Boating to Sooke from Vancouver

[Red Monster]

I was wondering if any members have experience boating to Sooke (or Pedder Bay) from Vancouver. I have a seaworthy 21 footer that I take to Gabriola and back as long as the weather cooperates. Given the time and cost of taking the ferry, instead maybe I should cruise over to go fishing? Any advise? Thanks.

 

[Finished Business]

Haven't done it, but mapped it and hope to do it this season. The most direct route runs you about 80 miles from UBC to the docks @ Pedder Bay. The longer more sheltered route will put you at just under 90 miles. On a good day, 3-4 hours and you are there.
For me @ 12gph it costs roughly the same as the ferry. Tswassen to Sooke via Ferry w/ towing is faster by about an hour or so...but on the water you can leave an hour or two before the ferrys first sailing sooo it all works out and you may be to your fishing spot earlier as you don't need to mess around at the launch.

 

[Andrew P]

And obviously way more fun than the ferry!

I plan to do some business trips to Van this summer, launching from Sidney.

 

[trophywife]

let me know when you do this RM as i want to power around to bam this year. if timing works you may have a buddy boat.

 

[profisher]

There are guys who run over from Bellingham quite often in 22 footers.

 

[fishspoon]

I have seen a small 17 foot skiboat at full speed about 35 knots or more on flat calm water running from gulf islands to Coal Port in the summertime. yes, people are talking about alternative ways to get to the island or Mainland cuz ferries fares are expensive nowdays.

 

[Captain PartyMarty]

I hve been thinking about doing the same this spring. Although maybe not all the way to Sooke. I want to spend a weekend targeting some Hali

 

[J-GLOBAL]

Last year I came back from Tofino. It was a beautiful day down the west coast and around Sooke/Vic, cruising between 30-40 knots. I think it took about 8 hours including a stop for gas, was very calm most of the way, until coming across the straight. A thunderstorm was rolling in and it was a little dicey as I was passing the south arm, the last 15 miles were the slowest.

The total cost was about the same as when I boat across to Nanaimo and have a hauler put it in the water at Tofino.

I had planned to take the boat to Tofino last year by water, but the weather didn't cooperate and pushed my window back further and further, until I decided to have it hauled from Nanaimo to Port. Then got stuck I Ukee for a day as water was too rough to try to get from Ukee to Tofino.

Going across you may have to wait. Coming back you may have to wait, or risk running in poor conditions.

 

[chris73]

Once you are across the straight there is not much to worry anymore as long as you have charts/gps and watch any fog. It's a beautiful run through the islands and you could make stops as Ganges or Sidney. You can fast-cruise from Active Pass to Pedder in about 2 hours without any stops.

 

[Red Monster]

Surprisingly, if you leave from Steveston, it's only 70 miles (through Active Pass) to Pedder. I thought is was farther, but it seems doable on a decent day.
Maybe we should all go at the same time if the fishing is hot.
I suppose early morning is likely the best time to make the run? You could do it on a nice evening too, but I'm guessing it is more likely to be windy around Victoria in the evening.
I have everything but radar and would not make a run in the fog.

 

[Finished Business]

I hve been thinking about doing the same this spring. Although maybe not all the way to Sooke. I want to spend a weekend targeting some Hali

Sounds like a few Van area guys are thinking of this trip?

Might be worth trying to organize something...

[1rTTC3M6lh4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rTTC3M6lh4

 

[saanauk]

I have done Bellingham to Sooke and Pedder bay probably a dozen times. Always watched the weather carefully and never had an issue. Did it in a 23 trophy. Way cheaper then the ferry.

 

[beemer]

I was wondering if any members have experience boating to Sooke (or Pedder Bay) from Vancouver. I have a seaworthy 21 footer that I take to Gabriola and back as long as the weather cooperates. Given the time and cost of taking the ferry, instead maybe I should cruise over to go fishing? Any advise? Thanks.

It a doable run. Just take your time , and safety first! You will be running through 3 distinct weather systems that are all fluid. You do not want to be any SE winds over 20 knots in Haro or East Juan de Fuca , nor do you was to be in a westerly with a ebb tide in East Juan de fuca. I grew up in Vancouver and have lived and boated over here for 25 years , and trust me , It can get wild very quickly. Cruise at 20 knots enjoy the ride and take in the scenery!!

beemer

 

[rovingfisherman]

If these guys could do Nanaimo to Kits Beach, 50+ miles. I'm sure you guys will be fine.


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[Hookin'up]

If these guys could do Nanaimo to Kits Beach, 50+ miles. I'm sure you guys will be fine.


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its just a tad over 30 miles and pretty decent inside waters for the most part, once they round Vic that can change in a heartbeat,
I am keeping a close eye on this tho, would love to go get some Hali and got me thinking

 

[Jimmy]

I have run from Point Roberts to Sooke, Port Renfrew Nitnat & Bamfield on various trips. It is way more fun than taking the ferry you don't have to follow a schedule and be there an hour ahead of time etc.. You are travelling through several different weather area's and you have to keep and eye on the weather/tides and be prepared to wait it out or go slow if the weather changes or doesn't co-operate. plenty of place to tuck into along the way until your past Sooke.

 

[dwflyrod]

i am in for a little hali and salmon fishing trip

 

[trophywife]

i will prolly run around early may if anyone is....

 

[chris73]

May I suggest that you consider coming over to Pedder at Father's Day weekend? Rumours are that SVIAC will host a derby that weekend at Pedder Bay and I think a bunch of local SFBC junkies will be attending. Fog is usually not an issue at that time and if the wind behaves you could have a nice trip with some fabulous fishing to be had. Hali fishing was on FIRE last Father's Day weekend.

 

[dwflyrod]

i am in.sounds like a good time