Boating around Manhattan

[ssobol]

I may have to go to Brooklyn next week. I was toying with the idea of taking my boat up there and cruising near or around Manhattan. I have read the postings I found on this web site and have seen some posts that say it was great and others that say don't try it. I have a 16' Zodiac that I have taken on the river in Detroit and on Lake Michigan, so I think I probably can handle it.

However, I cannot seem to find any convenient boat ramps that allow easy access to the area near Manhattan. A web search shows a ramp at the SE side of Brooklyn that goes into Jamaica Bay, but means a round about trip to get to Manhattan.

I did find a website for Brooklyn Bridge Park. It says that there is a boat ramp that opened in Summer '10. The web pictures show a lot of kayaks, but it is not clear if launching of boats from trailers is possible. Does anyone know if launching a larger boat at this park is possible? What about launch fees and parking?

Are they any other public ramps in north west Brooklyn or maybe Queens?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Neted]

I really can't help with ramp recommendations from the NY side but I would advise against the trip in a 16 foot open boat in November. Hells Gate alone would be dangerous. The Harlem River would be safe enough but the return trip down the Hudson could be bad if the wind kicks up.

Didn't I just read that Jamaica Bay was one of the ten best places to boat in the country? That seems more protected and appropriate for this time of year.


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[Canman38]

Re: Boating around Manhattan

I am itching to boat around Manhatten, hopefully by spring time. From what i read, it looks like Liberty State Park, has a nice launch. Its supposedly right behind the Statue. It is supposed to have trailer parking as well. This is from their website:

"A boat launching ramp accommodates trailers up to 23 feet in length which enables area boaters and fishermen easy access to the Hudson River and nearby Atlantic Ocean. The launching ramp is open year-round during daylight hours. Daily launch fees ($11.00 daily or $125.00 for the year), payable at the park office, are required between April 1 and October 31."

I think this is where I am going to try.