Barnegat or Mannasquan Inlet?

[Dani-Lu]

I am helping a friend bring his new to him boat from behind owners house on Mill Creek road, Manhawkin, New Jersey, to Jones Beach inlet (Treasure Island marina).

It looks like I will need to go out the Barnegat Inlet. I have never been thru this inlet and bay to the inlet. I would appreciate local knowledge ensuring an uneventful run to LI.

Ultimate goal, get boat into ocean without touching sand and from there I know my way.

Boat is 29' with I/o's.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[WALSHIE]

From the looks of it, you have to pass Barnegat inlet to get to Mannasquan.

I'd exit at Barnegat otherwise you have to navigate the Barnegat Bay which I have done many times but would choose to avoid if you could.

The charts say it is shallow but there is a channel on the west side of the bay that is well marked.
From there, you have to make it into the Point Pleasant canal. Try to go at slack tide, the current can be strong. Once in Mannasquan inlet, there are some bridges that open regularly and it's a good spot to top off fuel.

 

[Dani-Lu]

I went on garmin blue chart today and it looks like Barnegat inlet is the most direct route. Now I need to know if the channels to the inlet are well marked, any areas to be concerned with, should I try to time departure for high tide, or plenty of water at low? Are there any tides I should avoid when going thru the inlet?

 

[Cam]

Barnegat inlet is very shallow, but I found that if you follow the locals there, they can guide you through the channels easily.