San Diego to Catalina?? Worried about gas...

S

Seacret Hideaweigh

New Member
Sep 6, 2010
9
San Diego
Boat Info
280DA Sundancer 2002
Engines
2 X 240HP MerCruiser 5.0L EFI w/Bravo III Drives
We have been boating for a little over a year. Wondering if anyone has advice on taking the trip from San Diego to Catalina. We have a 2002 280 Sundancer and a bit worried about fuel capacity/consumption issues for the trip. Better to take a straight path or travel near land until closer?
 
I have done the trip both ways, a direct shot and up the coast. For me it depends on the conditions. It's about 78 miles from the breakwater in SD to Avalon. There is fuel available in Avalon, albeit very pricey. I have made the Long Beach to Avalon trip in an 18' boat many times. I also made the trip from SD to Avalon in a Regal 258 gasser. I have not been on a 280, but I would imagine the distance should not be a problem in good conditions. If the 280 does not have 100 mile range, go up the coast and leave from Dana Point, cuts the crossing to about 50 + miles if I remember right.
 
Thanks! I appreciate the info. We area going at the beginning of October so hopefully the weather plays along. I've also been researching fuel consumption pages and I think I'll try to keep from taking it to quick to save on fuel. We are out the door now to start looking at used dinghies. Thanks again!
 
Enjoy your trip! I'm jealous... lived in San Diego for 3 years and took the ferry from Dana Point and spent a weekend in Avalon. Probably one of the most beautiful harbors I've ever been too. We don't have anything quite like it over here on the right coast.

Good luck!
 
Depending on the weather, you may want to consider cruising up the coast to Dana, Newport or LB before doing the crossing. If it is flat, heading from San Diego should not be a problem, but the seas have been pretty sloppy overall this season.
 
I would not do 78 miles on a 280 with 100gal tank with 4.3s let alone 5.0s - I know turtle stretched the range on his 280 a couple of times - he may chime in soon
 
I live in Dana Point and have made the trip to Catalina many times, it's 31 miles from Dana Harbor to Avalon, I would advise that route also. If you are unsure of your bearings from Dana you can always follow the Catalina Express which leaves several times from Dana each day.
 
Just Chillin said:
I live in Dana Point and have made the trip to Catalina many times, it's 31 miles from Dana Harbor to Avalon, I would advise that route also. If you are unsure of your bearings from Dana you can always follow the Catalina Express which leaves several times from Dana each day.
Click to expand...

Just an inland lake boater here...

If you are unsure of your bearings - is following another boat really the right answer? I think in open water I would want to know where I'm going, how to get there, and at least one backup plan to whatever I was using to figure all that out... No?
 
Seacret Hideaweigh
Details: 280 Sundancer 2010
Engine(s): 2 X Mercruiser 5.0L w/Bravo III Drivers




In a 2010 280 Sundancer Sea Ray did not offer 2 X Mercruiser 5.0L w/Bravo III Drives.
Can you please confirm your boat / year / engine combination?

Yes, I have that but my boat is a 2003 280 Sundancer.
 
Last edited:
Just my 0.02... but I get about 1.4 mi per gallon as measured in smartcraft and I know that on the flat(water) each engine will burn about 9.5 gal/ hr...
My 280 has a safe range(for me) of 100 miles.... doing the math gives it an optimal range of about 140 miles if you could use every drop of fuel...
Now add in some swells, wind and current and maybe your range goes up or (way)down.
I usually leave from Dana or Newport( actually I'm going sept 18th) and I'll tell you from experience that fuel feels like it burns faster when you can't see land for 360 degrees.
 
tobnpr said:
It's not about 100 miles on a tank of gas- it's about 100 miles on 2/3 of a tank...
Click to expand...
I can and have done that with my '05 280. I posted a response to the OP earlier and then deleted it when I realized his 280 may differ from mine in tank size and engines. From his discription it's not clear to me what he has.
 
Groucho said:
Wow...If you can't go 80 + miles on a tank of gas....somethings wrong.
Click to expand...

I had a similar reaction although I suppose if you got into a big following sea you could go through a lot of fuel. Still.......80 miles????
 
Of course you can go from San Diego to Catalina with a 280 i did it with a 260 with 84 gallons of fuel tank.
And if you are worried about the gas just bring couple extra 5gallons each fuel tanks on board,
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,267
Messages
1,429,704
Members
61,146
Latest member
bmel
Back
Top