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Splendora · 10-07-2016, 06:05

We will be travelling in late July from Newport to Oak Bluffs in 35ft express cruiser, twin 350 engines. Any advice on whether to go south around Cuttyhunk to Vineyard Sound or whether to go through Buzzard's Bay and cut through Woods Hole would be appreciated.

goodnumbers64 · 10-07-2016, 12:09

You may want to buy a copy of Eldgidrge and check the currents when you go. Not as important on a power boat as on a sailboat, but still worth considering. The ride is often smoother on one side or the other. The currents often run in opposite direction on either side of the Elizabeth Islands. Woods Hole can be tricky and also very busy on a summer weekend. Currents run very strong in WH. Consider Quicks Hole as an alternative. It is an easy passage.

misfits · 10-07-2016, 13:05

From RI, I'd go right up Buzzards Bay.It's well marked & Woods Hole isn't that bad when you're in a power boat

Splendora · 10-07-2016, 17:08

Thanks to both of you. I just picked up Eldridge today.

Opie91 · 10-07-2016, 17:17

Besides the current which way the wind is coming from makes a pretty big difference. When the wind is out of the southwest Buzzards Bay can get a little choppy. Also as goodnumbers64 said Woods Hole has some fast currents and you have to make some fast decisions if you are going with the current. You might want to make your first run through Woods Hole at or near slack tide. Using Quicks Hole is some good advise too!

If you go the Martha's Vineyard Sound way all those issues go away.

SVTwilight · 11-07-2016, 08:01

Follow the Eldridge tide schedule and go up Vineyard sound (south of the Buzzards Bay Tower). Try to avoid current against tide as you can get big steep chop out of that.

As you progress up the Sound on a fair tide, if you stay near shore in between the Middle Ground Shoal and the beach you will get a very nice current push all the way up to West Chop! You can also consider popping into Lake Tashmoo which is very nice for swimming

Going up to Wood's Hole adds a lot of distance.

Enjoy and don't forget to stop at Back Door Dounuts in Oak Bluffs! The Apple fritters are the best!