Bella Coola to Shearwater

[Howzer]

FYI: Am in Shearwater right now. Fuel barge arrived yesterday, so lots of fuel here.

 

[Rockin Johnny]

FYI: Am in Shearwater right now. Fuel barge arrived yesterday, so lots of fuel here.

Good news, have you been able to find salt ice? How’s the fishing?

 

[Howzer]

Good news, have you been able to find salt ice? How’s the fishing?

Picking up... some large springs being caught in Seaforth and lots of small to medium coho. Don't use salt ice, so can't help you there.

 

[the force]

Was chatting with a guy from work today who had a close call a couple years ago doing this trip, the seas were wild at the intersection of Burke and Dean channels, not far from Bella Coola. Taking on water, bilges couldn’t keep up, but got lucky and caught a bigger wave that they rode through. He said that’s the worst part, and got an ear full from the harbour master that you should not be traversing that area after 10am.

That’s a fair enough rule for me to abide by. Obviously conditions along the length of the channel are variable and dependant on wind. Are there other areas that are specifically prone to wind/current interaction? Any of the major intersections I suppose?

We’re sleeping on the boat, and currently planning to sleep on the hard in Bella Coola when we arrive weds evening. Curious if it is totally unreasonable to think about running out to Eucott Bay hot springs in the evening (obviously after confirming weather at the harbour)?

 

[Rockin Johnny]

Was chatting with a guy from work today who had a close call a couple years ago doing this trip, the seas were wild at the intersection of Burke and Dean channels, not far from Bella Coola. Taking on water, bilges couldn’t keep up, but got lucky and caught a bigger wave that they rode through. He said that’s the worst part, and got an ear full from the harbour master that you should not be traversing that area after 10am.

That’s a fair enough rule for me to abide by. Obviously conditions along the length of the channel are variable and dependant on wind. Are there other areas that are specifically prone to wind/current interaction? Any of the major intersections I suppose?

We’re sleeping on the boat, and currently planning to sleep on the hard in Bella Coola when we arrive weds evening. Curious if it is totally unreasonable to think about running out to Eucott Bay hot springs in the evening (obviously after confirming weather at the harbour)?

Agreed. The intersection is called “The Nose” I have also ignored the after 10am warning and had the ride of my life!!!! 8’ stand big wave 12’ apart which seemed to come straight off the rock cliff out of nowhere. Adding wind with massive currents plus tide in 1800’ of water! A complete wash machine. I was vibrating for a few hours after. It can get very extreme there. If you see white caps even if they look small turn back. Trust me. I saw what looked like small caps when we went in and once in, there was no turning back. We normally sleep at the dock and leave early. Late in the evening has worked out for me too. The Burke in general is very deep and has big current, I have seen a lot of log debris in as well. We will be out there Saturday for the week. Good luck.

 

[the force]

That’s the spot and the scenario. Thanks for the perspective. We plan to head back Sunday am but glad to share a report if I have service or get me on the radio, green machine likely ch 68. In a 23’ green sylvan with cuddy.
Good luck to you as well!

Agreed. The intersection is called “The Nose” I have also ignored the after 10am warning and had the ride of my life!!!! 8’ stand big wave 12’ apart which seemed to come straight off the rock cliff out of nowhere. Adding wind with massive currents plus tide in 1800’ of water! A complete wash machine. I was vibrating for a few hours after. It can get very extreme there. If you see white caps even if they look small turn back. Trust me. I saw what looked like small caps when we went in and once in, there was no turning back. We normally sleep at the dock and leave early. Late in the evening has worked out for me too. The Burke in general is very deep and has big current, I have seen a lot of log debris in as well. We will be out there Saturday for the week. Good luck.