scooper321

Hi,

While I haven't winterized and called it quits on 2020 yet, I'm looking ahead to 2021. I'm thinking about a trip from the Chesapeake up through NYC to Newport, Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, etc. We will be passing through NYC each way, so I'm looking for marina recommendations in that area. Sandy Hook/Atlantic Highlands, the east side of Staten Island and/or Manhattan, or along the East River. We would be heading up the East, so I'm NOT looking for recommendations along Long Beach or Fire Island. Probably not too far up the East River, however, as we'll be motoring up from Cape May that day and don't really want super long days. A decent marina, not top-end, is fine. Safety for us (and the boat) is top priority, then price. We don't need a lot of amenities other than diesel, electricity and fresh water. NYC has all the amenities we'll need for a stop over. Thanks!

Steve

aubv

Liberty Landing in Jersey City

MTS Sportfishing

If it's just an overnight, Liberty Landing is perfect. If you stay a few days, Channel Club in the Shrewsbury River

phillipdebeacke

liberty Landing

GSB_Contender

If you want to be in Manhattan check out North Cove Marina. I don't think they have fuel but the location is great. It is downtown right at Brookfield Place which has shopping/restaurants and easy access to the rest of Manhattan.

mystery

I spent a bit of time as a transient in NYC area a couple years ago. Pretty much all the marinas stink. Most are severely impacted by wakes. That leaves Liberty Harbor, Liberty Landing, and Hudson Point marina. Liberty Harbor is a decent location, run down, but gets the job done. Liberty Landing is super expensive and bad location kind of cut-off from everything. Hudson Point would be my recommendation. Its right next to Liberty Harbor, better maintained, and great location.

There are pump out boats. You can get fuel and use pump out at Liberty Landing without staying there. A word to the wise: I would not take on fuel in NYC if you can avoid it. Its severely overpriced or at least it was when I was there.

LI32

Are you looking to visit NYC or just a marina for a stopover coming back through the LI Sound?
If looking to stay in NYC, then either Liberty Landing and use the ferry to get to and from NYC or if someone takes over from MarineMax (the marina is now closed since MarineMax left earlier this year), the Chelsea Piers Marina is on 21st Street in Manhattan.
Outside of Manhattan proper, City Island (SE Bronx - about 1.5 nm off your course) has a two nice marinas (Minneford Marina is the better of them) that take transients; on the other side of the East River, World's Fair Marina (next to LaGuardia Airport) also takes transients up to 50'.
One thing to consider is that until Covid-19 resolves itself, none of the marinas in NY or NJ are allowed to take transients on a non-emergency basis.

mystery

Just FYI significantly more ferry options from Hudson Point or Liberty Harbor. Liberty Landing only has one ferry route and its limited. With the other two marinas you are in Jersey City with a ferry right next door and several other ferry options a short walk away.

Also, I would double check that marinas are closed to transients. I have heard from several they had no issues stopping at NYC/NY/NJ marinas but not sure exactly where they stopped. I am not aware of any rule or regulation banning marinas from taking transients. Can you please share that? Earlier in the year there may have been a short pause but AFAIK its been wide open ever since.

scooper321

This is good information. Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. Exactly the sort of discussion I hoped for, to get options and learn some local knowledge so I can plan out what works for us.

To answer the question, on the way north, we are thinking of 2 nights around NYC so we can spend a day in the City. In a normal world, ferries, Ubers and the subway could get us around, as long as we were somewhat near the city (otherwise, save a buck and stay near Sandy Hook, right?).

But times aren’t normal and COVID does play a role in our planning. If it’s still popping hard, we would change these plans. Also, good to think about the city and state being potentially closed. I knew NY had done that. We will see what it’s like next summer ; hoping things settle down by then. But I appreciate the reminder. NY has been strict with rules on outside visitors.

Keep the suggestions coming! And if you have any tips about boating through the traffic channels, let me know. We get plenty of big ships on Baltimore but I’m sure not nearly the total traffic as NYC.

mark101

Dont worry about traffic,east river and harbor are a breeze

jillybird

Your best bet is to head up the East River and out to the Sound. Then you can stop at Safe Harbor Capri Marina in Port Washington and take 1/2 hour train ride into the city. This is a lovely marina with all facilities in a great town on Long Island. Alternatively, you can go to Imperial Yacht Club in New Rochelle or Safe Harbor Post Road in Mamaroneck. Both are in Westchester and are 1/2 hour train rides to Grand Central.

mystery

Why would you do that when you can take a 10 minute ferry ride into the city from the ferry dock next to one of the marinas?

gregb5220

The problem with North Cove is its never not bouncy.

mystery

its like a washing machine

GSB_Contender

I agree it does get bouncy but if you are only staying for a night or two it might be worth it to be in Manhattan.

mystery

Its not even worth it for a 5 minute stop.

Many boats you see there are running gyros the whole time.

GSB_Contender

Yes I am sure all the J24 sailboats that dock there are all running gyros. I have slept on a 30ft sailboat years ago there. The boat wasn't damaged and it didn't sink. I even got some sleep. Granted that was after a good night out in Manhattan though.

OP it might not be the best option for you, but I figured I would throw it out there in case you have a large boat with a gyro.

mystery

do you ever see any one hanging on the j24 sailboats? i never have. people hop on them, go for a sail, get back, get the eff off as quick as they can. my office view was of this whole area. my buddy kept his boat moored there for a few months and he said he couldnt hang on it.

GSB_Contender

I'm glad you have a nice view from your office. The guy is not mooring his boat here permanently. It sounded like he was staying for a night or two and wanted to see the city. Lets agree to disagree and the OP can decide where he wants to stay.

And just think when someone else asks about marinas in the future and you tell them to use the search function they can find this thread and find out all about North Cove.

jillybird

I've recommended the LI Sound marinas because Liberty Landing is expensive -- it costs nearly twice as much per day as the LI Sound marinas; it's gigantic and a bit of a circus; and the ferry takes you to West Street which is the World Financial area and is kind of the middle of nowhere in Manhattan if you're a tourist. If you go to the Westchester marinas, you're a 1/2 hour train ride to Grand Central Station, and if you go to Port Washington, you're a 35 minute train ride into Penn Station. Either rail station is much better located. The LI Sound marinas are super safe so no security worries. So there you have it, Mystery.