Chesapeake Bay
07-23-2016 | 06:05 PM
#12
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 130
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From: Chesapeake Bay
So, long story short had an issue last weekend that cost me time and $$ on the boat. Either way it's back up and running, and got a chance to take it out yesterday. Overall ran well, made it down to Joel's just to check out the trip. Couple questions for you all though. Not knowing the waters, we kept pretty close to the channel from elk river down. Took about 40 mins from Chesapeake Inn to where we turned off the channel to head towards Joels. We averaged 35-40 mph. Does this seem right for other folks that have made the trip? Is there any place along the waters to watch out for, or are safe to travel farther off the channel? We did notice some larger fishing boats running much closer to shore than us.
One thing we noticed is the water in general has a variety of currents and rouge wakes. Part of what kept our speeds down a bit besides not knowing the waters. A question did come up about our size boat traveling in that area. Its a heavier hull for sure, but nothing like the larger fishers/cruisers we saw and not really long enough to take some of the beatings from the wake. I'd be OK with them but the wife and kids not so much. Honest feedback here, is the 280 sport too small to be trying to get up and down that area on a weekend (more traffic, more wake, etc)?
Last question, not ever having anchored to the floating ball tie-offs they have at Joels, how does that work? Obv the dock isn't for docking there (may drop passenger drop off?) so I assume you tie off to the anchor balls and swim/walk in to the shore? Any insight on that would be great.
One thing we noticed is the water in general has a variety of currents and rouge wakes. Part of what kept our speeds down a bit besides not knowing the waters. A question did come up about our size boat traveling in that area. Its a heavier hull for sure, but nothing like the larger fishers/cruisers we saw and not really long enough to take some of the beatings from the wake. I'd be OK with them but the wife and kids not so much. Honest feedback here, is the 280 sport too small to be trying to get up and down that area on a weekend (more traffic, more wake, etc)?
Last question, not ever having anchored to the floating ball tie-offs they have at Joels, how does that work? Obv the dock isn't for docking there (may drop passenger drop off?) so I assume you tie off to the anchor balls and swim/walk in to the shore? Any insight on that would be great.
07-27-2016 | 11:06 AM
#13
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 37
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From: South Jersey
Ok, thanks for the info. I agree, that is where we saw the most rouge waves as well. Something more to get used to as we make the trip more often. Ideally, I'd like to get the cruise speed up some more, but we have some other issues with the boat we are sorting out. On the way home that day we were able to run approx. 50 cruising which was better.
I'll def stop by and say hi if we see you out. I've been hoping to meet up with other power boaters in the area. Right now we just go out by ourselves and stick to places we know.
I'll def stop by and say hi if we see you out. I've been hoping to meet up with other power boaters in the area. Right now we just go out by ourselves and stick to places we know.
07-29-2016 | 06:08 AM
#14
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 238
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From: East Coast
Twins....I would say 40min is about average for 30-40mph. Its a fairly straight shot from the Inn so no real place I could see you "losing time"...the common areas for rouge waves tend to be around the Bohemia River entrance, Susquehanna Flats/North East River, Elk River and Sassafrass River entrance. Outside of that - its normal upper bay traffic and wave action. Be cautious around "Crystal Beach" area just South of the Bohemia River because lots of people tend to water ski, tube and basically do circles for no reason in the middle of the channel - had enough close calls in that area over the years to bring my sticks back when I pass the Bohemia. Your 28ft boat is fine for that trip - I did it in a 22zx last year with no issues. Just watch the weather closely. We were rafted up at Joel's on Saturday the 16th - then that massive wall of weather started over on the Western Shore. We along with quite a few others split quick and outran the weather. If you do not have a boat capable of speed - prepare accordingly and have a plan for anchorage if weather blows up quick. The basin at Joel's is fine for bad weather and if 30-40mph is your top end....your not going to find any safe haven further North of there without having substantial time to make it. If you see me out come say hello.
We were coming down the bay and saw the storm. We ducked into Fairlee also and tied up to the fuel dock to wait out the storm. The cutness of my wife gained us access into another couples (complete, but friendly strangers) sedan style boat with snacks, a/c & cable tv until the storm passed.
Looks like Sunday will be the better of the two days this weekend.
07-29-2016 | 09:50 AM
#15
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 130
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From: Chesapeake Bay
My MILF has gained us entry in similar situations.
I don't know about this weekend.....I am hoping for Sunday at this point but I wont count on it until less than 24hrs out. This time of year the weather flips around so quickly.
I don't know about this weekend.....I am hoping for Sunday at this point but I wont count on it until less than 24hrs out. This time of year the weather flips around so quickly.
08-01-2016 | 01:24 PM
#18
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From: East Coast
08-02-2016 | 09:58 AM
#20
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: South Jersey
What poker run is this weekend? I might be able to talk a buddy into joining me in my boat. Wife will have to watch the kids since our built in babysitters (i.e. parents) are away this weekend. We may also be out the 13th, have to see what the weather looks like and what the schedule looks like, but I think right now its free that weekend.
