Englewood Cliffs to Staten Island by boat

Pilotage Plan: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey to Staten Island, NY

Overview

This route from Englewood Cliffs, NJ to Staten Island, NY offers a picturesque journey through the waters of the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay. It’s particularly suitable for experienced recreational boaters who are familiar with navigating busy waterways and can manage potential challenges such as debris or busy vessel traffic.

Departure Point: Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Start your journey in Englewood Cliffs, where the Hudson River flows close to the shore. Before leaving, make sure your vessel is equipped with all safety equipment including life jackets, flares, and a first-aid kit. Check weather reports for the day, specifically monitoring wind and wave conditions.

Route Segment 1: Englewood Cliffs to the George Washington Bridge

As you set off southward, keep an eye on the shoreline for notable landmarks like the Palisades Interstate Park on the New Jersey side. Be particularly cautious as you approach the George Washington Bridge.

Navigational Aids:

• Watch for the marked channel with prominent buoys guiding you through the river.
• Maintain awareness of larger vessels which frequent this busy stretch of water.
• Keep your VHF radio tuned to Ch. 16 for emergency broadcasts.

Shelter Opportunities

Should the weather take a turn, look for safe havens such as the aptly named “Haverstraw Bay,” which is just a short detour off your route. It's spacious with decent holding ground and provides good protection against prevailing winds.

Route Segment 2: Through the Lower Hudson

Continuing south, you’ll enter lower sections of the Hudson River near Yonkers and then skirt past the Spuyten Duyvil Creek on your left, which connects to the Harlem River and can be explored if time allows.

Point of Interest:

• The historic “Yonkers Waterfront” is a vibrant area with parks and local eateries, perfect for a midday stop if desired.

Navigational Considerations

As you approach the confluence of the Hudson and East Rivers, heed the current and tides, which can be strong. It's crucial to navigate the tricky waters passing underneath the Bronx-Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges. Use caution as there are often strong currents and larger commercial traffic.

Route Segment 3: Office to Staten Island

Once through the bridges, you will be entering Upper New York Bay. You’ll see the iconic skyline of New York City on your starboard side, making it a stunning backdrop for your trip.

Regulations:

• Be mindful of the no-wake zones around the Staten Island ferry terminals.
• Ensure to keep a safe distance from ferries and commercial vessels that may be operating in the area.

As you approach Staten Island, the beautiful Snug Harbor Cultural Center on the northeastern part of the island can be a great point of interest. You can tie up for a visit if you want to stretch your legs or explore.

Arrival Point: Staten Island, NY

Arriving at Staten Island, enjoy the perspective of the Marina as you approach. Docking facilities are available for transient boats, ensuring you have a safe place to secure your vessel.

Conclusion

This trip from Englewood Cliffs to Staten Island provides the quintessential blend of natural beauty and urban intrigue, ideal for the experienced boater willing to navigate the busy waters of New York City. Remember to keep your safety gear handy and utilize navigation apps like Savvy Navvy alongside traditional charts for optimal planning. Whether you’re taking in sights of the skyline or pausing to enjoy the peaceful Haverstraw Bay, this route is sure to deliver an exhilarating marine experience.