Has anybody taken a 18'ft boat from Long Beach to Catalina? Is it Safe?

Question

Has anybody taken a 18'ft boat from Long Beach to Catalina? Is it Safe?

Answer 1

What kind of boat? What kind of weather conditions? How is the boat equiped as far as emergency supplies, spare parts, radios?

I've gone back an forth many times in a 20' sailboat that was able to withstand the conditions, which can be rough. This trip is acros a major channel with large ships, strong currents and weedender idiots. Be prepared, pick your window and be careful.

Answer 2

They have a paddleboard race from Manhattan Beach to Catalina. Essentially they sit on their knees on a glorified surfboard and paddle with their hands the 32 miles to Catalina.

They also have also had jet ski races from Long Beach to Catalina.

Unless the water is choppy than I'm sure your 18' boat can make it.

Answer 3

Check with the Coast Guard.

Answer 4

If you have an unsinkable Boston Whaler it would be ok.  Other than that, you're nuts.  The wind always picks up arouind 11:00 a.m. every day and some times develops swells.  What type of boat do you have?  Does it have a high freeboard so water won't overflow the stern.  Make sure you have life jackets and a flare for emergency.  I would check with the local port authority and see what they say.  I know that if you get in trouble, the Coast Guard or the Harbor Patrol may come to your aid, but it will be costly.  Better be save than sorry.  Don't have any young kids on board, or any booze.    

Answer 5

I've been across from Huntington Harbor to Catalina, for a few fishing trips! It sounds crazy, but my uncle does it all the time. He has a 18ft BAYLINER, I/0--all he has is marine radio and flare gun...takes about an hour in good conditions, will take longer if the wind picks up and swells get larger...the boat is an older model, deep V hull--nothing fancy. You'll need some compass headings, or take the trip with someone that knows how to get there and back---watch out for the fog!

Answer 6

18 footers have been used in the catalina ski race. however, they do pull the shorter boats out if conditions are not suited to them and they are not going to get a safe pass there and back. best bet is to check with the coast guard on the day you plan on going and watch weather reports a few weeks out so you know for sure. just be sensible and not be to silly and everything should be fine.

i am from australia though, and only speaking from what i know from ski racing, so best bet would be check with the coast gaurd like suggested.