Taking my boat to California - The Hull Truth

ChaparralMan1974 · 11-24-2008, 02:52 PM

Hello everyone!

Currently, as my screen name suggests, I own a 22' Chaparral Bowrider 220SSi. I purchased this boat for the express purpose of diving our local lakes here in Arizona along with other water sports. Lately, I have had a hankering to take it to San Diego for some good diving and sight seeing, but I have never had my boat in the ocean. I am assuming that I would need a VHF radio, GPS/Chartplotter etc. Is a 22' boat a decent size to hit the ocean with? Are there any other little tidbits of information that I should be aware of before loading up my wife and kids in my boat and hitting the ocean? I am an experienced boater as far as lake/trailer boating here in Arizona is concerned, but the ocean is an entirely different animal.

Thanks, Clay

afry · 11-24-2008, 05:58 PM

Your boat will work just fine as long as you use a good GPS/plotter with a west coast chip and a good vhf. You might consider a Vessal Assist or Sea Tow policy in case you might need a tow as very cheap insurance.

Make sure you enjoy both bays as they have different things to offer. The Coronado Islands (14 nm) are a good trip on a calm day. The seas can be nice this time of year in between the odd bad weather system. The wind comes up just a bit in the afternoon and you may want to be heading back from the Coronados before it picks up offshore.

A 7 mil suit is minimum for this time of year, if you dive for lobster make sure you have a license , gauge and lobster card. No lobster allowed to be taken in Mexico but you no longer have to check in with customs on your way back if you don't actually walk on the the Islands (you won't - they are mostly rock).

lorenbennett · 11-24-2008, 07:48 PM

I tow over from az also but I have a much bigger boat. The bays are fine. Offshore is complete weather dependent. The first time offshore for me was in October and I did a midnight crossing to catalina, but I prepared for this for two years and road out monsoons locally. Had both paper charts and gps, radar and up to date weather. Friends of mine go out during the day in open bows but return before the afternoon winds pick up. With out going with someone I would not take an open bow boat more than a few miles out. If it fails an open boat will not take much. i carry lots of safety gear along with a drag chute just in case I loose my motor. Along with flares and radio. Have fun There allot of people that boat in that area and allow tag alongs on another web site. boatingabc.com. Good info from locals there.

JUSTINTIME · 11-26-2008, 06:03 PM

ask on bloddydeck.com and allcoast.com
you will get buddy boats

grgrmouse · 11-26-2008, 07:45 PM

Make sure you get a MEXICAN permit before you venture too far over the line and get hassled. Check Bloodydecks and the likes and gp for it. Buddy up with a boat heading around where you want to go and ENJOY!

afry · 11-27-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

grgrmouse - 11/26/2008 6:45 PM

Make sure you get a MEXICAN permit before you venture too far over the line and get hassled. Check Bloodydecks and the likes and gp for it. Buddy up with a boat heading around where you want to go and ENJOY!

Good point, although there are no longer any Mexican boat permits required.

BUT if you have so much as a hook on your boat you'd better have a Mex fishing license for EVERYONE onboard if you are travelling into Mexican waters. The chances are better that the Chargers will win the superbowl this year than you getting stopped by a Mexican official but you may lose your boat (or at the very least a long and expensive day) if you do. If you do go to the Nados make sure you have them.

BD is a good tip!

littletugherenthere · 02-12-2009, 10:46 PM

Just as a heads up on safety gear, make sure you have three day/night flares when you operate beyond inland waters. The CG is on VHF 16 if you need them.