I live in las vegas NV im new to the boards so id like to introduce myself. Im Ivan, Hi...

I have a bayliner 18' bowrider 195... I usually go to the local lake but just recently i decided i would love to take my wife to catalina, but im not sure if my small vessel would be safe to take in the ocean. Is my boat ok for a trip from Dana Point to Catalina or should I buy/rent a larger boat?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Nine,

A tough question - it really depends on the conditions and your boating knowledge. Your boat can certainly make the crossing - but since you have not made that journey before - I'd have a tough time telling you to just go for it.

Here is what you need to think about...

The conditions can change very quickly during a crossing - flat and calm to bigger swells and wind - clear and beautiful to socked in fog. You can keep an eye on the marine forecasts for their prediction and it's normally pretty close - it's best to make the crossing in the early am to avoid the wind - if the wind is over 10-15 and if the swell is over 3 to 5 - just take the Catalina Flyer over and enjoy a short ride.

my first thoughts are wet and uncomfortable-the Pacific can be cold. Unless you are an old salt that lives for the ride, I don't think that I would do it with that boat. Like reelveal said, a 3 foot swell could swamp that boat. Not my idea of a fun afternoon.

In an 18' Bayliner not me. As ststed above things can and do change very quickly even when its lake Pacific.

10 years or so, we had 3 guys on a 18 trihull, fished catalina till evening , on our way back ,the swells was about 4-6 high and couldnt see main land from long point. luckly a cattle boat was horned , and he guided us back to longbeach,what a scary ride on them swells.i wouldnt gamble it.. ive seen bass boats at huntington flats during the day.just like reelveal statement, water and weather condtions are the key to success.

as an ex USCG search and rescue person my suggestionis to take the flyer and keep yur boat on lake powell.

Yes with good conditions you could have a great ride... then again you could be in deep water if conditions turn as they are known to do.

just my opinion

I have served on vessels from 30 feet to 240 feet. I have also been on recovery missions for people in small vessels who were where they shouldn't have been.

Bayliner makes a boat that will not sink......

People however.....do!

I highly, highly encourage you NOT to undertake this voyage. The Channel is not the place to take part in an experiment.

Take the regular boats accross or the plane.

Please enjoy your boat on the lake and live a much longer life.

I've known Keven about 6 yrs. his recom. hold water If you are a newbe get new local advice be for the crossing.
Mike

We're only telling you this because we care. Welcome to the Charkboards, Ivan!

an 18 footer seems a little small to make the crossing. It's too undependable out there and the tides can change very quickly. I've known people that do it, but I wouldn't. 'course why go to Catalina? you could stay close to shore out on the flats or the horseshoe, depending on what time of year get a lot of great fishing in. Then you can get in qucikly if you need too. Even on the flats, it can get nasty around sunset.
jg

Leave the 18' home. You can still score some major hubby points by taking her to Catalina. Call the Hotel Portofino and have them set up a weekend package for you. It will include the boat ride over and a pickup at the pier. Great place to stay and eat and she may have such a good time that she will want you to buy something a little better suited to making the crossing on your own!
Look them up on the Catalina website.

P.S. Forgot to mention that there are discounted rates for AAA members.. also, it' the Hotel Villa Portofino.. Sorry, getting old.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RiggerMike,

Hi Ivan, I'll assume you are mostly a lake boater so we'll operate from that standpoint.
You know how the desert kicks up and blows like hell in the spring? I've seen 3-4' wind waves at Black Medows landing in April.

Now imagine being out in the Catalina chanel 10 miles from the beach with swells building to 12 feet and wind waves to say 6-7 feet and nowhere safe to go. (The Catalina chanel is noted for getting real snotty in a hurry)

My advice is to take the package tour and enjoy yourself rather than to become a grim statistic.

Folks are just looking out for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNZnM7qOmuI