Mid Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay - Beginner Tips For Cruising Potomac on July 4th

Hi, I'm brand new to boating with a nice 26' 8 people Sea Ray Weekender. I'm thinking of taking the boat out on July 4th to cruise Potomac and watch fireworks from the boat.

I assume the water will be busy with lots of stupid and drunk people. My main concern is navigating somewhere in the dark - I'm thinking of getting a overnight slip at National Harbor for the night.

Is there anything specific I need to know about Potomac/DC area cruising?

Russianwol...

I'm not familiar with the area, but I would highly suggest you take it out a few times at night before an event like the July 4th weekend. Night time is completely different beast, unless you are blessed with a full moon, and glass like water conditions....

I'm sure others will chime in ... Good luck and have fun..

Stuff I learned from last years 4th in Baltimore, most is par for course.


1) Make sure you have some up to date charts with real depths. And notes with DNR/State close offs or divert areas. Know your tide table.

2) Plan your routes, I say this cause having more than one is good idea, and know them back and front.

3) Have plenty of lighting, there is nothing more gut wrenching like hitting something with your NEW HULL when it couldve been avoided. Like a cooler and a bunch of other junk that got knocked off someone elses deck.

Theres def more, but that was my immediate hit list.

Watching the fireworks from a boat is a great experience... however, July 4th is not the time to go out as a new boater! I've been going for years to Solomons for theirs... It is crazy after they end... I've got a couple favorite spots near shore that I anchor and watch them... we kick back for about an hour after they are done before I attempt to leave... I take my time and enjoy the evening and short ride back to my pier... I couldn't imagine what it would be like for the DC fireworks...

If you insist on going, maybe buddy boat with someone that has done it before...

Make the run from the dock to the fireworks area several times prior (during the day) with your GPS so that it leaves a trail that you can follow back that evening...

Take a short trip at night (not on a weekend) to get at least some experience with night time boating...

Take a spotlight, but do NOT use it unless you have to, and then only briefly... it's illegal to run with the light continuously on...

Lastly, take your time and be safe so you can enjoy them for years to come!!!

If you are "brand new" to boating you do not want to be out at night on the 4th!! Get your charts and study them ahead of time, the potomac is very shallow. Get a slip at national harbor and RELAX, you and your guests will be much happier!

I've lived in the area and been boating around the DC area Potomac for a few years now. First off, I would recommend picking a different night, it will be crazy and alot of idiots in anything that floats will be puttering around and usually quite intoxicated. If though you are absolutely deadset on going and will not be convinced otherwise, then make sure you practice and do a dry run at least two or three times leading up to the 4th. Reserve a slip somewhere ahead of time if you can and stay docked, it would be safer. If you find a good anchor spot, plan on it not being there, the big local cruisers and sport yachts will have staked their claim by the 3rd or by 6am on the 4th the latest. Plan on a long day, get out on the water early and do your crusiing early and then anchor where you have enough water and good visibility to whats around you. Don't touch a drink yourself, the police and CG are all over, and they love to pull over mid size cruisers. Once the fireworks have stopped, make plans to hang for about two hours after, keep you anchor light on and have a spot light/horn ready to light up a drunk heading right for you, it will happen. Also, find a buddy boat who has done it many times before to raft up with him and follow him safely home. But, in all honesty pass on the evening, and save the night cruise for another day, its nuts and can be nothing but headaches, watching from a boat at a slip with a good veiw around Gangplank or Columbia Island marina can be just as fun, if not more. Sorry for the essay lol

Thank you all for replies - I'm definitely taking everything into account. If I can't find a buddy boat I think I'll try to find a slip to dock and watch fireworks. Probably should reserve that soon.

On that note, does anyone want to be my buddy boat :) I will be at Lake Anna this Sat practicing basic drills. Then hoping to bring the boat to Occoquan next weekend and spend more time on the water.

Does anyone here know this guy who's advertising on CL - "Hungry Gator Captains Friend 571-406-4190"

I have gone out for the 4th a couple times. Generally speaking, it is busy and crowded with many people anchored up starting on the 3rd. I have a slip that is right where the designated anchorage area is, so I am fortunate enough to be able to leave as soon as I can and motor back to the dock and be done for the night. Each time I was happy to be at the dock and promised myself I wouldn't do it again next year.

Heed all of BlueMarlin's advice. And also consider going to the fireworks in Alexandria (which will be some night other than the 4th) if you want to see stuff blow up from the water. Also keep in mind that National Harbor will be about a 30 minute ride down the river from the area where most go to view the fireworks. A 30 minute ride full of wakes and drunk boaters. Also keep in mind that the area from Alexandria to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (where National Harbor is) is a no wake zone.

The police and coast guard will be out, the drunks will be out and the fireworks will be over quickly. All in all, I would suggest a different, slower night for nighttime novice on the Potomac.

I have also been boating on the Potomac for a few years now. I keep mine at a marina in Woodbridge.

What everyone above said - the 4th is a mad house. No offense meant but if you are really that new to boating then making the trip into and out of DC - especially at night, as one of your first experiences on the water is quite a risk to you and your passengers. Do you have a GPS on your vessel - one that leaves "tracks"?

As an alternative to the 4th in DC: There is a place called Tim's River Shore on the Va side, not far down river from the Occoquan, that is doing a fireworks show on the 30th. Although you'd still be out at night it's far less crowded.

Regardless, I wouldn't even think about trying my luck with running at night with hours of experience at the helm measured in the single digits. Again, no offense meant but boating at night is serious business. Since I'm in your neck of the woods feel free to drop me a note and I'll be glad to help you out.

Dan

Thank you all for advice again. I'm now reserving an overnight slip at Washington marina. Planning on launching boat in the morning. Riding for a bit and docking for the night. Then head back in the morning. I do have a tracking GPS so that should help.

I too have boated the Potomac for years. If given the choice, I think I would anchor up at Tim's River Shore for the night, and enjoy their fireworks. The advantage of this is, you will be well protected from the channel traffic, and you will be amongst a lot of other people "over-nighting" in front of the restaurant. Tim's has a shuttle which will pick you up off your boat, and take you to their property for meals and beverages.

Everything North of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is going to be an absolute zoo, and there are a lot of drunks on the water. I very close to Bellehaven Marina (across from Washington Harbor), and I can tell you one out of three people launching are too intoxicated to be driving.

If you want some help leading up to the 4th on a practice run, PM me, and I will be glad to show you the local waters. The good thing is, the Potomac is pretty well marked. The bad news is, some of the largest tree's I have ever seen float down the Potomac, and most of them would be almost impossible to see on a dark night.

I'm seeing that there should be a full moon on July 3rd. Nighttime conditions are good, but not for a new boater.

I grew up in woodbridge and the potomac river. Moved to Annapolis and now in baltimore and can definitely say that the potomac is outright dangerous. I'd rather mingle with the big container ships and crazy fisherman on the bay than those weekend warriors in dc/va. The problem is that most have no concept of boating etiquette and no sense of navigation or right of way. That lack of knowledge, alchol, and the sense of urgency to return to port create a night of terror.

That said, some of the most memorable times I've had on the water was a moonlight cruise across the bay last summer. Absolutely beautiful! BUT not a trip to be made on the potomac in DC on the 4th of july.


If you do go, heed all previous warnings and add on to run trials on your anchor skills. You will need it if you are trying to get close during the day or evening. Make sure you have 5-8' of heavy chain and put out 3-4 times the depth of the water. Try and tie up with a others if possible. Tell your guests ahead of time that you are in charge of the vessel and describe the float plan. That way when the fireworks are over, they know that the boat will be staying there for a couple hours. Bring a spotlight. If you see a boat coming withinin your proximity, light up side of your boat. Do not shine the light at the boat. If you are in danger, shine the light directly at the boat, then immediately track the beam across the water to the side of your vessel. Sound your horn. Be on your toes at all times.

Thank you all for advice again. I'm now reserving an overnight slip at Washington marina. Planning on launching boat in the morning. Riding for a bit and docking for the night. Then head back in the morning. I do have a tracking GPS so that should help.

I did just that last year and it was less stressful, but you still have about a five mile trip back to the marina and it is fairly hectic dodging the idiots. As one other suggested, Tims Rivershore has its Not on the 4th of July Fireworks on the 30th, and Tims II on 20 July, I think. Much less stressful, and we went to Tim's once and they really put on a good show.

Anyone know if the boat launch at Gravelly Point Park (north of DCA) is open after dark on the 4th? Launched there many times, but never returned at night. I know that park fills up for fireworks viewing each year.

All of your "Guest" should know ahead of time:

1. How much experience you actually have.
2. The "Float plan". What, where, when, how long, etc...
3. Drinking to excess, you are the one to control that....Can you?
4. YOU and ONLY YOU are the captain. What you say goes, no questions.
5. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR WELL BEING THE ENTIRE TIME THEY ARE ABOARD YOUR VESSEL.

Tides run strong on the Potomac.
Tides on a full moon on the Potomac.....well they are faster then you think....
You aren't on Lake Anna any longer!!!!

Sounds like you are going early and have a place to stay put for the night.
Make it a good night to remember, not the other way around.


Not to be a downer but I'd rather type this and maybe it will get someones attention.
I still remember a story from long long ago.
Long story short:
July 4th, everyone on board having a great time, adults, kids, laughing, eating, music playing, people moving around, etc...
Suddenly, "Johnny!, WHERE"S JOHNNY? Everyone calling and looking for the boy.
The kid fell overboard without a PFD when it was dark and no one knew it and not only drowned but was lost. Who knows if or how many other boats hit him.
I have never forgotten that and some say I am overly cautious....but so be it.


Be safe and have a good time!!



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Is there anything specific I need to know about Potomac/DC area cruising?

If you have to ask, then don't ... ;)

Is there anything specific I need to know about Potomac/DC area cruising?

If you have to ask, then don't ... ;)

Although I understand the sentiment behind this statement I'm quite of the opposite school of thought. And as much as I love learning things the hard way I will never shy from asking seemingly stupid questions nor will refuse to answer such question from someone in my position.

...... I will never shy from asking seemingly stupid questions nor will refuse to answer such question from someone in my position.
An excellent attitude.

At least you ask for advice and read the replies - which is so much better than taking the position of "come on, how hard can it be".

Anyone head down to the Potomac last night to watch the fireworks on the Mall? How was it?

I am sort of curious to see how this went. I did the DC fireworks by boat about 10 years ago in my 15' Whaler Dauntless. The ride back to the ramp at Leesylvania was insane and not entirely safe. I put that experience in the stupid things that I did in my 20's bucket!

By the way, I was stone cold sober, had years of experience boating on those waters and had tons of experience boating at night! Boat was way to small and there were tons of nut jobs around me!