Atlantic City to Manasquan - Is ICW an Option ?

[shamrock]

Hey, looking for some local knowledge. I draw 6 with a 52 foot rig. Is the ICW an option from AC to Manasquan?

Many thanks!

[Tempest245]

NOAA Chart number 12316 will cover the area north of AC. Chart 12316

Check the Bridge Schedules. Drawbridge Schedule, Commuter Information

With 6' draft, you really need to stay in the channel and even then, try to traverse some areas in a rising tide. Going north it's Green Right in the ICW. You need to keep an eye ahead and astern to make sure you remain in the marked channel ( single poles). Shoaling can occur in some spots. It's doable, but can be a slow slog under power, paying careful attention to your piloting, and depth gauge, The best sailing opportunity is between Forked river and Toms river. The Captains Inn up the forked river is a good stopover. Morrisons Marina on LBI before that.

[rolandcavanagh]

Check the bridge clearances carefully. My failing memory says there is a 35' fixed someplace along that route (my trawler is only 20', so I haven't worried about it). I've bumped the bottom numerous times along that route at 3'10" draft, so tides will be very important to you if the bridges allow...

[rolandcavanagh]

Took a look at charts, looks like you are past the low bridges (between Cape May and Atlantic City). Watch out for the current in the Point Pleasant canal!

[jmackay]

I draw 6'6" and would never try it. Outside is a nice overnight to Sandy Hook and much less stressful. I usually do Cape My to Sandy Hook in one shot, 20 - 22 hrs.

[Helbent]

The icw in the marsh just south of great bay is narrow, shoaling, and not always properly marked. I would not be surprised if some of it is less than six feet at high tide. The other areas to worry about are at the cross channels off Mordecai island in beach haven. There is a stretch there that is not that deep. I have friends who got their 4'6" stuck there in the center of the channel, and they are locals. Finally, through brant beach can be dicey, but hitting it an hour before high should see you through there. Once you are north of the route 72 bridge you should be good. I wouldn't try it inside with your draft, but if you go make sure your towboat us is paid up.

[nial]

Expect to run aground for sure someplace along that route. I've touched bottom many times there and I only draw 3'3". You will have to stay in the exact middle of the channel all the way. Save yourself a headache, go outside.
nial

[shamrock]

Thanks All. We are making the outside passage tomorrow. I appreciate the input!

[Tingum]

No! Don't even think about it.

[bstreep]

Outside only - good move. 6' draft behind LBI is a bit of a problem.

[Don1500]

Originally Posted by rolandcavanagh

Check the bridge clearances carefully. My failing memory says there is a 35' fixed someplace along that route (my trawler is only 20', so I haven't worried about it). I've bumped the bottom numerous times along that route at 3'10" draft, so tides will be very important to you if the bridges allow...

If your thinking of the Rt 88 bridge it is 35', but it's a lift bridge with 66' raised. The lowest I saw on the route was 60', near AC.

[rolandcavanagh]

Don, I my memory was almost right... the low fixed bridges are between AC and Cape May. Not sailboat country...

[capngeo]

The bridges there have NOTHING to do with it! THERE IS NOT ENOUGH WATER!