have them, so I can’t take a quick look at it. I guess, I’ll just have to buy it.

In this post guys are asking for my dates and destinations, which I don’t have simply b/c I was hopping to do my homework using a guide and start putting together places and dates.

If you could recommend something as a starting point (books, charts, websites) for me it’ll be great. Since you know our area well may be you can suggest few good destinations as well. I would appreciate any information.

Thanks,
Alex.
 
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alex
i have the 2005 Waterway Guide for Northern (which is from C&D canal to Massachusettes. it's pretty good - i've referred to it a LOT and and i would recommend it as a good starting point as it contains some very helpful info, as well as descriptions of some marinas, things that are "MUST SEE" when you reach a destination, marina amenities (like if it has a pool, which is vERY important for the kids (and me). anything more that you'd need (in terms of details abt inlets, channels, etc.) you can get from people here on the SR boards. i've gotten a TON of great local knowledge, such as what side of the channel to stay on as you pass marker X of the icw, where uncharted sandbars are lurking, or from what direction you should approach townsend inlet, etc.
 
Ronnds and Jim, thatnks for the tips. I found Waterway Guide 2007 in WM, but they told me that 2008 edition should be in shortly after new year. I'll be getting one as soon it's available.

Happy Holidays to all.
Alex.
 
marinas.com was extremely helpful when we went to ocean city, NJ. had NO idea where the marina was or what to look for (had never been down there before). great website.
 
Alex,

I do all of the trip planning for our group, and for us located on the Chesapeake Bay picking destinations is not that hard because there are so many of them. The one thing I look for though is activities once we arrive, for instance the Pirate Festival at Rock Hall last season was a great trip, as was our cruise to New York. I use the Chesapeake Bay Magazine for ideas; their calendar section gives you heads up information on local activities on the water front. All of our weekend cruises are done with a group and we always have a party.

Good luck with your planning...
 
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Thanks for the tips guys. Despite the fact that this thread is from 2007 I always welcome any suggestions on improving my way of finding interesting destinations and things to do when we get there.
 
Alex F ~

When you decide to come this way, Chesapeake Bay area, you should let us know. There are several of us on this site from this area. We would be more than happy to show you around.
If you are looking for a wild event - Fairlee Creek, especially during the weekends of the Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, Labor Day Weeekend.
 
Searaybio270 said:
Alex F ~

When you decide to come this way, Chesapeake Bay area, you should let us know. There are several of us on this site from this area. We would be more than happy to show you around.
If you are looking for a wild event - Fairlee Creek, especially during the weekends of the Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, Labor Day Weeekend.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer. I'd love to visit your area some day and meet CSR members who couldn't make it to AC Rendezvous. I realy hope to make the trip next summer, but it's way too early to determine if it'll be possible.

Cheers,
Alex.
 
Well, I will be heading to the Chesapeake this summer. We'll be going for two weeks. Last week of July, first week of August.

The plan, right now anyway, is to head out July 23rd, maybe stop by Barnegat Bay area, then maybe Ocean City, MD.

Until July 27th where we will watch the Ponies swim:
http://www.assateagueisland.com/ponyswim/ponyswim.htm

Then head down around into the bottom of the Chesapeake, and up through the bay.

Then head through the C&D and make my way back home.

I am still trying to figure out all the 'Must See' places in the Chesapeake so please let me know.

Alex, Maybe we can get together either on my way down past you, or on the way back.
 
Greg, I recommend getting in touch with Bill (Hack4alivin). He plans some very good trips and he knows the area very well. Plus, we would know and come out to meet you.
Bottom of the bay - St. Michael's without a doubt. Make sure you go into town and visit Ava's. Awesome resturant. The the St. Mike's winery. Then the brewery. Then go back to Ava's. Oh, I am reliving my anniversary. YES!!!!
 
hack4alivin said:
Alex,

I do all of the trip planning for our group, and for us located on the Chesapeake Bay picking destinations is not that hard because there are so many of them. The one thing I look for though is activities once we arrive, for instance the Pirate Festival at Rock Hall last season was a great trip, as was our cruise to New York. I use the Chesapeake Bay Magazine for ideas; their calendar section gives you heads up information on local activities on the water front. All of our weekend cruises are done with a group and we always have a party.

Good luck with your planning...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips, Bill. I'll ask you for more details when we'll be ready to head your way.

Greg said:
Well, I will be heading to the Chesapeake this summer. We'll be going for two weeks. Last week of July, first week of August.

The plan, right now anyway, is to head out July 23rd, maybe stop by Barnegat Bay area, then maybe Ocean City, MD.

Until July 27th where we will watch the Ponies swim:
http://www.assateagueisland.com/ponyswim/ponyswim.htm

Then head down around into the bottom of the Chesapeake, and up through the bay.

Then head through the C&D and make my way back home.

I am still trying to figure out all the 'Must See' places in the Chesapeake so please let me know.

Alex, Maybe we can get together either on my way down past you, or on the way back.
Click to expand...

Greg,

That sounds great. I'll be happy to meet you guys. But, if there's a chance to tag along to Chesapeake area for at least a part of the trip that would be awesome.

The good thing is that we've got plenty of time to plan our trips. It would be nice if the fuel prices don't mess things up too much, though.
 
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