Connecticut River: Local Knowledge Request

C

caltexfla

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As we mosey our way east towards Massachusetts, I was hoping to take a cruise up the Connecticut River this weekend. Our boat is 60ft LOA, and we'd prefer to anchor or moor out where practical, and explore around in the dingy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (Cocktails, beer and wine are served on the aft deck at 5pm.)

We are currently anchored in Oyster Bay LI, headed to Norwalk Cove Marina this afternoon to visit some friends, then a day or two in the Thimbles.

This is our first time on LIS by boat and we are loving it! This forum has been a great help in our planning, by the way, so thanks to you all regardless!

George
 
George ,
Cant help yea with ur river question but if u have extra time ... Check out american Warf Marina On the tymes River in Conn. Great marina. LONG ride up the river u pass the groton sub base... Always interesting... But the best part is the casion ( mohegan sun ) its 5 mins from the marina. They will drive u there and pick up.. Just a thought if u had extra time. ITS A VERY QUITE MARINA.

Rob
 
We took a trip on the Connecticut River last year and stayed on a mooring at the Chandlery -
http://www.chandleryatessex.com/ Right near Essex Island Marina. From there it was a nice spot to take the dinghy around. I think the moorings are $40 a night and you can call and reserve one. We also went to Hamburg Cove which is a couple miles further north, they had first come, first serve rental moorings. Also a great spot to take the dinghy out, both inside the cove and also back out in the river if you go a little north there was another nice creek.

John
 
Ditto on JohnC's advice. Hamburg cove is one of the most beautiful places around, however, it gets very crowded on weekends. If you go during the week, you will have it pretty much to yourself.

You can dink all the way to the end of the cove to dump garbage, get ice or walk up the hill to the little store.

A dink ride thru Selden creek is a great way to spend a day.
 
Mystic is another nice spot.
Mystic River Marina can accomodate you if you need a marina.
 
There isnt much north of Essex for you to do. I would stay in Essex as stated above or grab a mooring in Hamburg Cove. There are a few rentals, although I am not sure about the size of your boat. I would assume that the rental moorings would be enough to hold you, but not certain. All the rest are private. As stated above, it does get very crowded. We should be there this weekend as well. My marina is about 15 minutes north of the cove. Essex would probably be your best bet though. They can easily accommodate you. Its not rare to see 80' + boats there. Essex is a fun town to go into and the restaurants are ok. The Gris is the local favorite, but personally I think it is fair at best. The Black Seal isn't half bad though. If you make it to the cove, I will look for you. Have fun
 
The Gris has gone WAY down in quality and WAY up in price since they change ownership. The Black Seal is much better.
 
Selden Creek is a really nice dinghy trip. I'm not sure if there are any size restrictions on the moorings at Hamburg cove. We went during the week and there were only a handful of boats. Really nice spot.

We went to the Black Seal last year and were not impressed at all. Didn't make it to the Gris.
 
Thanks so much everyone! I am revisiting my strategy; and see if we can get up there Friday sometime and try to beat the crowds. We hope to get up to Mystic on Monday.

George
(moving a little slowly this morning after a good dose of Connecticut hospitality last night!)
 
It's been a while but isn't Hamburg cove tight for a 60'er ? The Water can be a little skinny going in also ? During the weekend it will be packed but to be expected.

Like I said it's been a while but my thought is Essex will meet your needs. The town is top rated in all the mags. It's a great town to walk and explore.

The CT river should be very easy for you to navigate also.
 
When we went to Hamburg cove last year we had no problems with water depth. The entrance was well marked and the moorings themselves were in deep water. There were 50'+ boats in there and some fairly large sailboats which probably have deep drafts.

The spacing of some of the moorings was a little close though, that might be an issue with a 60' LOA. If you're getting to Essex Friday one suggestion might be Fri/Sat nights at Essex and then Sunday night at Hamburg if you want to check it out. Probably clears out Sunday and then you can spend some time there. Then again weather may be an issue this Sunday.
 
Thanks: I talked to the fellow at Cove Marina; he said the moorings were set up to handle 70' max, so we'll go check it out. Perhaps the weather will keep the traffic down this weekend.

George

Getting ready to cast off the lines and head to the Thimbles!
 
With a boat your size, just anchor off Nott Island also called Essex Island. Always room. Nice sunset views, dink into Essex. Consider going up to the swing bridge East Haddam. Land the dink just north of the sea plane ramp in the creek. Short tour of the town, Opera House, beer garden restaurant. All the way up river in Middletown is an on the water restaurant. Harbor Park. May be able to tie up. You can also anchor just north of the 95 bridge and go to restaurants in Old Saybrook and visit art galleries in Old Lyme.
 
Thanks Andy; we plan to take the Whaler up there tomorrow afternoon. We are on a mooring in pretty and mostly empty Hamburg Cove as I write this; went over to Essex briefly this afternoon on the dink and probably again in the AM (any breakfast suggestions?).

Off to Mystic on Sunday (will be in a marina there) and then Watch Hill Tuesday, and our summer headquarters destination, Westport Harbor MA, on Wednesday.

We have had a super time in y'all's home waters so far!

George
 
There is a good breakfast place behind the Dauntless boat yard in Essex. It's on the uphill side of the yard with a view of the boats. Breakfast sandwiches at the coffee place on Main and at the deli at the foot of Main. Run the whaler into North Cove, Old Saybrook. It is a short walk to Main St. Great lunches at Penny Lane. Breakfast a few doors south on Main (Paperback Book?)

Ah yes, Westport Harbor - Remember it well. lost an outdrive and the GPS out of Cuddyhunk. Limped into Westport and had to leave the boat. Pretty place though.
 
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