Greetings. We are planning a family trip to our cabin this weekend, hopefully in our boat. Problem is, the weather forecast for the San Juan's is pretty marginal, with gale-force winds a possibility on Saturday. We plan to launch at Washington Park, and head across Rosario Strait to Decatur via Thatcher pass. Does anyone have experience with the technique of following the State Ferry through rough waters, letting the ferry knock down the worst of the wind waves and following in its wake? I've heard of this before, but I have never tried. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and observations. Mike.
rough water crossing
- Thread starter westward
- Start date
PZZ133-070645-
NORTHERN INLAND WATERS INCLUDING THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS-
300 PM PST THU MAR 6 2014
SAT...SE WIND 25 TO 35 KT. WIND WAVES 4 TO 6 FT.
SAT NIGHT...S WIND 25 TO 35 KT EASING TO 15 TO 25 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES 4 TO 6 FT SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 4 FT.
Mike, I've never heard of that technique, but I wouldn't take my family across Rosario Strait in the kind of conditions that are predicted--with or without a ferry escort.
You might want to check with the Coast Guard and/or the state ferry system to see what they think of this plan.
Andy
NORTHERN INLAND WATERS INCLUDING THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS-
300 PM PST THU MAR 6 2014
SAT...SE WIND 25 TO 35 KT. WIND WAVES 4 TO 6 FT.
SAT NIGHT...S WIND 25 TO 35 KT EASING TO 15 TO 25 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES 4 TO 6 FT SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 4 FT.
Mike, I've never heard of that technique, but I wouldn't take my family across Rosario Strait in the kind of conditions that are predicted--with or without a ferry escort.
You might want to check with the Coast Guard and/or the state ferry system to see what they think of this plan.
Andy
Mike. Washington park launch ramp in marginal in good weather. It is exposed from the north & east. I think is would be wise & take Andy's advice, and NOT try to cross Rosario Straight in those conditions.
As for following a Ferry, Homeland Security might not like you getting too close to one of the ferries. I have fallowed a big trawler across the Straight of Georgia on the way back from Desolation Sound. As long as you don't get too close, it should be ok.
As for following a Ferry, Homeland Security might not like you getting too close to one of the ferries. I have fallowed a big trawler across the Straight of Georgia on the way back from Desolation Sound. As long as you don't get too close, it should be ok.
Mike,
Good sense to look at making that crossing under those conditions with great consideration.
I have seen using a bigger boat to knock down the waves work in a few situations, though not a ferry, and I have done it myself, with a big commercial fishing boat, for a short passage.
Rock-C is right about following a ferry. Realize that the ferries travel at deceptively high speeds, 20+ knots, and they might knock down some big waves, the resultant wake is still likely to be a bit rough for a 16 (or 22 ) to keep up a 20 - 25 knot rate in those conditions, resulting in your getting left behind in some really uncomfortable conditions.
Good to be checking ahead, and looking for options. You have to make your choice, but it's good to remember that boating and tight scheduling don't fit together well. Always better to be late than a statistic.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
Good sense to look at making that crossing under those conditions with great consideration.
I have seen using a bigger boat to knock down the waves work in a few situations, though not a ferry, and I have done it myself, with a big commercial fishing boat, for a short passage.
Rock-C is right about following a ferry. Realize that the ferries travel at deceptively high speeds, 20+ knots, and they might knock down some big waves, the resultant wake is still likely to be a bit rough for a 16 (or 22 ) to keep up a 20 - 25 knot rate in those conditions, resulting in your getting left behind in some really uncomfortable conditions.
Good to be checking ahead, and looking for options. You have to make your choice, but it's good to remember that boating and tight scheduling don't fit together well. Always better to be late than a statistic.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
In years past a boater could get away with following the ferry as you suggest, but now you will most likely find one of the USCG vessels or if you are really lucky.. :shock: .....one of those fancy Homeland Security vessels with multiple high horsepower outboards bearing down on you. (They are very protective of the restrictive space around the ferries).
Sometimes we just have to wait out the inclement weather conditions or cancel the trip entirely.
Sometimes we just have to wait out the inclement weather conditions or cancel the trip entirely.
This is very specifically covered in the Homeland Security regulations:
"An LPV is defined as any cruise ship, auto ferry or passenger ferry over 100 feet in length, carrying paying passengers. This includes Washington State Ferries and Alaskan Marine Highway ferries. The security zone enforced by the Coast Guard is a 500 yard radius around all LPV’s and are necessary to enhance public and maritime safety. These safety and security zones are in effect at all times whether or not the Coast Guard is present.
Specifically the Code of Federal Regulations states that:
When within a large passenger vessel security and safety zone all vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and must proceed as directed by the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master. No vessel or person is allowed within 100 yards of a large passenger vessel that is underway or at anchor, unless authorized by the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master. No vessel or person is allowed within 25 yards of a large passenger vessel that is moored.
"An LPV is defined as any cruise ship, auto ferry or passenger ferry over 100 feet in length, carrying paying passengers. This includes Washington State Ferries and Alaskan Marine Highway ferries. The security zone enforced by the Coast Guard is a 500 yard radius around all LPV’s and are necessary to enhance public and maritime safety. These safety and security zones are in effect at all times whether or not the Coast Guard is present.
Specifically the Code of Federal Regulations states that:
When within a large passenger vessel security and safety zone all vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and must proceed as directed by the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master. No vessel or person is allowed within 100 yards of a large passenger vessel that is underway or at anchor, unless authorized by the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master. No vessel or person is allowed within 25 yards of a large passenger vessel that is moored.
I have fished out of my 16' Angler for about 13 years now all over the San Juans and off Vancouver Island at Quatsino Sound in some rough conditions. Based on the weather predictions shown, there is no way in hell I would try to make that crossing with or with out a ferry escort.
Al
Al
I would wait for a better weekend myself we got caught last year we were already in friday harbor weather was suppose to be good all weekend woke up sunday morning to my wife saying "man the trees are moving this morning". waited through am and reports did not get better. she had to work monday and in hind sight I should of said no were staying another night. but we headed out at 11:30 am to a 25 knot reading on heine bank buoy and gust over 30. long 5 hour crossing back to sequim was not fun at all. would not want to do that again. we also had the little ones with us.
Westward
I feel your pain. I wanted so badly to cross to the islands a few weeks ago from Blaine but the same story with weather. I ended up crossing ON that ferry!
If I have a bad experience crossing, my wife will not want to cross with me anymore. Besides safety, that is my primary consideration. For that reason I have to choose my crossings carefully
C-Val
I feel your pain. I wanted so badly to cross to the islands a few weeks ago from Blaine but the same story with weather. I ended up crossing ON that ferry!
If I have a bad experience crossing, my wife will not want to cross with me anymore. Besides safety, that is my primary consideration. For that reason I have to choose my crossings carefully
C-Val
no it does for sure.a schedule is the worst when out and about cruising. that said we closed the cabin door and always felt safe, never questioned that and knew heading out we would be fine just not fun.Just kept the bilge pump pumping and wipers moving 90% of waves were giving good spray up and over the top, that said i still would prefer that to not happen again. but I gave even a little more respect for these boats that day... someday we will retire and have no time issues.
Boont Boater
New member
I might pick an alternate destination. Say launch and go to LaConner for lunch. That way I'm on the water. For one thing I don't want the "Admiral" to get down on boating.
JakeB, Your experience reinforces the fact that the C-Dory will take a whole lot more than most of us prefer to have to. Glad you all made it back OK. That crossing can be a real pain. Doing a similar trip, the jog and slog, had me wondering if I was going to be able to get in behind the lighthouse one time. With the wind against the ebbing tide resulting in really obnoxious beam sea conditions, it really keeps you busy. Now, like you, I know the boat can make it, I just really work on finding some alternative.
BTW, on that crossing I did check in with Seattle traffic. They asked for a status call every 30 min. Surprised me, but was appreciated.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
BTW, on that crossing I did check in with Seattle traffic. They asked for a status call every 30 min. Surprised me, but was appreciated.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon