ICW in New Jersey

[CrazyRu]

It's time to complete second half of my trip from Houston and bring my boat from NC to NYC. I know it's getting chilly. I'm planning to use ICW all way up to Manasquan inlet if weather is not just right.
It seems like cruisers avoid NJ part of the ICW. It looks shallow and there is a fixed bridge or two... Garmin’s blue chart software doesn't show bridge's clearances and I have a set of old 1982 paper charts, so, I guess, some info is outdated.
Can anybody tell me what the bridges clearances are?
What else should I be aware of? Is there any really good waterway guide for the area?
Thanks for the help.
Vlad

[BlueWaterMD]

I am originally from NJ, and used to do a lot of boating in that area. The only fixed bridge that I know of is the one that connects to Long Beach Island. It is pretty tall, but don't know the exact height. I haven't been much south of that, so don't know if there are others.

Manasquan Inlet is a good choice. I would stay away from barnegat inlet however. Lots of sandbars, strong currents...

Try Dozier's Waterway Guide (North Edition). I just picked up a copy of the South Edition at West Marine. They were all on clearance $10 from $39. I was pretty impressed with it, and would assume the north edition is just as good. If not, you are only out $10. Good luck with the rest of your trip.

[CalebD]

You can view more recent charts on line here: NOAA
OR download printable detailed chart books here: NOAA BookletCharts
for free.
I think that most folks do not use this part of the ICW much are for the reasons you mentioned and given the right weather window it can be covered in around 20 hours of sailing time from Cape May to Sandy Hook.
Are you going to keep your boat on Staten Island this winter?

Cruising up the Chesapeake should be fun (watch out for really shallow water here). You better get moving soon.
I am sure I speak for all that you post a log of this trip if you can.
Good luck.

[CrazyRu]

CalebD, thanks for the link to online charts, I’m falling behind the technology…
BlueWaterMD, thanks for WM lead…
I found two fixed bridges with 35 ft clearance on charts, on in Avalon and another one in Ocean City.
Does anybody know what is real clearance there?. I understand that it is changing according to tide. My boat’s clearance, according to book is 37 ft and 4 inches. From my previous experience, there is always a few feet extra at each bridge I crossed, according to bridge’s gauge.
So, should I look for another route or I will be OK at most times, except highest tide?
CalebD, I probably put my boat into some marina for in-water storage, then switch to mooring in spring.
I’m going to build servo-pendulum windvane and do some interior repairs over winter; I’ll need electricity and heat.
I really like idea of Liberty Landing Marina – I work in Jersey City. I have irregular schedule, so boat may provide a shelter between shifts. You see, I’m very good in finding excuses 
I got a new laptop, so, I hope, my updates will be regular.
Best
Vlad

[gc1111]

Double check the depths south of Atlantic City. It is strictly small outboard country. Tidal ranges inside tend to be small. I would not count much help from the tide in clearing bridges.
On the other hand, the trip outside is pretty easy. Just be aware that the only usable (by strangers) inlets are Cape May, Atlantic City, and Manasquan.

[camaraderie]

CrazyRU...the only FIXED bridge on the waterway near ocean city has a 56 clearance. I think you are looking at the 35ft. clearance near Margate which is NOT on the waterway...there is a bascule bridge near there that you DO go through.
The one at Avalon IS a problem so you need to go outside from Cape May to Atlantic City...that is a days sail...just wait for the right weather and you can have a nice sail before hitting the casinos!

[CalebD]

Vlad,
I used to work in Jersey ***** and wished I could keep my boat there as well instead of up at Nyack. I looked at Newport and have spent a night or two at Liberty Landing while transiting NY Harbor.
While Liberty Landing is not cheap for winter storage in the water it could be worth compared to living on land if you could live on your boat given real estate costs in the area.
Liberty Landing Marina - New Jersey Marina - It sounds like it is also close to your job.
gc1111 basically has laid out the case as to why sailors with a boat of any reasonable draft do not use the ICW in NJ: it is too shallow for most boats. It sounds like you should only use a few inlets (Cape May, AC and Manasquan) for refuge if the weather forces your hand to do so. That is why most people just try to do the leap from Cape May to NYC.
There is also some information available from the USCG in their 'Coastal Pilot' (free) downloads. CP 3 covers Sandy Hook to Virginia and while there is a lot of stuff you do not need it will describe known hazards at every inlet and what to expect for mariners. It is mainly intended for commercial boating interests but contains important info for cruisers if you can find it. United States Coast Pilot®
You just have to scan through it to the parts that are important to you and can be kept on your lap top computer.
I enjoyed reading your posts on your way from the Gulf to NC that you posted. I live right across the Hudson from Jersey City in Manhattan and can see the Colgate clock and the Statue of Liberty when I walk to the water.

[joethecobbler]

Hey I went inside last Nov. from Barnegat light to Atlantic city. Only concern was the depth, I draw 3-4 and was bumping a few times.
If you come in at Manesquan (atlantic city) and need to anchor,hang a right (north) just before the first bridge (instead of turning south into Trumps) and go up into that cut/creek till the end (brigadoon) and anchor there in the little cul-de-sac and you can dingy to the shore and cross the street . there is everything ecept a laundrymat (grocery,post office,liqor,bar) spent 3-4 days there last year. beats $5 a foot at trumps !!
Oh and Barnegat light is another good anchorage except in a Northernly gets choppy, and getting out the inlet is fine, just dont turn north till you clear the submerged north jetty. go to the bouy.

[camaraderie]

NEW link today for online charts...discard your old links!

NOAA's On-Line Chart Viewer
Also...small correction to JTC's post...Atlantic City is Absecon inlet...Manasquan is a day sail north.

[joethecobbler]

yea, Absecon = Atlantic city, my bad. not manasquan. Any hoo- the little cut on the north side of the inlet works great for us budget minded sailing types. Also there are probable plenty of other spots along the less traveled Jersey ICW that one could likely anchor and/or land a dingy. The fish island just north of Atlantic city looked interesting but I was in "gotta go" mode.