26 miles across the sea

[Nabstar]

I've got an 18' runabout that I'll occassionally taking from Newport Beach to Catalina Island. I have a good VHF radio but am in need of an antenna. For that distance (26 miles), how large of an antenna should I have to ensure a good signal in case I need it? I'd like to use a removable antenna as most of my boating will be within a couple miles of the coast or in the harbor. I'd appreciate any feedback.

Thank you.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 26 miles across the sea

35 feet.

VHF is a sight to sight wave: the antennas have to "see" each other. Other boats, except sailboats (who can't come rescue you in time) and ships (who won't come rescue you or even answer) typically don't have tall enough antennae to reach 26 miles.

If you have a base station at each port, though, you only need 13 miles.

I'd say get something that gives you about 10'. I have a 4' but it's installed on my windshield rail which is about 6' off the water surface, and it folds down out of the way.
Better to have something that stays wired in and folds than removeable, in a salt water environment. 10' on a 25 watt radio should reach USCG's or Towboat's tall antenae on either shore.

Here's the real deal: operate your boat as if you don't have one. That means travelling only in good conditions and with other boats nearby. Thinking you are "OK" just because you have a radio is foolhardy.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

You want an 8' 6dB antenna. Removing the antenna, even for coastal boating, defeats the purpose.

 

[Nabstar]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

Thank you for the info. It is much appreciated.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

I saw the pictures of the boat you are thinking about doing this with. I would suggest not to do that trip in that size boat.

 

[Sea Stomper]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

I saw the pictures of the boat you are thinking about doing this with. I would suggest not to do that trip in that size boat.

Maybe a good suggestion, maybe not. I made that trip many times in a 17 footer and an 18 footer as a teenage kid in the sixties. The trip should be done as a function of the skill of the operator above all else. How about in the Pacific Northwest where the ocean is very hostile north of Cape Mendocino? I've been navigating the Pacific up here (41 degrees north latitude) for many years out to 30 miles offshore in a 15 foot tri hull made in 1977 with a Chrysler 85 with racing modifications I developed for it. I always laugh at the notion that you shouldn't do something "in a boat that size". Maybe the tow-in PWC guys towing surfers into 30 foot monster waves with a 10 foot PWC shouldn't be doing that either, but they can safely because they know what they are doing and have the experience levels to make it safe.

It's not the size of the boat, it's much more the seamanship of the skipper.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

I have made that trip many times in larger boats than he has. I have been boating since I was 13 and I am 53 now and even with my skill level, I wouldn't make that trip in that boat.

 

[Nabstar]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

The previous owner (an 81 year old man) took it to Catalina (even to the windward side) quite often as he was a big fisherman. I've grown up on boats but, to be honest, I'm smart enough to be a little scared/cautious and that's the reason for this post. My '67 Larson has a very stout hull and when I'm finished restoring it and filling the underside of the deck with foam, it should be very seaworthy .... but it's still just an 18 footer when all is said and done.

I've taken it a mile off-shore during some bumpy weather and felt how small the boat is but have also taken it out when the swells are small and before the wind has picked up and thought it could make the trip. This was before I started restoring the boat. With that said, it would obviously be very important for me to know every detail about upcoming swells & weather before attempting it. What is the best way for me to know upcoming ocean weather/swell/tides before planning a trip? Seems to me that weather radios give you real-time info but aren't the greatest source for upcoming conditions. Is there a website that is better?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

Best to look at the NOAA weather pages and look at the buoy data for the day before and the weather predictions for the day you are going. The buoy data will give you an idea of the swell and wind you may be looking at if the previous day is a pattern for the next. I have gone over there when it looks like a glassy lake in the morning and beat the hell out of me on the return trip.

I have also woken up in the morning with huge swells coming into the anchorage that I was moored at just barely getting out before all hell started breaking loose. A 60 foot boat in front of me was sliding the mooring and got alfully close to us before we were able to shove off. That trip was in a 30' sailboat and it was miserable on the way back.

Always good to be scared/cautious. But even doing everything right you can be in a situation that is beyond what you expected.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

Here's the insider's dope for SoCal. Learn how to use these sites, and you will become more knowledgeable. These websites are merely aids, and are they not infallible by any means. Taken together, they will improve your odds of predicting the conditions. The Catalina Channel crossing is a significant undertaking in an 18' boat. Do you feel lucky?

http://www.buoyweather.com/wxnav6.jsp?region=SD&program=Maps

http://www.snow-forecast.com/maps/dynamic/scal

http://magicseaweed.com/msw-surf-charts2.php?chart=70&res=750&type=swell&starttime=

 

[Nabstar]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

These sites are great. I'll definitely use them to decide if "I feel lucky today". If I decide to attempt the crossing, I'll leave very early in the morning and stay overnight in Catalina, then return early the following morning. Wind is the enemy.
I've taken a 20' boat all the way to San Clemente island to catch a massive NW swell. There was definitely a lot of swell in the water on the trip there, but we took it slowly and remained safe. No bailing buckets were used thankfully.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

I've taken a 20' boat all the way to San Clemente island to catch a massive NW swell.

That's hardcore bro'. Only another 40 miles and you're on the Cortez.

 

[Nabstar]

Re: 26 miles across the sea

Sadly, Cortez wasn't "discovered" then. I'd love to give that place a go. It must be a strange feeling to look toward shore and only see more water.