Petaluma River

M

Meuritt

Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2007
RO Number
28535
Messages
61
We are planning our first overnighter on our new to us motor sailor day after Christmas. 5:30 am low will carry us from San Rafael Creek up river, A late morning departure next day will carry us back. Tides could hardly be better.

Any suggestions or cautions about the River? It's been nearly 30 years since I last had a non human powered boat up there. The boat has a 4.5 draft.

What is the situation these days at the Turning Basin, I've heard there were problems, Is the D St Brides open?

Thanks

Mike
San Rafael
Rendezvous
37 Banjer
 
Mike,

It has been several years since I have been up to Petaluma. The river was always shallow but negotiable. The tunring basin had silted in, but a few years back they dredged it and I don't think you'll have any problems. The operator of the bridge at the south end is also the guy who runs the fuel dock nearby, so you sometimes have to be patient. I believe you will have to schedule an opening for the bridge up in town, but I'm not sure.
 
years ago I got well and good grounded with 4' draft at the creek and river junction just below the bridge before town.
 
We had a marvelous trip up the river last year. We were in a 24ft Bayliner Trophy and had no difficulty with depth at any time although we timed our trip with high tide in mind. Beautiful trip up river, great town and like mentioned above, a quick call to the bridge operator and he showed up and opened the bridge. We were the only guest boat in the turning basin (it was November) and the bars and restuarants were all within short walking distance. All in all a great trip. Let us know how your trip goes.

DBH
 
Be sure to mind the channel markers entering the Petaluma River from San Pablo Bay. Once you are in the river, depth is pretty good with the exception of a bend just above Lakeville which has a couple nav aids to help show the way.
 
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