Staten Island to Elizabeth by boat

Pilotage Plan: Staten Island, NY to Elizabeth, NJ

Overview

Embarking on a boat trip from Staten Island to Elizabeth offers a unique blend of urban and natural scenery. This route takes you through varied waterways, providing a chance to observe wildlife and stunning landscapes, all while navigating bustling maritime traffic. The journey is suitable for intermediate to advanced boaters due to its navigational challenges and potential hazards.

Departure Point: Staten Island, NY

Begin your journey at the coordinates of Staten Island (Lat: 40.5428333333, Lon: -74.1398333333). Before you set off, familiarize yourself with local weather conditions and tides—particularly how they affect currents in the area.

Notable Point of Interest:

• Staten Island Ferry Terminal: An iconic waterfront that offers beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline. A great place for a last-minute photo-op.

The Route

1. Leaving Staten Island: As you depart, maintain a steady course towards the Arthur Kill Waterway. The waterway operates primarily as a shipping channel; remain vigilant for large vessels and monitor your VHF radio for announcements or immediate hazards.

2. Navigational Aids: - Buoyage: Pay close attention to the channel markers, especially as you approach the entrance of the Arthur Kill. - Caution Lights: Look for the navigational lights marking critical turns and hazards, particularly at dusk or in low visibility.

3. Arthur Kill: This stretch is a tidal estuary, so knowledge of tide cycles is essential to avoid being caught in a strong current. Note the shallow areas particularly towards the edges of the channel.

Points of Shelter: - Fresh Kills Park: While not a conventional marina, the area offers natural shelter and is surrounded by interesting landscapes. Riparian zones are abundant here.

4. Navigating to Elizabeth: Continue along the Arthur Kill until you reach the vicinity of the Newark Bay. As you approach, watch for commercial vessels entering and leaving the Newark Bay as this can create occasional wakes.

5. Important Landmarks: - Bayonne Bridge: As you get closer, you’ll see the impressive Bayonne Bridge. This is an excellent point for some photos, as the view is quite spectacular. - Elizabethport: Approaching the mouth of the Elizabeth River, the port is bustling with activity.

Arrival Point: Elizabeth, NJ

Your destination is located at Elizabeth, NJ (Lat: 40.646268006285595, Lon: -74.18688533143678). The area does have options for docking at marinas where you can refuel and enjoy some local cuisine.

Local Points of Interest:

• Liberty State Park: Not directly on the route but a short detour if you want to take in views of the Statue of Liberty.

Safety and Considerations

• Weather Monitoring: Check weather forecasts before departure and keep an eye on any approaching storms.
• Tide Awareness: Tidal currents can significantly impact your navigation, especially in the Arthur Kill where currents can run strong.
• VHF Radio: Keep your radio on channel 16 for distress signals and monitor local traffic on channels 13 or 14.
• Local Regulations: Be mindful of the speed limits in various zones, especially near residential areas and sensitive ecological regions.

Recommended Apps

For safe navigation, consider using boating apps such as:

• Savvy Navvy: This app is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and detailed charting capabilities.
• Navionics: Great for marine charts and tracking.
• MarineTraffic: Offers real-time information on vessel movements, which is incredibly useful in busy shipping zones.

This route promises an adventure blending nature, commerce, and the remarkable skyline of New York. While safety is paramount, the experience of navigating through such diverse waterways ensures you'll have an unforgettable journey.