Decisions,decisions
 

Ok, I'm selling our big tri and moving to Southern California. I still
want to be able to get on the water and enjoy Catalina Island and the
surrounding area. With the price of housing etc., I'll probably have
around $45-50K to spend on either a power or sailboat. Hopefully
whatever I buy allows me to stay in the slip. That said, and unfamiliar
with the area, what are some recommended boats for enjoying day trips or
up to a few days out. I think what I'm asking is - how seaworthy does a
boat need to be for that area? Most often it will my bride and myself.
On occasion we will have another couple to join us.

Stu

Decisions,decisions
 

Ok, I'm selling our big tri and moving to Southern California.

That said, and unfamiliar
with the area, what are some recommended boats for enjoying day trips or
up to a few days out. I think what I'm asking is - how seaworthy does a
boat need to be for that area?


In the summer most of the time there is a 3 foot swell with light winds with
the lightest wind in August. The strongest wind is in May except for storms.
The swell can get to 10 feet with a storm. The swell can be close together, and
steep. There are those that go to Catalina in open 16 foot boats and have a
great trip. For some it is the most exciting thing they have everdone or will
do. You should be ready for 20 to 30 knot winds and up to 12 foot seas and you
will be fine. Most of the time it will not be like that, but there will come
the time when it is. Also there are santana's at times. The wind will blow 50
to 60 knots from the east. It is hard to forcast these in advance. The wind
will blow from the east with a clear sky. By noon it can be 50 knots. So it is
your choice as to how seaworhty the boat should be.


Dick

Decisions,decisions
 

Ok, I'm selling our big tri and moving to Southern California.

That said, and unfamiliar
with the area, what are some recommended boats for enjoying day trips or
up to a few days out. I think what I'm asking is - how seaworthy does a
boat need to be for that area?


In the summer most of the time there is a 3 foot swell with light winds with
the lightest wind in August. The strongest wind is in May except for storms.
The swell can get to 10 feet with a storm. The swell can be close together, and
steep. There are those that go to Catalina in open 16 foot boats and have a
great trip. For some it is the most exciting thing they have everdone or will
do. You should be ready for 20 to 30 knot winds and up to 12 foot seas and you
will be fine. Most of the time it will not be like that, but there will come
the time when it is. Also there are santana's at times. The wind will blow 50
to 60 knots from the east. It is hard to forcast these in advance. The wind
will blow from the east with a clear sky. By noon it can be 50 knots. So it is
your choice as to how seaworhty the boat should be.


Dick