Staying on the Hook in So Cal - Insiders Tip

[rubyjean]

Originally Posted by jordansname

What seasons have you spent there?

In the middle 80's I spent 3 years there spring, summer, fall, and winter. Can be exciting from time to time in the winter. just learn which anchorages to go to when conditions change. I can make headway sailing to 70 kn's. Santa Barbara channel can get pretty pissy, so don't try to make a harbor during these times. I generally go for a sail every couple- three day's offshore to dump waste. Nice day sail out in the Santa Barbara flat's take's care of that problem. Never dump in the anchorages. There are so many beautiful anchorages on these islands. Hard to get tired of exploring them...Michael..

[zeehag]

i was in a-9 for 4 YEARS--all seasons, BEFORE nazism hit sin diego. was a long time ago but the currents are still same.. gooodluck.

[atmartin]

Last summer we took our last boat to Avalon and stayed a few days. The harbor patrol asked if we had a porta-potty (it was a smaller boat, Coronado 25). When I said yeah, they didn't even bother to check.

I emptied it twice (very small tank) in the public restroom by the dinghy landing. I didn't even put it in a bag to hide it. No one hassled me. I generally dumped the tank in the public restrooms in Mission Bay when we were on a ball.

My 'cruising' experience is pretty limited though, so I imagine if I'd done it for a few months, I might have gotten hassled.

I'm even considering a porta-john for our current boat, which is a liveaboard. It's current system is the old illegal variety. I don't mind spending the money and time to plumb the whole thing, but it seems simpler without, two less thru-holes and one less deck fitting.

[Butler]

Thread drift indeed!

Some good anchorages around Catalina particularly on the chanel side overnight and day.. Whites Cove, Isthmus Cove, Howland's, Emerald Cove. Check out Bruce Wicklunds Boat Dive and Fish Catalina Island. Cat Harbor of course on "the back side" though it seems the mooring balls get further and further out Little Harbor is okay when the tide is out but the swell comes through on high tide and it gets pretty bumpy.
Cabrillo inside Angels Gate is a mellow spot with great holding and the one oil island just off Long Beach/Pine St. (can't think of the name though apparently they shot segments of Dr. No there) is a popular spot. Other than that the anchorage at Dana Point is a good spot. I'm sure there's more... check the charts.
I have a 35 # Delta that gets the most use... with100' of 3/8" BBB chain.. am going move up to 45 when I can. I also have a 45# Northill and 35# Danforth off the stern as needed.

[Capt.Don]

Speaking of Catalina/Avalon, does your Y valve has to be either wired in the holding tank position and/or the handle removed?

[Capt Phil]

Don't recall the Y valves ever being checked... Harbor Patrol just drop a pill in each toilet and if even a dribble hits the salt water, you have a wonderful hue of flourescent greeny blue surround your boat. Not only mucho embarrassment but mucho fine$ as well. Don't count on your neighbors not to rat you out either. Most everyone goes for a swim in the harbor.
I've seen many cruisers off smaller boats bring their porta-potty ashore and dump it in the loo at the top of the dingy dock... Capt Phil