Catalina trip

[Cruzzze]

Hey how small of a boat should you really stay away from going to Catalina? I've always wanted to go over there by personal boat. Thanks :argue:

[NeedlesNut]

I have gone over on a 21 but very calm sea's, also have ridden over several times on Seadoo's and have made it under 1 hr but again calm seas and following the Catalina boat....Great run!

[Quality Time]

Hey how small of a boat should you really stay away from going to Catalina? I've always wanted to go over there by personal boat. Thanks :argue:
While size is probably the most deciding factor, there are other variables. What do you have?

[Havasu Cig]

While size is probably the most deciding factor, there are other variables. What do you have?
True, I used to go there (as well as the Coronado's in Mexico) in an 18' center consol years ago. The boat had plenty of freeboard though so it was not a problem. Depends on the type of boat.

[RiverDave]

A guy I know goes fishing over there all the time in a 17' Crusader center console.. His is kind of a unique deal though..
RD

[GMFL]

As a kid, we use to go over all the time in a little 18' cuddy cabin. Use to be able to tie up to the dive line at the Casino and stay the night..can't do that anymore. :cry:

[Big Warlock]

Quality Time has the right question. What kind of boat are you thinking about making the trip?
I have taken a 22 Scarab several times. My 29 Warlock world class and my 50 foot Bertram. Be prepared cannot be over emphasized! You need a radio and all the normal safety equipment. It can be flat and awesome in the morning, but plan on staying the night if you have to. It can be bad in the afternoon! Winds pick up and wave action gets narly! Never go with the belief you have to return that evening. You'll lose that proposition! Just bring a change of clothes and a positive attitude.
Make sure your boat is in mechanical shape to make it, you have your safety equipment and a radio!!!!!!!
It's a great trip over. When it's flat and your ripping it up, nothing is better! I think the last time we went over, last summer, we did Newport to Avalon in less than 20 minutes!! It was awesome!

[RiverToysJas]

I went over in Mandelon's 21' Laveycraft openbow.....
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/373015feb06_064.jpg
Runnin' 67.7 with Avalon in sight....
http://rivertoys.com/catalina06/catalina18.jpg
Took less than 30 minutes each way! :crossx:
RTJas :D

[NeedlesNut]

Big Warlock is absolutely correct in the fact that when you go over be prepared - Radio and all safety equipment and with the plan to stay overnight. Afternoon conditions can be quite hairy.... the swells definately can get big in the afternoon. We also listen to the weather radio prior to leaving to kind of get a feel of what we could expect for the day, condition wise.

[Benjhamina]

I go over in my 26 foot and when the water is nice it's no problem on any boat but if the wind picks up even a little it can get dicey. It took me 3.5 hours to cross one time and it was stupid. I shouldn't have even been out there. Got back the next AM in 40 min.

[Flying Tiger]

Ya launch at first signs of daylite.
Ya launch from a close harbor like Sunset (23 N miles) or 2nd and PCH in San Pedro/Long Beach).
No problem with a 18' or bigger if:
Ya listen to the weather report:
Over 7 mph winds and 3' swells forget it, or signs of white caps forget it.
Have Vessel assist membership, and a cellphone that works all the way across. (My cingular does).
Have a good compass and a GPS in case of fog on return. (e trex camo $90)
I go over in the AM and come back in the AM (the calmest times).. Some leave mid day, or evening, I don't recomend it.
Cruise at 3 to 7 mph if ya want Dolphins to appear and swim alongside (if your pipes aren't too loud & scares them). It's now illegal to feed them.
Catalinaisland.com has all the co-ordinates, and info ya need once ya get there.
Moorings are about $20+ a day in Avalon, first come first serve.
Understand how the Hauser line mooring works so you'll know how to tie up quickly. I tie my lines to the Hausers cletes,, most people just lift the mooring lines and connect them to their boats. Kinda nasty at times.
leave a tiny bit of slack in the lines to compensate for the tide changes,, but not too much. Stumble down from the bar from time to time to check your tie up from the shore.
If a storm is on approach, expect a few sailboats to break free from their front moorings and slam into everyone. Always happens it seems.
Rooms at the Hermosa Hotel are usually $29 bux a nite, so make an overniter outta the trip. Cheap and plain, bath down the hall, but OK. The Vons is next door and your Vons card is good there. Only place on the island that sells Coors lite (off premisis) last we were there. 32 ct cases float you can use them as rafts to swim back to your boat.
The Otters usually don't bite, but can & they're bold they'll try and steal your Oreos. Oreo's are Otter heroin.
Taco Bell and KFC are right there too. You'll go broke quick eating at the island restaurants.
Hourly tie ups in Two Harbors are just scramble string lines and a nice boat will be bumping against beat up Bayliners, so rent a mooring in two harbors if if your there for just the day. Gel coat repair is more money and hassle than the few bux saved on a mooring.
Cheapest bar on the island is the Marlin Club - over 21 and open to the public. Luau Larrries has nice bands,, and is usually an under 25 crowd and packed at nite.
Bring your mask snorkel and fins,, Avalon Harbor can be awsum.
My favorite place to just hang on the boat other than the sand bars in Parker