Looking to buy another boat this winter for boating off the SoCal coast. We're not loving the drive to Havasu, so I'm looking for the minimum length boat that will let us run off Newport Beach, Dana Point, San Diego, and an occasional fair-weather Catalina trip.

Will a 26' Sutphen with twin small blocks do the job?

Would a Baja 25 Outlaw handle it?

Do I need to be closer to 30 feet for real comfort if the waves kick up?

I'm limited to high-twenties $$$ for a boat, and I currently pull with a Ford F150 Supercrew with a 4.6 (max of about 6,500lbs?).

Thanks for your input. Dave

I used to have a 26' hustler and ran poker runs offshore, it was a blast!

I was out yesterday in a 27' Schiada and although the boat felt a lot smaller in the water than it looked on the trailer it did feel plenty big. However the water was really nice with hardly any wind. I may change my mind if it were really rough. This was my first time so take it with a large grain of salt (salt lick size!)

If you can afford something with twins - I suggest it! We came in on one engine after losing a belt on the other. We could have fixed it but it would have been 15-30 min. or so drifting and it was easier to just idle in on the good one. This becomes even more imporant as the water gets worse.

Justin

The last time out my 35' Cig was way to small and so was the 42' tiger

There are days, like yesterday, you could take a sea do to Catalina. And there are days when even a very large yacht will get kicked around. You have to use your head every time you go there. During the summer season, I used to NEVER come back from the island after 2 PM. If you like boating up and down the coast, Dana, Newport, Redondo and such, a 30 will work most of the time. Also remember, some countries won't even allow you out of a harbor unless you have twins or an outboard kicker as a spare.

Dave

Yesterday was a RED letter day for boating offshore. We don't have many of those here in Cali. Go with twins or a very reliable, newer single like a Warlock World Class. Vessel Assist would have taken at least 2 hours yesterday. If I did not have twins, I would have been cooked in the baking sun waiting for those guys to show!

Hugh

The old rule of thumb used to be 31 feet min for a decent ride in the ocean.Something about spanning the waves.Who knows now with t/s and new technology?

I used to run a 20' Baja Outlaw out there! It was a little small.

Tank used to run his 24' Outlaw very hard and seemed to love it (now he's running a 38 Gun).

I upgraded to a 28' Cigarette and that thing was a wave crusher. I think it was smoother than a lot of much larger boats.

I haven't had my new 25 Outlaw in the ocean yet but I think it'll do just fine. Your 26 Sutphen should be fine most of the time, just keep an eye on the weather. I don't know if I'd do a solo run to Catalina but I used to take my Cig out all the time up and down the coast. If I was doing Catalina I'd want to run with other boats.

25+ Baja, Sutphen, As lond as you get a sharp entry and 24 degree bottom. Of course longer is better, but getting something in great condition may be a better decision over size if you have limited funds. Scarab's are pretty good buys today.