CRAZY ocean question!!

[jeep yj]

Would it be possible for me and my buddies to take a 18-20ft 150hp i/o from ventura harbor to mission bay, san diego? GPS says its about 130 miles. is it safe to just follow the coastline? anyone done this before. any help would be mush appreciated.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

It all depends on your level of comfort and experience. Can the boat do it? Yes. How much experience do you have offshore? Have a backup plan. Marine radio is a must. Flare kit is a must in addition to all the rest of your required gear. File a float plan with someone you trust.

 

[tommays]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

you have to have harbors that you can duck into if things get rougher than your comfort level<br /><br />AND you may need to wait there a while (a coupple of days)if the weather does something unexpected <br /><br />you might get there in perfect weather and a front comes in a kicks up the water for days<br /><br />your boats range in bad weather is a big X factor you can go so many miles in good conditions and always a LOT LESS in bad weather<br /><br /><br />i do trips in a 20 ft boat BUT most of them are in short hops were i really only need 2 hours of good water to make a safe harbor<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[jeep yj]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

i was kinda guessing based on my trips to the local ventura beaches, that during the day the ocean is pretty calm close to shore. So I figured I could sneak down to san diego in 3-4 hours. There are bunch or harbors and marinas in case of emergency. Where do I go to get accurate weather information for the day I want to go? And if I wanted to stay overnight at mission bay, go they have one night slip rentals or anything???<br />thanx!

 

[QC]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

Jeep,<br /><br />I take my 23 footer out of Newport and do a quick run to Catalina and back fairly often. You need to go EARLY. The wind doesn't usually come up 'til after 9:00 AM, so if you got on the water before 6:00 AM that would greatly increase your chances of success. Here is the weather site I use. Good luck!!!<br /><br /> http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KCASANCL2

 

[QC]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

Also, don't count on running 45 MPH. I run 30 comfortably and a little faster when it is really flat. My GPS says 160 miles if you hug the coast. More if you go into Santa Monica Bay . . .<br /><br />In Mission Bay there is a place that I have stayed called the Catamaran that has a little dock you can tie to if you are nice to the staff there. Also, the Hilton Resort San Diego has a nice set of slips. Both are pretty pricey though.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

Jeep, What you wish to do is very possible, but you should have taken a Power Squadren or Coast Guard course by the time you plan your trip. In an 18 footer I would limit my friends to 2 or three the most, in a 20 footer you, & 3 friends will be comfortable. Make sure at least one other person aboard can run the boat reasonably well, & all know how to work the radio & read the chart or GPS, in an emergency. Don't fall into the trap of thinking close to the beach is safer, the water is generally calmer a little off shore, where it's deeper. You can call the Coast Guard ahead of your position, on the radio as you are traveling to let them know your position, & when you expect to get to your next waypoint, then call them to let them know you arrived, & are going to continue on. Then call the next Coast Guard station & do the same again. I may seem like a sissy way of going, but for a first trip it's a safer way of doing it. Make sure your boat is in top shape, & your towing ins. is up to date, anything can break down, & service on the water is very expensive. Do it, have fun, come back & tell us about it. Good Luck, Joe

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

Joe, the Coast Guard will not log a float plan nor will they track a vessels progress along a route unless that boat is in distress. Do not rely on the Coast Guard for this. You must file a float plan with either a trusted family member or friend or with a marina that provides the service.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

True but you can call them & tell them you are unfamillier w/ the area, & would like to check in when you get to a certain waypoint. I believe they will still listen for you.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

And what happens when you don't make it to that waypoint and you're radio craps out. They will not check on you.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

They are not required to check, but they can if they wish call you at a predetermined time, & at least if you don't show up at your next destination they have a place to start looking

 

[rwidman]

Re: CRAZY ocean question!!

Originally posted by JEEP_YJ:<br /> Would it be possible for me and my buddies to take a 18-20ft 150hp i/o from ventura harbor to mission bay, san diego? GPS says its about 130 miles. is it safe to just follow the coastline? anyone done this before. any help would be mush appreciated.

All good advice here. Let me add, take the boat out a few times and go part way and return. This will give you a feel for your skills and how well the boat will handle the trip and sea conditions.