Long Beach to Catalina in a 14' inflatable

[Drowned Rat]

Hi all!

Anyone ever take a small boat, particularly an inflatable, to Catalina? Looking for what you learned on the trip if anything, things to watch out for, that kind of thing. I've got all the safety gear, two GPS's, marine radio, SAT phone (though I'm sure cell phones work for most of the distance), very large bilge pump and dual trunk drains in case I should swamp. I'm also travelling with a buddy in a 26' Balboa "just in case". My boat is well equiped for big water and it can take quite a beating so I'm not really too worried about its capabilities.

Raising red flags to anyone? I'm an experienced boater, but it's been years since I've been on the open ocean and never in such a small boat. I figure travelling with another boat, what's the worse that could happen!!

What could possibly go wrong!

 

[John3]

Re: Long Beach to Catalina in a 14' inflatable

I figure travelling with another boat, what's the worse that could happen!!

What could possibly go wrong!

Catalina is a great trip. I went over last Tuesday & returned Thursday in my 23 ft boat.
Sounds like you're well prepared. If the weather is good & the sea is calm it could be OK. Weather & sea conditions are probably your biggest hazards & be careful of the wakes of large yachts & ships. Good swimmers have done it without a boat, some have rowed over in a Kayak.
Have you gone to Catalina in a small boat before? Are you familiar with the weather patterns at the time of year you're planning on going?
Check the weather forecast daily starting several days before you plan on starting: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/west/loxmz.htm & don't be tied to a particular date to cross or return.
Cross in the morning when it's generally calmest, on the best of days there is an afternoon chop & I would not discount the force of the mighty Ocean.

 

[jondavies]

Re: Long Beach to Catalina in a 14' inflatable

I cross over in my 15' inflatable fairly regularly. Just follow the advice above about picking the right day and keep a good eye on conditions. It sounds as though you have the right safety gear.

BTW I wouldn't make the crossing (or go anywhere else for that matter) without Vessel Assist or some other towing insurance (I know you'll be with another boat but things don't always go according to plan). If you should run into a mechanical issue and you need help getting back across, it can cost several thousand dollars if you're not covered. The USCG will rescue you and your passengers in a life-threatening emergency but I don't believe that they have to bring in the boat.

Good luck!