Best Guide - Hudson River to Cape May?

[CaptainBW]

Planning a trip through the Erie Canal, down the Hudson River to Cape May, NJ. What are the best cruising guides for the trip from the Hudson to Cape May?

Looking for info on anchorages, marinas and routes.

Thanks!

[skipmac]

The only route is under the Verrazano Bridge and south down the Jersey Shore. The official ICW doesn't start until Norfolk VA. There is a canal that starts at Manasquan inlet going south to Cape May but there is a fixed bridge or two that are 35-40' clearance so eliminates most sailboats.

I would just anchor in the city or behind Sandy Hook, wait for a good weather day and go. It's only 110-120 miles so an easy over night trip.

[Waterway Guide]

Hi Bill – I recommend the Waterway Guide Northern Edition (but, of course, I work for them!). The updated 2014 edition was just released a few weeks ago, and covers the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, Cape Cod Bay, the New Jersey ICW, and the Atlantic coastline, inlets and rivers from Maine through New Jersey.

[CaptainBW]

skipmac - thanks...yes, we know we need to go outside around NJ. Just wondering where the best possible stops are from the Hudson to Sandy Hook. Also, I have read the tide timing is important on some of the rivers, so looking for the route information and options.

Mike - thanks for the heads up on the waterway guide. I'll take a look.