Catalina Bound

[Fleetwin]

Hello All,

Looking at going from Dana Point, Ca to Catalina Island . Late July, early August. Trying to avoid the "June Gloom" fog.
Going in a fifteen foot (Boston Whaler) boat with a new engine. Plenty of fuel, etc. I will have basic GPS on board plus all the safety equipment-sans raft.
I can average 20+ MPH so the trip should be an hour and a half, at most. Four stroke 60 HP. engine that burns about 3 GPH so fuel should not be an issue. I carry twelve gallons. I can add an additonal 2-1/2 GAL., in a seperate container.

Yay-Nay?

Ideas? Thoughts?

 

[QC]

Re: Catalina Bound

Personally, I think if the weather is right, she'll be fine. Many will call me (and you) crazy, but I've been over in a 20 footer that was probably less seaworthy than your boat. As long as you're not on a schedule that requires you to go over, or be back, when weather is less than ideal I think you're fine. Water temps are their highest in late August too. Some go over in less boat than that. What's your experience level?

On the other hand, I often caution those with little experience and bigger boats to think twice about it. The Catalina Channel can get dang nasty fast, and for those that don't know it can be quite treacherous.

Once over there, your boat will be a blast for sure

 

[John3]

Re: Catalina Bound

I agree with QC, should be no problem as long as the weather is good & you don't tie yourself to a drop dead return date coming back. Remember the afternoon Chop. You go over in the AM, the earlier the better, ditto for the return & only if the forecast is good.
Wish I had a memory, I recently saw a video clip by a guy who crossed in an inflatable similat to yours, can't recall where.
There is a plan, on the Golden State Glassics site, for a group to go to the Island in August: http://www.goldenstateglassics.com/showthread.php?t=3092. We'll leave & return from Alamitos.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Catalina Bound

Great information. Thanks all.

I've been out farther, than Catalina, in the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico but for some reason, the Pacific scares the daylights out of me.

I agree with not tying oneself to a schedule. Great tip!

The more I think about it, I think it's safely doable if common sense is used. Thanks again.

BTW, what kind of fishing could I get into over there?

 

[QC]

Re: Catalina Bound

Well you can't keep the Barracuda away, they're fun but dangerous and nobody likes to eat them. Yellowtail are the big prize, and Kelp Bass are a lot of fun on light tackle. That's the standard list, but there are Sheepshead, Sculpin, Halibut, and the really cool deal are White Sea Bass when that's happening. Usually a little later in the season if I remember correctly. Heck there are Marlin and Swordfish over there too, but I don't know nuttin' about them. Oh, and if you like panfish, the Catalina Blue Perch are really plentiful.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Catalina Bound

I'd like to keep it to the smaller stuff-more tasty!

Thanks for the tips. I'll research the bait/tackle for those mentioned.

Thanks again!

 

[jondavies]

Re: Catalina Bound

I'd like to keep it to the smaller stuff-more tasty!

Thanks for the tips. I'll research the bait/tackle for those mentioned.

Thanks again!

Pick the right day and you'll be fine -- I go there in a 15' inflatable and it's a lot of fun.

Just one more word of advice -- if you don't already have it, I'd recommend getting tow insurance and a way to call for assistance (eg. 25W VHF). The CG will rescue you in an emergency but they won't save your boat if you break down, and towing across the channel is very expensive if you don't have coverage.