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Author Topic:   Ride Quality of 15 v. 17

pcrussell50 posted 10-20-2010 05:35 PM ET (US)
I have a great 1985 13 Sport, but I'm finally coming to the realization that I [want and] need a better ride in the prevailing, default, 2- to 4-foot seas we have here in the Santa Barbara channel. After everything I've read about how great the Sport 15 hulls are, up to and including Jim, who said they are the best small boat ever built, I'm pretty impressed. Plus, the folks who have talked about it being kind of "performancey", in the way the hull flies, add to the appeal as well. But, I already have two fast v-hulled boats that are a good deal faster than a Sport 15 will ever be, so enticing as it is, performance is not a good enough reason for me to spring for a Sport 15.
I'm also looking at the Montauk 17 because, well, they're BIG, and size just has to matter at least a little in terms of ride quality.
Does the deeper vee of the Sport 15 trump the greater bulk of the Montauk in terms of ride quality? Or is it the other way around? Or are they a wash?
The ability to push the trailers around my flat driveway is important to me as well, and if the ride quality comes in as a tie, I'd probably rather have the lighter weight of a Sport 15 over a Montauk, as my boating habits do not require a roomy boat, just a good ride.
-Peter
andrey320 posted 10-20-2010 06:02 PM ET (US)
For use in the SB channel, I would lean towards the more stable and seaworthy boat rather then the faster one.
I use my Dauntless 15 in the channel for day island runs to Anacap and Santa Cruz from Channel Islands harbor, and I appreciate the deep-v of the Dauntless design. It is not fast at all with a 50-HP Honda; it only goes 26-MPH. But it is rare when I can actually go that fast in the channel.
Phil T posted 10-20-2010 07:06 PM ET (US)
Having been a passenger on a 13' and 15' as well as owning a classic Montauk and a Outrage 17, in 2- to 5-foot seas, I say an Outrage 17.
I upgraded from the Montauk to the Outrage 17 for its small size and significantly better ride due to the full length V. It is only 200-lbs more than a Montauk and performs well with a 90-HP motor.
I don't think you will get a dramatic improvement from a 15-foot. I am not a fan of the Dauntless hull for ocean boating. I rode in a 18-foot model and it was great for 1- to 2-foot [seas]. Just one perspective.
PeteB88 posted 10-20-2010 07:49 PM ET (US)
You will love the 15 but regret purchase for your intended use. Go Montauk or Outrage 17, 18, 20 because, if you stay with Whalers one way or another, you will wind up with one ultimately.
I live next to Lake Michigan. I have an 11.5, 13 and Outrage 17 I bought beginning of last boating season. We love our 13 and have had so many fun times in all kinds of conditions. We vowed to keep two of the 3. 11.5 is disassembled and in some state of "restoration" rub rail, gel coat or paint. Been that way awhile.
13 is awesome, I bought a Mills cover for it early summer from a CW member.
If this means anything at all to you - I used to have my 13 in the water no less than a couple times/week. This year we've used our boat a ton. The 13 has not been in the water at all, not even once.
Discussion yesterday and we decided to keep the 13 even though we have didn't use it once - all cruises on Outrage 17.
contender posted 10-20-2010 08:06 PM ET (US)
Pete If you did not have a boat and it was your 1st I would tell you to get a 15. But since you have a 13 the jump to 15 to me is useless. I would go for the 17...
jimh posted 10-20-2010 09:02 PM ET (US)
The principal difference between a 15-foot and 17-foot Boston Whaler is that in the larger boat the seating is generally configured so you can stand or lean while at the helm. This tends to permit the operator to ride in larger seas with more comfort.
jimh posted 10-20-2010 09:03 PM ET (US)
ASIDE to Pete: When I owned three Boston Whaler boats, I always used the largest one. The two smaller boats never made it into the water that year. When I owned two Boston Whaler boats, the smaller boat never made it into the water for two years.
elaelap posted 10-20-2010 10:06 PM ET (US)
I absolutely loved my classic 15, Peter, but she was just too tender for choppy seas. Perfect boat for zipping around a lake, harbor, or very calm seaway, but I think you'd be much happier with a Montauk for your boating location and uses. I especially appreciate the substantially higher topsides and the Montauk's lateral stability.
Good luck with your purchase.
Tony
themclos posted 10-20-2010 10:15 PM ET (US)
I agree with those who recommend the Montauk. It is the better choice for the conditions you described.
Nantucket Sleighride posted 10-21-2010 01:10 AM ET (US)
Peter
I frequently cross the 23 mile channel from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Island.
The seas in mid channel can turn swiftly from a glassy calm to a small craft advisory. Trust me you do not want to get caught out there in a boat with a low freeboard such as the 15' Boston Whaler "sport".
I have owned a number of Boston Whalers ranging in length from 15' to 22'.
Admittedly the ride quality of the 15' Whaler is much better than that of the 17'.
That said I refuse to take anything smaller than a 17' Whaler across to Santa Cruz island.
"There are Old Sailors, and there are Bold Sailors,
but there are no Old Bold Sailors!"
I am in the final stages of constructing a pilot house on a 17' Boston Whaler.
I built this specifically for channel crossings to keep me dry and warm.
on the return trip the seas pound you on the port beam and without a pilot house you will be soaked to the skin by the time you get back in the harbor.
http://s389.photobucket.com/albums/oo336/Nantucket_Sleighride/ ?action=view¤t=10bow.jpg
If I can be of any further assistance feel free to call me at "West Marine" in Santa Barbara. (805) 564-1005
dgoodhue posted 10-21-2010 06:06 AM ET (US)
A Montauk also has better seating that any of the factory 15' models.
whaler131 posted 10-21-2010 12:06 PM ET (US)
I use my 1988 outrage 22 up here in Ohio Lake Erie and my 11 sport in Fl back water Tampa Bay. In the next couple of years will replace the 11 for a 17 Montauk or 17 outrage. As long as I can put a jack plate on the back. I love my 11 also it is great in the back water just can't take to far out in the bay.
Striper15 posted 10-21-2010 01:07 PM ET (US)
I own both a 15' and a 17' Outrage I and love both boats, but definitely prefer the Outrage for rougher seas, even 3-4 feet. The 15' is great in anything under about 2' seas but beyond that gets pretty rough.
Tohsgib posted 10-21-2010 01:56 PM ET (US)
Do you want to stand up and drive? If so your only choice is the Montauk. The 15 actually rides BETTER than a 17' but is less stabil side to side and has much lower gunwales. The interior is exactly the same as your 13' except there is 2 more feet of bow. The 15' is way more fun but in California, I think I would want to stand up.
L H G posted 10-21-2010 06:11 PM ET (US)
Don't even consider a 15 for your purposes. Go for a Montauk. The 15 is an inshore and lake boat, a Montauk can be used offshore under many, but not all, conditions.
JimH: You're not old enough yet. Increasingly, I find myself preferring, and using, the smaller boats over the 25 Outrage. It's only been in the water once this season, while the other boats have racked up several hundred hours.
andrey320 posted 10-21-2010 07:12 PM ET (US)
This is a bit off topic because you did not mention the Dauntless, but you can drive a 15 foot one standing up....
pcrussell50 posted 10-21-2010 07:50 PM ET (US)
Thanks, guys. Keep 'em coming. This has proven very informative thus far. And for the record, I'm leaning towards the Montauk. As I said in the original post, I already have a couple of fast, fun, "flying-hull", lake boats. Plus, my beloved v4 crossflows are the right size and weight for a Montauk. I'd have to find a 90, because mine are all the more powerful, "bubbleback" versions, but I'm up to the task. :)
-Peter
L H G posted 10-21-2010 11:48 PM ET (US)
I was gong to post a link to a beautiful one owner fresh water 1978 Montauk for sale, mint condition, varnished teak, no bottom paint, no gelcoat dings, with v4 Johnson 85HP Javelin on it. Just what you are looking for. I saw it at Twin Cities Marine up in WI about a month ago, where it was offered at $10,200. But it evidently sold in a week or two. It was one of the best maintained, nicest used Montauks I have ever seen. The price was a steal.
Nantucket Sleighride posted 10-22-2010 01:17 AM ET (US)
Peter
When you are ready to trade in your 15' "Sport" towards one of the larger Boston Whalers I will gladly help you locate one here in Santa Barbara.
I have several friends with 17' 19', 20' and 21' Whalers that are available.
Consider me your local non-profit adoption agency for Boston Whalers.
Bill
bill-christie@cox.net
pcrussell50 posted 10-22-2010 06:09 PM ET (US)
Bill,
I stopped by West Marine today, and apparently just missed you. The guy that was there said you made a run to the other store. Today was not boat repair day for me anyway, rather, it was auto repair day instead, so I didn't hang out and wait for you.
In deference to the wife, I will not be shopping for a Montauk until I sell my 1985 Sport 13... which in turn, wont sell until I offer it for sale. Something I have not done yet... although in the year and a half I've owned it, two people have stopped me either on the street, or at the harbor, asking if I was interested in selling. I'm happy enough that the wife is OK with having a bigger boat in the driveway, but I don't want to press my luck by having TWO Whalers in the driveway while waiting for one of them to sell.
I'll be sure to hit you up for a Montauk when the time comes. If you know anyone searching for a nice classic Sport 13 let me know.
-Peter
PeteB88 posted 10-22-2010 07:17 PM ET (US)
Here's the secret trick you can try. You won't sell the 13 and you will buy a Montauk or Outrage. I know that because I've been down this curvy road.
If you have a river or lake within reasonable distance here's what you do.
Plan a dinner cruise with your wife and the 13. That's right, I'm serious. A river, slow moving is perfect. Now I did it w/ a roasted chicken from the supermarket rotisserie but you could go much fancier. Since Ellen thinks she is Iron Chef of Lake Shore West Michigan I simply hinted that I had a fresh roasted hot chicken and she made the pesto/pasta thing w/ the chicken. She got a nice baguette, I got a bottle of Savignon Blanc (Marlborough), plastic but cool wine glasses, some garlic stuff and awesome salad. I told her to meet me at the dock with her stuff and I had my stuff - Eddie Bauer picnic set I got somewhere, nice table cloth, cloth napkins etc.
Here's the drill - just tell her to bring the stuff to the dock. Pick her up in the 13. Spread the table cloth on the thwart seat, set it like a nice table. Have your stuff looking real cool on the seat. She gets in, amazed, motor out to the current or some cool place and shut down the motor and drift.
Now the cool part - you sit on the bottom of the boat, maybe on foam pads but the floor is fine - you're next to the helm facing forward, she in front, sitting on the opposite side of the coolest picnic bench you can imagine. Pour the wine, she serves up the dinner and botta boom botta bing in about two weeks to a month she will tell you ... "uh, I think we're going to keep the 13, I love it, it will always hold its value and you need NEED a bigger boat for our friends and my parents and to be safe...."
OH ya, don't forget the candles - camp candle lantern works great or my Black Diamond Apollo or whatever works too.
Voila - two Whalers.
Don't leave home without one.
PeteB88 posted 10-22-2010 08:02 PM ET (US)
Check your email, I sent the proof.
Tohsgib posted 10-23-2010 10:33 AM ET (US)
Woosie! Who in the in right mind would be afraid to own 2 Whalers? I currently have 4 in the yard and only one is for sale.
Seriously a nice 25 year old 13' is worth a few grand+, I would not pass up the right boat while waiting for the 13' to sell. The 13' will sell, they always do.
pglein posted 10-23-2010 05:19 PM ET (US)
The classic 15' hull is far superior to the classic 13' when dealing with chop or small boat wakes. However, the 15' hull is really not very stable. It is highly succeptible to side-to-side rolling, both from improper loading or shifting weight, as well as from beam seas.
It is easy to take green water over the side if you're not careful. The classic 17' hull is far more stable.
Given that you're talking about regularly encountering 4' swells, I would recommend the 17' as a minimum. It is still small enough to be towed by a small truck or large car, and can be muscled around the driveway in most cases.
The 18' Outrage is obviously another option. However, there are disadvantages to the larger, heavier boat as well. The added size and weight mean this isn't a boat you'll be pushing around the driveway by hand, and I wouldn't tow it with anything less than a full size truck.
Tohsgib posted 10-24-2010 02:12 AM ET (US)
4' swells are NOTHING...it is 4' chop we care about. I have been in 12' swells that an 11' Whaler could handle. The chop is what kills ya.
WT posted 10-24-2010 02:48 AM ET (US)
Santa Barbara waters are protected by Point Conception, look at Google Earth. Swells average 3-5 feet max. OP currently uses a 13 foot Boston Whaler boat in his waters. If a 13 footer works, a 15 or 17 footer also works.
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/view_climplot.php?station=46053&meas=wh
No sane person would take an 13 foot Whaler out of any Northern California port (Monterey Bay, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco Bay, Bodega Bay) if traveling more than a few miles.
Warren

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Author	Topic: Ride Quality of 15 v. 17
pcrussell50	posted 10-20-2010 05:35 PM ET (US) I have a great 1985 13 Sport, but I'm finally coming to the realization that I [want and] need a better ride in the prevailing, default, 2- to 4-foot seas we have here in the Santa Barbara channel. After everything I've read about how great the Sport 15 hulls are, up to and including Jim, who said they are the best small boat ever built, I'm pretty impressed. Plus, the folks who have talked about it being kind of "performancey", in the way the hull flies, add to the appeal as well. But, I already have two fast v-hulled boats that are a good deal faster than a Sport 15 will ever be, so enticing as it is, performance is not a good enough reason for me to spring for a Sport 15. I'm also looking at the Montauk 17 because, well, they're BIG, and size just has to matter at least a little in terms of ride quality. Does the deeper vee of the Sport 15 trump the greater bulk of the Montauk in terms of ride quality? Or is it the other way around? Or are they a wash? The ability to push the trailers around my flat driveway is important to me as well, and if the ride quality comes in as a tie, I'd probably rather have the lighter weight of a Sport 15 over a Montauk, as my boating habits do not require a roomy boat, just a good ride. -Peter
andrey320	posted 10-20-2010 06:02 PM ET (US) For use in the SB channel, I would lean towards the more stable and seaworthy boat rather then the faster one. I use my Dauntless 15 in the channel for day island runs to Anacap and Santa Cruz from Channel Islands harbor, and I appreciate the deep-v of the Dauntless design. It is not fast at all with a 50-HP Honda; it only goes 26-MPH. But it is rare when I can actually go that fast in the channel.
Phil T	posted 10-20-2010 07:06 PM ET (US) Having been a passenger on a 13' and 15' as well as owning a classic Montauk and a Outrage 17, in 2- to 5-foot seas, I say an Outrage 17. I upgraded from the Montauk to the Outrage 17 for its small size and significantly better ride due to the full length V. It is only 200-lbs more than a Montauk and performs well with a 90-HP motor. I don't think you will get a dramatic improvement from a 15-foot. I am not a fan of the Dauntless hull for ocean boating. I rode in a 18-foot model and it was great for 1- to 2-foot [seas]. Just one perspective.
PeteB88	posted 10-20-2010 07:49 PM ET (US) You will love the 15 but regret purchase for your intended use. Go Montauk or Outrage 17, 18, 20 because, if you stay with Whalers one way or another, you will wind up with one ultimately. I live next to Lake Michigan. I have an 11.5, 13 and Outrage 17 I bought beginning of last boating season. We love our 13 and have had so many fun times in all kinds of conditions. We vowed to keep two of the 3. 11.5 is disassembled and in some state of "restoration" rub rail, gel coat or paint. Been that way awhile. 13 is awesome, I bought a Mills cover for it early summer from a CW member. If this means anything at all to you - I used to have my 13 in the water no less than a couple times/week. This year we've used our boat a ton. The 13 has not been in the water at all, not even once. Discussion yesterday and we decided to keep the 13 even though we have didn't use it once - all cruises on Outrage 17.
contender	posted 10-20-2010 08:06 PM ET (US) Pete If you did not have a boat and it was your 1st I would tell you to get a 15. But since you have a 13 the jump to 15 to me is useless. I would go for the 17...
jimh	posted 10-20-2010 09:02 PM ET (US) The principal difference between a 15-foot and 17-foot Boston Whaler is that in the larger boat the seating is generally configured so you can stand or lean while at the helm. This tends to permit the operator to ride in larger seas with more comfort.
jimh	posted 10-20-2010 09:03 PM ET (US) ASIDE to Pete: When I owned three Boston Whaler boats, I always used the largest one. The two smaller boats never made it into the water that year. When I owned two Boston Whaler boats, the smaller boat never made it into the water for two years.
elaelap	posted 10-20-2010 10:06 PM ET (US) I absolutely loved my classic 15, Peter, but she was just too tender for choppy seas. Perfect boat for zipping around a lake, harbor, or very calm seaway, but I think you'd be much happier with a Montauk for your boating location and uses. I especially appreciate the substantially higher topsides and the Montauk's lateral stability. Good luck with your purchase. Tony
themclos	posted 10-20-2010 10:15 PM ET (US) I agree with those who recommend the Montauk. It is the better choice for the conditions you described.
Nantucket Sleighride	posted 10-21-2010 01:10 AM ET (US) Peter I frequently cross the 23 mile channel from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Island. The seas in mid channel can turn swiftly from a glassy calm to a small craft advisory. Trust me you do not want to get caught out there in a boat with a low freeboard such as the 15' Boston Whaler "sport". I have owned a number of Boston Whalers ranging in length from 15' to 22'. Admittedly the ride quality of the 15' Whaler is much better than that of the 17'. That said I refuse to take anything smaller than a 17' Whaler across to Santa Cruz island. "There are Old Sailors, and there are Bold Sailors, but there are no Old Bold Sailors!" I am in the final stages of constructing a pilot house on a 17' Boston Whaler. I built this specifically for channel crossings to keep me dry and warm. on the return trip the seas pound you on the port beam and without a pilot house you will be soaked to the skin by the time you get back in the harbor. http://s389.photobucket.com/albums/oo336/Nantucket_Sleighride/ ?action=view¤t=10bow.jpg If I can be of any further assistance feel free to call me at "West Marine" in Santa Barbara. (805) 564-1005
dgoodhue	posted 10-21-2010 06:06 AM ET (US) A Montauk also has better seating that any of the factory 15' models.
whaler131	posted 10-21-2010 12:06 PM ET (US) I use my 1988 outrage 22 up here in Ohio Lake Erie and my 11 sport in Fl back water Tampa Bay. In the next couple of years will replace the 11 for a 17 Montauk or 17 outrage. As long as I can put a jack plate on the back. I love my 11 also it is great in the back water just can't take to far out in the bay.
Striper15	posted 10-21-2010 01:07 PM ET (US) I own both a 15' and a 17' Outrage I and love both boats, but definitely prefer the Outrage for rougher seas, even 3-4 feet. The 15' is great in anything under about 2' seas but beyond that gets pretty rough.
Tohsgib	posted 10-21-2010 01:56 PM ET (US) Do you want to stand up and drive? If so your only choice is the Montauk. The 15 actually rides BETTER than a 17' but is less stabil side to side and has much lower gunwales. The interior is exactly the same as your 13' except there is 2 more feet of bow. The 15' is way more fun but in California, I think I would want to stand up.
L H G	posted 10-21-2010 06:11 PM ET (US) Don't even consider a 15 for your purposes. Go for a Montauk. The 15 is an inshore and lake boat, a Montauk can be used offshore under many, but not all, conditions. JimH: You're not old enough yet. Increasingly, I find myself preferring, and using, the smaller boats over the 25 Outrage. It's only been in the water once this season, while the other boats have racked up several hundred hours.
andrey320	posted 10-21-2010 07:12 PM ET (US) This is a bit off topic because you did not mention the Dauntless, but you can drive a 15 foot one standing up....
pcrussell50	posted 10-21-2010 07:50 PM ET (US) Thanks, guys. Keep 'em coming. This has proven very informative thus far. And for the record, I'm leaning towards the Montauk. As I said in the original post, I already have a couple of fast, fun, "flying-hull", lake boats. Plus, my beloved v4 crossflows are the right size and weight for a Montauk. I'd have to find a 90, because mine are all the more powerful, "bubbleback" versions, but I'm up to the task. :) -Peter
L H G	posted 10-21-2010 11:48 PM ET (US) I was gong to post a link to a beautiful one owner fresh water 1978 Montauk for sale, mint condition, varnished teak, no bottom paint, no gelcoat dings, with v4 Johnson 85HP Javelin on it. Just what you are looking for. I saw it at Twin Cities Marine up in WI about a month ago, where it was offered at $10,200. But it evidently sold in a week or two. It was one of the best maintained, nicest used Montauks I have ever seen. The price was a steal.
Nantucket Sleighride	posted 10-22-2010 01:17 AM ET (US) Peter When you are ready to trade in your 15' "Sport" towards one of the larger Boston Whalers I will gladly help you locate one here in Santa Barbara. I have several friends with 17' 19', 20' and 21' Whalers that are available. Consider me your local non-profit adoption agency for Boston Whalers. Bill bill-christie@cox.net
pcrussell50	posted 10-22-2010 06:09 PM ET (US) Bill, I stopped by West Marine today, and apparently just missed you. The guy that was there said you made a run to the other store. Today was not boat repair day for me anyway, rather, it was auto repair day instead, so I didn't hang out and wait for you. In deference to the wife, I will not be shopping for a Montauk until I sell my 1985 Sport 13... which in turn, wont sell until I offer it for sale. Something I have not done yet... although in the year and a half I've owned it, two people have stopped me either on the street, or at the harbor, asking if I was interested in selling. I'm happy enough that the wife is OK with having a bigger boat in the driveway, but I don't want to press my luck by having TWO Whalers in the driveway while waiting for one of them to sell. I'll be sure to hit you up for a Montauk when the time comes. If you know anyone searching for a nice classic Sport 13 let me know. -Peter
PeteB88	posted 10-22-2010 07:17 PM ET (US) Here's the secret trick you can try. You won't sell the 13 and you will buy a Montauk or Outrage. I know that because I've been down this curvy road. If you have a river or lake within reasonable distance here's what you do. Plan a dinner cruise with your wife and the 13. That's right, I'm serious. A river, slow moving is perfect. Now I did it w/ a roasted chicken from the supermarket rotisserie but you could go much fancier. Since Ellen thinks she is Iron Chef of Lake Shore West Michigan I simply hinted that I had a fresh roasted hot chicken and she made the pesto/pasta thing w/ the chicken. She got a nice baguette, I got a bottle of Savignon Blanc (Marlborough), plastic but cool wine glasses, some garlic stuff and awesome salad. I told her to meet me at the dock with her stuff and I had my stuff - Eddie Bauer picnic set I got somewhere, nice table cloth, cloth napkins etc. Here's the drill - just tell her to bring the stuff to the dock. Pick her up in the 13. Spread the table cloth on the thwart seat, set it like a nice table. Have your stuff looking real cool on the seat. She gets in, amazed, motor out to the current or some cool place and shut down the motor and drift. Now the cool part - you sit on the bottom of the boat, maybe on foam pads but the floor is fine - you're next to the helm facing forward, she in front, sitting on the opposite side of the coolest picnic bench you can imagine. Pour the wine, she serves up the dinner and botta boom botta bing in about two weeks to a month she will tell you ... "uh, I think we're going to keep the 13, I love it, it will always hold its value and you need NEED a bigger boat for our friends and my parents and to be safe...." OH ya, don't forget the candles - camp candle lantern works great or my Black Diamond Apollo or whatever works too. Voila - two Whalers. Don't leave home without one.
PeteB88	posted 10-22-2010 08:02 PM ET (US) Check your email, I sent the proof.
Tohsgib	posted 10-23-2010 10:33 AM ET (US) Woosie! Who in the in right mind would be afraid to own 2 Whalers? I currently have 4 in the yard and only one is for sale. Seriously a nice 25 year old 13' is worth a few grand+, I would not pass up the right boat while waiting for the 13' to sell. The 13' will sell, they always do.
pglein	posted 10-23-2010 05:19 PM ET (US) The classic 15' hull is far superior to the classic 13' when dealing with chop or small boat wakes. However, the 15' hull is really not very stable. It is highly succeptible to side-to-side rolling, both from improper loading or shifting weight, as well as from beam seas. It is easy to take green water over the side if you're not careful. The classic 17' hull is far more stable. Given that you're talking about regularly encountering 4' swells, I would recommend the 17' as a minimum. It is still small enough to be towed by a small truck or large car, and can be muscled around the driveway in most cases. The 18' Outrage is obviously another option. However, there are disadvantages to the larger, heavier boat as well. The added size and weight mean this isn't a boat you'll be pushing around the driveway by hand, and I wouldn't tow it with anything less than a full size truck.
Tohsgib	posted 10-24-2010 02:12 AM ET (US) 4' swells are NOTHING...it is 4' chop we care about. I have been in 12' swells that an 11' Whaler could handle. The chop is what kills ya.
WT	posted 10-24-2010 02:48 AM ET (US) Santa Barbara waters are protected by Point Conception, look at Google Earth. Swells average 3-5 feet max. OP currently uses a 13 foot Boston Whaler boat in his waters. If a 13 footer works, a 15 or 17 footer also works. http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/view_climplot.php?station=46053&meas=wh No sane person would take an 13 foot Whaler out of any Northern California port (Monterey Bay, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco Bay, Bodega Bay) if traveling more than a few miles. Warren