Trip to NYC from the LI Sound

[Bo10LI]

Has anyone done this and if so, how difficult a trip is it? Looking at the maps, it looks like things get narrow near the city and I've heard the waters can be dangerous near Roosevelt Island. Also concerned about the commercial boating traffic around downtown and into the Hudson with the tankers, barges and taxis.

Looking for places to go and things to do, but am still relatively new to boating and would hate to get over my head.

I apologize if there's a thread like this already, but I searched and couldn't find one.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Air O'Nautical]

With the charts and or a good gps its an easy fun ride.
Dont worry about the current in your boat.
I have done this cruise with many different boats (and jetskis) and its only the slow trawlers and sailboats that have problems with the current around "Hells Gate".
I think everyone on LIS does this ride soon after buying a boat.
If you want to stay overnight go to Liberty landing on the New Jersey side of the Hudson river.
Have fun,
Mark.

 

[Turtlesboat]

It narrows down as you approach city island. There's also a lot more boats around there. Then you make some turns and into the channel towards the east river. As you get to north and south brother islands, the channel gets narrow with rocks on both sides. Then you come to hells gate. The current whips through hells gate, just stay on plane. The current can be fast in the east river too, also keep an eye out for debris. NYC harbor is busy and messy from wakes. Just keep your eyes peeled and stay out of the way of the ferries. It's a fun trip, we like to do it every year. You can go around the whole island if you want, lots of sights.

 

[Bo10LI]

Thanks for the info. Any idea how long the trip takes from Northport? I can cruise at about 20-25 depending on wind and chop.

 

[Turtlesboat]

a couple of hours to get to the east river.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

It's around 40 miles each way.
A calm day it can be a quick trip.
With 2/3 foot chop it can be long one.
Just take the whole day and have fun.
This is all assuming you understand basic marine navigation.
There are rocks but, it's all well marked channels.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

oops

 

[Bo10LI]

Thanks. Will definitely put this on my list of trips to do soon. The wind has been strong lately and the debris in the Sound has been bad. Hopefully the debris clears and the winds calm down soon.