Camano 31 to Alaska?

[maineman]

Hello all,
Would you feel safe heading to Juneau from Bellingham on a Camano 31?
And, is its 100 gallon fuel tank enough to do so?
Thank you for your good advice!

 

[Moonfish]

I’m pretty sure that has been done multiple times on that particular boat. Sam on this forum went to AK and back on a C-Dory 25.

 

[Snapdragon III]

I think if you have the time and discipline to wait out days with bad weather forecasts, it should be no problem. Trying to stick to a schedule and heading out when you know the weather forecast is borderline is what will get you.

 

[Ken E.]

Plan your fuel stops and watch the weather. Many boats of your size make the trip to SE AK every year.

 

[Nomad Willy]

Fuel’s fine, boat’s fine.
Don’t over plan or worry.

Prep to the hilt tho. Prepare your boat extensively. Cruise the general route on your chart plotter or other. Make notes on inlets and possible harbor/anchorages. Even if the’re not on your go to list. You may anchor at several or more places that you haven’t planned for. Take them as a pleasant surprise .. if they are.

Also plan on having a nice balance of anchoring out and visiting Alaskan Villages and small cities. Integrate with locals … learn and experience everything you can.

 

[RCook]

Hello all,
Would you feel safe heading to Juneau from Bellingham on a Camano 31?
And, is its 100 gallon fuel tank enough to do so?
Thank you for your good advice!

Sure! We've done SE AK for two months in a C-Dory 22, and 2-4 months many times in a 26-footer with 110 gallons of diesel. All over BC, and from Puget Sound to Glacier Bay and back as well.

As long as your cruise speed is only 7 knots or so, you should be able to go 300 nm on a tank with a good reserve. That's enough to go pretty much anywhere you want on the Inside Passage.

Paying attention to weather is key - especially wind opposed to tidal current. Get the Douglass "Exploring Series" cruising guides to start planning.

 

[koliver]

Check out Frank Durant's "Travels" in his Camano.
https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s64/travels-emma-b-jd-powered-helmsman-33804-19.html

 

[bowball]

That was the first boat I considered buying back in 1999. Took a great test ride around Lake Union and Lake Washington. As others said, it can make the journey provided you watch the weather.

 

[maineman]

Thanks everyone. I always learn a great deal from you guys.
I'll let you know how the next steps go.

 

[C lectric]

I have known several people who went in 28 and 26 ftrs.
Like said watch the weather and for the fuel stops.