Alaska 2007

If it is o.k. -- I would like to ask some questions to those that have done this trip as I organize for it.

My first question as it would be a big purchase is --- is it safe or reasonable to do this without Radar? I have boated now for over 3 years withouth one but never in the inside passage. Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks,

Joe
 
is it safe or reasonable to do this without Radar?
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I have not done the Alaska run yet, but I have boated in The Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound and associated waters for 40+years. My first radar was on the C-Dory and I will never go back! I always have it on, and see everything on radar before I see it visually. I believe radar is absolutely necessary for a run such as you describe.
 
I am not sure I would be so emphatic about Radar as an essential. We spent three seasons cruising Alaska, and each year only had a couple of days where we had fog absolutely requiring radar--and only a couple total with pea soup fog, where radar was essential. I have radar but I also run at night a fair amount. There is not much boat traffic in the inland passage (relitative to other areas)--and we found that the fishing boats and large vessels were pretty good about fog signals. The biggest problem was gill netters with heavy fog--but with gill netters at any time there is a problem with an opening--they basically cut off some channels.
No disrespect meant.
 
Our opinion -- radar on the Inside Pasage is a very big safety factor. There are times when there could be dense fog that drops quickly, or when a sudden storm drops visibility to near zero -- then the radar is a must for safe travel on the Passage. Cruise ships move deceptively fast; fishing boats are common (as Bob states, and often apparently erratic in their movements); and there are lots of private boats -- in a dense fog, they can all be a serious threat. We have only used our radar a few times in Alaska, but we were thankful to have it during those times.

We have a thread on our website about general hazards in cruising AK -- http://www.geocities.com/bill_fiero/cruisingak.htm Note the picture of the cruise ship, in the fog.

Again, an opinion -- don't cruise at night there -- too many logs in the water. Our radar doesn't reflect from most logs.

Forget the auto pilot -- worthless waste of money, on a CD-22 anyway, in our opinion, unless you are going to be (fishing) trolling. Dangerous, in AK, in our experience, since your eyes should be on the water watching for logs, and your hands on the wheel for instant reaction. Save money on it and buy a radar!

Also, radar won't be a help for this, but beware of the KUSHTAKAS!!
 
OK, Wikipedia to the rescue:



Kushtaka are mythical creatures to the Tlingit Indians of Southeatern Alaska. Loosely translated, Kushtaka means, "land otter man".


El and Bill":paghfidf said:
Also, radar won't be a help for this, but beware of the KUSHTAKAS!!
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El and Bill, one very and explicit write-up of the general nature of the trip and subtleties of cruising the Alaskan Southeast. Not for the inexperienced or timid for sure. Thanks so much for your thoughts and experience, it enlightened me on so many questions I've had.

We too are contemplating a trip through the inside or another option or two. My son wants to do the trip for his HS graduation 'present' after viewing Wanderer's slide show. For me to get 4 weeks off will be a major event, 3 weeks more doable.

I'm considering 3 options. 1st, trailer to Prince Rupert and boat North as far as prudent (weather concerns/delays), hopefully see a glacier, ice bergs, a few bear, and do some crabbing/shrimping/fishing. 2nd, to trailer to Ketchican, launch our trip from there (not stay there of course). 3rd, launch much closer to home in Wash state and explore the San Juans, possibly sites along Vancover Is, or maybe Northward along BC.

Side note, the Bahamas WAS his first choice before the slide show, but starting that trip mid to late June puts us too close to the stormy season there.

Steve
 
Dora-Jean wrote:

"2nd, to trailer to Ketchican,"

Steve- You can indeed drive to and launch from Prince Rupert, but Ketchikan has no roads to it from the mainland and is reachable only over the water or through the air.

You could, however, ship your boat there on a ferry, like the Alaskan Marine Highway System. Good luck whatever you choose! Joe.
 
Thanks folks for the feedback on radar. It will help in selling the idea to my better half. If all the dreams come true -- it sounds like there could be quite a few c-brats plying the waters together in AK this summer -- once we all have our itineraries a litte finer tuned maybe we can even plan on having a bit of a gathering somewhere along route.

Again, thanks for the feedback and I will be asking more questions:) now if I can get a bunch of people to say that a small portable generator is a must for trip like this?

Cheers,

Joe Law with Sundog :hot
 
Good point Joe (Sea Wolf), shows how much I've studied so far. :oops: Bill/El did say most of the cities have no land highways to them.

Once we make our decision on destination, route and time factors, would love to join others for sure, safety in numbers if nothing else, or just to have a nice day/evening together.
 
I have always carried a small portable generator--still have an 500 watt Honda --enough to run a small battery charger. I would consider a generator--but might put it behind the radar in priority.

As for the run between Ketetchan and Prince Rupert--it is an easy day's run in a C Dory (about 80 miles), if you want--but there are several nice anchorages along the way. (we did it in two days in a 7 knot sailboat). You can also trailer to Stewart B C/ Hyder AK via the Cassier Hwy and Rt 37A This route is about the same length on land as to Prince Rupert (but Cassier Hwy is gravel and I am not keen on towing the C dory on a gravel road). The route by water from Hyder to Ketetechan still has to go into the channel of Dixon entrance (but further up and you can skirt the edge... I don't see any real advantage.) The ferry trip to Ketetchan is expensive and you miss some interesting cruising--especially if you want to take some detours on the way.

We would run to Dundas Island--have taken the Metlakatla passage or back exit from Prince Rupert, even in the fog with 6' draft (at a rising tide) and then to Foggy Bay in Alaska. Worse case you might have to wait for a weather window.

Bob Austin
 
Bob

Agree there isn't any advantage trailering and taking the Cassier Hwy to Stewart BC / Hyder AK route, but the last time We went there in 2002 it was paved and a decent road the whole way. On the Cassier Hwy north of the turn off to Stewart and Hyder the road does deteriorate and there are still 20+ mile sections that are unpaved. We have trailered the Hunkydory over the Cassier Hwy twice and the second time had a bra installed over the front of the boat from the anchor down and a covering over the front windows. Did get some chip damage the 1st trip none the second.

Jay
 
Steve, Gene and I are making the voyage north the first 3 weeks in June. We live in Eureka (Northern most CA). We thought about towing our TC255 to Prince Rupert then heading to Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island. I have only 3 weeks vacation also. We decided to launch in Anacortes or Bellingham WA then cruise north. We would rather spend the extra time on the water then towing the boat. It is a long drive to Prince Rupert and we would miss the coast of BC. The drive from Eureka to PR takes 4 days. That's 8 days on land round trip. We can get to Bellingham in 2 days. More time on the water and some beautiful crusing. Ask yourself if you want to be on the road or the water.
We would enjoy meeting up with you and your son if it works out. We will be in touch.
Margaret
 
Let us know when you are planning to arrive in Anacortes or Bellingham, as there are quite a few of us Brats in the area and we could give you an escort to the Canadian border! :lol:

Warren
 
Wow, lots of planning to do. Canadian visa/passport needed? One of my son's goals on this trip is to travel the Alaskan Highway (land), he's read quite a bit about it and wants to experience it. Hmmm, I believe it starts just outside of Washington...maybe a few miles (without a bra on the boat) then back and launch might do it???

Still riding the fence on the choices, thanks for the offer Margaret, our trip times may not line up though, my son doesn't graduate until June 14th I believe, so wouldn't hit the road till the 15th or 16th at earliest.
 
Margaret and Gene -- wise choice -- on the water rather than on the road. The BC coastal cruise is marvelous.

We understand the allure of the Alaska Highway, Steve, but it's a long, long drive -- if you are literally going to drive the Alaska highway -- I presume to Skagway or thereabouts. The drive to Prince Rupert is long enough, and you still aren't in Alaska. Maybe either do the boat cruise north in BC or the drive to Alaska sans boat, if you only have three weeks.
 
Warren, Thanks for the escort offer. I see the potential for a mini c-brat gathering. We will keep you posted on our itinerary.

Steve, I have made the trip from CA to Prince Rupert 3x's. It is a long trip and you still aren't anywhere. Yes it is beautiful but nothing like being on the boat. Each time, I have returned VIA the Alaska ferry. Much better on the water. You have your own wonderful cruising vessel that would be happier on the water then being towed. (And you can fish anytime you want!!!!) We have applied for our passports. I would suggest you do that also, as soon it will be required. Enjoy making your plans. That's part of the fun of a trip like this. So many options!

Margaret
 
Yeah, one or more mini-CBGTs! Everyone please put up your departure dates and routes, it is a quick run for us from Blaine over to the Gulf Islands. Aim to be passing by on a Saturday, and we'll come out and cruise for the weekend.

Comment on crossing the US / Canadian border - get the passport now, don't fool around. It isn't the Canadians who care so much, it is our own CBP (Customs and Border Protection, the former US Customs Service and Border Patrol, combined in a single agency), a passport just makes it easier all the way around.


Gene Morris":az6nqw5b said:
Warren, Thanks for the escort offer. I see the potential for a mini c-brat gathering. We will keep you posted on our itinerary.

Margaret
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It sounds like we're going to miss just about all the other boats going up this year. We won't be leaving until the second week of July. We do have five weeks, though. We're plotting our course now and will post our itinerary before we go just in case there will be other boats in the area at that time.

We are getting ready to apply for our passports, however, we discovered an error on Don's birth certificate that needs to be fixed before he can get his (we think). However, I did check and Passports are not required this year if you are entering by boat or car. That will happen in 2008.

Here's hoping we'll bump into someone up there.

Dee
 
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