Woods Hole sans engine

[redstripesailor]

I just acquired a Pearson Triton that's had the engine removed and the prop aperture glassed over. A friend of mine is going to let me use his mooring in Wood's Hole for the summer. I'm not that familiar with the area but I've heard that the currents there can be dangerous. My friend (a motorboat guy) seems to think I will run into issues sailing around there without an engine. If I play the tides right is getting in and out of there possible without an engine?

[sailingdog]

There's a very good chance you'll get into trouble without some form of auxiliary power in that particular area.

Originally Posted by redstripesailor

I just acquired a Pearson Triton that's had the engine removed and the prop aperture glassed over. A friend of mine is going to let me use his mooring in Wood's Hole for the summer. I'm not that familiar with the area but I've heard that the currents there can be dangerous. My friend (a motorboat guy) seems to think I will run into issues sailing around there without an engine. If I play the tides right is getting in and out of there possible without an engine?

[denby]

I would not go though that area with out an engine.

[CalebD]

The Pearson Triton is a classic plastic boat that has a similar hull shape to my Tartan 27 (1967 vintage). It is a great boat but not one I would want to go out in while the current changes and the wind dies as SD warns of above.
Much as I am not a major fan of outboards I suggest that if you could put a transom mount for a 5 - 8 HP outboard on her you should have the propulsion you will need to get in and get out.
There is an east/west current called 'The Race' just to your east that is caused by the LI Sound and Woods Hole is in a restricted channel between MV and the Cape of Cod which will always cause strong currents. If you do not get an outboard I would suggest that you make sure you have some good anchors and long anchor rodes to keep you from ending up in Nantucket or at Fischers Island or wherever you would end up.
My boat is on the Hudson River with 2-3 knot currents both ways and it is always nice to know that we can get to our mooring when the wind dies. Otherwise you will be calling your buddy with the power boat when you do get caught out and he will get tired of that quickly.
A refurbished Atomic 4 will cost you over $6K from Moyer Marine and a lot more to install on your boat whereas an outboard with a motor mount will cost a lot less. If you have good anchors and are willing to wait a few days until the tides and winds are in your favor I suggest you think about getting some auxiliary propulsion for your Triton besides oars.
It is a great boat and if you only go out for an hour or two you should do fine most of the time. It is the ends of the 'bell curve' that you need to worry about, not the perfect days spent with no motor.
Get the 'Eldridge Tide & Pilot' manual that will give you the predicted tides and has current charts that show you how many knots to expect in your area.
Enjoy.

[mccary]

I have never sailed in that region. But I did sail a boat for a summer without an engine. It just takes some thought and a willingness to pay attention to your own rules about wind and weather.

Lets remember that the British Navy blockaded the French Coast for about 23 years in sailing ships significantly less weatherly than out modern sloops.

[sailingdog]

We're talking about an area that has VERY STRONG currents most of the time. I've seen 30' sailboats under sail in the area sitting in place because they weren't able to make progress under sail. The current can approach 4 knots regularly.

Originally Posted by mccary

I have never sailed in that region. But I did sail a boat for a summer without an engine. It just takes some thought and a willingness to pay attention to your own rules about wind and weather.

Lets remember that the British Navy blockaded the French Coast for about 23 years in sailing ships significantly less weatherly than out modern sloops.

[bb74]

I've sailed and motored there for about 15 years - I would NOT go anywhere near there without power as an option. The currents and rip tides are strong AND there are numerous rock pilings in the area - it is a busy channel and long enough that if you don't get the tide change perfect you'd be screwed. Sorry for the bad news...

[SOUNDBOUNDER]

You will need auxiliary power:

http://windom.cybox.com/photos/09.00/buoywake.jpg

http://www.danamorris.net/woodshole/current2.jpg

[tommays]

Even in pretty tame Northport bay the current is more than you could paddle against

I sailed my first "adult" 11' race dingy out of Patchogue river for 2 years without a problem BUT doing the same thing in My J24 in the same river was iffy at best UNLESS your prepared to anchor and do some really serious waiting

[SOUNDBOUNDER]

here is a quick read about it:

BSC Cruising Guide Woods Hole Navigation

One thing not mentioned is that there also can be a lot of commercial traffic.
Ferries, research vessels etc.

The Eldridge book has a chart of the harbor showing how strong the currents are.