Information as to the inland waterway

[psneeld]

I guess the biggest decision is what Chris is alluding to.

The Chesapeake is big water but in some ways so is Pamlico and Albemarle sounds if you are at all familiar. Weather can be a controlling factor and while predictable is not a guarantee that a schedule can be kept.

Length of travel day and fuel burn will be a challenge when roughing out a schedule if your return date is important.

Crossing the Potomac is around a 10 mile run. Often in the summer, winds can be light in the early morn or just before dusk.... which would be what.... a half hour run in your boats? So think accordingly and look at the weather a few days out. If high pressure is dominant.... then a crossing of a half hour or more at some point may be possible and if not...maybe crossing the bay, going up/down then crossing back over isn't a big deal except added fuel cost and a bit longer of a day.

Your other big decision is the traveler's conundrum.... cover a lot or get to know where you went. No real answer because any combo of the 2 is typical for many people.

Some like to hit a lot of spots, then weed out the ones not worth in depth visiting and visit the ones they like in depth a second time.

That's why a rough schedule and some research into spots you THINK you might like can be invaluable.

 

[Old Sea Dog]

Ocracoke to the bay is a nice trip too if never done or won't be easily done soon.

That it is.

 

[Old Sea Dog]

Just thought that if his goal is the Chesapeake, he could have the opportunity to spend the whole 2 weeks exploring the Bay.

 

[psneeld]

Just thought that if his goal is the Chesapeake, he could have the opportunity to spend the whole 2 weeks exploring the Bay.

But getting there is as exciting in some ways as being there.

Most people would never go through a lock if not for those 2 routes.

Manteo is a great place, as good as many on the bay,

So is Portsmouth/Norfolk.

Plus, no worry about where to leave the tow vehicles and trailers.... then again you save the gas if the water transit isn't that important.

 

[Old Sea Dog]

Seems like he wants to get to and see some of the Bay. Trailering would allow more time there.
Could also take 2 weeks exploring Manteo to Hampton and back.
His original post said 'cruise both sides of the Chesapeake for a couple of weeks'.

 

[psneeld]

True it is an option.....

At 20 knots, it's only a little over a day to the bay to the Chesapeake if you skip Manteo (which could be done later). Much of that day would be taken up by pulling/loading the boats on trailers if they are in the water, driving, launching, and finding a place and arranging for the tow vehicles/trailers to be stored.

Might save a bit of time but not really that much in my mind unless you towed further up into the bay.

 

[Hippocampus]

Been learning about the western shore as been spending time mostly out of Deltaville or transitting on the the way to/ from the C&D. So experience may not be transferable. Be a shame to not anchor on occasion. There’s so many delightful nooks and crannies off the beaten path.
Been using the usual-Bob, waterway, active but also Cruisng the Chesapeake-Wm.H. Snellenburger . Treat the chessie like L.I. Sound. Pick which side depending upon weather. Like L.I. even if it’s bumpy in the middle usually one side is much better than the other. Would set up several itineraries so you could choose which one would be most pleasant during the time of your cruise.
The motel is a short walk from Deltaville boatyard. The hardware store (good marine supplies and cheaper than the WM further out) a small bit more. The yard has loaner bikes for getting food and had a loaner car last summer.