This summer, the wife and i would like to take our boat from Glen Cove to Fire Island for a few days. We're not quite sure when we'll be going, but we'll have some flexibility (ie we could go mid-week instead of on a weekend). We're thinking of staying on the hook but we've never done that before. However, we've got a decent house battery setup that will last 3 days and a dingy with outboard for getting to/from the boat. Any suggestions on protected anchorages at fire island? If not, what about decent marinas? Thanks in advance.
Fire Island Question
- Thread starter btoran
- Start date
Hi
Could you tell me a litle more about clam pond,
do you rock alot or is it somewhat protected?
Midsummer can you get there on a Friday/Sat or Sunday or is packed?
Is there a place to go on shore (public) and leave the dingy
thanks
Ron
Could you tell me a litle more about clam pond,
do you rock alot or is it somewhat protected?
Midsummer can you get there on a Friday/Sat or Sunday or is packed?
Is there a place to go on shore (public) and leave the dingy
thanks
Ron
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Bruce,
FYI
We are thinking about going for Memorial Day weekend to either get a slip or raft-up. Maybe going as early as that Thursday if we are going for a slip.
FYI
We are thinking about going for Memorial Day weekend to either get a slip or raft-up. Maybe going as early as that Thursday if we are going for a slip.
I haven't been to clam pond, but in general there isn't much in terms of protected anchorages at Fire Island. If the wind is from the south you're generally well protected anchoring on the bay side of the island, but if it swings around to the north you're completely exposed. Also towards the west side of the island as you get closer to the inlet, there are strong tidal currents and a lot of boat traffic so it's not a good place to anchor generally.
Besides the clam pond option, you also have the 2 national seashore marinas, Watch Hill and Sailor's Haven. Watch Hill is much bigger and generally easier to get a slip, both are very nice beach spots, have bbq areas, nature trails, snack bars, and are about a 1/2 mile walk to the nearest towns. Watch Hill also has a restaurant right at the marina. Last year the rate for each was $1.75 a foot per night. You can also anchor outside of either marina and swim or dinghy in to the beach. Watch Hill does not have a dinghy dock, at one time Sailor's Haven had a spot where you could leave your dinghy but I'm not sure that's still the case.
If you're looking to be right in one of the Fire Island towns there are marinas at Ocean Beach also. I haven't gone there in years so don't know the current rules or rates. These are closer to a channel and you get more wave action from passing boats.
John
Besides the clam pond option, you also have the 2 national seashore marinas, Watch Hill and Sailor's Haven. Watch Hill is much bigger and generally easier to get a slip, both are very nice beach spots, have bbq areas, nature trails, snack bars, and are about a 1/2 mile walk to the nearest towns. Watch Hill also has a restaurant right at the marina. Last year the rate for each was $1.75 a foot per night. You can also anchor outside of either marina and swim or dinghy in to the beach. Watch Hill does not have a dinghy dock, at one time Sailor's Haven had a spot where you could leave your dinghy but I'm not sure that's still the case.
If you're looking to be right in one of the Fire Island towns there are marinas at Ocean Beach also. I haven't gone there in years so don't know the current rules or rates. These are closer to a channel and you get more wave action from passing boats.
John
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Bruce,
I have not been since a kid. Look down a few threads at "this season".
Right now it depends on when we can get there. I think to have a shot at Watch Hill, Thursday, otherwise we'll check out LIYC or see about Hemloc cove. That's the weekend for the Blue Angels so I expect anywhere around Jones Beach will be mobbed if the weather is good.
I have not been since a kid. Look down a few threads at "this season".
Right now it depends on when we can get there. I think to have a shot at Watch Hill, Thursday, otherwise we'll check out LIYC or see about Hemloc cove. That's the weekend for the Blue Angels so I expect anywhere around Jones Beach will be mobbed if the weather is good.
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Watch Hill you can call and reserve the day of your arrival.
Highly recommend it so you don't go and find no slip.
Zachs bay for Blue Angels will be mobbed!
Highly recommend it so you don't go and find no slip.
Zachs bay for Blue Angels will be mobbed!
Clam pond is one of the few places where you are unaffected by a North or South wind. Also as it is a cove, it is much less affected by currents. It never seems to get too crowdwd on weekends as not too many people know the approaches. For spending time on the hook and having an easy dink ride to Atlantique and O.B., I don't know of many better spots. The water is fairly deep and the holding is good.
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boatbasin,
Does that mean that the approaches to Clam are tricky?
Being North Shore guys, we are used to lots of water. I can't speak for Bruce but wherever I wind up going at least I will be nervous as it is with depth.
Does that mean that the approaches to Clam are tricky?
Being North Shore guys, we are used to lots of water. I can't speak for Bruce but wherever I wind up going at least I will be nervous as it is with depth.
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The LIYC is a private YC, but if you are part of a group like a Power Squadron or another YC you can come. Also you can come as a guest of a current member. Of course slips pending availability. Price is comparable to any marina, in fact maybe cheaper. They are having an open house today from 1-4. You can go and kick some fenders….. The web site is LIYC.com I am going to hang on my boat for a while… and go to the club house for a visit. I am on the north dock.
Take Care,
Brad
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Never heard or been there either. I believe I know the location... But I am just trying to recall seeing a lot of boats anchored out.
If it is between Fair Harbor and Atlantique the pictures below were taken on a walk from Alantique to Fair Harbor.
Clam Pond is between Saltaire and Fair Harbor(Kismet and Atlantique). It's a nice sleepy little anchorage protected by just about everything except an east/northeasterly wind. A little sticky getting in or out. Best way is to follow the ferry route from East Channel toward Atlantique and then just before you make the Atlantique entrance, head west and you'll run right into it. Just go slow and keep and eye on the sounder and you should have no problem.
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Coast guard / Garbage cove is just west of Hemlock cove. Both great places, I find CGC a bit less crowded. It has less shore line but there is some especially on the lower tide. The entrance is much wider than Hemlock also.
Coast Guard / Garbage Cove raft-up
Mark - The water depth is not a problem, minimum 7-10'. The enterance channel is very narrow and has to be carefully followed. In Brads first picture the small island to the far left of the picture is the NORTH side of Clam Pond, It is between there and the Fire Island Mainland that the cove lies. The only entrance is from the Atlantique channel.