quick info needed

[DropTop]

anyone have any information about the mooring field just north of the holland tunnel in NYC?

you can easily see it in the satelite view of the map below
holland tunnel - Google Maps

I am going down to the city tomorrow and would love to pick up a ball here, or somewhere near the west village

[CalebD]

I think that this is what you are asking about: Hudson River Park - Pier 40 Moorings
It is between Houston and Spring Streets on the Manhattan side just north of the Holland tunnel ventilation towers.
I've never grabbed a mooring there but I know that others have.
What I do know (I live several blocks away):
It is operated by NYC Parks dept. (like 79th St. Boat Basin) and there are 16 - 18 moorings. They have tried to get full season rentals rather then deal with transients. Most of the moorings are occupied but there are likely 1 or 2 that are unused.
What I surmise:
I don't believe that the NYC Parks employee(s) in charge of this area keep a constant eye on the comings and goings here and you might not have to pay the $40/night fee. I have heard that the folks in charge are difficult to get on the phone to talk to. As I said, I think they are more interested in full season rentals ($3k/season) rather then $40/night transactions.
If you are only going to do it for 1 night then I'd suggest to arrive after 5 and leave early. You need your own dinghy to get to shore.
Let me know how you make out.

[DropTop]

thanks for the tip, I spent over an hour on the phone earlier today with the NYC parks department, and someone at the 79th st boat basin. noone could locate any info about the moorings, nor did they even know it existed (one of the parks dept people asked me "are you asking for a rope to put on your boat?"

I think we're just going to hope there is a empty mooring and dinghy ashore.

Do you know if the dinghy dock needs a key or combo?

[CalebD]

Pier 40 is not run by the same employees who run the 79th st boat basin. There is one guy that has an office in the Pier 40 building that I spoke to once. I suspect that the moorings are only one part of his job.
The moorings themselves are concrete slabs about 6' x 6' that they put in a few years ago.
The dinghy dock has a gate that may or may not be unlocked. Should be pretty easy to get over if it is locked. We picked my wife up on that dinghy dock a few years ago and she had to climb over the gate (waist height).
I bet you will find at least one mooring without a boat on it.
I'm pretty sure that there is a bathroom and maybe even a shower but that is about it as far as amenities (79th st has way more).
The dock that is farther out on the river is used by a public kayaking operation (free kayaks!). The dock closer to shore is the dinghy dock as far as I know.
The West Village is pretty close as you probably know.
I'll try to look for you tomorrow evening.

[DropTop]

thanks for the info, I'll be monitoring 16, SV Four Points, hope to get there around lunch time or before.

If you find me I'll have a cold beer or two with your name on them!

[CalebD]

I was just checking the website I linked above for Pier 40 and the seasonal fee is $1800 (not $3k as I posted earlier). Hudson River Park - Pier 40 Moorings
The daily fee is posted as $40 or $350/month.
What I thought was a little odd was the statement: "Overnight occupancy of vessels is prohibited.", perhaps meaning they do not have the insurance for this kind of 'activity'. If you are planning on staying on 'Four Points' on a mooring overnight I'd recommend keeping a low profile (no lights in cockpit, low noise level etc.).
Also worth noting is that the strip of land along the banks of the Hudson is now a park and thus under NYC Parks control. This park closes at 11 pm and is patrolled by Park 'rangers'. On the other hand the parking garage that is on Pier 40 is open all night long so access to that should not be restricted.
I am only passing this along in case you were planning a big night on the town and hope to get back aboard your boat after 11 pm. It would be safer to get back to your boat before the park officially closes.
The NYC Parks may not be so easy to get by phone but one thing they do take pretty seriously is their hours of operation and security. There are some security cameras installed around this facility as well as a guard station by the main entrance at Houston St. The less attention you draw to yourself the less likely you will be charged a fee or hassled.
Even if you have to pay the fee of $40/night (which is a bargain) they will be expecting you to vacate your boat for the night (according to the website).
I'll try to get a free kayak at the pier and find you tomorrow afternoon.