How far safely offshore for the 22 C-Dory?

H

heyskipper

New member
:?:

Hi Everyone

I really enjoy this site.

You folks are extremely knowledgeable and I love the pictures. Great Stuff! I am new to the site but have a question.

My wife is often a bit timid and she looks at me like I am an idiot because I am planning to buy a 22 footer and then in the same breath mention 'Catalina.' We live in So. Cal. and I will more the likely keep the boat in the Dana Point area.

We have sailed in the past; we have been through the CG safety courses, etc. I certainly would not choose to head out in the Pacific during bad weather, having been in the Navy with West Pac destroyer experience.

So, am I a dreamer for telling her Catalina is a piece of cake? Or how might I calm her suspensions relative to the 22’s size and capabilities?

Thanks for your help folks!

Carl Jackson
 
Catalina? Piece if cake! As Chris said, we have a cruise to Catalina every August, this year is our 4th annual. I go out to the Channel Islands several times a year. Even been out to Santa Barbara Island.
Some times we just go from Channel Islands Harbor up to Ventura Harbor-- yes all 7 miles, just for breakfast.
 
Carl,

I have found that my 22 cruiser is comfortable in seas up to 3 ft. The boat is safe in larger seas, it's mostly about your own comfort/fear level.

Yes, you can 'do' the So Cal coast in a 22 and be safe.

Start in calm weather, go out of the harbor, run out a couple of miles and return. This will give all of your crew some confidence. Make some harbor to harbor trips along the coast, perhaps with a marina/restaurant as a destination. After you gain some time and runs alongshore, then go to Catalina. Go early in the morning, before the onshore wind builds up.
When you get to Catalina, stay overnight on a mooring. DO NOT RETURN TO THE MAINLAND IN THE AFTERNOON UNLESS IT IS FLAT CALM!
The afternoon seaway can be difficult.

Use the 1/3 fuel rule as recommended by the Coast Guard. Allow 1/3 of your fuel supply to run out. Allow 1/3 of the supply for the return trip. And hold 1/3 as a reserve for emergencys.

My advise is for people new to these boats or So Cal waters, people with experience can boat almost all year if they are careful about the weather.
 
Carl,

I heavily agree with the comment regarding afternoon winds and their affect on the channel. I have gone to the islands numerous times in 17' open boats to 24' cabin cruisers. It can really scare you and test your boat coming back if it is rough. On the other hand, coming and going on a calm day or going over in the morning and coming back the following morning is usually a great trip, sometimes with whales and such for company.

I have never done the trip in a C-Dory, but a lot of the C-Dog members down there have without scaring the heck out of anyone. The two "pleasure" boats under 25' that I would trust to make that trip would be a C-Dory or a Boston Whaler.

"Chivita" Dave
 
:)

Thanks to all you fellows for the input! This makes me feel much better and will go a long way toward solving any spouse sales process circumstances that may arise.

Great advice.

Stay safe everyone.

Carl Jackson
 
It is more a factor of the Captain and the range of the boat than an actual hard number. As mentioned above weather and conditions also weigh heavily, however, my personal record on Sea Lion was 57 miles offshore into the Pacific Ocean in beautiful conditions. We were 55 miles out when we took this picture...

Jesse_1st_Tuna_7.sized.jpg

As you can see it was a perfect weather day.

I got caught in early season conditions when the seas kicked up to a combined 14 feet. It was ugly but I made it back to port without issue. Being able to slow down and still maintain plane made a huge difference.

For me this boat is perfect. I can overnight in it, fish off shore, fish the rivers and lakes if I want to. I love it, just ask. Ok, I'll tell you without you asking :disgust :teeth :thup :love Love it :love
 
Back
Top