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Delivering a boat from Ketchican AK to Seward

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by Capt Fred, Jul 1, 2015.

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  1. Capt Fred, Jul 1, 2015
    #1
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    I'm delivering a 46 power boat from Ketchican to Seward starting in late July. This is my first voyage in this part of the Pacific. I have planned my route thru the inside passage to Cross Sound, then stops in Yakutat Bay, Kayak Island, round Cape Resurrection then into Seward. Fueling in Yakutat. I have read Coast pilot and the Notice to Mariners, plan to pick a weather window for crossing the Gulf of Alaska and travel during the day light to avoid dead heads, Ice and fishing gear. It actually looks pretty straight forward. Looking for any local knowledge or watch out experience from those who have made this or similar voyages.
  2. olderboater, Jul 1, 2015
    #2
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    What is your range? What speed do you anticipate traveling?
  3. Capt Fred, Jul 1, 2015
    #3
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    I will use the currents to my advantage, the best I can. I will set the throttles for 8 kts under slack conditions. The range of the boat is 550 miles at this speed. I will keep an eye on average speed and fuel consumption to assure I can make the fuel stop.
  4. Ken Bracewell, Jul 1, 2015
    #4
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    You'll enjoy the trip. The gulf can be nasty, but is fine if you watch your weather. The inside passage is full of logs in the water, but after you leave Cape Spencer there won't be much of that to worry about.
    You'll find yourself anchoring in much deeper water than you may be used to, so plan for that.
    We're currently in Katmai, and will be headed up toward Sewar/Prince William Sound in the next week or so. When will you be passing?
  5. olderboater, Jul 1, 2015
    #5
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    On this day last year we were in transit to Valdez. Maximum we saw on that leg was 5-6' and it was mostly 3-4'. From Valdez to Seward was very good for us. As Ken indicates, we didn't encounter any logs once we went outside at Cross Sound/Cape Spencer. Ken's got far more depth of experience as that was our only trip there.

    Do you know your consumption on that boat at higher speeds? Just wondering the time it would take you to duck into cover if conditions changed quickly.
  6. Capt Fred, Jul 2, 2015
    #6
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    Guys, thanks for your input, I really appreciate what your offered. My plan is to depart Ketchican 7/28, depart Port McArthur 7/29, Danger Pt 7/30, Graves Harbor 8/1, Yakutat 8/2, Kayak Isl 8/2 and pass Cape Resurrection 8/3, all depending upon weather and other boating factors. My best guess from the data I have is that the boat will make 18 kts burning 37 gallons total but I think .4 nmpg is more realistic. Ken it would be great to meet you somewhere along this passage. I will send you a PM with contact info.

    Be safe!