Looking for advice for a trip to Catalina

[the riddler]

Brand new to this forum and I'm looking for advice.

I am interested in taking my boat to Catalina. I've been an avid fresh water boater for years. We live near Long Beach and frequently take the boat around Naples Island, Marine Stadium, and occasionally from Alamitos Bay to the Queen Mary and back. But I'm considering taking it to Catalina. The boat is a 21.5 foot Chapparal oben bow. Mechanically, structurally, and cosmetically the boat is in great condition. It has a 305c.i. small block chevrolet and a mercruiser alpha 1 drive. It has a 50 gallon fuel tank. I don't know exactly what my fuel consumption rate is, but I will figure that out before the trip but I imagine I will have plenty of fuel one way. I have a handheld VHF and two handheld GPS's. I will also have a compass on board. I was planning on leaving the harbor around 8am, spending the night and then coming back the same time the following morning. Obviously we will monitor the weather report and I won't try it if the weather is less then ideal. I also have a friend who wants to go and bring his 25 foot boat. He however has no experience doing this either. Am I crazy? Or is this doable?

 

[12vMan]

Re: Looking for advice for a trip to Catalina

Am I crazy? Or is this doable?

First, welcome to the forums

Catalina is totally doable in your boat. Even better since there will be 2 crafts. I've done it in an 18' open bow without any problems. It sounds like you are taking the necessary precautions and have all the equipment you'll need. They sell fuel there, but 50 gal's should be plenty for a round trip. The weather is going to be your biggest concern. I don't know what kind of swells we are getting from Fabio either, but they shouldn't be too significant.

If you're going to 2 harbors, call ahead and get a reservation on the string line (closest to shore). They have shuttles to take you to the dock from there if you don't have a dinghy.

 

[the riddler]

Re: Looking for advice for a trip to Catalina

Thanks so much for the info man.

 

[jondavies]

Re: Looking for advice for a trip to Catalina

Thanks so much for the info man.

I second 12v's assessment: you should have a great trip as long as the weather cooperates. Mornings are usually flatter than afternoons too.

The only thing I'd add is to consider getting Vessel Assist towing insurance (if you don't already have it). You never know when Murphy will strike and it's a very expensive tow back to Long Beach if you don't have coverage.

 

[Godfirst]

Re: Looking for advice for a trip to Catalina

Just got back from there on tuesday stayed in Two harbors on the stringline mooring just take plently of fuel my boat took about 30 gallons there and back out of Alamitos bay in long beach has a merc 5.7 stock try to go with someone that has been there before if possible and leave when the tides are low enjoy your trip had many dolphins swimming with us.