San Francisco Bay trip to Petaluma River

[CaptainK]

I might not be able to make that raft up.

Especially, if it requires more than 2 days involved on the boats!!

[Charlie]

Thats a shame CaptainK. I would think it would take you awhile to get to SF Bay on a Cat 27. What about combining it with your move to Stocketon?

How about trying Sausilito/Angel Island on September 23 and then see about HMB in October.

Kai when is the pumpkin festival?

[CaptainK]

Well Charlie.

We'll see what the next 3 months will tell. If things work out in a way where if my job offers in my favor. I might "not" move to Stockton.

But if not. Then around mid to late October I'll more likely will make the move out that way.

We'll see, Charlie!!

Pumpkin Festival is mid October. Last year it was around the tenth. Not sure of the dates this year.

[cyclepro]

This year's festival is in the weekend of October 14 and 15, 2006. The actual Great Pumpin Weigh-off is on Monday Oct. 9 (Columbus Day)

-Jan-

[sfboat84]

Hi guys!
I've spent most of my time on the bay and never had to go through a draw bridge or a spin bridge for that matter.
What's the procedure in going through those? do i have to call ahead or is the operator there 9-5 or 24/7? Do they work on Sundays?
I'm doing this same trip on November 21st and would like to be prepared.
Thanks a lot!

[gamayun]

Originally Posted by sfboat84

Hi guys!
I've spent most of my time on the bay and never had to go through a draw bridge or a spin bridge for that matter.
What's the procedure in going through those? do i have to call ahead or is the operator there 9-5 or 24/7? Do they work on Sundays?
I'm doing this same trip on November 21st and would like to be prepared.
Thanks a lot!

Info here: Petaluma River | Petaluma's Visitors' Center

Mind the tides and shoal areas...

[Sandeepb]

Hello all,
I have been boating for almost twenty years but always in lakes in Minnesota. We recently relocated to Petaluma. We have a chapparal 24 ft cabin cruiser which is in very good condition. But I have ZERO experience boating in seawaters.

Looking for your pointers/watch outs for navigating Petaluma river and then to San Pablo bay? Our boat needs about 30 inches of draft. Is the river deep enough at low tides? I see from these threads that there is a narrow navigational channel in San Pablo bay, is that marked well?

I know I need to do things to the boat to make it seaworthy, but was hoping to boat this Sunday. We will pull boat out at the end of day and make sure it is washed and flushed properly.

Thank you for any help and education you can offer.

Regards
Sandeep

[markpierce]

With 30-inches of draft there should be little problem unless there is a minus tide. With four feet, we oozed through soft mud at one point. Still, best to go near high tide and space your progress to time your reserved bridge opening at D Street at the entrance of the turning basin. The river voyage is scenic, and the old downtown adjacent to the basin is interesting and filled with restaurants. (Come to think of it, the launch ramp is east of the bridge and is not a factor in transiting from there to the bay.)



The channel from the river's exit to the western end of San Pablo Bay is long and narrow. You need to pay close attention to staying in the middle so use your binoculars and radar if available to observe the channel markers. There is often a cross-current that makes things tricky.

[sailorchic34]

There are three problem areas on the petaluma river.

first is 2000 feet west of the green channel marker in the river (There is only one). Note this is a gravel bottom and not soft. (Don't ask me how I know), from mid river to the south (101) side by the side canel (see photo) is 4' at mean low water. Hold to the north side of the river which is 8' deep at MLW.

Second is at the new green railroad bridge at haystack landing. The old swing bridge was only 1/2 the width of the new bridge. As the new green span is twice as long it made the river wider. But from mid river to the south side is still un dredged and silted in. Hold to the north (marina) side of the channel there.

Third, there is a shallow spot in the middle of the turning basin that you will find at low tide.

Added bonus, The petaluma marina has a silting issue and only has 36" of water in the fairways at MLW and 4' at the river entrance at MLW. You will want to enter and leave at other then low tide.

Crossing San Pablo in the afternoon with an outgoing tide in a 24 foot boat can be exciting. I try to cross it from the petaluma river in the morning before the after noon winds come up.

[Sandeepb]

Thank you Mark Pierce and Sailorchic for quick response back. I appreciate your guidance.
I think we will stay in the river and not try to get out to the bay for our first time try. need to learn about tides etc.

[mrichmon]

Originally Posted by Sandeepb

need to learn about tides etc.

The book "Sailing The Bay" by Kimball Livingston gives both a good general discussion of tides, and detailed specific information about the complex tides found in the SF bay area.

[omc]

Originally Posted by markpierce

With 30-inches of draft there should be little problem unless there is a minus tide. With four feet, we oozed through soft mud at one point. Still, best to go near high tide and space your progress to time your reserved bridge opening at D Street at the entrance of the turning basin. The river voyage is scenic, and the old downtown adjacent to the basin is interesting and filled with restaurants. (Come to think of it, the launch ramp is east of the bridge and is not a factor in transiting from there to the bay.)



The channel from the river's exit to the western end of San Pablo Bay is long and narrow. You need to pay close attention to staying in the middle so use your binoculars and radar if available to observe the channel markers. There is often a cross-current that makes things tricky.

I have been boating many times since 2004 in the delta, San Pablo Bay, San Rafael, Angel Island etc.., I can't wait to be there again in 10 days from now. Thank you MarkPierce for your useful informations and the nice photo, good to see there is a GB 42' classic there :-).