Sandy Hook NJ

[pjnr56]

Just curious. I have cruised by a group of boats that tie-up (or anchor) on the bay side of Sandy Hook. They are there almost every weekend. Does anyone know if this is a private party, group cruise, some kind of aquapalooza, a group all from the same marina?? I have been tempteed to cruise up and anchor but want to make sure I am not "crashing" some kind of private gathering.

Also, truth be told, I am nervous about anchoring there as I have never done anything like that before. As a novice boat owner/operator it's something that I would like to do but I am not entirely sure of the requirements:

- do I need two anchors - one for the bow and one for the stern?
- how deep is the water there?
- do I anchor bow in (towards the beach) or stern in?

If anyone knows about this place or has anchored/or joined in this group I would appreciate any info.

Thank you!

 

[fc3]

Go ahead and anchor. As long as you don't hit the other guy's boat, you're ok. It's a public area.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[Bridog]

I think the area you are referring to is "Horeshoe Cove" We used to go there all the time when I had my boat in the Shrewsbury river. It used to be a pretty deep area. Like Frank said...Go ahead and drop your anchor.

 

[Jack380AC]

Don't miss out on the joy of being "on the hook." In our first season of boating (many years ago), the admiral was too nervous to anchor out for the night - so we didn't. After that year, she got brave and gave it try. Now, we never miss a change to leave the dock for the weekend or the week. Some tips...

- search through this site. There is a ton of good advice on the subject.
- use common sense, be cautious but go for it.
- picking a site that you see other use is a good strategy to know where it might be safe and enjoyable.
- it is never "crashing" if you respect other boaters space. If there is lot's of room, use t. Don't drop near other boats if you could easily be farther away and still in a good spot (don't crowd unnecessarily).
- let out lot's of rode (anchor chain/line). The more you let out, the better it holds.
- pull back at idle speed to make sure you are hooked.
- observe points of reference for a while before you turn off the engine to make sure your not drifting
- make sure you are far enough away from other boats that when your boat swings around your anchor with tide and wind changes that you Will not be too close or hit other boats or their anchor lines.
- my personal request: don't blast your music.
- enjoy!

 

[pjnr56]

Thanks for your suggestions, tips, and info guys...much appreciated!

 

[rondds]

pj
we used to get over there every weekend when we had this boat in matawan creek.

it's really the only place you can dip your toes in Raritan bay and not have them come up burnt and boney. we'd get in close enough to walk over to the beach, but we never beached the boat. you can set the anchor with your feet but i'd recommend at least 3' of chain rode for a better set (if you're going to leave the boat). it really is a nice anchorage. you should enjoy it!

 

[pjnr56]

Thanks Rondds.