How darring can I be?

[wajajaja]

Another newbe question, <br />just got a 86 19.5 bayliner cuddy,force 125(boo) which is my second boat, got a 17ft larson bowrider last year (planning to sell)<br /> My boatting fantasy is to play on the hudson from newburg. see the nyc fireworks, and maybe put in at keansburg and explore the bay and watch the sun bathers on the beach at sandy hook, or iland beach park. checking out the delaware canal to the chesapeak seems like a cool day trip. <br /> IS THIS BOAT WORTHY OF THESE ADVENTURES. AS A CAPTAIN I GOT A LOT TO LEARN. BEEN READING THIS FORUM A LOT LATELY, THANKS FOR ALL THE VARIOUS IMPUTS ON ALL THE TOPICS.<br /><br />WALTR.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How darring can I be?

No.....<br />You don't have the boat, or the experince for NY Harbor......<br />Especialily At Night.......<br />The Canal trip Sounds Much Safer....

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: How darring can I be?

I can't speak on the NY area, but your boat should be OK for the canal area. The main thing is to stay out of the way from the large ships that travel through there, keep a sharp lookout on your depthfinder for shallow spots (not necessiraly in the center of the canal, but a lot of areas are "touch and go" (lots of shallow spots) in DE/MD bay canal entrance areas.<br /><br />And finally, be sure to go "no wake" in the appropriate areas. They are really going to buckle down and enforce the canal this year, I am hearing, due to all of the erosion on the sides.

 

[lilthundr]

Re: How darring can I be?

without insulting you on the purchase of a bayliner boat with a force motor, I will just agree 100% with bondo. Even if you had all the experience and electronics to ensure safety day or night. That is not a big water boat, sorry

 

[CCrew]

Re: How darring can I be?

I can't speak for NY, But I grew up on the Chesapeake. Delaware Bay, and the C&D are nothing to trifle with. Never seen an area that can change it's "mood" in such a short time. All of my worst experiences on boats have been in/around the C&D. Unless you don't call wiping out both rudders, shafts and props on a 31' Concorde in 85 feet of water, or getting caught in a squall and takng breaking waves over the roof of a F-25 Trojan "bad".. Sure didn't seem like fun at the time!<br /><br />I have an 87 Capri.. I wouldn't take it in bad water, or an area that is known to be unpredictable. It's really a lake boat.<br /><br />-Roger

 

[Solittle]

Re: How darring can I be?

WALTR - Not sure I'm in complete agreement here. If you learn the basics and are safety conscious I see no problem in going out in those, or any other, waters. I would recommend that you get a kicker though in case the Force craps out (just assume that it will).<br /><br />I used to boat in the Hudson when I was a kid around Hudson & Albany in boats smaller than yours. I have also run in the Chesapeake, the Gulf Stream and the Florida Keys in smaller boats. The key is a well maintained, properly equiped rig and a mind set on safety. If any of those factors are not 100% - leave it on the trailer no matter how calm the water. And never ever push the safety envelope. I have read too many stories about those who did as told on the six o'clock news.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: How darring can I be?

I know little of the areas you wish to boat in...however I'm hearing that these are big waters and I would take the advise of those who say NO! Your little boat and Force engine are best suited for lake use. As said, if it craps out while you are far from home... ...that kicker would come in handy...but that's one long ride home!

 

[mercrewser]

Re: How darring can I be?

You have to understand that when a strong tide is going against a even a moderate breeze, it could easily throw waves over a big boat. I boat on The Delaware river and occasionaly swing down to the Canal. I would never even consider buying a bowrider for this type of boating. You need a husky cuddy cabin for the sharp steep waves that these conditions produce. Most people cant believe how bad the Delaware can be until they see it, even north of Philly. And yeah, it changes immediatly, with the tide.

 

[wvit100]

Re: How darring can I be?

I had an '89 capri cuddy with the 125 hp force. I never had any problems with it as far as it running or starting. It ran well around the lake for tubing and such but I don't think I would have wanted to take on any really big water or waves with it. I'm sure it could have handled it but I don't think it would have been the most comfortable boat for that type of work. I think I would want something a little bigger and heavier .

 

[wajajaja]

Re: How darring can I be?

Thanks much for the imput. Ill stay put in the lakes this year and learn the boat and conditions i can handle, fortunately i can trailler to lk hopatcon in about 30 mins, or greenwood lake in 45mins, and lake wallenpalpac is 90 mins out. all good size lakes. <br /> I'll drop some bucks on boat usa towing, got a dhc radio,gps and fish finder to learn about. <br /> I did learn that AAA will tow my boat on the trailer or flat bed upto 100miles home or where ever for a $18 dollar rider on my AAA plus membership. no pitch intended. <br /> thanks again.

 

[wajajaja]

Re: How darring can I be?

OK I got a lake boat. Now any destinations to take it to, I got a timeshare, lots of vacation. <br /> North east for now. What about lk that big lake in new hampshire?

 

[Bondo]

Re: How darring can I be?

What about lk that big lake in new hampshire?

?????????????????????<br />Winnipesaukee ?????<br /> http://www.winnipesaukee.com/ <br /><br />I'm Sure there are Atleast 500 boat launches at lakes,+ rivers, within a 100 mile radius of your house........<br />You name 3 lakes within an hour,+1/2..... <br />

I got a timeshare,

Is this a Cabin, or on the bilgeliner ??????<br />If it's a Condo, Go There,+ Explore...!!!<br /><br />The Idea is to Enjoy the Boat from the Helm,<br />Not Looking at it in the RearView Mirror....... <br /><br />Good Luck....

 

[cjones4@hvc.rr.com]

Re: How darring can I be?

I keep my 18' cuddy cabin in Newburgh and really enjoy the Hudson. Your boat will be fine anywhere on the Hudson under most conditions. There are miles of river to explore from NY Harbor north to the locks and canals. The ramp at Newburgh is free and there are many great destinations for day trip. A good source of information all things related to Hudson River boating is the Boating on Hudson magazine which can be accessed online. http://www.boatingonthehudson.com <br />If you like to fish be there in May for the Striper run.