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GusinCA
RO# 32059
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 Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 11:12:02
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Ok, so in two weeks I'd like to take my first tour of San Francisco Bay and the surrounding areas.
I've been boating for 30 years, I'm extremely cautious (I carry an EPIRB when I go hiking, for goodness sake) and I like to plan ahead while at the same time see new places. I am in Southern California, I know the San Diego Bay and the Long Beach / Newport Beach / Catalina Island areas by heart, but I've never navigated in SF. I grew up there (near Napa) so I know the surrounding land areas very well, but not the water.
I am also aware that SF is no joke. Lots of big ships, shallow areas, narrow channels, currents, lots of things the areas I am in don't have that much of, in comparison.
I have a new 24 foot Yamaha with dual jet drives (handy in shallow water) and would like to maybe launch somehwere near Vallejo, and take a few days (maybe more) touring around. I have an enclosure for my boat, so a guest slip at Pier 39 would be fun, but I'm looking for someone here to tell me where some other neat places would be to overnight or check out. Isn't there an aircraft carrier museum in Alameda you can visit? Maybe a place you can tie up near it? Things like that. This place has all the pros, and I've certainly helped out some newbies headed to my grounds, maybe you can do the same for me...
Thanks,
Gus
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Homeport: CA
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jtybt15
RO# 3300
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 11:40:40
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Just be aware of the tides. I think there about a 2 hr difference between the gate and vallejo.
There's really not much to look at in San Pablo Bay and some of the shore line turn to mud at low.
A left turn at the Carquinez Br takes you to Benicia which has a nice marina and a small amount of attractions.
Otherwise, like you said, the main Bay is where it's at. Probably best bet is to look up 'Marinas' in SF. Cruise ships dock in SF so there are lots of places that cater to all kinds of tourists.
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Charlie
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Homeport: Ca
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GusinCA
RO# 32059
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 12:12:23
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Thanks for the reply!
Ok, so what I'm thinking is to spens a night on the boat in Sausalito, maybe 2 nights at Pier 39 (although i think I'll need a hotel with hose barking sea-lions). Can I go up to Napa and spend the night? How far up that river can you go? Any places you'd recommend contacting up there for an overnight slip? What about the Petaluma river? And is there anything interesting to see and do in Alameda? Can you go visit that aircraft carrier by boat (as in tie up at a nearby marina nd walk over to it, or get a short cab ride?). Can you hike on Angel island and tie up with your own boat? So many questions...so much to do up there!
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Homeport: CA
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pdecat
RO# 842
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 12:25:00
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Enjoy the bay then go the other direstion and explore the delta for something very different than all the places you have been
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Bruce
legal disclaimer;
posts are amateur opinion only and should not be relied on as reasonable, safe, proper or in any way recommended.
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Homeport: Gulf Coast FL
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GusinCA
RO# 32059
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 12:34:10
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I was actually thinking of maybe starting in Sacramento...
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Homeport: CA
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AbsoLoot
RO# 3617
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 13:00:56
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Gus,
I'd start in the Delta, maybe at Brannan Island State Park (large well maintained launch ramps and safe parking for your rig while you're away). There isn't much to see in Sacramento and virtually no stops between there and the Delta. You could easily spend a week gunkholing around the Delta, but could see the sights in a couple of days if rushed. Then head downriver to Benicia for an overnight stop. You can easily walk to a nice restaurant. Depending upon time available, you could head up the Napa River. It is an easy trip except for one spot that requires careful navigation (if you're going there, let me know and I'll send you some instructions). For your overnight stay, call the Napa Valley Yacht Club as the downtown dock is currently closed and being worked on. Go to www.picya.org for phone numbers and contact info for Bay Area yacht clubs.
The Petaluma River is also navigable and has a good guest dock right downtown. It is a relatively quiet little town with some decent restaurants and good shooping for antiques and little oddities.
You could also head down to SF Bay proper. Schoonmakers Marina in Sausalito is a great place to stay. Close to West Marine, if you need parts, and to Molly Stone's grocery Store. You can also walk into downtown Sausalito for shopping or dinner.
Pier 39 is a fun place to stay although it does have quite a bit of surge. The noise from the sea lions is not bad and we had no trouble sleeping on the docks next to them. Another good harbour in San Francisco is South Beach Harbor which is adjacent to the PacBell Ball Park. There is good dining opportunities within walking distance. Don't forget to have breakfast at Red's on the waterfront.
We like to head across the Bay to Jack London Square in the Estuary. They have a good farmer's market on Sundays and a number of good restaurants nearby.
If I can provide any info, feel free to email me and I'll try to help.
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Blue Skies,
Dave
As light fades, vision increases
Blind people have vision! |
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Homeport: California Delta & SF Bay
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GusinCA
RO# 32059
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 13:28:11
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Oh wow, that's a treasure of info. Thanks! I can't see your email, send me one please at gus at chyba dot net and I'll reply. I would love to pick your brain for a while, maybe even call you. I just think of how much I would have loved to know what I've learned over the years about Avalon, two Harbors and San Diego when i first started, and the only way to do that is to pick someone who's been boating in the area for years.
Thanks...
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Edited by - GusinCA on Jul 12 2010 13:31:24 |
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Homeport: CA
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GusinCA
RO# 32059
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 13:30:09
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Or maybe I should list my email as gus at chyba dot net :)
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Homeport: CA
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deltabighat
RO# 14904
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 18:16:53
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Gusin,
I sort of grew up in Avalon.....when where you hanging out there.
DBH
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| "the only time the boat has too much fuel is when its on fire" |
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Homeport:
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GusinCA
RO# 32059
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 19:00:04
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I go over there all the time from Newport Beach, where I live...
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Homeport: CA
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Flutterby
RO# 14378
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Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 22:08:20
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Try to get your hands on one of these: http://www.recreationpublications.com/chartbooks/recpubcbnorcal.html WM sells them or you can order online.
Also you can find a treasure trove of info about marinas, including aerial shots, on this website: http://marinas.com/browse/marina/US/CA/cities/
One requirement we have in return for providing info on this forum is that you post an after-trip report, preferably with pictures!!! just joking, but I really hope you do let us know how it goes for you.......
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| A hole in the water I no longer throw money into! |
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Homeport: California Delta
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kgd
RO# 29830
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Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 01:09:43
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Review charts before you go and you should be fine as far as depth especially with a jet drive. If the giant's are in town I would definitely hit South Beach for the night of the game. Tickets to the game should be readily available. Call the South Beach marina as soon as you know the date if the Giant's are in town. PIER 39 should definitely be on your list. Lots of stuff to do nearby. I keep my boat there and the surge isn't that bad. The guest docks are on the West side of the marina which has more surge and the sea lions but should be fine for a night or two. I would also plan to spend a night at Angel Island on the mooring balls there. You can use he docks during the day but they won't let you spend the night on the dock. A hike to the top of the island is a must and is a pretty easy trek. You can see all the bridges in the bay (7) on a clear day. The views from the top are amazing. September and October (hopefully with the Giant's still playing) are the best as far as weather goes in the bay.
Kris
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Homeport: San Francisco, CA
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hvacmach
RO# 31280
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Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 04:10:20
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quote:
Originally posted by AbsoLoot
Gus,
There isn't much to see in Sacramento and virtually no stops between there and the Delta.
I only boat near Sacramento, and there is lots to do! for me it's the hundreds of miles of delta sloughs and river that just allow quiet time away form it all. Then there is Old Sacramento with a guest pier there. There are great spots to tie up and spend the night either on the hook or at guest docks all the way form Knights Landing back down to the Bay. If you get up this way let me know, and I'll be happy to send lot's more information. I send you an email. Here are some links I use
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=38.6015785&lon=-121.5134025&z=16&l=0&m=s&v=9
http://californiadelta.org/marina_org_photo_index.htm
and this page has links to lots of the camp sites and boat tie places that are fun all over the Delta (even near Sacramento :)
http://www.californiadelta.org/
When are you starting this trip?
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Where Ever I go There I am
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Homeport: Sacramento, CA
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Flutterby
RO# 14378
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Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 17:17:34
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If you get to Old Sac, be sure to check out the Delta King. It has been beautifully refurbished to its original time and is now a National Registered "bldg?".......
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| A hole in the water I no longer throw money into! |
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Homeport: California Delta
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GusinCA
RO# 32059
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Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 18:22:04
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I graduated Davis in 1992, and I loved Old Sac. I look forward to seeing the newly refurb'd Delta King...
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Homeport: CA
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Flutterby
RO# 14378
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Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 19:07:25
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It is now a Bed 'n Breakfast and also has a 4 star restaurant onboard.
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| A hole in the water I no longer throw money into! |
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Homeport: California Delta
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