Boating, Fishing, and Travel Information for New York (The Battery), NY

From abreast the entrance to Newtown Creek, the 35-foot-project main channel of the East River crosses from the west side of the river to the east side. Poorhouse Flats Lighted Range (Front Light; 40°43’28″N., 73°57’46″W.), bearing 160.4°, is on the Brooklyn side of the river and marks the best water in the crossover.

Williamsburg Bridge, which crosses East River 2 miles northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a clearance of 133 feet.

The site of the inactive New York Naval Shipyard is in Wallabout Bay, on the Brooklyn side of East River 1.7 miles northeast of The Battery.

Manhattan Bridge, which crosses East River 1 mile northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a clearance of 134 feet. The clearance under the maintenance platform installed at the west channel edge is 115 feet.

Brooklyn Bridge, which crosses East River 0.7 mile northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a clearance of 127 feet. The clearance under the maintenance platform is 110 feet.

The channel between The Battery and Governors Island is very congested and subject to strong currents. Caution should be exercised while navigating in the area.

Hudson River averages about 0.6 mile in width along this 5-mile stretch above The Battery. Chart 12335 covers most of the principal wharves on the New York City side and those of Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken on the west, or New Jersey, side. New York Harbor is a commercial/recreational waterway. This section of the Hudson River is used by commercial shipping, tugs and barges, sightseeing vessels, dinner boats, commuter ferries and recreational vessels including hand-powered vessels. Cruise ships operate from the NYC Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 88-92. NYC Department of Sanitation vessels operate from Piers 97 and 99. Con Edison receives fuel shipments at Pier 98.

Morris Canal Basin:

The basin is located north of Liberty State Park. Two marinas, two commuter ferries, one sailing school, one yacht club and various charter boats operate from the basin. Commercial operators occupy the northwest corner of the basin while tour boats operate from the Central Railroad of New Jersey Pier at the southeast entrance to the basin.

Anchorages:

There are no special anchorages or commercial anchorage grounds in this part of the Hudson River. Vessels anchoring inside of the pierhead line shall be lighted in accordance with the Inland Navigation Rules and should check with local authorities for any additional requirements. Hudson River Park extends from Battery Park City to 59th Street. They provide mooring facilities south of Pier 40. The Hudson River Park dockmaster may be contacted at 212–627–2020 for availability.

Small-craft facilities:

Facilities at Manhattan are located at North Cove Yacht Harbor and Pier 59. Facilities in New Jersey are located in Morris Canal Basin, Jersey City, Hoboken and Weehawkin; sailing schools in Jersey City, Hoboken and Manhattan.

Caution:

Commuter ferries operate between several sites in New Jersey and Manhattan. Extra caution should be used while transiting during the morning and evening rush hours. Hand-powered vessels operate from the New Jersey and New York shores of the Hudson River. Several swimming events are held along the Manhattan shoreline throughout the summer.