Hello: We've been sailing for many years and now thinking about a C-Dory. Does anyone have any experience with a 16 on SF Bay? Most of our trips would be to Angel Island and back down the Estuary - trailering to Shasta; Almanor; Tahoe; and the like. I realize with the type of bottom one is not going to go through the SF chop at breakneck speeds - I'm ok with that - just want to know that if I get caught out there in the typical SF Bay summer stuff, I can get back home safely; albeit slowly! Any info appreciated. You can email me at jgtown_143@yahoo.com too. Jay
San Francisco Bay - C-Dory 16
- Thread starter jgtown
- Start date
Hey Jay,
I'm far from an SF Bay expert, but I've been out there a dozen times or so in my old 19 Angler, and my current 22. On one occasion in my 19, and a couple in my 22, it turned ugly on me in a hurry - which I'm guessing you are familiar with, if you sail out there.
I didn't feel in danger with the 19 or 22, but it was no walk in the park...not sure I would want to experience what I went through in a 16.
Short answer...I think a 16 is marginal for SF Bay, if that's a routine destination for you. You'll definitely need to pick your days. Would it get you back safely, if things got ugly? Sure...probably better than any oher 16 out there, but still...it can really get rockin' and rollin' out there in a hurry.
Up the Delta a little further, I think your navigable days would be far more frequent. Ditto for the rest of the destinations you mentioned - it's an ideal boat for inland CA waters, if you don't need the size and additional creature comforts in the 19/22.
If you are thinking new, you might check in with the dealer in Alameda - the Outboard Motor Shop. Ask for Bill - he's the head sales guy, but he's very laid back and won't give you the hard sell. They have a dock on the estuary, and might have a 16 available for demo rides - wouldn't hurt to ask.
I'm far from an SF Bay expert, but I've been out there a dozen times or so in my old 19 Angler, and my current 22. On one occasion in my 19, and a couple in my 22, it turned ugly on me in a hurry - which I'm guessing you are familiar with, if you sail out there.
I didn't feel in danger with the 19 or 22, but it was no walk in the park...not sure I would want to experience what I went through in a 16.
Short answer...I think a 16 is marginal for SF Bay, if that's a routine destination for you. You'll definitely need to pick your days. Would it get you back safely, if things got ugly? Sure...probably better than any oher 16 out there, but still...it can really get rockin' and rollin' out there in a hurry.
Up the Delta a little further, I think your navigable days would be far more frequent. Ditto for the rest of the destinations you mentioned - it's an ideal boat for inland CA waters, if you don't need the size and additional creature comforts in the 19/22.
If you are thinking new, you might check in with the dealer in Alameda - the Outboard Motor Shop. Ask for Bill - he's the head sales guy, but he's very laid back and won't give you the hard sell. They have a dock on the estuary, and might have a 16 available for demo rides - wouldn't hurt to ask.
How well do you swim ?????
I know if I were going to try that... sitting next to me would be one of those full body escape suits.... Survivor suits (good name for em) You will be at least safe...although boatless... (make sure you buy insurance)
It really gets nasty out there short sloppy waves seemingly coming from everywhere.
Joel
SEA3PO
I know if I were going to try that... sitting next to me would be one of those full body escape suits.... Survivor suits (good name for em) You will be at least safe...although boatless... (make sure you buy insurance)
It really gets nasty out there short sloppy waves seemingly coming from everywhere.
Joel
SEA3PO
Even with a grin....I was serious about having a Survivior Suit.... especially with the 16' boat in the ocean.... I tried one once in the ice at Lake Almanor... jumped in wearing the suit...even went underwater to see if I could get water into the suit... it was terrific... easy to get into...very warm and super boyant... anyone who goes to sea in an open boat should carry one. Plus they are only about $400 and will fit into a small duffel ...
You can survive for a LONG time wearing one of these... plus there fun.
Joel
SEA3PO
You can survive for a LONG time wearing one of these... plus there fun.
Joel
SEA3PO
We have a 16' cruiser which we purchased last september and although we do most of our boating in the northwest, we will eventually do some in california, and the delta and the bay are near the top of the list. I lived near oakland for about a year and regularly launched at san leandro and ran down the bay to alcatraz and the waterfront. In the summer most afternoons are the same, the fog burns off and the winds start to blow. I did it in a 13' whaler. And it was wet, and really bouncy. But the 16 C Dory would be much more comfortable. If it got rough the only problem I feel would be if you lost power. If you maintain power in the rough stuff there shouldn't be a problem. And they are fast enough that you can see an end to it in a half hour or so, unlike a sailboat where you just have to live with it. I am going to do it someday. It is a beautiful place to visit.
I purchased my 16 Cruiser from Bill at Outboard Motor Shop. Just give them a call and they'll arrange a test drive for you. The only problem is that the 16 Cruisers fly out of there so you might have to test ride a Angler. Mine will be here in the beginning of May.
I had some fun in the Bay in my 14' runabout and we got some funny looks from some charter boats!! But I would say its possible. I'll tell you for sure in a couple of weeks hunting for butts!!
I had some fun in the Bay in my 14' runabout and we got some funny looks from some charter boats!! But I would say its possible. I'll tell you for sure in a couple of weeks hunting for butts!!
adalynnadria
New member
Well the question you have asked is depend upon how much you have experience and also you can go for quora, they have most of the answers.
yacht rental san francisco
yacht rental san francisco
My wife and I sailed on SF Bay for over 10 years. When we moved back to SF, we had been sailing on lakes with a 20' sailboat. Only took a couple of sails to come to the conclusion that we needed a larger boat. On the Delta I think a 16 would be quite fine. On the Bay, I think you just need to use some discretion and base your activity on the conditions. Small Craft Advisories are routine.
Just re-read your original post and now realize that you are currently sailing SF Bay, so you already know everything I said! Guess I need to slow down! We were in Sonoma the last 5 years we were there, so practically neighbors. Kept the boat at Vallejo and in Alameda before that.
