Southern California destinations?Catalina? Mexico?

[RCSConstruction]

Hello everyone.
I have been enjoying the great wealth of information this site has to offer.
I was wondering if anybody here is around the san diego/LA area and has taken a trip (in your own boat) to Catalina? Tijuana?
Are there any places to get general and safety info for these trips?
Is it not advisable to take a 20' v8 runabout out in the open ocean like that?
I was looking at the map and it looks like an easy cruise from Dana point.
Any other destinations you take that would be suitable for the aforementioned boat?
Is there a general rule of thumb for boat size and trip distance? (besides gas)
Thank you and stay safe

 

[QC]

Re: Southern California destinations?Catalina? Mexico?

Yes, Dana to Catalina is a good trip. The issue in a 20 footer is the afternoon. I have been over in a 20 and I have taken my 23 over a few times. My recommendation is to watch this site here to learn the wind:

SoCal Marine Weather

Pay special attention to the wind direction chart map thing deal towards the bottom . . .

Also, I go over at the crack of dawn and return before noon. If you wait, you can be screwed. The good news is that the return is usually a following sea. The bad news is that it can get really nasty.

I have been into Mexico a few times on friend's boats. Generally more calm there than the Catalina Channel. I would launch in Mission Bay or Shelter Island (San Diego Harbor), so if it's nasty I still had somewhere to play. Let us know how it goes . . .

Oh, oh. VHF is a must!!!!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Southern California destinations?Catalina? Mexico?

Did the Catalina thing in the late 70's, out of Marina Del Rey. Went with a group of 3 boats. Two 20 ftrs and a 22-23 ft Formula. It was a blast. Like QC says, do it in the morning. Also, I imagine you would need to make reservations for overnight moorage.

 

[Steve Cook]

Re: Southern California destinations?Catalina? Mexico?

where would you dock in Tijuana
I believe the closest marina facilities in mexico are in ensenada

 

[QC]

Re: Southern California destinations?Catalina? Mexico?

Hey Steve. Welcome aboard! Two year old thread, and I don't think he's around anymore . . . I agree on Ensenada.