SoCal marina/slip location ideas?? (new owner)

A

aGrandView

New member
I'm bringing my newly acquired C-Dory 25 home to SoCal in a few weeks and trying to figure out the best place to keep it in a marina slip.

I plan to take small trips in the bay and close-in coastal areas initially to get acclimated to the boat, and eventually start to take 1-3 day trips out to local islands like Catalina, Santa Cruz, etc.

I would prefer a marina where there are restaurants, shops, and bars somewhat close, possibly walkable, because I’d like to spend time hanging out at the boat dockside as a weekend escape from the city when the summer weather is hot.

I’m about an equal distance in driving time from Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, and Long Beach area marinas.

Which would you prefer as a starter port location, which marina, and why?

*(I wouldn’t be living aboard but I’d stay overnight often enough that having a decent marina restroom/shower/lounge facility would be very helpful. I also have a boat trailer to store and a marina that can affordably accommodate trailer storage would also be nice)

Thanks!
 
Marina del Rey is the closest to Santa Cruz and Catalina with everything you're looking for. San Pedro also has trailer storage but it's a long haul to the northern islands from there.
 
Pacificcoast101":2ymmd7y5 said:
Marina del Rey is the closest to Santa Cruz and Catalina with everything you're looking for. San Pedro also has trailer storage but it's a long haul to the northern islands from there.
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Thanks. A friend mentioned that San Pedro/Long Beach might be good because they have a relatively large area of protected waters behind the jetty wall, interesting waterways to explore around the ports of LA and LB, are the closest to Catalina, and would be better access to take trips to Newport Beach. It seem like the only downside (vs Marina del Rey) is being further from The northern islands like Santa Cruz? I'll definitely be starting off with trips to Catalina and may not work my way up to Santa Cruz island trips for over a year or two. So perhaps access to the northern islands should be a lower priority than more interesting things to do locally?
 
Welcome to a small band of SoCal 25 owners. We found that this is a perfect fit for cruising our waters.

I, at one time, lived in Sierra Madre, next to you. I found that Long Beach, down the 605 or San Pedro, down the 110, were the most accessible. Marina del Rey has a rough trip to Catalina due to the sea, wind and distance. All LA marinas have a long trip up to Santa Cruz Island, better done by trailer to Ventura, instead of going upwind against the sea.

I kept Journey On in San Pedro, in Cabrillo Marina though there are a variety of marinas from which to choose. I'd look for the cheapest as is my want. Cabrillo is the closest to Catalina and has reciprocals up and down the coast. Long Beach is OK if you get in a good marina. To me that means Alimitos Bay, but again that's me. We usually launch at Huntington Beach, since they allow trailer parking.

If you're going up to Santa Cruz Island, haul the boat out and trailer it up to Oxnard, Ventura or Santa Barbara. I once took a sail boat from San Pedro to Santa Barbara and it was a rough long ride. Never again. When you go over to the island, leave early in the morn and avoid the winds. It's a great trip; I hope you get there.

Boris
 
I boated in S. Calif for over 50 years....I had boats in marinas at Del Rey, King Harbor, San Pedro, Long Beach and (house) Huntington Harbor. What has been said is all true, although any time you go to Catalina (or any Channel Islands) leave early in the day. The wind starts by 11 and by 1 PM it is going to be choppy . One summer I commuted to Catalina in an 18' Deep V I would get to Huntington Harbor in the early AM ia about 45 minutes. Going back at 5PM took 2 hours, and I had to run up inside the break waters to LA entrance, then under the lee of Pt. Firman, and cross. Still only make 18 to 20 vs 40 knots..Don't even think about it in a flat bottom boat like the c Dory 25 in the late afternoon.

You want to Leave the boat in a slip? I had to wait years for my first Long Beach Marina Slip (Alamitos Bay). Not sure what the availability is now. Alamitos bay is my favorite. For trailer, I agree with Boris (as usual) that Huntington Harbor is great--good parking, secure (sheriff office right there) @ Sunset Aquatic.

My Son's C Dory 25 is at Dana Point--that is a much longer trip. But it has some of the best restraunts.

Consider the commute--from Pasadena (depending where) to Long Beach and San Pedro--and the traffic. I always worked and lived within 15 minutes of my boat slip in Alamitos Bay...So I could pop down for lunch or cocktails with Marie in the evening...
 
I keep my boat at Cabrillo Way Dry Boat Storage in San Pedro and for a trailerable boat such as the C-Dory it is perfect for me. The boat isn't in the water 24/7 so you don't have to worry about the usual things. They allow 1 free launch and retrieval a day with 24 hrs notice, however because of Covid you have to give them 3 day notice because of precautions.

My video will give you an idea of how it works

https://youtu.be/i8nhXBd-7Es
 
Somewhat north of you, but closer to the Channel Islands, I keep my 22' stored on the trailer at Channel Islands Landing (Channel Islands Harbor). They have a hoist to put the boat in for you.
It is a 4 hour cruise from CIH to Two Harbors (Catalina).
I have been to all of the islands except for San Nicholas.
The downside for you would be traveling through L.A. to get to the boat.
 
Hi Dr Bob

Yes I modified the bunks so that the aft strap can be threaded through. On my pacific trailer the front strap isn't a problem. I cut the slots and then through bolted 2x8? underneath and it works like a charm


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Thanks for all the feedback guys.

Boris, over the last few days I've checked out marina options and slip availability and have decided to go with Holiday Harbour Cabrillo Marina for now, and waitlist for an Alamitos Bay slip (currently full, 6-8 month estimated waitlist).

Bob (and Boris), thanks for the tips on doing island trips early to avoid the afternoon wind and chop. I've been boating with a friend's boat out of King Harbour for a couple years so I've already gotten used to those basic weather patterns. But much more to learn, for sure.

Floyd, thanks for the dry boat storage idea. If I didn't want to keep the boat in the water as a place to hang out by the ocean when it's hot inland, and overnight once in a while for fun (like a small camping trip on the ocean), I'd definitely consider the dry storage idea.

Roger, I don't think keeping my boat that far north is a good option unless I later decide that most of my trips will be to the northern islands. I think as a newbie, being close to a lot of things to do local in the LA/LB port areas, and close to Catalina and Newport Beach, will probably make more sense. Thanks for giving me another option to consider though.
 
Cabrillo Beach has changed a lot since 1946 when I was 10 years old, and the only "marina" was tied between two pilings off the 22nd street landing--which had just been shut down as an Army port of de-embarkation. The area is called "Hurricane Gulch" for a reason in the afternoons. San Pedro has also gone thru a number of re-iterations thru the years.

I believe it is a great choice for Catalina, the LA/Long Beach Harbor, and even Newport Beach. You will enjoy.

Down the line, it may be a shorter drive, and perhaps a bit more night life in Alamitos Bay. I don't know about the down town Marina (Rainbow pier area) currently, but at one time there were security issues--both land and sea). But the night life was great.
 
In San Pedro, there are several commercial marinas, one of which offers dry storage. The dry storage isn't cheap, but it does keep the boat out of the water. And 1 launch per day is nothing to sneeze at.

Another option exists, which rolls a social life and slips into one place. That's Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club, next to the commercial landing. We belong (remotely), it's a friendly club, bar and dinner on the weekends. It's next to 22 Street Landing, one of the best restaurants in San Pedro, though there are many in San Pedro. The costs are low(er) and they have reciprocals. They have some dry storage, but check if the hoist can handle a 25. They are not especially a trailer boat club, but they have both sail and power.

Yes,that area has changed, full of slips now. Utro's is moved, the Navy has left and San Pedro is expensive. Papakakis is closed, best and most fun Greek restaurant ever, closed this year.

Boris
 
Boris,
Sorry to hear that John Papadakis Greek Tavern is closed. John was a linebacker for USC class of 1972. Boris is correct it was the best Greek Restaurant in S. Calif. We would often drive over from Long Beach for dinner there.

Cabrillo Beach YC is also an institution. It was founded in 1932 and I have a Trophy from the first Mid Winters that my dad won which was held at CBYC, I crewed on a 505 (small planing dinghy with trapeze) based out of there in the early 70's when I was not racing my own boat.

Boris' suggestion of CBYC would be a great way to join in organized activities. I have always thought of CBYC as a sailing club, but they do have a wonderful cruise schedule (?? with COVID 19??). Also they always need power boats for the regattas. It is an inexpensive to join club with a host of wonderful members. It would vastly improve ones boating experience in the area--even if you had the boat at Holiday Harbor. (Very close by),
 
thataway":s2taa61d said:
Boris,
Sorry to hear that John Papadakis Greek Tavern is closed. John was a linebacker for USC class of 1972. Boris is correct it was the best Greek Restaurant in S. Calif. We would often drive over from Long Beach for dinner there.
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Bob and Boris,
Fun fact: I actually lived in the Hotel Cabrillo (large brick building south across the alley from Papadakis) for about 6 months shortly after I moved to SoCal about 12 years ago. Papadakis was great. Sad to hear it's gone.
 
Hey guys,
Almost all of you made some mention to be wary of the rough waters between various LA area marina locations and various Channel islands (of which I have some experience myself).

With that in mind, a somewhat local 255 Tomcat came up for sale and I decided to go for it. It just seemed too enticing to have a boat that will be less dependent on good weather to make runs to and from the islands like the Tomcat, and closer to pick up during the Covid19 second wave, so I don't have to take a bunch of flights across the country right now.

It won't really affect my Marina situation for now since I've already reserved my slip at Holiday Harbor Cabrillo, but I just wanted to let you know about the Tomcat. I guess a couple of you have Tomcats so I'm sure I'll be hitting you up for advice in the near future ;)
 
We dive around Palos Verdes/San Pedro at least once or twice each week (If we ever get our boat out of the shop). We fuel up at Yankovich in L.A. Harbor, so you will probably see No Pressure occasionally.
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You will enjoy the Tom Cat. But when it really pipes up, you will still be limited if the seas are more than 2 1/2 foot chop---that is you probably really don't want to try going to Catalina at 4 PM. You should still run at good speed at any other time--and the Tom Cat is a great boat.
 
Phil,
Sounds great. See you out there!

Bob,
Would you say most boats wouldn’t really want to be underway from LA to Catalina around 4pm when the chop is typically worst? Or are you saying the Tomcat is more susceptible to rough offshore conditions than other boats? (Such as a 35’ deep V convertible fishing boat.)
 
aGrandView":oepcfw2w said:
Phil,
Sounds great. See you out there!

Bob,
Would you say most boats wouldn’t really want to be underway from LA to Catalina around 4pm when the chop is typically worst? Or are you saying the Tomcat is more susceptible to rough offshore conditions than other boats? (Such as a 35’ deep V convertible fishing boat.)
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I have crossed the channel many times in 23' to 62' sailboats in the late afternoon. A 35' deep V would have a better time than a Tom Cat 255. The Tom Cat has little bridge deck clearance aft at lower speeds. I think it would be a very uncomfortable ride.

One summer I commuted from Catalina 2 harbors in the morning, and returning about 5 PM. I had an 18' Ray Hunt designed deep V runabout. My wife and children were staying aboard our 45' racing sailboat on a mooring. I would run at 45 knots at a 6 AM in the morning to our home in Huntington Harbor. . Going back, in the late afternoon, I worked my way up inside the Long Beach, and East sections of LA breakwater, then worked my way to the lee of Pt. Fermin before turning to cross the 22 miles to the Isthums. If I was lucky I could make 15 knots..it took over 2 hours going back--vs less than an hour in the smooth water.
 
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