Places for a 85' in delta?

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goplay

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It has been a few years since I was in the delta. Back then, I had taken a 43' and my girlfriend followed in 23' bow rider that she was selling to someone in Discovery Bay. Many years later my girlfriend is now my wife and we have moved up a couple of times to a much larger boat.

My boat has been in Richmond at KKMI for some additions for a much longer time than I expected. I thought a run up the delta would be a nice diversion and also a good way to kill off the light bottom growth!

However, my recollection was that a 43' felt large for some of the waterways. Any recommendations of where I could go or NOT go?

Recommendations on anchorages? I have never anchored in the delta... is there much of a tidal current?

As an alternative are there marinas that could accommodate us?

We also have a couple of large dogs. I need to be able to take them to shore, and preferrably where they can get some exercise... a good dog is a tired dog!

Our draft is <6'and beam 21'. Air draft is around 35'.

For background, we have fairly extensive cruising experience, having last year cruised from Florida to the Virgin Islands, as well as, British Columbia and down the west coast to San Francisco.
 
GoPlay,
On the way up from the bay stop at Benica, good guest dock and walking area for the dogs. Great place to walk around the town (707) 552-3236

On the Mokelumne river there is good eating and guest docks at a number of places. Riverboat is a favorite as is Korth's Pirate Liar. Again plenty of places to give doggies a walk. Good restaurants.

Further up the deep water channel I would try the new Stockton marina. It has a new guest docks (1400ft) that you can go watch a hockey game and take the dogs to the park.(209) 951-5600
A 85 ft with that draft could get into trouble in the south delta. I don't think that most places have a side tie that would handle that size boat. Also beware of the some of the bridges.
Dave
 
GoPlay,

I'm not sure I'd want to bring an 85 footer into Benicia. It's a great stopping point, but might get a little tight maneuvering in the harbor. Willow Berm can certainly accommodate a boat that size on the attenuator and there are several restaurants within walking distance. Take a good look at your charts before entering the Mokelumne from the San Joaquin as there are a lot of shallow spots. I draw 4'-8" and have no problems at any tide state. Watch your depth at the Riverboat, it has silted in, but if you stay to the far left when entering you should be okay.

For anchoring, you can try Mandeville Tip, although it can be windy at times. You can also tuck into Potato Slough, an area called the bedrooms, which are the first three islands. You often see bigger boats anchored between the 1st and 2nd islands, but watch your sounder, it can get shallow.

I would also second the Stockton Marina. We stayed there for the Lighted Boat Parade and the docks are really nice, no depth issues and I've heard the hockey games are really great. You can dock on either side of the river ... the restaurants are on the west side and the arena is on the east. You can walk to either side but it can be a bit of a hike.

Have fun and try me on Ch. 72 if you are up on a weekend. Our boat name is Wanderlust
 
Doesn't Willowberm have a fairly long guest dock near the fuel pumps? Might be a good spot. For anchoring, there is the lee side of Mandeville or 3 rivers reach.
 
I know that Korth's does NOT have the space for a 85 footer! But it is walking distance from Riverboat.

For your size boat, call every marina you are considering to discuss depth and dock space. They will know best for their location. Another place to try is Tower Park. Lots of dock space and a good restaurant. Keep your paper charts handy and use them for depth guidance.

Tides do go all the way through the Delta as far as Sacramento. Depths vary from 3-6 ft in general. However, this time of year the current may stay going down stream due to rain/snow runoff. You will trudge uphill going into the Delta and fly down hill returning to the bay.

Have a great trip and post your adventures after you get back!
 
Thanks everyone for your replies! Very knowledgeable group.

I am going to try to go up for at least a day and perhaps find a spot to anchor overnight, but I may be running out of time. I've got another week in the yard, then 3-4 days of cleaning the Richmond grime off, and another 2-3 days of getting all the systems in prime condition. Weather permitting I am trying to be in Southern CA before end of Feb, then down to the Sea of Cortez.

Besides with Lost Isle closed, there's no train wreck to witness! ;)

Since postings needs pictures here's a pic of our 95 lb travelling companion:

Picture005.jpg
 
When you are cleaning, don't worry too much about the bottom except the waterline. By traveling into the fresh water of the delta, most things which grow in salt water die and slough off in fresh water. The opposite is also true.

Your travel companion looks so great!!!! I can tell he is loved and well cared for.
 
Willow Berm often has a 100 foot yacht that stops there. Last time I was there an 80 footer was tied up in front of me. Nice facilities. You are in the shipping channel almost the whole way. Pay attention to your charts as you leave the San Joaquin and you should be fine. There are also lots of places to walk to from the Marina.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Flutterby

When you are cleaning, don't worry too much about the bottom except the waterline. By traveling into the fresh water of the delta, most things which grow in salt water die and slough off in fresh water. The opposite is also true.

Your travel companion looks so great!!!! I can tell he is loved and well cared for.

Click to expand...


Yes, a bottom cleaning is the impetus for a run up the delta.

He's a great dog. Rhodesian Ridgeback.

From their website, Willow Berm looks like a very nice facility. Thanks all for the recommendation.
 
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