Bay Head to Jersey City by boat

Pilotage Plan: Bay Head, New Jersey to Jersey City, New Jersey

Overview

This route from Bay Head to Jersey City spans New Jersey’s beautiful coastal waters and urban navigable routes, making it a thrilling journey for recreational boaters, especially those with moderate to extensive experience. The trip promises a mix of scenic landscapes and urban sights, with crucial navigational considerations to ensure safety throughout the voyage.

Route Summary

• Departure Point: Bay Head, New Jersey (Lat: 40.06567, Long: -74.04933)
• Destination Point: Jersey City, New Jersey (Lat: 40.70261, Long: -74.04163)
• Total Distance: Approximately 30 nautical miles
• Recommended Vessel Type: Suitable for motorboats or sailing yachts, particularly those capable of handling sections with tidal currents and potentially busy channels.

Key Points of Interest & Bays for Shelter

1.

: - A well-known stopover featuring numerous marinas, eateries, and beautiful waterfronts. This bay provides ample shelter and is frequented by other boaters for its tranquility. - Consider anchoring near Island Beach State Park for a quick swim or fishing excursion.

2. Monmouth Beach: - A charming area to explore, where you might find docks that allow for short visits to local shops and restaurants. Views of the Atlantic Highlands offer a beautiful backdrop as you navigate.

3. Hudson River Estuary: - As you approach Jersey City, the estuary is rich in wildlife and offers several quieter spots should adverse weather suddenly shift, such as the area around Liberty State Park. It’s a historic place for a break.

Navigational Considerations

Safety is paramount when traversing these waters. Here are crucial navigational aids and regulations to adhere to during your journey:

• Navigational Aids:
- Keep a close eye on buoys marking designated channels, especially around Barnegat Inlet, which can be tricky during the incoming tide. - The New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway is marked, so ensure you maintain a proper lookout for changes in landmarks and seasonal markers that may vary.

• Speed Restrictions:
- Be mindful of speed zones, especially in the Barnegat Bay and near communities along the shoreline. Look out for areas marked with speed limit signs and no-wake zones to minimize disturbance to wildlife and fellow boaters.

• Tidal Currents:
- Be aware of the tidal timings, especially through the narrow waters of the Hudson. Planning your timing to avoid peak currents can lead to a smoother passage.

• Communication:

- Ensure your VHF radio is tuned to channel 16 for emergency communications, and monitor local marine channels for updates on weather conditions or navigational warnings.

Weather Preparedness

Before heading out, check the latest weather reports, as conditions can change rapidly, particularly along the coast. If forecasts indicate impending storms, consider options for shelter-pulling into Barnegat Bay or even areas like Sandy Hook Bay for safe haven until conditions improve.

Boater Safety Measures

1. Always wear a life jacket, and ensure all passengers have appropriate safety gear.2. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it, as injuries can happen unexpectedly.3. Utilize apps that provide real-time weather reports and navigational assistance. Savvy Navvy is a fantastic app that combines charts, weather, and route planning to keep you informed. Other useful apps include Navionics for charting, and NOAA Weather for immediate updates.

Conclusion

The journey from Bay Head to Jersey City not only showcases the scenic charm of New Jersey’s waterways but also tests your boating skills. With meticulous planning and attention to safety, it's a delightful expedition that allows for exploration of diverse points of interest along the way. Tailor the journey to your pace, whether for a quick sail or a leisurely excursion, remembering that in the art of boating, preparedness always sets the course for a safe and enjoyable adventure.