Carl and myself are planning on doing a weekend catamaran trip to Goat Harbor on Catalina from October 23 to 25 (Friday to Sunday). We are taking Carl's Hobie 18 with a 2.5 HP motor.

There are pictures of Catamarans on the the beach at Goat Harbor if you search online. Neither Carl or myself have been to this landing which is a big part of the appel.

If others would like to join on it looks like there is room for up to 12 people total (4 people per site: 3 sites).

Obviously the trip is weather dependent, but reservations are required so we need to make plans now. I have reserved one of the three sites. If anyone else is intrested in going, it makes sence to reserve a diffrent site. If we have three crews going, and we reserve all three sites, we could have the entire cove to ourselves.

The crossing from San Pedro (where we are launching) should be a reach to Goat Harbor is typical westerly wind.

Last year we did a trip to Catalina and there was vertually no wind so a motor is a really good idea.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

If the wind dies, will you tow me across with too :)? Would love to do this trip, don't know if my wife will let me me :(.

We had a really good time doing a similar trip last fall.

Our motor is very small and light weight, but it is also just enough to push our boat. We towed another cat away from the island last year so they could get out to where there was wind. But otherwise, it is too long of a crossing for anyone to be towed.

There is plenty of time to fabricate a motor mount and find a small motor...they are pretty inexpensive.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

yes, motor mount shouldn't be too hard depending on boat type to rig something yourself. I still need to work up something for my Prindle 19. Probably do something with L brackets and a board as transom to mount the motor we discussed with might work well on the stern for Prindles without a lip. I have a light weight 2.5HP Mercury, maybe 30lbs or so..my boat was overloaded last time around we went. Would probably dump a lot of that ballast next time around, e.g. no tent, just a sleeping bag should do.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Only kidding about being towed. I'm staring to consider this. How much gas are you taking? Is there cell phone reception from the island?

kevinlbatchelor

Only kidding about being towed. I'm staring to consider this. How much gas are you taking? Is there cell phone reception from the island?

you can buy gas at Avalon, so probably a 2Gal would do. Service is patchy overall, near Avalon could be better. Wouldn't count on it. There's trackers and GPS locators, some with text service. The cheapest is probably SPOT or Delorme's InReach Iridium that I use with family. They have various plans some subscription some one month at a time.



Edited by marekli on Sep 02, 2015 - 03:11 PM.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

I think we took about 2 gallons last year. We ended up using most of it on the way over so we went into Two Harbors to buy more. I plan on taking more this year. Last year we used small camping gas bottles (spun aluminum) so we could refill easily while out in the ocean. That worked pretty well. This year I think we will do the same but possibly take a separate 2 gallon gas can to refill the small bottles for the ride home.

Hopefully there is good wind and no gas is needed.

Fuel consumption also depends on what kind of motor. I have a modern 4 stroke so it is pretty easy on gas, an older 2 stroke will consume much more.

I have always been able to get at least texts out when over at Catalina Island but like Marek says...it is a bit spotty. We used VHF radios to communicate with on the water.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

here's a boat for sale that comes with an electric Torqueedo...seems the engine more than doubled the price for the boat:

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/boa/5209430006.html

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

Not so. The boat sold for $3000 two years ago and was in very good condition. Torqeedo was needed to get out of his canal--probably should be sold separately. The 18-2 is a quality boat & few around. Pete

I'm in, but debating bringing a motor. If it's dead like last time, I'll probably turn back and save myself from another 12 hour crossing. I plan on being prepared to leave the first sign of favorable winds.

I found this report of a group which hiked from Goat Harbor to the airport. My first choice for Saturday would be to sail to other coves and "explore" the coast a bit, but its good to know hiking is an option from Goat Harbor.

http://www.gohikeit.com/2014/08/catalina-airport-hiking-trail.html

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

that looks like a fun hike from Goat Harbor...like Gene said it's good to know there's a few things folks can do on Saturday. If someone is looking for crew send me a PM, I'd probably be up for it.

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

there was an incident with 2 fatalities where a dinghy was run over by a power boat at 1am in the pitch dark in Descanso Bay by Avalon last weekend. Probably due to failure to use running lights. Last year we spent half a day in low winds trying to reach the Parsons Bay and around 3 hours or so sailing in the dark. It must have been 10-11pm by the time Gene/Carl guided us into Parsons Bay with flash lights.
Fortunately, I had running lights with me on our cat - we had at least one boat motoring by us. You can buy portable ones that mount with velcro straps or suction cups for a few bucks online. It's a good investment, especially if you decide to forgo the motor...

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

I have inexpensive removable battery operated running lights. If you are only sailing they might not be required but still a really good idea. At minimum a flashlight is required. A good bright flashlight to light up your sail will make you very visible from far away but navigation lights are better as they let the other vessel know which way you are traveling.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

Here is the direct link to last years trip. If anyone is intrested in this trip or a similar trip, it has a ton of info...
http://www.thebeachcats.com/forums/viewtopic/topic/14181/start/100

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Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

I just booked our second site. I believe we have three boats going and Dartman a maybe.

Sounds great Lance, better start whistling up the wind!

--
Carl

Dart 18x2
Nacra 5.8
Acat
Windrider Rave x2 for sale
--

Searching online for more info about Goat Harbor I came across this picture of a cat pulled up on the beach....

http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=18822

The album was posted by "Gary" with the boat "Whisk".

There is many other pictures online with sea kayaks pulled up on the beach.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

It sounds like another cat sailor booked a second campsite. If anyone else is interested, book the third ASAP. It would be great to have the cove to ourselves.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

I just bought a used 2hp motor for the trip...now for the mount. Precious few weekends left to prep the boat and trailer, working way too much these days. I plan on heading down the 21st to avoid morning traffic the 22nd and stepping the mast. I'll leave the boat overnight since the parking gate is attended 24hrs and find a nearby hotel.

There are people looking for a ride. More Cat sailors would be great. Still at three maybe four boats.

You taking the 19 Lance

--
Carl

Dart 18x2
Nacra 5.8
Acat
Windrider Rave x2 for sale
--

genehacker

Searching online for more info about Goat Harbor I came across this picture of a cat pulled up on the beach....

http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=18822

The album was posted by "Gary" with the boat "Whisk".

There is many other pictures online with sea kayaks pulled up on the beach.

I just have to pop in here and chuckle. 10 years ago I think Gary was responsible for 25% of the posts on the beachcats and probably coordinated every trip to catalina. Now he has become some guy who posted a pic. :)

I've never been to goat harbor, but I've done the crossing to Two Harbors several times in the past. Does anyone still go there on beach cat?

-Eric
SC20
H18

efinley

I just have to pop in here and chuckle. 10 years ago I think Gary was responsible for 25% of the posts on the beachcats and probably coordinated every trip to catalina. Now he has become some guy who posted a pic. :)

Hey Eric, good to see you here!

Blast from the past, one of Bill and Gary's excellent adventures to the Channel Islands onboard a Mystere 6.0 in 2001.

http://www.thebeachcats.c…hives/v5-i1/feature1.htm

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

How To Create Your Signature

How To Create Your Own Cool Avatar

How To Display Pictures In The Forums.
--

Hey Damon,
Yeah I'm still around just not as much time for web forums now that I have kids. :) But my brother has become more active on this site since I left. Still sailing though!

-Eric
SC20
H18
aka - tallest guy on the beachcats. :)

Yep, I'm taking the P19. Should we bring something to slide the hulls above the high tide line?

Bill Matson is still making crossings to the local Channel Islands and has wild stories about encounters with heavy winds this past summer. On his most recent trip to Santa Cruz Island, he sailed back his H18 on jib only doing 12 knots in 10 ft seas.
Marek and Bill had a Mr Toads Wild Ride adventure a couple of months before during another Santa Cruz crossing.

Eric, you should consider joining and sharing some of your experiences /stories from those earlier days with Gary. I just sent my 3rd son off to college and am looking forward to more of these trips, the one we did last year to Parsons Landing was a lot of fun. The Channel Islands offer some of the most beautiful untouched nature in Southern California with beautiful, marine life, flora and fauna to enjoy. If you have a liking for a bit of adventure and don't need all the creature comforts then a trip like this can be a really fun thing...

Gary Friesen's socal yahoogroup is another option to post about this trip to, just google it. I posted something there last year and got a few responses.

efinley

genehacker

Searching online for more info about Goat Harbor I came across this picture of a cat pulled up on the beach....

http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=18822

The album was posted by "Gary" with the boat "Whisk".

There is many other pictures online with sea kayaks pulled up on the beach.

I just have to pop in here and chuckle. 10 years ago I think Gary was responsible for 25% of the posts on the beachcats and probably coordinated every trip to catalina. Now he has become some guy who posted a pic. :)

I've never been to goat harbor, but I've done the crossing to Two Harbors several times in the past. Does anyone still go there on beach cat?

-Eric
SC20
H18

--
Marek
1992 Prindle 19
1981 Prindle 16
--

spfx

Yep, I'm taking the P19. Should we bring something to slide the hulls above the high tide line?

Bill Matson is still making crossings to the local Channel Islands and has wild stories about encounters with heavy winds this past summer. On his most recent trip to Santa Cruz Island, he sailed back his H18 on jib only doing 12 knots in 10 ft seas.
Marek and Bill had a Mr Toads Wild Ride adventure a couple of months before during another Santa Cruz crossing.

I'm gonna walk back those sea heights a tad, after checking buoy data. Probably in the neighborhood of 6 or 7 feet. Steep as hell though, right on the beam. (I've got some GoPro video of some of it, but video flattens conditions, and a fisheye flattens them even more. ) On the big ones, had to head down and surf them to prevent a broach. When my tiller arm got tired of that, I tried heading up instead. The problem there was that as the bows left the water, the wind would blow them downwind, so I went back to surfing figuring I'd have Ben Gay for the arm when I got home.

The decision to sail on jib only was after the experience I had with Marek at Scorpion on Santa Cruz. Winds where 30+ at the ranger station. The blowing sand took the windward registration sticker off the boat. It was the first time using a custom reef point on the new sails, and there were issues with that, but we left the beach away, on a run. As soon as we hit the wind line, with are weight as far back as we could get it, we pitchpoled both hulls to the crossbar. Broke the gooseneck pin, which caused some very interesting issues on capsize, and also had a rudder problem too detailed to get into here. Left the boat there, took the ferry home, then came back a week later with parts. Had a wonderful sail home.

Didn't mean to get into war stories here, but what I determined from both experiences here is that if you've got really heavy conditions, and your destination is anywhere from a beam reach to a run, sailing on jib alone is very doable. I was getting 12 knots of boat speed, and had good control. The downside is raising the main at sea which can be challenge depending on the sea state. The real solution for me is to get my reef point straightened out.

Sorry for getting wordy. I need to frequent this forum more as you guys have some interesting stuff going on. I wish I could join you on the Catalina trip, but I've got weekend commitments through Oct. Maybe next time.

Will anyone have SPOT beacons on board? I'd love to follow you guys on your trip.

Bill Mattson
Hobie 18 "Cheap Thrill"



Edited by mattson on Oct 11, 2015 - 01:33 PM.

--
Bill Mattson
Prindle 19 "Gelli Bean"
Prindle 19 "Cat's Pajamas"
Nacra 5.2 (Will sail her a bit and let her name herself)
--

Just another fun story....

Years ago, we took a trip to Two Harbors with pretty good sized group of cats. I had purchased the boat only 3 weeks or so before. The next day some of us took a daysail up the coast, and one of my rudders snapped off right below the casting. (Apparently the previous owner had left them in constant sunlight). We limped back to Two Harbors. In a exercise of Positive Thinking, I told my son and Buzz Waterstreet that the next time they saw me, I would have a Hobie 18 rudder in hand. I then marched off to town wondering where in the heck I would find one.

Long story, but I ended up meeting an old Hobie 16 sailor who was building a deck and said I was welcome to any parts I needed that were laying in the crawlspace under his house. I found complete hobie 16 rudder assemblies, crawled back out to borrow a couple wrenches, then went back under again to get a rudder. I then borrowed the guys drill to drill the Hobie 18 bolt pattern in the Hobie 16 rudder. (I had brought the remaining section of rudder with me to use as a template). Came back with the rudder to the amazement of the others. Good times!

Bill Mattson
Hobie 18 "Cheap Thill"

PS: In my last post, it's kinda funny that the second word of Ben G-a-y is automatically censored by the forum.



Edited by mattson on Oct 11, 2015 - 01:50 PM.

--
Bill Mattson
Prindle 19 "Gelli Bean"
Prindle 19 "Cat's Pajamas"
Nacra 5.2 (Will sail her a bit and let her name herself)
--

Pretty far out for reliable weather forecasting but the long range looks promising...

Here is the long term for Avalon:

FRI Oct 23 84° 68° mostly sunny S 7 mph
SAT Oct 24 82° 67° Sunny NW 7 mph
SUN Oct 25 81° 66° partly cloudy S 6 mph

I would be happy if that holds. Hopefully the winds would be a bit higher in the channel.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

On a side note this trip will be on Carl's (OneKiwi) last weekend as a single man. So it just might be his last sailing trip ever



Edited by genehacker on Oct 15, 2015 - 07:11 PM.

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Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

Dude, 2nd to last weekend!!

--
Carl

Dart 18x2
Nacra 5.8
Acat
Windrider Rave x2 for sale
--

I'm curious as to what you guys plan on using for beach rollers, if any.

I used to carry ABS pipe with fenders on each end (resembling large cue tips) for sand beaches, and short sections of ABS pipe to use as skids on rocky beaches. On my most recent trips, I found that just carrying the short sections is sufficient as they work as either rollers or skids. Plus, they stow easily in the deck ports.

Bill Mattson
Hobie 18 "Cheap Thrill"

--
Bill Mattson
Prindle 19 "Gelli Bean"
Prindle 19 "Cat's Pajamas"
Nacra 5.2 (Will sail her a bit and let her name herself)
--

Bill, I plan on bring some short sections of ABS to help slide the boat up the beach.

Weather is still looking good:
Avalon forecast:
FRI Oct 23 78° 67° partly cloudy WNW 9 mph
SAT Oct 24 83° 68° Mostly Sunny SSW 7 mph
SUN Oct 25 81° 68° Mostly Sunny NNW 7 mph

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

If the forecast holds, the wind directions look pretty good as well. Broad reach out and a close hulled back.

Here is GPS for Goat Harbor

DD
33.417367
-118.395617

DM
33° 25.042' N
118° 23.737' W

DMS
33° 25' 2.52'' N
118° 23' 44.22'' W

GPS for the light house near the entrance to LA harbor (closest opening to Cabrillo)

DD
33.708534
-118.251604

DMS
33°42′30″N
118°15′05″W



Edited by genehacker on Oct 18, 2015 - 06:02 PM.

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Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

Did final checks today. Motor mount and motor work well. New/old Dacron sail with H16 battens worked well. Centerboard box leaks have been mostly eliminated. Newly drilled rudders and open cleat hold down works.

The winds were raging today +15 and some six foot swells. Both Bob and I went out solo and had a blast.

What time do you plan on being in San Perdo? Traffic is going to suck unless its before 6 or after 12.

Could'nt sleep Lance?We will probably get there around 9.30- 10, I m thinking,no way out of traffic for us.Going to install the motor mount and wings in the next couple of days.Will break out the old sails for the 18 also.
Who is going ?
15 knts would be great.



Edited by onekiwi on Oct 19, 2015 - 11:40 AM.

--
Carl

Dart 18x2
Nacra 5.8
Acat
Windrider Rave x2 for sale
--

Ha ,I'm a night owl and had to be at work by 6:30. Winds look good after 12 but I'll leave sooner if pos. Three boats total, bob solo. Plan on a 2 1/2-3hr drive to get thru la at that time.

Can't wait to hear about your trip! Be sure and report back.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

How To Create Your Signature

How To Create Your Own Cool Avatar

How To Display Pictures In The Forums.
--

Will do Damon, we may have some video this time.

--
Carl

Dart 18x2
Nacra 5.8
Acat
Windrider Rave x2 for sale
--

We are close enough in to get the forecast for the channel. It looks like they are calling for light winds on Friday.

Friday Variable winds 5 kt or less. Patchy fog before 11am. W swell 3 ft. Wind waves around 1 ft.
Friday Night WNW wind 5 to 10 kt. Mostly clear. W swell 3 ft. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft.
Saturday WNW wind 5 to 10 kt. Mostly sunny. W swell 2 ft. Wind waves around 1 ft.
Saturday Night WNW wind 5 to 10 kt. Mostly clear. W swell 2 ft. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft.
Sunday WNW wind 5 to 10 kt, with gusts as high as 15 kt. Sunny. W swell 2 ft. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

As far as arrival time goes... leaving a bit later is a good idea. I think if we get to Valencia around 9 to 9:30 we might be ok. That is what we did last year and it wasn't too bad.

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

We got back in yesterday afternoon from the trip to Goat Harbor on Catalina.

We had really nice wind on the way across with minimal swell. At one point I trapped out from the wings (we were on a Hobie 18). The winds let up as we came closer to the island which made for a mellow landing. The crossing took around 2 hours. I looked at the GPS a few times and we were consistently hitting speeds of 12 mph. Lance said his top speed was 15. Not bad for a cruising/camping trip. The beach at goat harbor was pretty steep but with the three of us working together on each boat, it was pretty easy to get the boats up above the high tide mark. It was rounded gravel. There were pick nick tables and a porta potty (not something we were expecting...the reservations said we needed to bring a suitable container/toilet with us).

The water was amazingly warm and clear. We did a lot of swimming and exploring on Saturday. In the afternoon, all three of us loaded up on the Hobie 18 and headed towards Two Harbors to enjoy the coastline and scope out "boat in" campsites for future trips.

Sunday we took off and headed towards Avalon to do a bit more exploring before making the crossing back. The wind was light. Lance was alone on his P19 and was able to sail for a while. Our loaded H18 was a dog in the light wind and we motor-sailed the entire way. I think the crossing took about 4 hours.

Overall it was a great trip. The weather was amazing, and the water was so warm and pleasant. Our small group worked well with each other and everything went really smooth. We are already talking about another trip next month.



Edited by genehacker on Oct 26, 2015 - 08:02 PM.

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Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

Geno .... You should be able to get permission at Two harbors to pull the boats up on the beach at Little Fishermans Cove ( the far eastern end of Isthmus Cove ) They used to charge us $10 a night per boat. They would let us sleep on the boats ... but nothing could be put on the beach. The preferred crossing would have us leave Angels Gate and sail up the coast a bit to the Furman Point Buoy before crossing over. this way, you quite often would miss the wind shadow as you get close to the island. Same with the return run ..... we often found that the guys that would shove off 11:00 am sunday morning ... usually got beat by the guys that waiting till 12 or 12:30 before leaving.

mark corby

Mark,

I have anchored in Little Fishermans cove (save a few bucks compared to getting a mooring) and I have camped above it several times. Having been to Two Harbors dozens of times over the years, for me, beach cat trips are a way to explore sections of the Island I have not seen before.

There are several "boat in" campsites between Two Harbors and Avalon. We stayed at Goat harbor which was idea, but some of the others look promising as well. I look forward to future trips to new spots.

Other than a few boats that anchored offshore for a few hours, we had the cove to ourselves. It was a perfect "get away trip" compared to staying somewhere with development and crowds.

On Sunday there was little to no wind even in the late afternoon. We were very happy to have the motor. Last year we did a similar trip with light wind in both directions. The link to that thread and trip report is in the first page of this thread (possibly 2nd page).

--
Geno Hacker
Lake Isabella, California
Supercat 20, 1/2 of a B-Lion, H18, P16, H14
--

A couple of pics.





Edited by onekiwi on Oct 27, 2015 - 01:00 PM.

--
Carl

Dart 18x2
Nacra 5.8
Acat
Windrider Rave x2 for sale
--