Trip to Bay Head, NJ

[tommyc_37]

Hey guys,

Planning on heading from the city down to one of the jewels of the Jersey Shore, Bay Head, on Memorial Day weekend. Has anybody had experience boating there?

I'm looking for a marina to stay at, and the only one I see that seems to be within walking distance to the beach is a marina called Sanzari Marina. Has anybody stayed here? There is no website, or at least one that I've been able to find. Are there any other options along Bay Head Harbor?

In addition, any advice on navigating the Point Pleasant Canal would be appreciated - I've never done it before. While we're at it, anything tricky I should know about the Manasquan Inlet?

 

[Alex F]

I pass by this place all the time but I never stayed in the marinas in the Bay Head. However, some look pretty well maintained. It's rare that a marina doesn't have at least basic and static web page. It wouldn't give me too much comfort level. How did you find them?

Manasquan Inlet is pretty good and not too difficult to navigate. It can have some seas, so watch the weather and treat it with caution, just like any other inlet (maintain just enough power to stay in control, not too fast and not too slow). Also, watch the wind and seas direction/angle and stay closer to the side the waves are building up from. This way you don't get pushed on to the opposite jetty. The main thing is don't cut too close, b/c underwater jetty goes out quite a bit. I always go way out and follow the channel. The approach is well marked.

As you come in to the inlet you'll come to no-wake zone. Follow the channel and you'll have to go through the railroad bridge, which is very narrow. Last time I was there only one boat fits at the time. This is another spot to make sure you have full control, otherwise the current can push you in to the wall. As you pass the bridge you're now passing Brielle (fun place with tons of restaurants).

Follow the next set of buoys and about mile or so later the Point Pleasant Canal will be on your port side. Take the 90deg turn to port and you're in for some "learning to steer" experience. The canal is kind of narrow (plus there's a construction going on to make it even tighter in one spot). The biggest challenge is the strong current and boat traffic that turns the canal into a washing machine. Nothing to worry about as long as you apply enough power to maintain straight course. Your bow will go side to side, add more RPMs if you have to, but don't go too fast as this is no-wake zone. The canal is about 20 min ride. As soon as you pass through the canal the Bay Head harbor is right there and you simply set the course to your marina.

 

[tommyc_37]

Thanks Alex. By the way, I'm also planning a pitstop at Treasure Island, for a little lunch picnic type of thing. Have you had any experience beaching the boat there? The charts show most water around there as REALLY shallow, but I have heard that people beach their boats there.

Does anybody else have any info on marinas in Bay Head? I read one review of Sanzari Marina, and it said it was very well kept and maintained. Why no website??! Grrr.

 

[Alex F]

Yep....I've been to TI many times with my other boats. Since you'll be coming from MI, then pass by the entrance to the PP Canal and stay in the channel. As you see the TI on your stbd side keep going until you clear the shoaling stretching southbound. Give a wide berth and approach the anchorage from the WEST side of the island. The depths were always in the range 5'-4'-3', depending how close you get to the island and depending on the tide. I'm sure there will be couple other boats anchored there.

 

[Bridog]

Great advice from Alex ( as usual I'm there quite often as our marina is very close by. I wouldn't "beach" your boat but I have seen others do it. You have stern drives so you should be ok trimming them up all the way. Very soft muddy bottom and very disgusting to step on so bring water shoes and you can get in close enough to walk to the island. Unfortunately the last time we walked the island there was alot of broken glass. Too bad a few bad apples spoil it for the rest of us. Maybe we'll see you there? Good luck, Brian

 

[rondds]

Tommy
You may want to check the tides for the day you are coming in. It's always nice to take Manasquan Inlet (or any inlet for that matter) at slack tide. Worst possible scenario is tide and wind opposing each other (ie: outgoing tide, east wind). Makes for a VERY uncomfortable ride. The railroad bridge is a *****. Generally the boats with a following current get right of way b/c they have less control, but you can't count on the typical NJ boater to know that. There is very little etiquette with this bridge - almost "every man for himself." If you're coming in on a Sat or Sunday afternoon, GOOD LUCK.

Also watch the tides at Treasure Island. It gets shallow in there as soon as you get inside the channel markers at mid to low tide. Your drive draws more than I do and I was kicking up mud in there last summer.

The PP canal is an adventure too. 5 knot current is the norm and if there's a lot of boat traffic, it gets like an angry washing machine. Slack tide is nice, but a following current is even nicer 'cause you get a nice push

I think Sanzari is more commonly referred to as Dale Yacht Basin East. Couldn't find a website with that name either, but check Activecaptain.com. The sole reviewer seemed satisfied but complained about $2.50/ft.

 

[tommyc_37]

Update - I'm still hoping to get to Bay Head for an overnight stay next weekend. I have left 2 messages on the answering machine at "Sanzari Marina", and have not gotten a call back. Is it worth the risk to travel almost 3 hours by boat down there and have them be closed? Has anybody seen this marina open this season?

 

[Alex F]

Why not have couple of other marinas in line and have plan B and C. I'm sure that you can find few in the area to accommodate you.

 

[tommyc_37]

I actually spoke to the manager of the Bay Head Yacht Club and he confirmed that Sanzari is up and running, so at least they are inn operation. I'll probably just wing it and head down, unfortunately it might not be this weekend.

 

[rondds]

I'm sure if they're unable to accommodate you, you'll find a slip somewhere - but I don't think anything else is walking distance to the beach.

 

[rondds]

You might want to give these guys a call to see if they have transient slips...

Johnson Bros. Boat Works
1800 Bay Ave, 08742
732.892.9000

A friend of mine is slipped there. The marina is less than a mile's walk to the beach in Bay Head (about 3500').

 

[tommyc_37]

Thanks guys - I'm going to eventually make this trip, but not until later in the summer now.