Can someone tell me what and where the intracoatal waterway is?

Question

I am also interested in knowing if an 18-foot Catalina would be safe sialing there.

Answer 1

The intracoastal goes from Florida up to Montreal. An 18' boat is plenty safe on it, if you have a motor and aren't relying on just wind.

Answer 2

The InterCoastal Waterway is a set of ays and canals and rivers down the East Coast. In NJ it really does not exist for a sailboat. There are 22 foot bridges and 2 foot depths as well as current. IThe ICW includes the Deleware Bay, C&D canal, Chesapeake Bay and in Norfolk has 2 choice of pathways, one the Dismal Swamp. From there south it is navigatable by sailboat.Of course the Bays mentioned are very good to sail in. An 18 foot boat is safe if the sailors are cautious. There are many rivers off the Chesapeake that are good sailing. The Choptank is noted as very desirable sailing.(Eastern Shore)Charts are needed for many areas.

Answer 3

The Intracoastal Waterway runs from Central New Jersey to (I believe) South Carolina or maybe even all the way through Florida. It is a chain of all the bodies of water between the barrier islands and the mainland. Your 18-foot Catalina should be fine and if you come across rough seas, you won't have to go far for shelter.

Answer 4

The intracoastal waterway is water route that links the Great Lakes (One end is at Lake Ontario) and Florida. (other end empties into the Atlantic Ocean). See the link below for all the details about this great recreational waterway for smaller pleasure craft.

Answer 5

There is also the 'other' intercoastal waterway that runs from Brownsville TX to Pensacola FL. It is designed for towboat and barge traffic in between those two points, so the boats do not have to run in open ocean water.

Answer 6

you can see from the other answers where the ICW runs from and what it is, i do not know about the north but i know in the south(lower florida you will be fine with a sailboat, but you will be motoring the enitre time)