How to plot trip from land to another point?

[GilligansIsland]

Hey,

Beginners here.

We just decided we want to take a trip from LA or San Diego to Catalina Island.

We don't know how to boat with our 2004 17.5' Bayliner boat, and need some directions and in lamens terms.

What kind of GPS and or plotting website is there that can show us directions from one point to another and how many miles of distance? Is there a website that would tell us how large of swells we have to avoid and other conditions? I can see how a GPS would be able to show us the directions from land to catalina, but what about from SD to Baja? Or, from any land point to another land point?

Any other recommendations or concerns that we should know? Any websites that provide beginner information?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Jeff

[Thom]

Jeff,

This post may get tossed because I'm going to recommend another web site for you to find.

Your post makes it clear that you need more than can be posted here, no matter how many of us respond. You would be well advised to begin by taking a basic Boater Safety course by either your local Coast Guard Auxillary or Power Squadron. Your local West Marine or Boat US stores (located on the north end of San Diego, I'm sorry I can't tell you any more than that because I've only been to those two stores once) who may very well having information about the up comming courses.

There is a message board called All Coast and a large number of its memebers are in the San Diego area. They are very nice people and quite supportive of one another. You should go and introduce yourself. The are located at:

All Coast Sport Fishing Message Board

Get the basics down first before you venture off shore. Find out about towing insurance and how to contact the Coast Guard if you run into problems. Don't so much as leave the dock until you have a radio on the boat and you know how to use it. The USCG Auxillary or the Power Squadron will take care of you there.
Thom

[Hub]

Welcome...but please, for your safety, take the time to learn aboat boating before getting in the boat. Take a course, buy a Chapman's, and start out with modest intentions.

Otherwise, you may put your life in danger or the Coasties will sack you with a big bill for having to come rescue you.

The ocean is a big place to get lost in!!

Hub's Tub
Scout 162 w/90 Yammie
Johns Island, SC USA

[auguste]

Welcome Aboard

When I (the Admiral and I) decided to get in power boating we took the Power Squadron course . . . best money every spent on a boating related activity



yes, I'm "Miss-Be-Haven"
just a little fish in the THT pond

[gerg]

Troll? If so, you only got friendly, helpful answers. If not, doesn't sound like a wise trip unless you can buddy up with someone more experienced.

How far is catalina island anyway?

** yeahah **

[PierPressure]

I have made that trip 3 times from San Diego to Catalina Island then on to San Clemente Island and it is no picnic when conditions sour. We made those trips in a Cal246 ( 46' sailboat ) and on fairly good days but 2 nights brought 15 to 20 foot swells and with a 17.5 foot boat that could get UGLY quick. Swells can be unpredictable and come about quickly. I think you should take the advice of this panel and become more educated on this trip for the safety aspects alone. Once you are out there, neighbors are hard to come by. Being so bold I wouldn’t suggest making such a trip in a 17.5-foot boat but that’s my opinion. I wouldn’t even consider it.

Safety first...

JC
2004 22'Cape Horn Bay 250HPDI