Hell Gate / East River at night?

[scarduner]

Trying to head south while the warm ( relatively) weather lasts. Going south through hell gate but the slack time is 4:45 which gets me into my harbor in the dark to anchor.
I am wondering if I can hit hell gate at 4:30 AM --- has anyone done this? Is it doable, a bad idea.....?
I don't want to wait a extra two days just for slack at hell gate to be in daylight....

Thanks

[Cotemar]

scarduner,

Thats about the same time we went through Hells Gate.
Its not a problem. that area is lit up pretty well at night.
It was like a mirror when we went through.
Enjoy your trip.

[SailFastTri]

At slack time I agree with Cotemar, but peak flow in the dark would be a bit too scary to me.

I've done Hellgate many times, mostly with a strong current running but never in the dark.

[mbianka]

I would not be so concerned about hitting Hell Gate at slack tide but, you should go with the flow of course. Might be a hundred feet of turbulent waters around the Gate but, a strong hand on the tiller/wheel will get you through. It's a beautiful trip at night the only thing is you might not see the debris in the water as easily as during the day. Big chunks of wood piling pieces etc... can ruin your day if it hits the prop. With the coastal flood warnings in these waters today there might be a little more debris around for a few days too.

[Katiusha]

With up to 11 kn (if I remember correctly) of current and a 90 degree turn, I'd second the slack tide passage. With the flow it'll be easy to lose control of the boat.

We did it at dawn break and it was just fine. Just be sure to time that slack changing to flow.

Good luck!