Everyone, thanks alot for the advice.

I am now looking at a Carver Mariner, a Silverton 34 ft convertible
and a Cruisers 3370 Esprit Express Cruisers. Would these boats suffice
for offshore cruising to catalina and the channel islands?

Any comment would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance.

CM




Go Fig wrote in message ...
In article ,
(cm) wrote:

I am looking into buying a used boat for doing some offshore cruising
(e.g., from southern california to catalina or the channel islands),
as well as some fishing. The boat should have amenities for
accommodating my family (2 adults and 2kids) for a weekend. I am
looking for something in the 30 to 40 foot range.

I think you should look closer to 40 as that will provide for two cabins
generally. For a sport cruiser, you will probably have to get gas
engines. You just missed the 'in water' Long Beach Boat show.. I would
suggest you plan to go to the Newport show (March?) to look at the range
of boats.

Avalon, a great destination, is 38 miles from Marina Del Rey... look for
something with POWER/speed IMHO, and a good and quite genset as well as
ample amps to get you through the 10pm-7am 'quite time'.

Never return/go to Avalon in the afternoon, its just not worth it. In
the mornings its usually very calm... you can fly....

Also getting a mooring in Avalon during the summer season is very, very
hard. It is first come first serve. You can always go up to Isthmus
(much more laid back: 1 bar) or drop a hook in anchorage. Even in
Hamilton cove (next to Avalon) and somewhat protected... I just could
never leave my boat unattended. The other Channel Islands have no
moorings.

You can not wake up on a beautiful July Friday and decide to go to
Avalon and expect to get a mooring... It is a HUGE frustration for me.


I am new to boating. I am currently taking a boating course at a local
power squadron and will start taking private lessons on the operation
of larger power boats (30ft and over) in Marina Del Rey.

Are you taking the course at the Marina Del Rey Hotel ? That's where my
slip is and I know they have a class now. I think we have slips
available... but it really helps if you are willing to pay some cash
under the table... sad but true.

jay
Sat, Nov 1, 2003




Any suggestions or comments as to the type of boat I should be looking
at will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

CM