Prince William Marina to National Harbor and Beyond

[Steve195]

We dropped off my buddy's 19 SPX for it's 20 hour service at PWM yesterday and are going to pick it up on Saturday morning. Before we take it back to Lake Anna, we thought about maybe launching at PWM and going to National Harbor and perhaps beyond towards the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.

Is that a reasonable trip in his 19 footer and about how long a trip would it be, assuming a decent cruising speed (after the loooonnnnngggg no wake zone!!)??

 

[ZZ13]

I used to do that trip all the time in my 300DA when I lived up there. We'd go anchor out beside the Tidal Basin/Jefferson Memorial and read the serial numbers off the bottoms of the planes going to/from National Airport (OK, not literally - but they are low). I'd say its a crap shoot from a comfort standpoint on a 19 foot bow rider. Distance isn't a problem, but you could have a bouncy day on the water depending on the wind and the amount of boat traffic that day. If it were me, I'd go for it and just turn around and come home if the ride got uncomfortable. You could also stop at the dock at Alexandria and walk around the town there for a few hours as well.

 

[alnav]

If you do make the trip, in case you don't know, the District of Columbia requires proof of a Boater Safety course for all operators regardless of age. It can be satisfied by an on-line version but the water police will frequently stop, check and cite for it if not presented.

 

[Steve195]

If you do make the trip, in case you don't know, the District of Columbia requires proof of a Boater Safety course for all operators regardless of age. It can be satisfied by an on-line version but the water police will frequently stop, check and cite for it if not presented.

Thanks for the info, but no worries as we all have taken the course and carry the proof with us. It's required in Virginia, too.

 

[importmonkey]

Our first boat was a 17.5' BR and it was pretty bouncy out there. We took it up to DC, but there was a LOT of slowing down when encountering other boats' wake. It's certainly doable with the 19', but it will take you a while. I'd give it at least an hour (not including the 35-40 minutes of no wake on the Occoquan) to get up there. There's a lot of no wake from the bridge passed Old Town, and then after Reagan.

That said, I recommend everyone see DC from the water. SO much better! Really worth it. Just a long trip, IMHO. And, stopping at Reagan is really cool, too.

 

[blaster]

I made that trip in my 15' whaler a few weeks ago, no worries. It can get choppy but it's not a difficult trip. Just be aware of the depth in certain areas. Such as near Mount Vernon. It's tempting to get close to take pictures but you might end up in 12" of water.

If you go to national harbor bring plenty of $$$$

 

[WDCboater]

I know this is from a couple of weeks ago. If you trailer, there's a boat launch at Gravely Point, just north of DCA off of the GW Parkway Northbound. It's free and this is a good launch point for DC boating.

I have a 350DA and do the run between PWM and DC often. I'm docked full time in DC. The ride would probably be a bit rough in a 19' boat. On a calm day the river's like glass, but from the Wilson Bridge to 14th Street it's usually a little bumpy and there's a lot of traffic.

If you're ever looking to anchor up in DC, hug the coast of Roosevelt Island on the north end. It's fairly well protected and anchors hold really well here. It's less rocky (wave wise) that other areas north of the Memorial Bridge.