Barnegat Bay to Atlantic City Trip

[Alex F]

We're planning a 3 day trip from Barnegat Bay to Atlantic City. If anyone has any advise on the best way to travel (ICW is prefered). Places to stop by on the way. Any recommendation on a nice marina with transient slips (so far we're thinking Trump Marina, it's very nice, but pricy).

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[osd9]

If you've never made the trip before, then I would recommend that the inside (ICW) be your first choice. The inside trip is also a scenic trip, especially as you go by the homes on LBI and then into the back marsh channels south of the Little Egg inlet.

Traveling on weekends can be trying in the back channels, as you will encounter fisherman everywhere, drifting accross the narrow channels ......:smt013 . Watch your wake......

The ICW markers, most of the way, are easily identifiable. Through the Barnegat Bay, and to just north of the Little Egg inlet, they will be the large permanently placed Dolphins. As approach the back marsh channel markers, they are the movable floating Red Nun and Green Cans. As you now, ALL ICW markers will have the Yellow/Gold Square or Triangle shape on them. Keep the Triangles on your Starboard heading South....regardless of the color of the marker. Make sure you don't get confused with other bi-secting channels as you approach AC.

As for Marinas, I always stay at Trump. Yes, they are the most expensive, but they also offer the most for the Atlantic City Experience. They have al the standard conveniences plus...walk to three different Hotels/Casinos, access to the Health club, roof top pool, Jitney pick up at the end of the dock to get into town or the Ocean, the Deck Restaurant for lite dinning or etnertainment, clean safe facilities, floating docks, etc, etc...

When are you planning to go.....???? I'm heading to AC on the 22nd with the MM getaway and then again the following weekend just for a weekend trip....maybe I'll see you down there....

 

[Alex F]

Dominic,

Great thanks for your input. We're planning to travel on the weekend of July 7,8. At this time I'm not sure which day we'll be heading out Friday night or Saturday morning (I guess, Sat. most likely will be the day). We'll be coming back on Monday.

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[rondds]

alex
one thing worth adding about that "inside run." try to time things such that you are making the trip around hi tide for the portion btwn little egg inlet and AC. hi tide for friday is around 2pm and on sunday it's around 3pm. have heard MANY a story of people bottoming out mid-channel. could be mythological and i cant really say b/c i have never made the run. but enough people have said this that i'd pay close attention to the tides.

if the day you leave is one of those 95+ degree days with calm westerlies, you'd be fine to run on the outside. less mileage, much quicker, the inlet is real easy to get in and it would be a nice smooth ride and you wont lose a quart of blood to the greenheads.

highly recommend trump. worth the extra $75 or so you'd spend for two nights.

 

[osd9]

Alex..

Do you already have reservations for the 7th-8th at Farley's? The reason that I ask, is that I had originally planned to go that weekend also, but I was told by the dockmaster that they were booked with a big "Other Brand/Non Sea Ray" group.

Good luck, watch the markers and stay in the channels.....

 

[Alex F]

rondds,

Thanks for the info. It's my first trip and tips like that are very important. I should be getting my updated C-MAP card in a few days. I usually rely on it's data and I have two depthfinders. But, I'll keep an eye on the tide schedule.

Dominic,
Your question gave me a quick scare with no dock availability. I called them right away and (this is when being in smaller division paid off) they took my reservation. You're right, they're booked for an event and if I had over 30' then it would be a different story. So, for 240 they said it shouldn't be an issue.

Thx,
Alex.

 

[Alex F]

Guys, can you recommend any boating beach area, something calm, not too busy and not in the open ocean?

Thx,
Alex.

 

[osd9]

Alex:

If you are more into a back bay beach experience rather than the AC casino/night life than you may want to try here... http://www.seaviewharbormarina.com/ I have no first hand experience, but I have spoken with a few folks who loved it. You can always take a taxi to AC if you want to get to the boardwalk.

Just a thought....

 

[rondds]

dominic
i have a tentative reservation at seaview harbor in august. i say tentative in that they do not technically have any transient slips. they put you in slips that are vacated by their regular tenants, so a lot depends on who is away at a given time, and, i guess, if they like you. i have been checking in with them for two slips in mid august since february, and they are still not committed to the two slips i need. that could just be the story they are giving me and things may be different for a smaller boat. who knows? BUT that is an additional 13 mile run on the outside south of AC. not sure the mileage on the inside but it's probably 25% more with all the zig zagging.

not sure if alex is coming from the north, but i am very partial to beach haven as a great beach-town stopover. great place for kids (if you got em), you can walk to everything and there are plenty of marinas to choose from. we always stay at beach haven yacht club marina. it is easy to get a transient slip - ie: you dont need to call when there's still snow on the ground. :wink:

 

[Alex F]

Alex:

If you are more into a back bay beach experience rather than the AC casino/night life than you may want to try here... http://www.seaviewharbormarina.com/ I have no first hand experience, but I have spoken with a few folks who loved it. You can always take a taxi to AC if you want to get to the boardwalk.

Just a thought....

Dominic,

We're not big on cosinos, but night life is something we're interested. We always wanted to try Trump Marina, so we'll go there this time and if we have a chance we'll check out the Seaview marina for future trips.

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[osd9]

There used to be a GREAT little greasy spoon (Gilcrest) Diner accross the harbor for breakfast. On the waterfront and accessible by either dinghy or you could just walk (about 3/4 mile walk). But, Unfortunately, I was told they closed down. Again, that is info from a friend who saw it first hand. Hopefully, they are just renovating before they reopen, but more likely is that they sold the valuable waterfront property.... :smt089 ....I'll be there in two weeks and I'll let you know if I find out more info...

FYI...in the past, when you go to the fuel dock, and you told them you were a guest in the marina, they would give you 10% off the total fuel bill...not a bad deal....if not, Kammerman's accross the harbor gives $.10 off a gallon to BoatUS members....


Oh, and BTW, the Marina is Farley's State Marina....but they will answer to Trump on the VHF....hail on either 9 or 65 as you approach...

have a great trip

 

[Alex F]

Dominic,

Thanks for your suggestions. Have fun on your journey as well.

Thx,
Alex.

 

[gerryb]

Alex:

If you are more into a back bay beach experience rather than the AC casino/night life than you may want to try here... http://www.seaviewharbormarina.com/ I have no first hand experience, but I have spoken with a few folks who loved it. You can always take a taxi to AC if you want to get to the boardwalk.

Just a thought....

We keep our boat at Seaview. It is a great marina and usually does have a slip or 2 available for overnights. Feel free to PM me if you would like more info. Trump would be a good choice.


Gerry

 

[rondds]

if i may hijack for a moment - i tried this on the mid-atlantic board and came up empty...
gerry:
how tricky is great egg inlet? have you had any experience with LITTLE egg inlet? we would be heading out little egg and into great egg on our way to seaview (if we get the slips).

also, are you familiar with All Season's Marina? - that would be our back-up marina.

thanks!

 

[gerryb]

if i may hijack for a moment - i tried this on the mid-atlantic board and came up empty...
gerry:
how tricky is great egg inlet? have you had any experience with LITTLE egg inlet? we would be heading out little egg and into great egg on our way to seaview (if we get the slips).

also, are you familiar with All Season's Marina? - that would be our back-up marina.

thanks!

Rondds, Great Egg is one of the easiest to deal with IMO. Seaview is right there. I don't particularly like All Seasons Marina. It doesn't really have a dockside party environment but depends what you are looking for. Seaview is a great marina but not inexpensive, as you know. By August, they'll have a Lambertis restaurant there (www.lambertis.com). :smt038

I would try Harbour Cove in Somers Point as your backup - heated pool, lots of dockside parties in the evenings, lots of restaurants and bars within walking distance.
http://www.shorebreeze.com/propertyowners-resources-marinas.htm

 

[gerryb]

Guys, can you recommend any boating beach area, something calm, not too busy and not in the open ocean?

Thx,
Alex.

You've got to get there from the inside as the inlet is not passable, but this is a nice place to beach-up.
N39 12.864 W74 38.833

The most popular place to beach-up, however, is directly across from Trump in the inlet. Busy on the weekends and can be really tough on windy days with strong current.

 

[rondds]

hi gerry
thanks for the info. i'd much rather stay at seaview IF i can get in there. my cruising guide lists harbour cove as having 420 slips but no transient slips, so i didnt even consider them. all season's was the only other place listed in that area (proximity to OC) with transient slips, thus, they became the backup. i'm going to give mary a call tomorrow to see how the availability is lining up. if that doesnt work, i'll call harbour cove. we plan on renting a car for a day or two to get to OC boards and beach.

i've heard that great egg is pretty easy to negotiate. BUT i've only heard discouraging things about little egg and so far, i havent been able to get any info from the folks on these boards. may have to rely on beach haven local knowledge when i get there. or maybe i can just follow a fisherman out! :huh:

 

[CasinoRunner]

hi gerry
thanks for the info. i'd much rather stay at seaview IF i can get in there. my cruising guide lists harbour cove as having 420 slips but no transient slips, so i didnt even consider them. all season's was the only other place listed in that area (proximity to OC) with transient slips, thus, they became the backup. i'm going to give mary a call tomorrow to see how the availability is lining up. if that doesnt work, i'll call harbour cove. we plan on renting a car for a day or two to get to OC boards and beach.

i've heard that great egg is pretty easy to negotiate. BUT i've only heard discouraging things about little egg and so far, i havent been able to get any info from the folks on these boards. may have to rely on beach haven local knowledge when i get there. or maybe i can just follow a fisherman out! :huh:

You should not have any problems entering Great Egg Inlet/Ocean City. There are usually plenty of boats going in and out and you can see the markers from the Ocean. Seaview Marina is right there but after entering the inlet you have to make a sharp right after the Jetty (follow the markers)and the Marina will be on your port side. I'm pretty sure you need to find the Green Marker #5 on your port side and then make a very sharp left and line yourself up with the marker for the entrance to the Marina this is the only/proper way to enter.

As far as the Beach Haven inlet is concerned...I've passed it on the outside several times but never entered. The maps and charts do not show it as marked. I do know that there are lots of shallow spots throughout but no direct deep water "straight line lane" to connect with the ICW. Following a fisherman out would be a good idea but they never seem to be around when you need them. It is a very wide inlet and not a lot of boat traffic.

Where are you leaving from? Would Barnegat be a possiblity?

 

[Alex F]

Guys, can you recommend any boating beach area, something calm, not too busy and not in the open ocean?

Thx,
Alex.

You've got to get there from the inside as the inlet is not passable, but this is a nice place to beach-up.
N39 12.864 W74 38.833

The most popular place to beach-up, however, is directly across from Trump in the inlet. Busy on the weekends and can be really tough on windy days with strong current.

Gerry,
Thanks for the info. I've heard that Brigantine Beaches are nice. Do you know if it would be a good site for me to explore?

Thx,
Alex.

 

[rondds]

gerry
we'll be in beach haven for two days and leaving from there to head south. not practical to go back up to barnegat. could always stay INSIDE til absecon and go out there. i am going to leave at hight tide (beach haven) so it'll be the best possible time to head out a shallow inlet OR stay inside on the shallow ICW.