NYC to DC Down Past the Jersey Shore

[flatlander]

Good advice. I've been thinking that I should not take the ICW route because I really don't want to run aground, or have to be dependent on using the engine when traversing narrow channels. Although, going solo on the offshore route scares me a bit since it necessitates not keeping a good watch (at some point I have to sleep), and it seems like poor planning to plan on not sleeping between Sandy Hook and Cape May.

Thanks.