**Pilotage Plan: Toms River, New Jersey to Beach Haven, New Jersey**Welcome to an exhilarating journey that takes you from Toms River to Beach Haven, two beloved spots along the New Jersey coast. This route is perfect for both novice and experienced boaters, offering breathtaking scenery and safe harbor options while navigating through interesting waters. **1. Departure from Toms River, NJ** Starting your adventure in Toms River, you'll find this bustling area is a great launching point. Take a moment to enjoy the surroundings, perhaps grab a coffee and check your vessel before pushing off. The Toms River flows directly into Barnegat Bay, making it an accessible route with plenty of markers to guide you. **2. Navigational Considerations** As you depart, watch for the prominent channel markers ensuring you maintain a safe course straight into Barnegat Bay. Be prepared for shifting currents in the vicinity of the river mouth and pay attention to local traffic, as this area can see recreational and commercial vessels alike. Keep an eye on weather updates; if conditions turn unfavorable, there are plenty of natural harbors along the way.**3. Navigating Barnegat Bay** This scenic bay stretches southward and is characterized by its extensive shallows. Make use of significant navigational aids, such as the Barnegat Light and various buoys marking deeper channels. The bay is relatively sheltered but can still gather a chop in high winds. Stay alert for sandbars and navigate accordingly to avoid grounding. **Points of Interest:**- **Island Beach State Park**: Approximately halfway down Barnegat Bay, this park is an excellent stop for nature lovers. While your boat is anchored, enjoy a walk along the pristine beach or the lush trails.- **Barnegat Lighthouse**: Dominating the northern end of the bay, this lighthouse is a historic landmark worth a quick detour for photos. The surrounding area is also excellent for fishing.**4. Sheltering Opportunities** If the weather suddenly changes, consider heading towards **Forked River** or **Little Egg Harbor**. Both areas provide shelter from turbulent waters and can serve as safe havens. Make sure to plan your course towards these locations if you hear any forecasts of thunderstorms or strong winds.**5. Proceeding Toward Beach Haven** As you continue towards Beach Haven, your route will bring you through Little Egg Harbor Inlet. This can be a busy channel, with fishing boats and other recreational vessels present. Remain vigilant, making use of AIS (Automatic Identification System) for any large vessels that may be near.**6. Arrival at Beach Haven, NJ** As you approach Beach Haven, enjoy the stunning barrier island views along the way. The town is known for its vibrant coastal community—restaurants, shops, and family-friendly activities abound. Upon arrival, you’ll find ample docking facilities to accommodate boats of various sizes. **Regulatory Considerations** During your travel, be mindful of local speed limits and zones where no wake is allowed, especially during peak boating times. Familiarize yourself with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations, as specific areas may have restrictions (e.g., no-fishing zones or wildlife reserves). **Boating Apps to Consider** To ensure a smooth cruising experience, utilize navigational apps that provide detailed maps and local weather updates. I recommend including **Savvy Navvy** for its user-friendly interface and accurate data. Other useful apps include **Navionics** for electronic charts and **Weather Underground** for real-time weather scenarios.In summary, this route from Toms River to Beach Haven is a safe yet exciting passage that marries adventure with the convenience of natural harbors. With the right preparation, it can be an unforgettable trip filled with scenic beauty, delightful detours, and safe navigation. Enjoy your voyage!