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U.S. East Coast Cruise, Ft Lauderdale to Cape May NJ

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by rocdiver, Jun 22, 2008.

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  1. rocdiver, Jun 22, 2008
    #1
    rocdiver

    rocdiver Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2006
    Messages:
    191
    Location:
    Ft Lauderdale, Florida
    It looks as though I will be taking a 60’ Express Cruiser up north for the summer; leaving Ft Lauderdale this Saturday and ending up in Cape May NJ about 2 weeks later (there is a 5 day layover planned somewhere). The owner wants to accompany me on most of the journey and enjoy many stops along the way.

    I have done the trip before but it was always a straight delivery and in a hurry. On this one I am looking for some “must see” stops as well as areas to avoid. We don’t want to be underway more than around 6-8 hours each day and can comfortably cruise at 20-25 knots. As an example, our first stop is in Jupiter to visit a friend for the evening (we ain’t in no hurry). ;)

    We can cook on the boat but ideally we would like to pull in somewhere each evening where a restaurant would be nearby.

    We’ll be stopping July 2-7 for the owner to fly home and be with his family for the holiday. I’ll be staying with the boat. Given the schedule, any suggestions on a cool place to spend the 4th?

    Also, the vessel is flagged in St John USVI. Am I correct in assuming I don’t need to file a float plan or check in with the National Vessel Movement Center since St John is a US Territory?

    Some specs to consider:
    Length Overall: 60’
    Beam: 15’7”
    Fuel Capacity: 720 Gal
    Draft: 5’

    Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions.
    ROCKY
  2. NYCAP123, Jun 22, 2008
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,208
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Wow are you going to have layup time. This is a 4 to 5 day trip. My personal favorites are St. Augustine, Beauford S.C., Beauford N.C. Annapolis Md. (absolutely for the 4th). Oh yeah, a terrific steak at Coinjock or at least pick up some fuel (if this is the owners 1st transit buy him a t-shirt to show he's no longer a virgin). Look for the pair of bald eagles just south of Great Bridge. Tidewater in Norfolk is a nice marina with a good restaurant. Oh and watch your wake in the Carolina's especially (and of course Fl) Lots of docks,and busybodies with binoculars and radios. (Of course always be mindful of your wake, but north of Va. people (and boaters) are more used to rocking a bit.
    Here are a couple of must have web sites:

    Weather & Sea Conditions: (download a buoy map and you can call in for exactly what's happening as well as the forecast.)
    NBNC-NORTHEAST USA Recent Marine Data
    www.ndbc.noaa.gov/maps/Northeast.Shtml


    ICW Conditions: SKIPPER BOB
    http://skipperbob.home.att.net/index.htm
    The Waterway Report will let you know about any shoaling, etc. Print it out just before you leave.

    www.Marinas.com

    Just to let you know, I'm jealous. I always get my coastal runs in winter when the seas are up, the temperatures down and the bikinis gone.:cool: