Malibu Rapids Flood-is it safe?

2

20dauntless

New member
I am trying to make a quick trip up to Princess Louisa Inlet this weekend/early next week. The timing is such that I'd probably be going into Princess Louisa Inlet through Malibu Rapids with a ~5.5 knot flood.

All the guide books say to only go through on a slack tide. But they also say this for Deception Pass and Dodd Narrows, both of which have never posed any problem for me with the C-Dory since it is fairly fast, small, maneuverable, and has plenty of power. I have been through Malibu Rapids before, but only at slack.

Will I have a problem with a 5.5 knot flood? I did some searches...it looks like Tom went through with a 9 knot flood, so that would lead me to believe I'd be fine. Any tips on the best route through when the current is running, or for things to be particularly careful of?

Thanks!
 
Not an expert, but personally I would rather go against the tide and keep my steerage way rather than be flushed like a cork with fewer options. Like you I have been through at near slack and it was no problem.

Malibu is an "S" curve, has lots of rock outside the channel and is a lot narrower and shallower than Deception. Could be an issue if you meet some unforseen traffic. Deception is OK at almost all stages unless you have an ebb against a strong Westerly or an "Irriot" in a wakeliner who wants to do it at 30 Kts.

Really depends on the height of the water when you want to go through and your level of comfort.

At this time of year you may still be able to tie up at the dock just to the left of the entrance and walk up the path to take a look. Only takes a few minutes and it will help your decision. (easier to ask for forgiveness than permission).

I have some pictures taken at low slack somewhere and will try to post them so you know what the bottom looks like.

Just wish we could also be there this weekend.

Merv
 
I have not been through it at a 5.5 but I have a photo of it at about 4 with 2 boats running through. What I did was to get into the up stream side, and drift about half way down into the rapids and then pull out. SleepyC had plenty of power for that. I would think you could be on either side of slack maybe an hour or so.

There are, however, some stories and photos of some folks who did not heed the "Securitay" call prior to going through. Bad idea, especially if some idiot who did the same thing, (not call), is coming through from the other side. There is not a lot of room in there for maneuvering if you are avoiding a big whirlpool.

See the photo here:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _photo.php
 
We always try to go through at slack. Here's a 164 footer that tried it at flood! Had to be salvaged. YMMV.
normal_goldencell_princesslouisa.png
 
Yep, a securite call before I enter the rapids is certainly in order. If I make the trip I'll have a lot of water when I'd be going through; the tide would be at least +8 feet. And I too much prefer running against the current in this type of situation, but that's just not in the cards for this trip. Anyone with personal experience running it on a flood? How bad are the overfalls?
 
It's not just the current problems with Malibu Rapids, it's the isolation of the location. You will not be able to reach the Coast Guard or anyone by VHF who is not in the nearby area. The only outside help is the camp. The area is also out of range of the weather channels.

Even if you could reach the Coast Guard, they are 30-40 miles away with limited resources.

I would only go thru at or near slack, even though others have made it thru. Consider what you would do if you lost power mid rapids.
 
On a more serious note, I have gone through a half hour before slack in my Krogen. It was a flood tide and it entailed full lock to lock turns and constant use of the bow thruster to keep things straight. A CD-25 would have an easier time I'm sure, but it's risky. And as Larry says, you're a long ways from nowhere!

Roger
 
BAd Warran bad...

I did it and you can too but I was in full pucker the whole way. if you have time to wait please do. I was pushing dark and needed to get going.

I ran at 3/4 power and stayed in the deeper water. I spend a lot of time in rivers and jet boats running very fast and shallow water for steelhead so I can read running water better then most blue water sailers. so just be carefull
 
Tom, what was the current running when you went through? Looking at the current tables, I can go through at 9PM on a 2.9 knot flood. This seems pretty moderate and doable in a C-Dory...any thoughts on this? This would allow time to cook dinner in Egmont before heading in.

Of course, this trip is so short that it is very weather dependent. If the forecast doesn't look perfect we'll be in the Gulf Islands.
 
Hmm...I'm looking at the current predictions for Malibu Rapids on Mr. Tides 3, but I'm not sure they are right. Ports and Passes shows the high water turn at 9:05 PM, but Mr. Tides shows a 2.8 knot current at that same time. Mr. Tides shows a high water turn at 8:37. The Pt. Atkinson high water + 25 minutes method results in a turn at 8:54.

Am I right about all this? BTW, if anyone is curious to look on their own, the day in question is this Sunday.

This timing is actually quite good, since we'll have a long haul (Decatur Island to PLI) on Sunday. If the weather is perfect, of course. Off to the San Juans tomorrow, hopefully it will be as nice as today!
 
Been through Malibu several times in both a 22 and 25. With our shallow draft and the power we have it is really a non issue. Keep the power on as you go through. That being said, I still use due care and caution and always call out a Securitie prior to entering from either direction.
 
Tide is quoted as "turn to flood at +0.35 after Low water at Pt Atkinson. Turn to ebb at +0.25 after High water at Pt Atkinson".

M
 
I just posted a bunch of pictures of Malibu taken when we went through with Barry (Colobear) on C-Cakes. The low water shots show why you stay in the middle.

They are in the Kingfisher album (page 11 of Our C-Dories)

Merv
 
Grumpy":skcloj22 said:
I just posted a bunch of pictures of Malibu taken when we went through with Barry (Colobear) on C-Cakes. The low water shots show why you stay in the middle.

They are in the Kingfisher album (page 11 of Our C-Dories)

Merv
Click to expand...

To make the search easier, here's the first photo of the Malibu Rapids from KingFisher's album.
Click on it, and it will take you to the same photo in the album, then follow the album for nine subsequent photos.

PL_093.jpg

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
The rewards for making it thru the Malibu Rapids.

Chatterbox_Falls_Princess_Louisa.jpg

Chatterbox Falls, at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet

Princess_Louisa_Marine_Park.jpg

Trail in the park near the falls
 
It is a spectacular spot. I'm really hoping the weather will cooperate and I'll be able to make the trip up this weekend/early next week. Here's a picture from the last time I was there:

SAM_0898.jpg

Truly a must visit spot!

Thanks to everyone for all the help!
 
Just curious, how long is Malibu Rapids?

Allan
Click to expand...

Allan, It is about l00 yards from the line between the entrance light and the island until you come out the other side past the blind "S" turn.

Pictures from our trip there Labor Day weekend, 08 start here and go for the next l2 photos: Enjoy.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _album.php

Don't let the B-Boat scare you away, look at the misty mountiansides.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Back
Top