Seaworthy for Channel Islands?

[reastnt]

I'm considering buying a power boat (cruiser) for use around Santa Barbara, CA - i.e., in the ocean. An interesting destination is the northern Channel Islands, about 20+ miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. I've been in the Puget Sound with a 32 foot cabin cruiser, but never in the ocean in a personal boat.

So I'm wondering what size of a boat most people would consider seaworthy - reasonably comfortable for trips to the islands. I'm thinking in the 28-34' range.

Thanks in advance for any opinions.

- R.E.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, R.E.

A well-found powerboat, in the 28-34' range, should be more than adequate for the near coastal (semi protected) waters you describe (and more).

[VERTIGO]

1999 Chaparral 2335 SS Limited Edition Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

I owned one of these, handled very well in Ocean.

[zeehag]

the santa barbara channel can get very nasty with little notice---the swell gets 30+ ft very easily--whatever you get has to be able to make this comfortable if you get stuick in these conditions---there are sailboats with cptns having years of expoerience--who have lost their boats and been knocked down --despite weather watching--in this channel---be careful--get something solid and seaworthy, and good luck....this is the channel in which american pride lost a plank and 40 kids had to be rescued just last year----and the same day, 3 other boats had uscg rescue ---make sure whatever you get can stand up to 30 ft waves and the winds and currents in that channel, as therein is what you want to play......