posted 01-21-2010 10:11 PM ET (US)        

Did Napa ever get their guest dock finished? I'd love to run
there, with a side trip to the Suisun Bay mothball fleet,
which I'm trying to turn into artificial reefs.

posted 01-29-2010 11:52 PM ET (US)            

Petaluma "Salute to American Graffiti" is May 13-15.

As usual, I've been completely unable to Google up the dates
for the go-fast boat poker run in the Delta.

Interestingly, the rates I was getting for the Sheraton
Petaluma was $189/night double occupancy for Graffiti
weekend, $199/night D.O. for the other weekends in May (I
didn't check Memorial Day weekend). Last year the
non-Graffiti weekends were a good deal cheaper.

posted 01-30-2010 09:22 AM ET (US)            

The Napa River is a nice cruise all the way up into the city proper but at this time there are still no public dock facilities that could accomodate us due to the ongoing flood control project.

posted 01-30-2010 10:14 AM ET (US)            

As usual, I've been completely unable to find out when when
the Go-fast poker run is.

posted 01-31-2010 10:51 PM ET (US)            

The Glomar Explorer is long gone, converted to an oil-drilling
ship in 1997.

posted 01-31-2010 11:31 PM ET (US)            

Petaluma is always nice, with easy parking, a cooperative harbor master, an easy and very inexpensive ($2.00!) launch and 45 minute run down into SF Bay. Too bad the Sheraton is somewhat pricey. Has anyone investigated other hotels in Petaluma proper? The marina's only about 40 minutes south of my home, so I haven't stayed in the hotels there. I'd love to head east from Pt Sonoma at the bottom of the Petaluma River, check out the mothball fleet and get some good info and history from Chuck, and play around in the Suisun Bay region, which is unknown to me. And if Petaluma ends up being the spot, I'll offer to lead whoever wants on a further tow from there out to Bodega Bay (about 45 minutes each way from the Petaluma marina, and a very pretty ride). We could do this on Sunday and have a nice harbor tour, cruise out around the Head, check out Seal Rock, and sample some of the great little sea food joints up in my stomping grounds. Something a little different.

On the other hand, what about Santa Cruz? We haven't rendezvous'd there since I've been involved, going back I guess six or seven years now. Great, fun town with a nice marina, beautiful protected inner harbor, super coastline for a decent cruise if the weather's nice, and I've always wanted to have Andygere as a guide to some of his secret spots down there. Too bad the run from there down to Monterey is too far for a day trip, there and back, or we could have Chuck and Admiral Linda show us around there as well...but no launching from that gnarly 1/4 mile back-up ramp, Charles, not for me anyway, thanks very much all the same ;-)

posted 02-01-2010 02:19 AM ET (US)            

Our marina probably has plenty of empty slips that we could use. Pretty good restaurants nearby. Motels, Inns and homes for rent nearby.

This will give some boaters the opportunity to experience their boats in the open ocean (weather permitting) or we can say in the bay.

It would be nice to either run north to Fort Ross or to Point Reyes to the south and back.

If I get enough positive feedback I'll make some calls for availability.

posted 02-02-2010 12:02 PM ET (US)            

Minuses, and there's one great big one IMO, much as I'd love to have the rendezvous held in my spiritual home town:

--We're talking about "Blow-dega" Bay here, and one can never tell in advance whether it will be blowing 20+ knots over lumpy seas on any given day, winter or summer, spring or fall. Like the nursery rhyme, when she is good she is very, very good; but when she is bad she is awful. I'd hate to think about folks coming up here from all over California and then having the weekend blown out, which happens all the time. Putting around in our beautiful little harbor is nice for a couple of hours, but it would get real old real fast for those who towed their boats from Santa Cruz, Monterey, the Sierra mountains, or even further if that's all we could do because of the weather. That's why I suggest having Bodega Bay as a one-day optional Sunday excursion for those who wish if we choose Petaluma again this year, depending of course upon the B.B. weather at the time.
--As fishmore mentioned, the seas outside the harbor are often somewhat daunting for the smallest Whalers, even on nice days (which is the reason I recently sold a 15-ft classic and went back up to a 16/17). No problem at all for Montauk-size and larger, however, as long as it ain't too breezy.

posted 02-02-2010 11:41 PM ET (US)            

The trip up the Napa River is about the same as the trip
down the Petaluma River. The total would be about the same
as Petaluma to Angel Island. Problem is where to have lunch?
Down the Petaluma and up the Napa would work, but we need a
lunch stop.

And the Petaluma Sheraton is pricey this year.
Funny, I didn't see AAA/AARP/etc prices this time. Maybe
I stumbled in the wrong direction. This year $189-199, last
year I paid 149.

Maybe if we could get some decent rates.

posted 02-03-2010 09:37 PM ET (US)            

What are the Oakland hotel prices like?

posted 02-04-2010 09:00 PM ET (US)            

All are per night rates with advance purchase Estimates based on two adults in one room for two nights May 8-10, 2010.

At Jack London Square and Marina
Jack London Inn - $69.00 to $99.00
Waterfront Hotel – $159.00 - $239.00

At Embarcadero Cove
Hilton Homewood Suites - $122.00 - $209.00
Executive Inn and Suites - $84.64 - $139.00
Motel 6 Embarcadero - $59.39

At Marinas
Guest Docks
Guest Berths: All Vessels $1.50/Ft., per day
Minimum $45.00
Guest Key Deposit: $25.00 (refundable)
(Card Key Fee 1st Two (1-Gold, 1-Blue) are FREE -
Discount for Gas purchased at Dock.

posted 02-05-2010 11:00 AM ET (US)            

Are they approachable about a group rate for guest slips and the commitment to Friday/Sat. night (for many of us)? It would seem like a lot of money for someone with a 13 or 15 ft. boat to spend $45 a night slipping it. Again, I don't care about the expenses, but to others, that expense could be a deterrent.

posted 02-05-2010 12:10 PM ET (US)            

If these slips are too high then across the estuary from the Oakland motels are several Alameda marinas each is independently owned and their guest slips are priced from $20 to $30 per night. Night life would require a quick boat ride or a drive and your hotel would also be on the Oakland side of the estuary.

posted 02-12-2010 11:03 PM ET (US)            

Am looking forward to this rendezvous and interested in where everyone will want to meet up. I have family local to the places mentioned so far and my wife and I are excited to get out on the water with other owners.

posted 02-18-2010 08:20 PM ET (US)            

At Jack London Square and Marina
Jack London Inn - $69.00 to $99.00
Waterfront Hotel – $159.00 - $239.00

At Embarcadero Cove (also has a Marina)
Hilton Homewood Suites - $122.00 - $209.00
Executive Inn and Suites - $84.64 - $139.00
Motel 6 Embarcadero - $59.39

posted 02-18-2010 11:58 PM ET (US)            

I guess I'm spoiled by harbormaster Binky's enthusiastic cooperation at the Petaluma Marina the past two or three years. I boat out of there all the time and appreciate the easy, safe parking, two buck launch fee, and easy 45 minute run down into San Pablo Bay, and from there down to The City. I'd like a change, but if we decide on Petaluma again those who wish a change could head over to the Vallejo/Sac River/Suisan Bay area and those who haven't cruised the Bay proper and gone out to the Golden Gate could do that.

On the other hand, I don't think my opinion should be given a whole lot of weight, since I'm somewhat prejudiced in favor of Petaluma because of its quick and easy access to my home. Oakland/Jack London Square offers a lot that Petaluma doesn't in the way of hotel choice, different restaurants, and neat East Bay cruising areas, including my old stomping grounds in Berkeley and the very interesting Alameda Island environs.

Anyway, you folks are stuck with me wherever this year's rendezvous happens. C'mon spring!

Tony

posted 02-19-2010 02:15 PM ET (US)            

At Jack London Square you have paid parking garages and a small outdoor parking area. I can check on what accomodations they can make for trailers if some one wants to stay there.

Embarcadero Cove area has free outdoor parking. There are usually police cars cruising that area becuase there is a Starbucks and a 24 hour diner that both Oakland Police and the CA Highway Patrol frequent.

As I said I travel through those areas both day and night and in the Embarcadero Cove area I rarely see police activity other than speeders or pull overs for traffic infractions (as far as I can tell). I have not heard anyone complaining about that area of town and I have had relatives and friends that stay at the Executive Inn and Suites for weeks at a time with no problems. In addition my company holds conferences there and they have some out of town employees stay there too. But, I have not talked to the hotel staff to see if they do have problems I am not aware of. I have seen some homeless characters walking down the street there and I also see bicyclists riding through there late at night in addition to ocasional unaccompanied people including women. However, I would not want my wife or kids to walk unaccompanied down there at night.

In Jack London Square I learned yesterday that several major retailers (Barnes and Noble and TGI Fridays) have just moved out. So that may make that area less popular and not seem as friendly during the evenings even though there are still several very good resturants both on the water and a few blocks in (Scotts Seafoood, Kincaids, Fat Lady plus more.) my company puts people up at the Waterfront in Jack London too and we have had parties or retirement dinners there many times. Three times per year they have an in the water boat show at Jack London Square. They still have the movie theatre, and the Sunday Farmers Market etc... In past years I have seen the police close off the highway access to Jack London Square on a Friday or Saturday night when the party crowd got to big but, I have not seen that in a couple of years (something to do with the economy I guess). The fountain at Jack London Square is where I met my wife during a combination boat show and Italian festival. We go there every year on our anniversary, have dinner on the water and share a kiss by the fountain where we met.

Overall, you get variety, easy access to the bay and a nice comfortable hotel. Oakland is a working town and there is a major railway and a major highway that runs through both areas we are discussing. As a matter of fact the railway runs right down the middle of the street in Jack London Square and it is used by both frieght trains and Amtrack. It does have it's own charm and it's share of problems too but, as long as you stay away from the disreputable parts of the city it is normally safe.

posted 02-19-2010 03:47 PM ET (US)            

Lizard, we've cruised the Bay, all the way out and under the Golden Gate Bridge, every time we've held the rendezvous out of Petaluma. As I said above, it's an easy 45-minute cruise down the Petaluma River (which is actually a tidal estuary) into San Pablo Bay, the northernmost reach of the San Francisco Bay. Check out a chart and you'll see what's involved. It's maybe another hour from the bottom of the Petaluma River all the way down to the San Francisco waterfront and the Golden Gate, depending of course on the weather.

posted 02-24-2010 05:32 PM ET (US)            

There are slip rentals right smack dab in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco at the Hyde Street Pier.

The Argonaut Hotel is also at the end of Hyde Street about 100 feet from the boat slips. I gotta say that boating out of Fisherman’s Wharf is pretty cool.

//ZAGUT Rreview:
Rooms Service Dining Facil.
23 22 17 20

When you "cruise into" this "appropriately nautical" "boutique hotel" "in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf", expect "Kimpton classic" "whimsical decor" and a "funky vibe" complemented by a "personable and extremely polite staff"; the "eclectic" rooms are "smallish" but offer "L'Occitane bath products", while the daily "wine happy hours", "free parking for hybrid cars", "fantastic bay views" and "wonderful" location "a block from Ghirardelli Square" add to the allure.//

You could cruise over to Tiburon and have lunch at Sam’s on the water or cruise to the Oakland Estuary and have lunch at a number places as Fishmore said.

The only con is that a room at the Argonaut hotel is $211 and up.

The reserve fleet isn’t really that big a deal although the USS Iowa it moored there and that’s pretty cool.

Bodega Bay is a great place, but you can’t count on the weather which could be rough.

posted 02-24-2010 07:30 PM ET (US)            

As for Fisherman's Wharf...sounds very cool. Ditto Santa Cruz. Ditto Oakland. Same with Monterey. Petaluma...yeah. So where are we, folks...and when exactly? Decision time, I guess, especially if we're going to have any chance at lowest hotel rates.

posted 03-04-2010 06:26 PM ET (US)            

Running from Angel to parts of the city however will most likely get you wet unless you do some serious tacking. The wind really whips through the golden gate across that section of unprotected bay, having the waves and wind broadside means time for rain gear. On the bad days I will get a little wet in my 18 Outrage. Anyone standing behind the console gets wet. Montauks and anything smaller will be getting a soaking for sure.

posted 03-06-2010 02:27 AM ET (US)            

I plan on bringing my camera and Flip video camera for some action shots as we head down the Petaluma River.

Warren

posted 03-08-2010 12:30 PM ET (US)            

I'd like to check it out, but I don't think we'd have time.

posted 03-08-2010 07:04 PM ET (US)            

Just my two cents.

posted 03-11-2010 08:18 PM ET (US)            

[For each boat needing dock space on any or all rendezvous days]:

--Owner/operator's name

--Boat name

--LOA

--Beam

--Draft

--Arrival date

--Departure date

Please don't be conservative about getting me this information. You won't be on the hook if it turns out you can't make it for one reason or the other, and we should err on the optimistic side so we're sure to have enough space. Bottom line: if there's any chance you're going to attend, send me the requested info.

I guess it would be easiest if folks planning to attend just emailed me with the above information:

wildelaw@comcast.net

Please put "NorCal rendezvous" in the subject space so I can sort out the emails quickly. In a week or so I'll publish the list here so everyone can be sure he/she is on it.

posted 03-12-2010 12:00 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for all the org work.

posted 03-12-2010 08:39 PM ET (US)            

I may arrive from Sacramento by boat.

Chuck, did you upgrade to an 18 Outrage? :-)

posted 03-12-2010 11:28 PM ET (US)            

I am going to guess that most slips are 20, 22, 24 ft. lengths anyway.

I can not wait for Warren to take a shot of us, with the Golden Gate in the background. Life doesn't get much better than that.

posted 03-13-2010 07:30 PM ET (US)            

I will not need dock space. I will come up the petaluma river early Saturday morning and meet you all at the sheraton dock before departure and cruise down river with the group. Thanks,

posted 03-17-2010 09:48 AM ET (US)            

Can you post who we have so far?

posted 03-17-2010 07:01 PM ET (US)            

littleblue
IrishCreamer
Chuck T.
Jim/high sierra
Tim Corfey
some gal named Linda
Jim/boatdryver
Warren
Andygere
yrs truly
kidishi
Ron/rjgorion

Missing so far but probable:

Matt/placerville
the Powleys
Rob/ratherwhalering
my neighbor rbulwa, I hope (Montauk/Suzuki 4/s grudge race against me)

Still haven't heard from:

Sheila
Jock
Jeff/skiff

I know I'm forgetting someone or sometwo. The, um, formal list will be posted mid-week next week.

posted 03-19-2010 02:19 PM ET (US)            

Matt (OR-18) and Kermit (OR-22) will also likely make an appearance on Saturday afternoon.

posted 03-19-2010 09:03 PM ET (US)            

So we move Rob into the for sure category, and I went fishing today with another Matt, my boat partner Matt/placerville, and he's for sure attending also, but unsure at this time about which boat he'll bring. The final list is coming together, and it looks like about half the attendees will need dock space and the other half are locals who will trailer and launch or boat in each day and won't need overnight dock space or hotel accommodation.

posted 03-20-2010 11:42 AM ET (US)            

--Owner/operator's name: Bill Lassaline
--Boat name: Once More to the Lake
--LOA: 19'
--Beam: 6' 10"
--Draft: 2'
--Arrival date: May 21
--Departure date: May 23

posted 03-30-2010 06:53 PM ET (US)            

A little update: The local rock radio station KFOG 104.5 FM announced today that the annual kaboom concert and festivities will be held on Sat. May 22nd. As a result there may be more boat traffic on the bay that day than normal. In the past, this event has been held on the waterfront at Crissy Field. However, this year it is being held at Candlestick point near the 49ers stadium. This may work in our favor since the new location is further south in the bay/ waterfront than Crissy field, which is very near where we will be.

posted 04-01-2010 02:59 PM ET (US)            

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/01/MN5A1CO3VK. DTL

posted 04-01-2010 03:39 PM ET (US)            

Tony

posted 04-01-2010 06:22 PM ET (US)            

Unfortunately, that article indicates that I won't get to
sink any of them as artificial reefs. ;-(

Chuck

posted 04-13-2010 09:11 PM ET (US)            

Thanks, Binky. We're going to have at least an additional five or six boats trailer in for the day or cruise in from the bay to hook up during our three day rendezvous. The cruisers will stay only temporarily, and will raft with overnight boats.

Thanks as usual for your assistance with this yearly event. As you know, I live just up the hill in Santa Rosa, and have often been using your great marina and harbor as my gateway to the San Francisco Bay for many years. Most of the people attending this year's Whaler rendezvous have also enjoyed your hospitality over the past three years, but this year there are a couple of boats being towed up from Southern California, I believe, and I can't wait to show them how we do it up here.

See you in May for the rendezvous, and probably several times before that on a personal basis. Best regards,

Tony

----- Original Message -----
From: "Binky Thorsson" <BTHORSSON@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
To: "wildelaw@comcast.net" <wildelaw@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 1:33:11 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: May 21-23/10 Cruise In

Hello Tony,

We are looking forward to the "Continuous Wave Whaler's" cruise in on May 21 - 23, 2010. Hopefully you all will have some nice Spring weather by then?

I have your group listed with 9 possible cruisers. About 1 week before you arrive please call with and update to your cruise form or email/fax us your updates.

Fair Winds...

Thank you, Binky Thorsson - Petaluma Marina, 707 - 778 - 4489

posted 04-26-2010 05:43 PM ET (US)            

Petaluma is known for chickens and eggs but Sonoma is more familiar to outsiders because of wine

posted 05-02-2010 10:01 AM ET (US)            

Nuts. There goes perhaps the most beautiful classic Whaler ever produced, IMO, and a great fun family as well. We'll miss y'all.

Tony

Here's a photo of Andy's Outrage Cuddy 22:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ RendezvousAliciaandKatie091.jpg
And here's one of her big sisters, a 25 ft version:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ RendezvousAliciaandKatie011.jpg

posted 05-05-2010 01:42 PM ET (US)            

I may not be able to show up until Saturday morning. I don't have to be in Hawaii :-(. But now I may have to be at a Friday night BBQ with people from Hawaii.

Please don't rely on just my pictures, I think everyone should take their own photos and share with the group.

Let's keep our fingers crossed for great weather.

posted 05-05-2010 04:16 PM ET (US)            

My camera is basically like your flip...small Panasonic digi-cam that shoots in HD, has zoom function too.

posted 05-07-2010 11:44 PM ET (US)            

Good one! I never thought of saying I was with the Jazz Group.

Chuck-

The guy I had seemed to be saying he would not book me a room UNLESS I was with the Jazz Group. Perhaps they have rooms blocked and those are the only rooms available.

posted 05-10-2010 11:08 AM ET (US)            

I left the info from last year on the second page (but
labeled it as such) to facilitate copy and paste. It's kinda
hard to go back through the forum to figure out who's in and
who's out, so just let me know if your name isn't on the
first page, or if there are any red question marks to answer.

posted 05-10-2010 07:15 PM ET (US)            

Hey Chuck, I don't think I'll be there Friday for the dinner and not sure about the dinner on Saturday either. I want to get you a bottle of 18 year old scotch to share with the gang. Would the Scotch be better supplied for Friday or Saturday?

I think Matt might be driving my boat, if so I will be able to get tons of action video and pictures. I hope someone else can get the dinner pictures on Friday and Saturday.

posted 05-11-2010 04:18 PM ET (US)            

Last year we had sundowners on the dock. That way you could
join us.

posted 05-13-2010 10:20 AM ET (US)            

I hate to ask, and I don't need boat info or anything other than names, but please quickly tell me if you're going to need dock space. So far we've reserved nine spaces, BTW, but several have dropped out and several have jumped in late.

Just a quick post saying: "John Doe. Space required."

Thanks (and it's probably not the end of the world if you can't get to it, but try to post before this coming Monday).

posted 05-16-2010 03:56 PM ET (US)            

And, I was looking forward to learning the origin of your handle "lizard."

posted 05-17-2010 12:45 AM ET (US)            

I am sure there is plenty of space aboard our whaler for you and Eric. Why don't you come up anyway? Last year I joined the crew without my boat and had a great time.

posted 05-17-2010 10:00 AM ET (US)            

Also, I've again contacted the Petaluma harbormasters and told them we're expecting about eight or nine overnighters; that's my latest estimate from the information emailed me and from the posts here. They are pretty casual about the whole thing -- our visit is confirmed and they assure us that there will be enough space for everyone.

Finally, say it isn't so, Lizard. You're welcome to ride with me and my wife if you and one friend make it up, sans Whaler. If not, see you next year, I hope.

posted 05-17-2010 05:33 PM ET (US)            

I might recommend bringing your own lunch. Not much room at the Benicia Marina to accommodate more than 3-4 boats. I'm not fond of the food at the Nantucket in Crockett either.

posted 05-17-2010 06:26 PM ET (US)            

No vessels or other watercraft, except
those owned or controlled by the
United States Government, shall cruise
or anchor between Reserve Fleet units
within 500 feet of the end vessels in
each Reserve Fleet unit, or within 500
feet of the extreme units of the fleets,
unless specific permission of do so has
first been granted in each case by the
enforcing agency.

posted 05-17-2010 07:19 PM ET (US)            

here is my info for the roster.

posted 05-17-2010 11:58 PM ET (US)            

We are scrambling to save the weekend for something, which may be some of the nicer lodgings in Santa Barbara. I can not tell you how much this troubles us to miss the rendevous.

posted 05-18-2010 02:16 AM ET (US)            

We would favor the "mothball fleet" option, but would be fine with going to Angel Island again, with the Richardson Bay side trip.

Bob Bulwa and Terry Hallowes
707 823-2154/291-0640 (cell)

17' Montauk
No overnight slip needed (we are local).

posted 05-18-2010 03:41 AM ET (US)            

If there are enough boats and the group does decide to come into the central bay and to the golden gate, I will volunteer to stand on top of the hill by Yellow Bluff and video tape the fleet coming in from behind the N. tower of the GGB.

You can check out the video I posted a few days ago in the general discussion area (titled "Whaler Meets Whale"). You can get a general sense of what it will look like, however, I will bring my tri-pod and frame everything nicer than my girlfriend did for me (i.e. get the entire bridge in the opening shot, steadier panning, etc...she was going free hand, shivering cold, and sea sick).

You guys can come in as a pack and then form a line and buzz by the shorline, I think it would look great. Maybe I can find a driver for my 22' so she can be w/ the rest of the boats. But that's just me, if that kind of stuff doesn't interest the group I understand.

posted 05-18-2010 10:33 AM ET (US)            

Joyce and I will be there for dinner at the Sheraton. I'm launching the boat Friday evening , staying for dinner then driving home for Friday night

posted 05-18-2010 06:34 PM ET (US)            

I'll volunteer to lead the Angel Island contingent if everyone feels a lead boat is necessary.

posted 05-18-2010 08:09 PM ET (US)            

I think we need a plan C, in case the bay is blown out.

Isn't there an Italian restaurant about a third of the way
to the railroad bridge? Do that for lunch?

And a slow cruise on the river to watch the critters. Linda
and I usually do that on Sunday morning early and have gotten
some nice pictures.

posted 05-18-2010 10:34 PM ET (US)            

We should know by Friday about the weather pattern.If the 15-25 business is the usual summer sea breeze, that often doesn't peak till mid afternoon.

posted 05-19-2010 11:24 AM ET (US)            

I hate to be the one to raise this distasteful subject, BTW, but a windy, rainy Saturday on the Bay won't be a whole lot of fun, especially for those who've come a long way for the event ;-(

posted 05-19-2010 11:45 AM ET (US)            

SAN FRANCISCO SAN PABLO SUISUN BAY AND THE WEST DELTA-
831 AM PDT WED MAY 19 2010

TODAY
W WINDS 5 TO 15 KT. SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN.

TONIGHT
W WINDS 5 TO 15 KT. CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

THU
NW WINDS 5 TO 15 KT...INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 KT LATE
IN THE DAY.

THU NIGHT
W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT...DECREASING TO 10 TO 15 KT
OVERNIGHT.

FRI
NW WINDS 10 TO 15 KT...BECOMING W 15 TO 25 KT IN THE
EVENING...THEN BECOMING NW 10 TO 15 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT. SLIGHT
CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SAT
W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

posted 05-19-2010 06:45 PM ET (US)            

Secondly, you do not turn right leaving the mouth of the Petaluma River to head along the shoreline, especially at low tide, unless you like sucking mud into your motor, or at worst, enjoy spending hours stuck until the tide turns. You stay in the shipping channel.

We have been looking forward to the rendezvous and my wife delayed a trip to Arizona to see grand kids, but with the current weather predictions I have assured her that I am not going to impose an uncomfortable day on her, and that if the wind indeed is blowing between 15-25, we will not be leaving the river to venture outside.

This has been a weird weather year all around. I spent a month with my Montauk fishing daily on the Mexican coast of Nayarit and even there, where some years I can easily go out daily to 20-25 miles, there were consistent unseasonable swells. With the ocean (and large bays) you just have to accept that short term weather is out of our control.

posted 05-19-2010 07:46 PM ET (US)            

They have (sort of) guest docks and a no wake zone, audibly enforced by live-aboards tied up along the river there.

Although I haven't been there for 6-7 years (it was a funky, colorful, friendly place then), this place could serve as Plan C for lunch. Or fluid replenishment heading back.

My guess at what will happen is this: we will leave the Petaluma Marina at 9-9:30 and arrive at the Highway 37 Railroad drawbridge about 10-10:30. Typically there isn't much wind that early so most of the group will decide to press on unless the forecast changes to more than the standard summer afternoon 25 kt.

Two years ago it was blowing about 25 by 3 PM and the trip along the West side of SF Bay was benign. After entering San Pablo Bay at the Sisters, 2 ft chop started at the entrance to the Petaluma River channel a few miles north of the Sisters and so only lasted 20 minutes till we entered the river itself at the Highway 37 RR drawbridge. Not that bad.

My previous posting about wanting to be in a 40 footer had to do with departing Carquinez Straits heading toward the Petaluma river channel into the 25 kt breeze on the opposing ebb.

posted 05-20-2010 09:42 AM ET (US)            

.SAT...NW WINDS 10 TO 20 KT. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

posted 05-21-2010 12:25 AM ET (US)            

Papa's Taverna for dinner Sat.? Tides will be up so a
forgiving ride home in the dark (and potential problems at
the Petaluma drawbridge for taller boats if we go into town
for dinner). How much guest dock space does Papa's have?

Ron: Think about meeting us at the outermost daymark (green
#3). No sense running up the channel (boring) and you might
catch one more.

Current (9pm) SF Bay C&M forecast:

FRI
W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT.

FRI NIGHT
W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SAT
NW WINDS 10 TO 20 KT. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SAT NIGHT
W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT...BECOMING NW 5 TO 15 KT AFTER
MIDNIGHT. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUN
W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT.

Current Petaluma forecast:

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. West northwest wind between 13 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West northwest wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 63. Northwest wind between 8 and 14 mph.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Northwest wind between 10 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Current Angel Island forecast:

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 57. Northwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

posted 05-21-2010 10:29 AM ET (US)            

It is a series of floating wooden docks along the red side of the river.

The lady at Papa's said it would be a good idea to call the marina if a number of boats were coming. She said that the marina made room for several large boats one evening.

We will be passing the site twice on Saturday.

Joyce and I can't make it Saturday evening.

The high tide Saturday Evening at the upper drawbridge is exceptionally high: +6.7 at 10:27 PM coming up from a 4:25 PM low of +0.5

5 days to full moon

Phone numbers:

Papa's Taverna: 707-769-8545

Gilardi's Marina: 707-763-1557

for an ariel view: http://www.dbw.ca.gov/maps/facilityinfo.asp?facilityID=920

I'm, taking the boat over to Petaluma today. Looking forward to seeing everyone this evening at the Sheraton

posted 05-21-2010 11:27 AM ET (US)            

Best,

posted 05-21-2010 11:50 AM ET (US)            

I updated the roster with some key phone numbers: Sheraton,
Petaluma Marina, Gilardi's marina, Papa's Taverna.

posted 05-21-2010 12:43 PM ET (US)            

see you next year

posted 05-21-2010 08:51 PM ET (US)            

It's blowing at 20 mph here in Sacramento right now, let's hope it lays down tomorrow.

posted 05-21-2010 11:21 PM ET (US)            

Looks like Sean (irishcreamer) will be joining me on my boat for the day along with another friend of mine.

I'll be monitoring 68 on the radio and will try to get a hold of one of you guys in the morning to figure out eta, or if you're running down into the bay at all for that matter.

posted 05-22-2010 09:49 AM ET (US)            

Chuck

posted 05-22-2010 08:40 PM ET (US)            

Anyway, we finally got underway at about 8:45. The tide was
WAAAY up, and there very few citters along the Petaluma
river. I suspect most critters were back in the marshes which
were flooded by the high tide. The run to Angel Island was
probably the smoothest we've had, it never rained, and was
sunny most of the day. So much for the weatherman (he was
right about it blowing hard in the afternoon.

Six of us stopped at Papa's Taverna for eats and drinks. It's
worth a revisit, IMHO.

posted 05-22-2010 09:34 PM ET (US)            

Ron

posted 05-22-2010 11:31 PM ET (US)            

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/ 2010%20Rendezvous%20Videos/

Warren

posted 05-23-2010 02:40 AM ET (US)            

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/2010%20Rendezvous%20Pics/

The easiest way to view is simply click on the "slideshow" button.

I had a great time today on the water. I was supposed to be at a graduation and I didn't have my tow vehicle today. I'm thankful I made it to Petaluma in my son's old Jeep.

See you guys next year.

Email me if you want DVD's of my pictures and videos.

Warren

posted 05-23-2010 09:18 AM ET (US)            

Ron

posted 05-23-2010 01:26 PM ET (US)            

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/boatdryver/DSC_3288.jpg

Thanks to the whole group for the help with my electrical problems yesterday. I'll post the final diagnosis when I get it. Going to the Outboard Motor Shop tomorrow.

posted 05-23-2010 03:49 PM ET (US)            

your welcome on my boat anytime and happy you liked the Yamaha. Thanks again for the ride and letting my drive that beautiful Outrage 22 of yours. I think you were trying to give Sean and I 4'itis. Check your email.

posted 05-23-2010 06:54 PM ET (US)            

http://www.lokiusa.com/features.php?feat_id=4 .

If it's yours, let me know and we'll figure out how to get it
back to you.

posted 05-23-2010 07:25 PM ET (US)            

It apparently blew out of the boat after I took it off only to put on my favorite stocking cap.

That stocking cap blew off my head when I chanced to raise my head above windshield height. Now THAT'S what I call a windy day!

We retrieved Matt's hat when it blew off.

posted 05-23-2010 08:27 PM ET (US)            

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck070.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck066.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck085.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck087.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck089.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck091.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck095.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck099.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck110.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck112.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck114.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck116.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck119.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ Whalerrendezvous2010deck122.jpg

A nice day boating is when your boat doesn't sink or catch fire, so I guess our cruise went okay this year. I would have preferred eight foot swells outside to that nasty San Pablo Bay shallow water chop, but at least it didn't rain. Great seeing all of you again!

Tony

posted 05-25-2010 01:12 AM ET (US)            

Tony, I meant to tell you: Amulet is another great boat name--stay out of trouble, at least on the water.

posted 05-26-2010 04:57 AM ET (US)            

I'm waiting for WT's DVD to arrive with all of his videos. I attempted to make a "trailer" of sorts, but it just turned out to be a feature of Tony...more appropriately Tuco...(for the purposes of this little video anyway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbAHrE6pEDU

posted 05-26-2010 10:18 AM ET (US)            

The engine is pronounced healthy. They did install under warranty the Mark ll version of a more ethanol-resistant factory upgrade to the fuel pump system.

Root cause is pilot error-yours truly trying to get a third season out of two lead acid cranking type batteries that were at the end of their life. ( Boat sat unsold at OMS with these batteries in it for almost a year as the financial crisis was unfolding in '08.)

Plus, I had twice run one of these batteries very dead by leaving the switch on in the slip (no onboard charger). This, as we know, is not the way to treat a cranking battery.

Two other contributing factors: a suspect Perko switch which had started to be almost impossible to turn at times and gave off grinding sounds within, was replaced, and from the factory, a soldered (not crimped) battery cable terminal going into the Perko switch.This was replaced under warranty .

So my first outing will be fishing Friday out of Loch Lomond. Since this whole mess involved so many variables and was an intermittent type problem, I will have my Vessel Assist card handy and a tow line already rigged to the bow eye.

JimL

posted 05-26-2010 10:19 AM ET (US)            

I put the DVD copy of the videos into the mail yesterday.

posted 05-26-2010 11:36 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for the update. I leave my boat plugged in year round. I also change my jetski battery every 2 years no matter what.

You might want to mention to other Verado owners here to have them check out their batteries before this boating season. Verados need strong batteries.

Have a great day on the water. I wish I could join you.

posted 05-26-2010 03:38 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for sending the DVD Warren. And btw, even though it isn't the Mino, it should be fully capable of transferring HD video straight to youtube. You might want to make the jump and get a youtube channel if it's too difficult to do w/ photobucket. The video's will be a lot better quality and playback will be faster/easier as well. The way I figure it, you might as well make full use of the technology.

posted 05-26-2010 04:25 PM ET (US)            

Ron / Jasper - Thanks for taking me for a ride.

JimL - When are you launching at LL on Friday? I will be down there prepping my boat for a dawn launching Saturday with my soon to be brother in law.

Jim "high sierra" - Get well soon! We have a race to complete!

IrishCreamer

posted 05-26-2010 06:35 PM ET (US)            

I may be down there enjoying my morning coffee. Curious if you are targeting halibut or sturgeon. The minus tide cycle will likely slow down the halibut bite with muddy water and faster currents.

Additionally, please be advised that you will be launching on a -1.4 ft tide (6:30 AM at GG, approx. 7:30 AM at LL). You may just barely have enough water to launch the boat. Be sure to stay in the channel as it will be extremely shallow - expect only 2-3 foot depth leaving the marina.

Anyone boating on Saturday? I will be in SPB on CH68.

Tight Lines,
IrishCreamer

posted 05-27-2010 10:25 AM ET (US)            

I was quite bummed that I missed this Rendevous. It looks like it was a great time.

posted 05-27-2010 10:46 AM ET (US)            

Yeah, the batteries were old and it was time to replace them, but the real culprits were the factory error of not crimping one of the battery cable lugs connecting to the Perko switch and an intermittent mechanical fault inside the Perko switch.. The cable lug was soldered(tinned) but not crimped like all the other lugs. it was held in place only by the heat shrink and when that was removed the cable would slip in and out of the lug.. Strange it took 140 hours and two years to cause a problem.

Me tugging on all the cable connections when electrical power cut off didn't reveal this because the insulated portion of the cable was held tightly against the bulkhead by the Perko switch casing.

Irishcreamer, the species we are really targeting on Friday is Halibut Fish-n-chips with a Stella Artois at Sam's. We have launched at LL with this bad a minus tide and had to motor slowly out the channel with the motor up pretty high at first. The good thing was that the mud bank along the channel was clearly visible. When the water is up just a little those green markers are so far apart it can be hard to tell exactly where to steer when one is halfway between them.

Slack at Pt. San Quentin and along Paradise is about 9AM so we'll try our luck for Halibut, then when the big flood starts either switch to the rocks for stripers or go have lunch.

posted 05-27-2010 11:57 AM ET (US)            

I ask because I have done all my battery connections w/ solder and no crimp (upon the advice of my mechanic who incidentally worked putting Boston Whalers together when there was a dealer in San Rafael...he actually put together my old 19 Outrage). Anyway, the way I do it is to get a lug and fill it with solder and melt with a torch, then fill some more till its full/nearly full. Once good and hot I take the battery cable (held over a rag) and jam the wire in the lug. After a few seconds the solder cools and I have what should be a very very solid connection. Then heat shrink wrap over that.

posted 05-27-2010 01:05 PM ET (US)            

you could just move the cable end easily in and out of the barrel of the lug.

the way you do it sounds much more time consuming and sounds bullet proof. I can see why in a factory they would be told to use the crimp method to save time.

posted 05-27-2010 01:06 PM ET (US)            

And cramming the cold cable in is likely to create a
cold solder joint -- not good.

posted 05-27-2010 01:17 PM ET (US)            

This boat came from the factory with the Perko switch and cables for 2 batteries so all the dealer did was to install the batteries.

I'm gonna quit guessing and go use the boat and hope for the best.

posted 05-27-2010 11:33 PM ET (US)            

Apparently, the "industry" is reverting to crimped, with heat shrink sealed connections.

When I had my recent electrical overhaul of my Outrage, I went with Anchor marine grade tinned wire, with all connections heat/shrink wrapped. I spent a LOT of money in materials, to have piece of mind while offshore. The electrical guy initially shunned my solderless antennae only to come back to me later with praise for the design/concept.

More food for thought.

posted 05-28-2010 09:44 AM ET (US)            

We can expect JimH to move this bit of the thread to the
electrical forum at some point.

posted 05-29-2010 09:58 AM ET (US)            

For those inquisitive troubleshooter types: Boat and motor ran perfectly yesterday from San Rafael Loch Lomond to Paradise, then Alcatraz, then Raccoon straits, then the Brothers, then Whiting rock, then Invincible Rock, then Pt San Pablo looking for fish. This confirms the faults were with the battery cable lug problem and Perko Switch, not the Verado engine.

As to fishing: zero. The water everywhere was muddy enough from the recent heavy rains and big currents that at no time could we see the shiners swimming in our18 inch deep livewell. We had to net them blindly. At least one party boat came back emptyhanded. We saw only one other fisherman out on the north bay the Friday before Memorial Day weekend.

As to water depth at Loch Lomond on a minus low: one hour after a minus 1.3 low at the nearby NOAA Corte Madera Creek Station our sounder read 4.4 feet at the ramp. The Loch Lomond Channel out to the San Rafael channel and the first half of the San Rafael channel were dicey-readings as low as 3-3.2 feet, but we never saw mud in the wake.

All in all, a beautiful sunny day on SF Bay with unlimited visibility.

JimL

posted 05-29-2010 10:51 AM ET (US)            

Yikes, Jim. Glad you had a nice day on the water and your boat's running well, but no way we're gonna close out this thread 'til we break 300 posts.

If we're stalled, I'll help us along: Let's start planning for next year. After all, Chuck started this thread way back in January...why not begin again right now?

Just goofin', of course, but 300 sure is a nice round number, eh?

See y'all next time around.

posted 05-29-2010 11:03 AM ET (US)            

Jim, I'm glad your boat is fixed.

I think I might do another Petaluma to Golden Gate in the next few months. Maybe we can do another mini-rendezvous, instead of having to wait until next year.

posted 06-07-2010 10:09 AM ET (US)            

OK, please tell me about your camcorder. I'm thinking of getting one that would perform as well as yours in the chop