I am first time boater wanting to go from freeport ny to hudson river on my rinker 230 bowrider.?

Question

I am first time boater wanting to go from freeport ny to hudson river on my rinker 230 bowrider.

What dangers hsould i be aware off...i dont have a chart plotter...will ride with coast in site...do have a handheld VHF radio.

What websites should i check for marine weather conditions..any tips would help

Answer 1

You can go the inside route from Freeport and go outside at East Rockaway. Then its a fairly short trip past the Verazono Bridge and thru the harbor to the Hudson. You can go outside at Jones Inlet, on a day with good weather that would be the fastest way to go.  It can get nasty out there still, if you are a mile off you would be ok as far as hazards to navigation. News 12 traffic and weather has good forecasts, the vhf has good reports on the weather channels (WX 1,2,or 3) Make sure that at the very least you have a chart and all the required safety gear.

Answer 2

Uhm,.... Yea......this has disaster writing all over it.

Answer 3

I would suggest a fixed VHF as your handheld does not have the reception to keep track of the traffic in New York Harbor.  Keep track of what vessels are in the area that you may encounter.  You will not be very visible to commercial vessels unless it is very calm. Get a chart well beforehand and plan your trip to stay well clear of the traffic lanes.  There are some shoals and wrecks marked on the chart along the route.  You should be able to do DR tracks and obtain fixes along the route in case inclement weather or fog obscures visibility.  Study the chart well in advance of your trip so you know what to expect.   Do not rely on site such as this for your knowledge.  Get a chart, study, study, study.  Anytime you head to sea your route should be as familiar as possible to avoid problems.

Answer 4

take short trips till you get the hang of things