[614271]

I'm looking for advice from anyone who's taken a boat from NY up the coast to Maine. I have a small but reliable ~23' walk-around and have gone offshore a bit (10-20 miles) so given OK conditions (anything under 5') I think I can do it (and know bigger boats do), but, looking over the charts, not knowing the areas, inlets, where the gas stops are and if some really bad wx picks up I gotta wonder if this is a stupid risk. I have radar (yet to install and learn), a DGPS/Plotter, 406 EPIRB, 2 VHF radios (one portable for the lifevest), Sounder and a decent engine that's about 2 yrs old now. The passage from the south-shore to Orient is nothing, but, once going past New London there seems to be areas open to the ocean and potentially some big seas and I'm not sure where or what inlets are safe refuges (and recall seeing some very massive surf in RI when visting). If that run's OK, then heading over Buzzards Bay to the Cape Cod canal into Boston, past Cape Ann it seems REALLY open to the ocean until half-way up the coast.

Anyone who can enlighten me w-first-hand experience and advice would be very appreciated. I'd like to take the opportunity to do this and figured I'd stay in as close to land at all times, checking the WX, running during the day and taking as many days as necessary to get good wx and on days when the wind was W or NW to ensure the seas were relatively flat, though, I know things can get hairy fast w/o warning.

Reply here or send me a note
at [email protected]

Thx,
Greg

 

[seaslug44]

Captain Marc this is a good question for you.

Hello Greg.

There is a member on this site whose name is Captain Marc. He's originally from the Island but now lives in NH where he travels offshore with a very small center console boat. He would be the most qualified person on this site to answer your question.

Personally, I believe that if you pick and choose your weather/days carefully and always know where your next "safe haven" will be in case you need to make a run for sheltered waters, I see no reason why it wouldn't be "do-able".

 

[621643]

Yes Do-able

Greg,

We used to run from Old Saybrook to Cape Cod Bay in 24' boats every summer. I've also run from Old Saybrook to the statue of liberty.

Just make sure that you pick your days. Buzzards Bay can be a bear! Also make sure that you give yourself plenty of time, so U don't have to run to far if the weather is nasty.

There are lots of places to stop along the way so just be sure that U can sleep & eat aboard if necessary.

Boy U have brought back some great memories! When are U planning your trip??? Maybe I will join you for part of it. 2 Boats are better than 1 ))

Cheers

Rick

 

[618732]

Do-able, but why?

I ran my boat from Barnegat to Montauk last year. we arced the trip so as to not be more than 30 miles off. We left on a beautiuful morning and then the wind kicked up. What was feasibly a 4 hour trip took us 8. Beat the crap out of me, too. You can probably rent a trailer for the cost of the gas you'll burn. If you're planning on a trip with overnights at different ports I say go for it, but if it's just to get the boat from A to B, I say don't do it.

 

[Capt. Marc]

Hi,

My experience is limited to NH. What you should consider doing is trailering to NH (or cape ann)and then taking the boat up to maine. All the sceanery is north and why kill your self getting to where you want to be. You can leave the trailer and car at a marina (I can give you ideas) the take the boat up as far as you want. If you take on too much, you can rent a car one way back to NH and go pick up the boat and head back to NH.

There are many really nice bays and towns along the coast for you to explore.

I would get one of those crusing guides and pick places to spend the night. I live in Portsmouth NH and it is definatly a place to spend a day and night.

Capt. Marc

 

[seaslug44]

Thanks Captain Marc.

I knew you would have some solid info on this subject.

 

[616016]

It can be done

Try to plan your trip around a good long range weather report Keep in mind there are plenty of ports along the way. just find info on them most are on the internet. And if there is a bad day stay in port and enjoy. Also capt marc where in new hampshire are you? i have relocated to peterborough(south central nh) from long island and have been looking for some info on fishing here. thanks dave [email protected]