Cruising Guides – Which one you find more informative?

[Alex F]

I’ve been using different sources and “Waterway Cruising Guide” to get head start for my trips planning. I find “Waterway Cruising Guide” a good source, but it provides only very high level overview on desired destinations. I’m looking to find something more informative in terms of suggestions on good destinations and things to do.

My focus is on LI Sound, South Shore LI, Rhode Island and New England regions.

Which guides you guys find more informative and worth purchasing?

 

[Ididntdoit]

I like the Richardsons Maptech guides - I have the NE and LI sound to cape may ones (a couple years old) if you would like to borrow them let me know

 

[rcknecht]

I like following someone who will do all the research for me... I use guy by the name of Alex... He is very thorough...

 

[rcmafgny]

Agree!

 

[tcason]

try active captain on-line and its free

 

[Tonka Boater]

Try Managing The Waterway cruising guides. I've spoken with the owner/publisher, Mark Doyle. He's a great guy and he and his wife live aboard and write all of the guides themselves -- all based on first hand experience. Most of the guides are updated weekly.

http://www.managingthewaterway.com/guides-books

 

[Alex F]

I like the Richardsons Maptech guides - I have the NE and LI sound to cape may ones (a couple years old) if you would like to borrow them let me know

Thanks for the offer, Mike. I'd like to buy the one that will get majority of votes. I'm sure I'll be using it for good few years. My Waterway Guide Northern is from 2007, but it still a great helping hand.

Try Managing The Waterway cruising guides. I've spoken with the owner/publisher, Mark Doyle. He's a great guy and he and his wife live aboard and write all of the guides themselves -- all based on first hand experience. Most of the guides are updated weekly.

http://www.managingthewaterway.com/guides-books

This looks like great resource. I just can't find anything for Northeast regions. Is it my lack of knowledge how to navigate their site or does their publication only goes up to VA?

 

[Tonka Boater]

This looks like great resource. I just can't find anything for Northeast regions. Is it my lack of knowledge how to navigate their site or does their publication only goes up to VA?

That's a good question. The site looks professional but it's confusing to navigate. I will PM you Mark's email address and you can give you details.

 

[chuck1]

I use them all and others like active captain, and Quimbys for the inland rivers, etc.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Here's another vote for the Richardson's Maptech guides. I forgot that I have a few....I'm looking at my Florida/Bahamas guide and it's very comprehensive. They wanted me to advertise my app in their guides and sent me some free Embassy Cruising Guides. I also have Long Island Sound to Cape May, NJ.

http://www.richardsonscharts.com/

 

[bahamabreisus]

Try to find "waterway cruising for dummies" its great. Used it going to FL a few yrs ago.

 

[Alex F]

No one else is using any kind of cruising guides?

 

[Greg]

No one else is using any kind of cruising guides?

I'm still waiting to find out which one you pick. Then I'll know which one to get.

Actually I find a lot of things to do and places to go just by 'using the Google'. I think our trip this year will be more local, maybe Long Island Sound also.

 

[Pack66Dad]

In the Puget Sound there is really only one: http://waggonerguide.com/

 

[Alex F]

I'm still waiting to find out which one you pick. Then I'll know which one to get.

Actually I find a lot of things to do and places to go just by 'using the Google'. I think our trip this year will be more local, maybe Long Island Sound also.

:grin:

Greg, I think I'll get the "Embassy Cruising Guide: Long Island Sound, 12th Edition" http://www.richardsonscharts.com/product_detail.php?id=13

Google has always been one of my primary resources as well.

I think you might have this site from our previous cruise planning, but I think it provides good info: http://www.coastalboating.net/Cruising/Destinations/NE-US/

In the Puget Sound there is really only one: http://waggonerguide.com/

View attachment 23200

This is a great site, but unfortunately they don't have anything for Northeast.

 

[ChuckW]

There's no one best source i find. I use multiple...

Active captain, as previously mentioned.
Marinalife
Atlantic cruising club

All online and combined i can figure out all the ideas and details i need.

Chuck

 

[Alex F]

Thanks Chuck. I agree with you, this is the case with a lot of things where there's no "all-in-one" version that gives you everything. No wonder why it takes so long to complete our cruise planning.

 

[ChuckW]

I almost forgot...once you decide where you're going, don't forget the Coast Pilot's. I keep a PDF of them on my laptop and phone. http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/nsd/cpdownload.htm

 

[Russ Calasant]

We use Maptech but usually it's just to get the local marina VHF channel or Pumpout boat, not much else. I'm interested if anyone uses anything good and finds it valuable. I really haven't seen much use for them, although our cruise range has not been far. I hope we will have more use for one soon.

 

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

Just traveled from Port Canaveral Fl to Houston TX with no more than Dozier's Waterway Guide beside me and a great 610DA under me......and of course some of the best Raymarine has to offer.


R