Finished Business
Well-Known Member
Launch: 1st week of August
Duration: 7+ Days
Folks,
I have begun planning for my annual trip to Rivers Inlet. This will be my third year, with the previous two fished from a buddy's boat. We have previously trailered, ferried, trailered, and boated our way from Vancouver to Rivers Inlet, obviously boating the last leg, Hardy to the Inlet.
This year, with my own boat, and no truck to tow it, I've decided to make the trip on the water. Surprisingly, considering: ferry, towing, and parking fees, I estimate the travel costs to be roughly the same each way.
The trip is 305 Miles from dock to dock, in a direct route. I will be making two stops for fuel along the way. Here is my planned route:
Leave Richmond to Cambell River. Grab Fuel. Continue on through the Johnson Straight en route to Port McNeil. I will likely stop for fuel in Port McNeil before making the crossing over the Queen Charlotte Straight and continuing onto Rivers.
I should be able to maintain a Min cruise of 24mph, with a top cruising speed of 31mph. Given all the variables involved I expect this trip to be a minimum of 12 hours, hopefully no more than 16. (The other boat I've gone to Rivers on did it in 11hr up and 12hr home, the year before I started going).
I've heard the scenery is worth the effort to do the trip on the water. The reward of completing such a trip would be a great source of satisfaction as well.
Enough yammering...what I ask of the great members on this forum who live around the locations I will be passing through, to offer on water tips and experience of areas of concern or areas worth taking the time to view.
1) I know I will be passing through water that experiences very strong currents. This information is vital to me...what areas of this trip should I specifically try to cross during slack tides? Is it the skookumchuck narrows I will be encountering?
2) When navigating the Queen Charlotte Strait from either McNeil or Hardy to Cape Caution, which is the best route, comfort wise, to cross, given a certain direction of wind? What areas are specifically known to have nasty water?
3) For area specific info, where are good places to duck for cover if it gets real ugly? What winds make for the best travel through the straights?
As mentioned this trip is planned for early August, at a time when I hope weather is at its kindest. It would likely be done in one day but I am leaving the option open with time available to add a night or two if the following day has fairer seas.
Any info is greatly appreciate from those who live on these waters! Or any advice in general for a 300 mile boat trip. lol
Specs to note: estimates
Boat: Podded 245 Crestliner WA
Crew: Hopefully 3, maybe just myself.
Engine: 250HO 'Rude ETEC; 10hp kicker motor
Weight: 5500-6000 lbs Loaded & Fueled
Distance: 300-350 Miles
Speed: 24-31mph
MPG: 2.4 GPH: 13
Travel Time: Min 12 hours
Stops: 2 Planned
Fuel: 80 Gal Main, 23 Gal Reserve, 25 Gal portable
Cheers! I look forward to any and all info members may have for me.
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