Xi breeze

We are moving from Socal to Sonoma. We have a 45' express cruiser (1999 Fairline Targa). It draws about 4' and the cockpit is enclosed with eisenglass and a Bimini, though we usually use it with the windows open. it does not have a flybridge. My wife does not enjoy choppy seas. We keep the boat in long Beach and regularly to down to Newport or over to catalina or cruise trough the la/long Beach port of the sea is choppy or we have guests who are prone to sea sickness.

I'm debating whether to bring the boat up to the bay or sell it. If I bring it here, I would probably dock it at Loch Lomond, or somewhere in that area. I'm trying to figure out if we would get much use and enjoyment from having it here, or if it's really not a good type of boat for the bay. Any insight you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Campbell.

Honestly, I'd sell it. Sad to say but boating in the bay is just a different animal. Too cold and constantly rough for cruising especially with people prone to sea sickness. Harder to access the water and a lot less marine services.

Xi breeze

thanks for the candor Campbell. that's exactly what I'm wrestling with.

Xi breeze

any more thoughts on this?

L36

Put it up on the Delta. Freshwater, no seasickness, plenty of anchorages, delta mooring, nice docks to spend time on. Some really nice yacht clubs. We are out on our boat at least a week every month year round. Plenty of slips, marine services are thin but available. I would check it out before you sell your boat. The Delta is a totally different scene compared to the Bay.

Xi breeze

Thanks L36.

I've thought about keeping it around San Rafael which would give me good access (I think) to the Delta. Any places in particular you'd recommend checking out? Are there any areas you can run the boat at cruising site (20 knots) or is it mostly now wake zones?

L36

I would put your boat at Willow Berm marina, your in the heart of the Delta, next to zero no wake zones, the slips are covered and in freshwater. Well maintained marina, friendly people and staff.

Reo

I'll differ from Campbell on this. I've been in the bay the past 3 years and I'm out almost every single weekend including some week-long trips up into the delta.

My boat is pretty different from yours - 62ft sport convertible - but also only exterior helm (on flybridge, with enclosure). I take it out even in coldest months and have a blast.

Up in the delta, express style is super popular. Waters are flat calm, and warm. Express means you get under many bridges without having to ask for a lift which extends your boating hours since lots of bridges close at 5pm. I'd say in the delta, expresses are close in the running for most popular after bass boats and wake boats.

In the bay, you actually have quite a few nice weather days and chop can be avoided (hang out at treasure island, in the wind shadow, or over near tiburon around angel island). 45' is a great size for the bay. Big enough you'll cut through bay chop no problem, but small enough you will be able to find slips and guest berths (this can be a struggle with my 62' and 21' beam). Overall, seasickness is going to be way less of an issue than on the open ocean with swells.

My favorite things to do in the bay are: Anchor out overnight in clipper cove at treasure island, visit Sam's over in tiburon, visit Angel Island. Usually in the summer I'll do a few weeks in the delta. I'll tow along a ski boat for water sports and lunch runs and keep the big boat on the hook or at a marina.

Willowberm is a great suggestion for the delta. Discovery bay is also very nice and closer to the bay and amenities.

Xi breeze

Thanks for the input Reo. Your boat seems better suited for the bay. I see a lot of sport fishers. The fly bridge really helps keep you dry.

Where do you keep the boat?

Reo

I keep mine at Grand Marina in Alameda