Boating the Upper Chesapeake

[lime4x4]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Skargo here is a pic of my west marine grill that i picked up 3 years ago. It uses those little 1lb propane bottles. It can cook enough food for my famlay and stan's which is around 10 people. We use it alot at the bay and local lake.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

near the c and d canal currents are a big deal. They get some 2-3 mph currents over there. MY gps/fishfinder has an icon on the map near the canal, and if you click on that it tells you thepredicted currents.

basically you get a current going towards DE on an incomming tide, and an outgoing tide the current is going towards MD.

If your going with the current you can take your top speed, and add the speed of the current to that. or subtract that from your speed if your fighting it.

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Skargo here is a pic of my west marine grill that i picked up 3 years ago. It uses those little 1lb propane bottles. It can cook enough food for my famlay and stan's which is around 10 people. We use it alot at the bay and local lake.

I am picking up a brand new Magma charcoal grill today. The price is right, we'll see how the charcoal works vs the propane. I think I might do a similar mount, onto our swim deck too.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

There are some awesome people in the area. You might be surprised to find out even Stan and myself are cool in person hehehehe

Yeah, true true. We are both only a-holes from the safety of our keyboards.......in person we get along just fine...on my end it has something to do with the fact that Scott is twice my size and could probably stomp me like an ant....and partly because he actually is a nice person in person....lol

 

[Philster]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

near the c and d canal currents are a big deal. They get some 2-3 mph currents over there. MY gps/fishfinder has an icon on the map near the canal, and if you click on that it tells you thepredicted currents.

basically you get a current going towards DE on an incomming tide, and an outgoing tide the current is going towards MD.

If your going with the current you can take your top speed, and add the speed of the current to that. or subtract that from your speed if your fighting it.

Good info. When I want to brag about top speed runs, I'll use my GPS speedometer and gun it with the current.

As for the people down here versus Philly/Jersey: I am a born and raised Philly guy. Philly and the Jersey Shore were my stomping grounds. I married my way into Delaware near the canal, and have been learning just how coastal it is here right at home, with no need to escape to a seashore/beach town. I have been loyal to all things Philly and Jersey shore... but, honestly, I really cannot take the people anymore. I am well traveled, thanks to my job, but calling this area home now and getting to know the local outdoor-folks (boaters, etc) has opened my eyes culturally. I will spend time in North Wildwood at my condo, but the people wear on me.

One day, I just went exploring for the first time. I walked into the Port Penn bait shop, and if the guy was any nicer I was gonna ask him to stop. I mean, the guy is offering to take me to the ramp... and just being kind in general, offering to help me out any way possible. Then I shot over to Delaware City, and poked around the ramp and asked questions. 'Twas just people being nice and patient.

I want to get to know the local marinas and mechanics and all the nooks and crannies (there seems to be enough to keep me learning for years).

So... I am busting to be on the water, especially new water. And I know that you guys might bicker in a thread or two, but believe me... where I am from, one of you would have sunk the other one's boat by now, and I am speaking literally, not figuratively!

.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

where I am from, one of you would have sunk the other one's boat by now, and I am speaking literally, not figuratively!

From my limited experience in Chesapeake and my longer experience in Jersey, I agree with you and I'm one who has had his boat intentionally sunk by someone else. We spent today at Tice's shoal in Barnegat and it may be the last time we go there; too noisy and too many inconsiderate boaters.

 

[Philster]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Well, there are nice folks there -- somewhere -- they're just outnumbered by all the rude ones.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Well, philster, I gotta say....anyone who is smart enough to know what your signature says you know is alright in my book.......lol

 

[Billdc]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Do you have any trouble with the grill in rough water? I'm concerned with wake than wave. What boat do you have that mounted on? I'm guessing your 27'er. I have a grill and thought my boat rocked too much to mount it to boat like I see sails and larger power boats do. I made a stand that works great anywhere I can stand, but not at a deep anchor.
Scott, I have the magma kettle in gas and am very happy with it.

Skargo here is a pic of my west marine grill that i picked up 3 years ago. It uses those little 1lb propane bottles. It can cook enough food for my famlay and stan's which is around 10 people. We use it alot at the bay and local lake.

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

This was NOT what I wanted to see Saturday morning when I went to get the old gal ready to launch! :facepalm:





Looks like I blew a seal on my port trim cylinder. Also after some searching by using a die in P.S. fluid and poking around with a black light, I found the same problem with my steering ram. PLUS I have a leaky trim tab cylinder seal. Since replacing these seals and scrapers are beyond the scope of my tools and knowledge...off to the shop she had to go.

I guess one of the pluses to these high fuel costs are that a lot less people are using (breaking) their boats, and the shop at McDaniel's was able to take it right in. So with a little luck, I should have her back by Friday along with a much lighter wallet.

 

[Billdc]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

As an Upper Chesapeake newbie here, my first adventures into the C&D and upper Chessie might come this weekend (yes, the big July 4th weekend). I am likely to launch out of Delaware City in the little canal that hooks up to the big canal. It's about 3-5 miles from my house. I want to run the length of the canal and hit the bay. (Unless you guys think I should haul the boat somewhere else).

Can't help you with many places on the eastern shore as I like the canal, and have not had good times driving through eastern MD. I made it to Duffy creek in Georgetown one time and that was nice, but the long no wake zone on the Sassafrass just kills me. Just seems faster to go by boat through the canal. Whats your cruising speed? I'm around 30-35 and it's nice time on the canal. Maybe someone can tell you about the Elk river, as it is the first river you hit out of the canal, and may be nice for tubing or swimming. I've been to the Bohemia on the north side just inside the no wake zone and the bottom is nice for the kids but not much of a beach. maybe another 20-30 minutes south is Lloyds creek which is very flat and has a nice beach and even a rope swing.

 

[Philster]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Cruising speed is about 42-45 mph. I've heard the Sassafras is a 'no wake zone' fun killer. Yes, I'd like to hear about a place to anchor, or tube, or beach it. Gonna google Lloyd's beach...

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

yea, you would think a grill mounted like that would spill some charcoal when a big wake comes along.
I might try mounting it onto a shock or spring. like a shock you would mount a seat on.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Since it's propane i don't have to worry about hot coals. I've never had a problem with wakes or waves. The post is custom made out of 1/8 thick square tubing that is bolted to the swim platform

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

yea, you would think a grill mounted like that would spill some charcoal when a big wake comes along.
I might try mounting it onto a shock or spring. like a shock you would mount a seat on.

That was a concern I had, as mine is charcoal, but it has a nice setup where the lower grill, and the upper grill are screwed onto a center post, the charcoal won't spill.

I do have to figure out my mount, I might do a flush mount on the gunwale on the port side near the passenger seat.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

U want to place it some where heat and the occ grease spill isn't going to ruin anything. That's why i mounted mine in the swim platform, Easy clean up if there's an accident

 

[SuperNova]

Cruising speed is about 42-45 mph. I've heard the Sassafras is a 'no wake zone' fun killer. Yes, I'd like to hear about a place to anchor, or tube, or beach it. Gonna google Lloyd's beach...

Th majority of the Sassafrass is NOT a regulated speed zone. The No-Wake zone is only a small section from about Hall Creek to the 213 bridge. Unless you're running to Georgetown, it really wouldn't affect you much.
If your cruise speed is 42 or so, you can make it from the bottom of the C&D to Lloyds in less than a half-hour.

The real secret area to be on the Bohemia is an area just above the bridge (213 again) known locally as "Ski Beach" but on the charts is officially named Georges Point. It is as nice as Lloyds, but is much easier to access. The only problem is that it is located on the other side of a mud flat that can get as shallow as 2-3 ft at low tide. It's sorta like a miniature Susquehanna Flats....you gotta know where the channel is, but it's not marked. It would only be a concern for someone like Arks...big boat with inboards...than for anything small or with I/O's I take my 28'er in there all the time.

I also like to go to Seneca Point up on the Northeast River...it's a huge area that is all sand and a big enough area that even when it's crowded....it doesn't feel crowded. It gets shallow slowly and you can anchor in whatever depth suits you....you can even walk your boat in. The only time it's not GREAT is if the wind is out of the southwest, but even then it's easily bearable. The added advantage is the Nauti-Goose is within veiwing distance...so if you get hungry or thirsty and didn't bring anything with you...or you just want some prepared food.....there 'ya go.....

yea, you would think a grill mounted like that would spill some charcoal when a big wake comes along.
I might try mounting it onto a shock or spring. like a shock you would mount a seat on.

Generally speaking, you don't grill anywhere that there is a chance of getting hit by a big wake. You grill on anchor in a protected cove or anchorage. It's never been a problem for Lime or me and my grill is gunwale mounted in a fishing rod holder fixture on a 21 foot boat. Lime is absolutly right in that you don't put it anywhere near anything you would mind getting hot grease dripped on. The best mounts in my opinion are the ones that allow you to swivel the grill out over the water if you need to...particularly with a charcoal grill. These type mounts are also the most expensive...of course.

I would also like to put out there that I don't believe you have actually been real boating on the north end of the bay until you been southwest of Turkey Point on the Elk.....when there is any sort of breeze blowing at all...lol

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I would also like to put out there that I don't believe you have actually been real boating on the north end of the bay until you been southwest of Turkey Point on the Elk.....when there is any sort of breeze blowing at all...lol

Agreed!

Is this the spot on the Bohemia? We were there Memorial day weekend.

 

[Philster]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Th majority of the Sassafrass is NOT a regulated speed zone. The No-Wake zone is only a small section from about Hall Creek to the 213 bridge. Unless you're running to Georgetown, it really wouldn't affect you much.
If your cruise speed is 42 or so, you can make it from the bottom of the C&D to Lloyds in less than a half-hour.

The real secret area to be on the Bohemia is an area just above the bridge (213 again) known locally as "Ski Beach" but on the charts is officially named Georges Point. It is as nice as Lloyds, but is much easier to access. The only problem is that it is located on the other side of a mud flat that can get as shallow as 2-3 ft at low tide. It's sorta like a miniature Susquehanna Flats....you gotta know where the channel is, but it's not marked. It would only be a concern for someone like Arks...big boat with inboards...than for anything small or with I/O's I take my 28'er in there all the time.

I also like to go to Seneca Point up on the Northeast River...it's a huge area that is all sand and a big enough area that even when it's crowded....it doesn't feel crowded. It gets shallow slowly and you can anchor in whatever depth suits you....you can even walk your boat in. The only time it's not GREAT is if the wind is out of the southwest, but even then it's easily bearable. The added advantage is the Nauti-Goose is within veiwing distance...so if you get hungry or thirsty and didn't bring anything with you...or you just want some prepared food.....there 'ya go.....



Generally speaking, you don't grill anywhere that there is a chance of getting hit by a big wake. You grill on anchor in a protected cove or anchorage. It's never been a problem for Lime or me and my grill is gunwale mounted in a fishing rod holder fixture on a 21 foot boat. Lime is absolutly right in that you don't put it anywhere near anything you would mind getting hot grease dripped on. The best mounts in my opinion are the ones that allow you to swivel the grill out over the water if you need to...particularly with a charcoal grill. These type mounts are also the most expensive...of course.

I would also like to put out there that I don't believe you have actually been real boating on the north end of the bay until you been southwest of Turkey Point on the Elk.....when there is any sort of breeze blowing at all...lol

Excellent pieces of info; starting to understand the nuances now. And yes, cruise speed is 42-45. It comes with the sound of money burning. Top speed is low 60's.

.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Skargo......yep, that's the spot......and i know it well enough to tell you that picture was taken close to high tide, although I have seen the duck blind flooded at times. Low tide exposes a beautiful, large sandbar that give a lot more room for the kids to play.....

Philster.....I have a boat that fits that description as well......28' with twin 350's......low cruise is 30, mid is 40 and change ... top end is mid 50's or so.......doesn't do badly at 30 or so, but if you wanna haul butt you better make sure the tank is full......but man does she cut through the rough water...