New York to Keyport by boat

Pilotage Plan: New York, NY to Keyport, NJ

Route Overview

This journey from New York City to Keyport, New Jersey, is a delightful blend of urban scenes, natural beauty, and maritime history. Ideal for experienced boaters as well as those looking for a moderately easy day trip, this route offers stunning views of the skyline, the expansive waters of Raritan Bay, and charming coastal communities. It’s essential to stay vigilant for weather changes, especially as you near the open bay.

Departure: New York City

As you cast off from your starting point at the coordinates 40.745333, -74.011667, you're greeted with the view of the iconic skyline. Before leaving the dock, make sure to check the weather forecast. The wind can be unpredictable around here, so it's crucial to have weather information handy.

Leg 1: New York Harbor to Staten Island

Your first leg takes you through New York Harbor, one of the busiest ports in the world. Follow these navigation aids:

• Statue of Liberty: A must-see! Keep the statue off your starboard side as you head southwest, allowing for a clear view.
• Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: This bridge marks the entrance to the Lower New York Bay and serves as an important landmark. Keep a safe distance and mind the strong currents here, especially during outgoing tides.

You might consider stopping at Great Kills Harbor on Staten Island if the weather starts to turn. It’s a sheltered area providing refuge from rough seas.

Leg 2: Lower New York Bay Crossing

As you exit the harbor and venture into Lower New York Bay, pay attention to the charted shipping lanes. This is commercial traffic area. Make sure to use your VHF radio for communication and keep a sharp lookout for larger vessels.

• Navigational Aids: Raccoon Island and the Sandy Hook Light should be on your radar as you navigate towards Raritan Bay.
• Water Depth: Maintain a watch on your depth sounder and be cautious of shoaling areas, especially near Sandy Hook.

Leg 3: Entering Raritan Bay

Once across the bay, you’ll enter Raritan Bay. The bay offers more shelter than the open waters you just crossed. Small craft can find refuge in various locations here.

Keep an eye out for:

• Raritan Bay Marina: A marina located in Leonardo, NJ, which can provide temporary shelter if needed.
• Sandy Hook Bay: Protects against westerly winds and is perfect for regrouping if conditions worsen.

Leg 4: Approaching Keyport

Navigating toward Keyport, you’ll be greeted with picturesque views. The entrance to Keyport is marked by the Old Keyport Lighthouse, a reminder of maritime history.

As you approach Keyport, keep the following in mind:

• Navigational Aids: Follow the marked channel to prevent running aground as the depth varies.
• Local Restrictions: Be aware of slow-no-wake zones closer to shore, particularly near the fishing piers.

Points of Interest

Along the way, consider these notable spots:

• Sandy Hook National Park: Ideal for a quick beach break or picnic if you choose to anchor briefly.
• Historic sites in Keyport: Once anchored, you can explore this charming waterfront town, boasting restaurants, shops, and local galleries.

Safety Recommendations

• Communication: Equip your boat with a functioning radio and ensure you have a way to communicate with other vessels as well as the Coast Guard if necessary.
• Weather Monitoring: Utilize weather apps to keep updated. I recommend Savvy Navvy for its real-time updates as well as detailed charts.
• Life Jackets: Ensure that you have enough life jackets on board for everyone. Federal law requires one for each passenger on your boat.

Conclusion

This trip from New York City to Keyport, NJ, will provide a unique combination of scenic enjoyment and engaging local culture—all while prioritizing safety. Be mindful of navigation hazards, and be prepared to change your plans as necessary based on weather and sea conditions. Enjoy your time on the water, and experience the charm that the New Jersey shoreline has to offer!