I am in Jacksonville (Atlantic side) and yes I have seen some “nice” boats… “cheap”! But not drooling as I have a nice boat… the reason I have a nice boat is “that” run.
I have made that run since 1997 and have always been solo. And might I add… when I first started there was quite a few times I felt awfully lonely, especially in the fog. Once I got my radar and realized fog means good water, I got use to that. I would rather have fog and flat seas, than clear which usually means rougher water and larger swells? I draw “my line” at “storm” warnings, but again that is a boat and comfort level. There is absolutely no doubt… You need to remember, the farther up the WCVI you get, you are basically on your own out there... most of the time? Be ready to deal with that. Unless, there happens to be a fishing boat, sailboat, or coast guard cutter in the area… it can be up to 4/5 hours for someone to get to you?
Size??? There are times I would be comfortable in a 17’ and times I have turned around in a 42’. It all has to do with comfort level and “weather”! The boats will usually do a lot more than “we” will, but personally I would not do it in less than a 20’, anymore? It also must be an age thing as I would not want to do it without radar, again anymore? Remember… I said don’t be surprised when you run into 15’ swells! That is more the norm than the exception, unless you wait and time the seas and weather? You will usually find those leaving the Strait around Cape Beale and rounding Estevan. If you ever decide to go farther up they will also be at Brooks Peninsula and often at Cape Scott? I always… always… always, get a weather update prior to those points, both on the way up and back down!
Most times Victoria to Nootka is an easy one day run, but again it is a weather thing. I have had wait 2 days… as I don’t like to venture out in 50 knot winds and 30’ foot seas. Yes, been there… done that, on that run! If you don’t know what “sea state” means, learn that!!!!
With all that being said… plan on taking your time, watch the weather, and enjoy the trip! You are getting ready to do something most have not and it is a “trip of a lifetime”! That’s why I do it every year!