Island Fish Lifter
Well-Known Member
have any of you guys done this? Thought it may be a nice trip. Any advice?
running from barclay sound to nootka
- Thread starter Island Fish Lifter
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Charlie
Well-Known Member
I run from Tacoma, WA to Nootka every year! Going into the waves is not bad, but coming back with the swells can get a little interesting in the PM. Just go slow and run early in the morning when you can... the fog is good, means the water is calmer. Can get a little rough in the PM with the westerlies. I plan all my trips at 15 - 20 knots cruising speed!
Just take your time and watch for "gale" warnings... they aren't bad, but stay away from the "storm" warnings... they turn to bad... fast! I am the big boat that turned around in "storm" warnings in 2005! 50 knot winds and 30' seas is not my bag of tea! LOL!
It is a nice trip... or can be a very interesting trip! Just remember to run early, in the fog... water is smoother!
HALILLAMA
Active Member
Yes, I've done it plenty... It's a great trip! I would recommend it. Try to travel in the am. Be careful rounding Estevan Pt. We've done this trip in all kinds of weather. But the best trip was when we went up the west coast and travelled all the way around Vancouver Island back to home in Sooke. It took 6 1/2 weeks and we never tied to a wharf for 1 nite.
On The Beach
On The Beach
Island Fish Lifter
Well-Known Member
wow, I would love to do that. What size boat? It may be a fortune in gas for my boat though. I probably burn 16 to 20 gph.[xx(]
Charlie
Well-Known Member
From Tacoma to Esperanza is approximately 277 nautical miles. Depending on the weather and water it is a 10-12 hour run, not counting stops for fuel or customs. I plan all my trips at 15-20 knots. My boat runs about 37 knots in good seas. I usally average about 20 knots running up into the seas and about 17 knots running back with the seas!
I have had to stop a couple of times due to weather... once at Uki going up and the other was coming out of Nootka Sound at Estervan Point coming back. Both of those times there was storm warnings… so watch that closely. Most of the time you will have “small craft” warnings in the afternoon. Pay attention and watch for “gale warnings”… find a place to run in if needed and pay attention where your are. When you hear anything above “gale warnings”, don’t get caught out there! It is not a comfortable thing! But if you do… head for a cove with protected waters or if you can’t get in… head for deeper water! If you can’t get in… go out! Stay out of the shallow areas when in bad weather!
Halillama is right it is a great trip! Estevan can get a little rough in the afternoon and I do watch Estevan and Cape Beal very closly. Afterall the Westcoast is known as the graveyard of the Pacific. Just remember fog is your friend and brings calm waters! Radar is really good! And… the Canadian Coast Guard does a great job with float plans!
The first trip was in a 21’, then a 32', then 42'... and now in a 30' Boston Whaler! First time was with a mag compass, which I would never do again. After that I got a GPS and thought I was in heaven. Then Radar… and now would never do it again without any of them, especially Radar! I had no clue how many boats where out there, until I saw them on radar. I now run with...dual GPS... Dual Sounders... and again would NOT do it without Radar! Guess it's an age thing! LOL
I run twin 225’s and burn 1 US gallan of gas per knot of speed! 18 knots = 18 gals of fuel per hour! I carry 296 US gallans of fuel and even at the current gas prices, it is cheaper for me to run up than to tow. And it is easier on me and the boat!
Hope this helps… It is a trip I look forward to each year!
Charlie
T
tomictime
Guest
you do not have to do the whole thing offshore, duck in at Tofino and then out again at Sydney inlet, hot springs is a good diversion. care rounding estevan is good advice.
