SF Bay limitations

[billmetroc]

Hey everyone...<br /><br />Just wanted to throw out there what anybody thinks about what size trailerable boat would be the limit they would take into San Francisco Bay<br />safely and to enjoy...<br /><br />No open bows?<br /><br />Cuddy cabin or larger only?<br /><br />What size powerplant would be recommended to get you back to marina safely...<br /><br />Thanks for the great input..<br /><br />What a resource!!<br /><br />bill

 

[ezbtr]

Re: SF Bay limitations

Hey Bill, I work in Benicia and live in Concord - I see the bay by Benicia every day - it totally depends what the wind is like, some days real hot and smooth as glass, some days whitecaps. I've got a 17' alum semi vhull closed bow bass boat w/ 40 hp Merc and I would only take it out if swells no more than 3 feet. I see the Coasties using maybe 20' but they have really aggressive bows to cut threw the waves. I've seen guys out in the bay with kayaks, inflatables with 5 hp motors, cruisers, etc. Totally dependent again on weather. Take care, Heinz

 

[Stubby]

Re: SF Bay limitations

I have a 15' Aluminum Boat that I take in the San Pablo Bay (Northern part of the San Francisco Bay) on calm days fishing. I agree with Heinz. It all depends on the weather and the wind. I'll take it out fishing, but when the winds start up, its time to head in. It gets pretty bad out there. <br /><br />Jason

 

[JB]

Re: SF Bay limitations

Hi, Bill.<br /><br />I guess it depends on the weather and the boat. That covers a wide range. <br /><br />I know of a bunch of BW Montauks (16'7")that go out through the Bay to offshore regularly.<br /><br />I wouldn't do it in anything but a Whaler.

 

[Boatist]

Re: SF Bay limitations

14 foot and up. I have fished all over susiun bay,San Francisco bay and San Pablo bay in open bow 14 foot alumimun. The worst location in San Pablo big open water lots of wind and very shallow. San Francisco bay not that bad except right near Gate to Berkley area. Expect small craft warrning 50 percent of summer days.