NY to Boston 27' Rinker, smart or not? Please Help

[BrianMatzkow]

We (the Admiral and I) are planning an east coast tour north from NYC. The trip length is for as long as it takes, long honeymoon. We are looking at Montauk Point, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Fisher Island. If we hit the right stretch of weather, we hope to go to Nantucket Island, Cape Cod and hopefully Boston. OK, the kicker, we doing this in a 2003 Rinker 270FV. We have logged 80 hours on her so far since April and have worked out all (I hope) new boat bugs. She is being pulled out this week for new zincs and a full inspection by the shop. Does anyone have any suggestions and or warnings for us as we embark on this trip? I think this is a realistic trip and we are looking forward to it, so if you have gone this route any info on marinas to spend the night as well as fuel stops please let us know. We understand that this is quite a trip especially in a boat of our size but we are determined to take this journey, we are looking to leave later this week. If anyone else has the time and want to subject their vessel to the rigors of this adventure, please let us know, as our dates are somewhat flexible. Thanks

[Jay A]

Be sure to make a "float plan"! Let someone know your departure time and ETA for your next destination from marina to marina! An EPIRB and offshore safety gear such as offshore rated life jackets.
Sounds like a honeymoon adventure! Congrats!
Oh, by the way, have a sign made and hang it on your boat when you turn in for the night "If the boat's a rock'n, don't come knock'n"!

[Goodnight Moon]

Hi Brian,
That sounds like some ambitious trip you're planning - I don't know what kind of experience you have with the waters of Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, the Atlantic, and up into RI and MA. I also don't know what kind of boating experience you have. If you are an inexperienced captain, I think that you may be biting off more than you can chew. If you are an experienced captain, but are unfamiliar with the waters of the northeast, then here are some of my thoughts.

1. Are you going to hug the coast of LI's south shore out to Montauk, or are you going to travel east via the Long Island Sound? You'll have some chop and heavy commercial traffic to contend with through New York Harbor, the East River, and into the Western Sound, but there is better access to harbors on the Sound route in the event you need to refuel. Once you get through the Western Sound, the water is wide open and not as crowded, a fairly easy run, until you get out to Orient Point. Orient Point can be a little tricky, going through The Race, or entering Plum Gut to get to Gardiners Bay and then Montauk. The reason this water gets so tricky is because there are several different bodies of water converging here; it can get treacherous. You definitely want to speak to someone with some local knowledge and experience.

2. I see that your boat has a 100 gallon fuel tank - if you have twin IOs, my guess is that you're burning 20 gallons an hour at a cruise of about 25 kts or so; if this is correct, then access to fuel is something to take into consideration.

3. The South Shore run, offshore, is nice if the weather is good, but you will be far from fuel if you need to get some - in most cases, the fuel docks are well inland from the barrier islands, and access to the inshore route is limited to Jones Inlet, Fire Island Inlet, and Shinnecock Inlet. Moriches Inlet is not considered to be navigable, and is very dangerous. Shinnecock can be tricky too. If you come inshore via Fire Island, the problem with your ride east is the 5 mph zones and skinny water - in some spots, real skinny. You'll really need to stick to the buoys and pay attention to your charts in inshore waters (Great South Bay and east). But once you get to the Shinnecock Canal, you'll have a nice run between the LI forks - - through the Peconics, around Shelter Island, Gardiners Island and then to Montauk. I am going to guess that Montauk is about 35-40nm from Shinnecock Canal.

4. Once you get out east of Montauk, towards Block Island, fog can be a fairly regular occurrence - it can just suddenly pop up out of nowhere - you'll need radar for that, and you'll definitely need it if you're going to be doing any boating in those waters at night. There's a lot of commercial traffic through the area.

5. I think that you really have to watch the weather in a 27' boat with an 18 degree deadrise if you're considering running in the open ocean waters off the northeast coast.

6. Along with the other safety items that you should have on board, you should also include an epirb if you are going to be offshore.

7. You should take a look at Embassy Guides Long Island Sound cruising book. It covers the South Shore of CT, a little bit of RI, Block Island, all of the North Shore of LI and between the LI forks. They also make a cruising guide for RI and MA. There's a lot of great information in it: navigation cautions and tips, places to stay, marina info, gas info, things to do, charts, aerial photos, etc.

Brian, I hope that my message doesn't sound too negative, I am just a very cautious person when it comes to boating. I am not trying to discourage you, but the title of your post indicates that you, yourself, are unsure as to whether this trip is too ambitious. It's extremely important to know your limitations, and to know your boat's limitations. Don't take on more than you can handle. Plan a trip that is manageable for both of you, and have a wonderful honeymoon!

Best wishes,
Goodnight Moon


21' Arima Sea Ranger, 130 Honda

[This message was edited by Goodnight Moon on 07-19-03 at 02:48 AM.]

[Sea Wolf]

I would have the following equipment on board: 1.) Two VHF radios, (each with it's own antenna)--(One radio should be in the cabin), ---2.)A hand held VHF radio, ---3.) A "back-up" bilge pump in the engine compartment with a high water alarm at the steering station, ---4.) A cell phone with all accessories for charging the battery, ---5.) SeaTow and Boat US memberships, and a list of services along the way, ---6.)There should be two batteries for each engine with and A/B switch, or there should be a "cross-over switch" at the steering station to use the "house battery" to start the engines, ---7.) A spare set of belts for each engine, ---8.)Automatic fire fighting equipment in the engine compartment, ---9.) A basic medical first aid kit, ---10.) A second anchor, ---11.)Handheld GPS, ---12.) Marine tool kit,--- 13.) EPIRB,--- 14.) Binoculars,--- 15.) Charts,--- 16.) Fire extinguishers,--- 17.) Marine Signal Kit,--- 18.) High quality Life Jackets ---As you can see I am a "Safey Nut", because when something "happens on the water" it is usually a number of things that "go wrong"! ----Have a "GREAT TRIP". -----Just my opinion. ----Greg

[aubv]

BrianMatzkow,

I took a 23' Whaler from NJ to MV last year in one day (270 miles +/-). It can be a great trip. However, tides and conditions including fog can be a big issue. It took us about 7 hours to go from well inside Barnegat to Montauk and another 5 hours to go from Montauk to MV. The conditions south of BI slowed us to only about 12-13 MPH this added 2 hours and used a lot of extra fuel. Preparation and not having pressure in "having to go" is a big asset.

You need to make sure your wife understands and is able to operate the boat and it's systems. Including the radio. I carried a 3 ring binder with lots of names and numbers of people who offered to help and emergency numbers, etc.

Here is a list of some extra items to carry:

hand held GPS
hand held VHF w/attachment to hook up to main antenna.
Ditch Bag with 2 inflatable canvas beach rafts. (if no life raft available).
700' of anchor line and anchor.

There is a guide available that lists all sorts of marinas, restaurants, gas docks, etc. by state. It also has a CD and trip planner. I will get you the name of it tomorrow.

fwiw

[auguste]

I have been happily married for 33 years. A big part of that success is planning things ahead. The Admiral and I have practiced laying and tieing lines, putting out bumpers etc.

She also can run the boat in good weather and follow a compass heading . . . she is slow and cautious and comfortable . . . and she knows how to make distress calls etc.

Nothing can ruin a honeymoon like a bit of yelling in stressful situations.

Last Thursday I saw a 45 footer dock in a space that most captains of a 30 footer would not go. Grand Dad and Mom did it like pros, and when they finished tieing up, he looked at her, said job well done . . . they walked off hand in hand! Picture perfect.

PS All of the previous posters made sense!

.

[Mumblerone]

BrianMatzkow...tell us more about your boating experience. Tell use about the equipment on board and the experience of the crew. Do you know how to use all the eqipment? Have you experience boating in sloopy seas? Night? The boat may do it, but can you? Seamanship is the key. Let's us know, don't be bashful...this shoud be a fun experience.

Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros. Snowball, the cat...

[Mumblerone]

auguste...you sure do have a beauty there...the wife that is. Boat is OK!
Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros. Snowball, the cat...

[auguste]

Mumblerone

Thanks. They are both beauties and I love them both!

Was planning to do a few honey does today as the outlaws (inlaws)are visiting us at the cottage next week. The Admiral woke me up at 4:00 AM saying that the weather is nice, go fishing, the work can be done lagter! ONE GREAT WIFE!

.

[BrianMatzkow]

First off thank you to everyone for all the info, My boating experience is above average and has been mostly in FL. in the gulf and Atlantic. Mostly with outboard fishing boats, last one was a 27' Robalo. I have been in some very rough seas and can handle things pretty well. The wife has a working knowledge of all systems and handles the boat well. She has taken a boat safety course as I have as well. We have both been out at night many times and are very comfortable, even in NYC harbor.

The boat has everything but a chart plotter and Radar. I will be adding handheld VHF, extra anchor line, rental EPIRB, and self inflating life vests. I have most everything else that was suggested. No radar so will not be out at night and will sit out the fog.

The float plan will be filled out as we go, weather conditions will dictate our route, we will be taking it slow and are not on a timetable at all.

auguste great story I just read it to my wife as she is practicing her knots(not on me)She is from Canada as well thats why we are heading North. .
Again thank you all for the very valuable information, I wish everyone was this knowledgeable that on the water.

[auguste]

Most members are great . . . glad you found everyone's input useful . . . post your trip complete with a few pics . . . you do have a camera on your list of things to bring?

[BrianMatzkow]

Of course, vid cam, digital still, and film SLR. We cant wait!

[Mumblerone]

Have a safe trip...let us know how it went! Allow plenty of time...no RUSH.

Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros. Snowball, the cat...

[SeaJay]

The fog in the vicinity of Montauk and Block Island can come and cover you in thick soup very, very quickly. If you see it coming you can outrun it but it may mean making a u-turn.

[Harpoon]

I have a friend that did it in a 22 Grady.

It's all about the weather. If you have fair weather it could be a walk in the park.

I would suggest at least a radar. Your run from MP to BI to MV and BB is long and heavily travelled. You need to be able to see other boats (they may not see you)

Aside from that, you should have good under the gun, charting/navigation skills.

Be sure you've got your shit together and have fun.

[dry doc]

i did far bigger trips in the 17` whaler, so
the concept is fine...i do have to say that the
issue isnt the 27`, the brand, or the section
of coast.....how well are YOU prepared and how
well is the BOAT prepared...the list is too long
to go over, but primarily you need the CHARTS
(i mean trees,man) of the entire trip which you
will study in the minutest detail with your
COAST PILOT, WATERWAY GUIDE NE, and whatever
books otherwise cover that trip....use fluores-
cent stickons plus a markette to highlight the
importand atons, the important hazards, and the
important marinas.....you should "run" the trip
several times in advance, using the tide tables
and the gps setups....lastly, make a log of all
the phone numbers of the marinas, coast guard
stations, and any other accomadation along the
way,....your cell phone is far easier to converse on than vhf, which is really safety
only.....make ample note ON the chart so that
you have all the knowledge of all the different
sources ON THE CHART....overdone?...maybe, but
there is a calm and pleasure in having things
nailed down that is unavailable when you are
simply sliding down your trip as you might a
bannister...the boat needs big fenders, big
lines, clean tank and filter, and big anchor
with big rode....that is , you need to be able
to stop when you need to as well as go when you
need to.....your two biggest threats, if you
havent picked up on it, are FUEL (bad quality
and or bad quantity) and NAVIGATIONAL ERRORS
(as in aground, run over by barge, or lost in
fog)...given numerous circumnavigations of the
earth by boats that length, there is nothing
intrinsically wrong with your cruise....dan

[Kamper]

quote:Originally posted by Jay A:
...by the way, have a sign made and hang it on your boat when you turn in for the night "If the boat's a rock'n, don't come knock'n"!

Jay, there's a yachting flag for this. Two bunnies cuddled together, means owners' are resting.

[Jay A]

Kamper: Resting?

My in-laws gave us a sign like that! However it was for our 22' travel trailer! " If the trailer's rock'n,don't come knock'n!"
I thought an aquatic conversion was in order for this topic.

[jsherman]

BrianMatzkow

Got a question for you..concerning the 27 Rinker Fiesta Vee,

how do you like it? My fiance and I have been looking at it for some time now.

We Live in Tampa, FL, so it will mostly be used in and around clearwater, tampa bay, st pete...we're going to keep it High and Dry in Tarpon Springs (anclote key area).

Thanks,
Jerry S.

[aubv]

BrianMatzkow,

The name of the guide I mentioned above is INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY FACILITIES GUIDE. I was given one at the Boston Boat show. Might be of use to you.

fwiw