TLF, I haven't been through in awhile. I used to transit the canal fairly regularly though.
1st.. Here's the list of bridges in NJ with contact info and schedules:
Drawbridge Schedule, Commuter Information
Since you're 1st entering through the Manasquan inlet I would suggest that you try to time your entrance around slack current ( high tide) if possible, or just at the beginning of the ebb.
I typically liked to have a little current against me when I entered the river and canal. I didn't like having the current pushing me toward the bridges. It's easier to stem the current that's against you than try to hold yourself in reverse while waiting for the bridge to lift.
If you have to go in with the current pushing you, I like to call the operator to announce my arrival, so they can look for you.
Also, before you get to the canal there's a RR bridge on the Manasquan river that's has a narrow opening. At full flow it takes a firm hand on the tiller/wheel and good speed control. Again, I'd rather buck a "little" current here.
The current in the canal turns a bit after the river.
Check Eldridge carefully. The currents here are based on the Entrance to the Delaware Bay ( page 24 of the 2014 Eldridge) And Page 141
Weekends are of course the busiest time. I preferred to transit during the week. But if you're going on the weekend..the earlier the better. Beside the current It's also the amount of boat traffic that churns up the water in the canal, and they are often not considerate of auxiliary engines.
It looks like you can arrive at the inlet as early as 8 a.m. +/- on Sunday the 27th.
Where will you be staging yourself the night before? The Highlands..Sandy Hook?
Or did you plan on running straight through from LIS ?
1st.. Here's the list of bridges in NJ with contact info and schedules:
Drawbridge Schedule, Commuter Information
Since you're 1st entering through the Manasquan inlet I would suggest that you try to time your entrance around slack current ( high tide) if possible, or just at the beginning of the ebb.
I typically liked to have a little current against me when I entered the river and canal. I didn't like having the current pushing me toward the bridges. It's easier to stem the current that's against you than try to hold yourself in reverse while waiting for the bridge to lift.
If you have to go in with the current pushing you, I like to call the operator to announce my arrival, so they can look for you.
Also, before you get to the canal there's a RR bridge on the Manasquan river that's has a narrow opening. At full flow it takes a firm hand on the tiller/wheel and good speed control. Again, I'd rather buck a "little" current here.
The current in the canal turns a bit after the river.
Check Eldridge carefully. The currents here are based on the Entrance to the Delaware Bay ( page 24 of the 2014 Eldridge) And Page 141
Weekends are of course the busiest time. I preferred to transit during the week. But if you're going on the weekend..the earlier the better. Beside the current It's also the amount of boat traffic that churns up the water in the canal, and they are often not considerate of auxiliary engines.
It looks like you can arrive at the inlet as early as 8 a.m. +/- on Sunday the 27th.
Where will you be staging yourself the night before? The Highlands..Sandy Hook?
Or did you plan on running straight through from LIS ?