Weekend Trip To Norfolk

treetopvt · 08-10-2009, 10:14 AM

My cousin is getting married in Norfolk and I thinking about making the run from Occoquan to Norfolk. Our hotel is right on the water, but I haven't gone that far south on the Chesapeake before. Has anyone made the run from the mouth of the Potomac to Norfolk before? I have a 32' Monterey bowrider with twin 350's so I am a little concerned about large waves near the Atlantic. Also looking at docking at Waterside Marina in Norfolk since it is right next to our hotel. Any information, guidance, etc on this proposed trip would be greatly appreciated!

Fin&Sin · 08-10-2009, 10:34 AM

You have plenty of boat there, it's only a 3 hour trip at around 28 knots. Keep an eye on the weather, mainly afternoon thunderstorms. The waterside area has become a little bit ghetto, so take your loose items in the hotel with you. All in all it should be a good trip.

treetopvt · 08-10-2009, 11:11 AM

Should I hug the coast or make a straight open water run from the point at Mobjack bay to Lloyd bay? That stretch is giving me the most concern right now. I am also debating splitting the trip south into two days. Perhaps finding a B&B or marina with an inn somewhere near the Rappahannock river to stay at Friday evening and then finishing up Saturday morning. Does anyone has a place they like to stay at along the west side of the bay?

FlyingCircus · 08-10-2009, 11:37 AM

Check out http://www.tidesinn.com/, nice spot, it's about 11 miles up the Rappahannock I wouldn't worry about hugging the coast line, just run straight on down, it should be a nice trip, I'm planning on taking the wife up to The Tides Inn here in the next couple weeks.

treetopvt · 08-27-2009, 01:21 PM

Weather this weekend. Does anyone think Danny is going to cause problems in the bay this weekend?

ratherfish · 08-27-2009, 01:30 PM

This weekend could be dodgy. Better keep an eye on the reports.

treetopvt · 08-27-2009, 01:49 PM

Another place to stay other than the Tides? It is a bit more than I was looking to spend after the transient fee and the cost of the room.

Southern Crush · 08-27-2009, 02:39 PM

hope and glory inn - near the tides inn - irvington, VA

petrel · 08-28-2009, 02:52 AM

The Tides is a little pricey, but it is a very nice spot. To miss the VA beach madness, we sometimes run up there from Rudee Inlet to stay for Fourth of July week, but we stay on the boat. It is a great place to stay over, especially if you have children, but I don't think you would get your money's worth for an overnight.

I would not worry about hugging the coast either. The only points of interest are the lighthouses. On your way to Waterside, be very mindful of commercial and military traffic and be sure to keep one of your radios on 16.

The forecast is not marvelous. Be sure to plug a few places into your gps to hole up if a thunderstorm is bearing down on you and you don't think you can (or choose not to) outrun it. Reedville at the mouth of the Potomac, Dozier's at the mouth of the Rappahannock, Compass Marina on the East River, Dare Marina at Poquoson, etc.

Hope you have a great trip!