BajaNomad - White Zodiac Heading to Cabo

White Zodiac Heading to Cabo

Graham - 6-9-2012 at 12:27 AM

Keep an eye out for a white 14-foot Zodiac inflatable running the length of the Sea of Cortez.

Matthew Sokalski will be departing Saturday June 9 from either a sweltering Golfo de Santa Clara or San Felipe and, weather permitting, hopes to finish in Cabo San Lucas July 2-4. His first rest stop will probably be Puertecitos on Saturday or Sunday.

He was a long distance trucker. While driving across Indiana in 2003 another big rig veered across the median at 70 mph and smashed head-on into his rig. The other driver was killed. Matthew suffered extensive head and bodily injuries and for a while seemed like he wouldn't survive. After numerous surgeries and years of rehabilitation he was determined to take back his life and follow his dreams.

And this trip is something he has been dreaming about for a long time. Got to admire his spirit... if not his departure date. Sure hope it all goes smoothly. Appreciate any sightings or news.

I've added a few more details about his plans on my website, under the Baja Adventurers tab.

chuckie - 6-9-2012 at 01:36 AM

Sounds like a GRAND adventure, I wish him well..I'll be on the water almost every day for the next couple of weeks. If I see him, I'll be hospitable..

paranewbi - 6-9-2012 at 05:13 AM

Go Matthew!
Photos Matthew Photos!

not the best

captkw - 6-9-2012 at 06:27 AM

we call them deflatables,because sooner or later they leak !! wish him luck !! Its a crazy world !! K & T :cool:

comitan - 6-9-2012 at 07:39 AM

Only problem I see is no Bimini!!!!!!!!!!!

SFandH - 6-9-2012 at 07:46 AM

I wonder what his longest run is between fuel stops.

capt. mike - 6-9-2012 at 09:32 AM

reminds me of when Carlos Fiesta did it in his Panga 19' figian.
he did a total circumvention alone and wrote a book about it. I met him in Mulege, sure miss him.

Graham - 6-9-2012 at 04:01 PM

I’m not sure if he has improvised some kind of shade top for the boat, but he was planning running early morning and late afternoon and setting up a shade structure on shore if wind and weather permits. Otherwise he intends lathering himself in sunscreen and covering up as much as possible.

I asked him about the danger of ripping the inflatable while beaching or negotiating a rocky shore… and he agreed that’s a risk that might end his trip. And he’ll need luck to make it to the end, especially in hurricane season.

But he had a window of opportunity to do the trip now and was determined to set out and tackle problems as they arise. I believe he met Carlos Fiesta and read his book, and he also spoke with Ed Darack and read his book on kayaking the Sea of Cortez.

He was mindful of the need to pick up extra gas on the long stretch between Loreto and La Paz, certainly south of Puerto Escondido. And the stretch between LA Bay and Santa Rosalia.

He’s been preparing for weeks, and planning it for years, and the last days have been a mad rush. One of his final comments to me was “I think I am ready and if not I will find out in Baja and I will have to just improvise.”

He also quoted Yoda with approval. To paraphrase – “There is no trying. You either do it or you don’t”

When I expressed a few of my anxieties he reminded me: “I think I can manage 1000 miles on my own. Should I vanish; so be it... better in Baja than on some freeway in Indiana as nearly happened in 2003.”

Hard to argue with that. I have my doubts but I’m sure he’ll give it his all and if events stop him this time, he’ll be back to try again. Of that I’m certain.

sd - 6-9-2012 at 04:06 PM

What a fun trip! I hope he takes his time in order to meet people along the way. Wish it was me going.

comitan - 6-9-2012 at 05:04 PM

He will have a great trip, and it will be over all to soon. I think his boat will have a fuel range 250-300 miles. But never push it.

JZ - 6-9-2012 at 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
we call them deflatables,because sooner or later they leak !! wish him luck !! Its a crazy world !! K & T :cool:

Floor is solid. The sides have multiple chambers. My 11" footer has 3 + the floor. They don't leak that fast, plus they can be patched easy enough.

Engine troubles are a much bigger risk. A zodiac will take a lot of weather. It's virtually unsinkable. Just need to stay in / with it.

[Edited on 6-10-2012 by JZ]

JZ - 6-9-2012 at 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Graham
I’m not sure if he has improvised some kind of shade top for the boat, but he was planning running early morning and late afternoon and setting up a shade structure on shore if wind and weather permits. Otherwise he intends lathering himself in sunscreen and covering up as much as possible.

I asked him about the danger of ripping the inflatable while beaching or negotiating a rocky shore… and he agreed that’s a risk that might end his trip. And he’ll need luck to make it to the end, especially in hurricane season.

But he had a window of opportunity to do the trip now and was determined to set out and tackle problems as they arise. I believe he met Carlos Fiesta and read his book, and he also spoke with Ed Darack and read his book on kayaking the Sea of Cortez.

He was mindful of the need to pick up extra gas on the long stretch between Loreto and La Paz, certainly south of Puerto Escondido. And the stretch between LA Bay and Santa Rosalia.

He’s been preparing for weeks, and planning it for years, and the last days have been a mad rush. One of his final comments to me was “I think I am ready and if not I will find out in Baja and I will have to just improvise.”

He also quoted Yoda with approval. To paraphrase – “There is no trying. You either do it or you don’t”

When I expressed a few of my anxieties he reminded me: “I think I can manage 1000 miles on my own. Should I vanish; so be it... better in Baja than on some freeway in Indiana as nearly happened in 2003.”

Hard to argue with that. I have my doubts but I’m sure he’ll give it his all and if events stop him this time, he’ll be back to try again. Of that I’m certain.

The section between BoLA and Santa Rosalia can be the worst. I've got a 1000 hours on my boat in the Ocean. My one and only trip between BoLA and SR was the worst conditions I've ever see. That ridge right before you turn south down to SR is notoriously brutal.

Terry28 - 6-9-2012 at 05:26 PM

Sat. phone???

JZ - 6-9-2012 at 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SFandH
I wonder what his longest run is between fuel stops.

San Felipe, Gonzaga, BoLA, SR, Mulege, Loreto, Puerto Escondido.

Not sure below there.

Hook - 6-9-2012 at 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
HOLA, I dont sell boats/vessels anymore but you might go for a ride on a small cat and you will never look at a mono again,end of discussion !!

[Edited on 6-10-2012 by captkw]

yeah, well, what does that have to do with THIS discussion?

chuckie - 6-10-2012 at 04:35 AM

Once again, an interesting thread is hijacked...Will we have to wade through pages of mine is bigger than yours? I hope not....

wilderone - 6-10-2012 at 07:41 AM

Via con dios, Matt!

Cypress - 6-10-2012 at 07:42 AM

Running the length of the Sea of Cortez in a Zodiac? Doable! Swimming across the Sea of Cortez? I'd pass on that adventure. :spingrin:

white zodi

captkw - 6-10-2012 at 07:57 AM

hopefully he will be taking a newer EPIRB and some good vhf's with him...and lots of sunblock..T-tops and bimini dont stop the sun reflective rays off the water !! can you say crispy critter !! :lol:

K & T

railroadgreen53 - 6-10-2012 at 09:46 AM

take a washboard road less bumpy :lol:

:.after numerous surgeries and years!!of rehabitation. wow have fun bro.

desertcpl - 6-10-2012 at 09:53 AM

wish him luck,, I bet he does it

Cypress - 6-10-2012 at 09:56 AM

After an extra long run in ruff water one of my fishing partners was passing blood in his urine. The Dr. said the pounding/jolting had damaged his kidneys.

Graham - 6-10-2012 at 10:19 AM

He's on his way. Looks like he first tried to launch at El Golfo, gave up on that and spent the night in the harbor at San Felipe. His latest position at 10 AM Sunday norning is south of Puertecitos heading for the Enchanted Islands and Gonzaga Bay.

For better or ill... this is his dream born of his love for Baja and the Sea of Cortez, he's listened to lots of advice, he's making the decisions, he's calculated the risks and in spite of his fears and doubts he's doing it and probably living like he's never lived before.

People will debate till the end of time whether we should all die safely and comfortably in our beds or strike out boldly to follow our dreams and callings to risk and adventure.

His Zodiac may end up storm-tossed and torn to shreds on some rocky shore but I'm with Cypress, this trip is doable... swimming across the Sea of Cortez, I'd pass on that one too.

A concern Matthew had, being alone, was needing to leave the boat and his gear to get gas and water in the towns and harbors along the way. Sure hope he finds kind people who'll be there for him in places like LA Bay, Santa Rosalia, Loreto and La Paz.

TMW - 6-10-2012 at 10:31 AM

Here is wishing him good luck and good weather.

JZ - 6-10-2012 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Graham
He's on his way. Looks like he first tried to launch at El Golfo, gave up on that and spent the night in the harbor at San Felipe. His latest position at 10 AM Sunday norning is south of Puertecitos heading for the Enchanted Islands and Gonzaga Bay.

For better or ill... this is his dream born of his love for Baja and the Sea of Cortez, he's listened to lots of advice, he's making the decisions, he's calculated the risks and in spite of his fears and doubts he's doing it and probably living like he's never lived before.

People will debate till the end of time whether we should all die safely and comfortably in our beds or strike out boldly to follow our dreams and callings to risk and adventure.

His Zodiac may end up storm-tossed and torn to shreds on some rocky shore but I'm with Cypress, this trip is doable... swimming across the Sea of Cortez, I'd pass on that one too.

A concern Matthew had, being alone, was needing to leave the boat and his gear to get gas and water in the towns and harbors along the way. Sure hope he finds kind people who'll be there for him in places like LA Bay, Santa Rosalia, Loreto and La Paz.

I personally think he'll make it pretty easily if he has no engine troubles. Weather this time of year should be fine and with a zodiac you can stick right next to shore. Run in the AM everyday to avoid the heat and sun and get nice smooth water. BoLA and SR will help him for sure. Loreto he needs to watch his stuff a little. Lots of kids down at the marina.

[Edited on 6-10-2012 by JZ]

JZ - 6-10-2012 at 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
After an extra long run in ruff water one of my fishing partners was passing blood in his urine. The Dr. said the pounding/jolting had damaged his kidneys.

Some people get blood from riding a bicycle for the first time in a long time.

Graham

desertcpl - 6-10-2012 at 12:01 PM

does he have a spot tracker or will he be checking with you and you can post his position

Cypress - 6-10-2012 at 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JZ
Some people get blood from riding a bicycle for the first time in a long time.

MikeYounghusband - 6-10-2012 at 01:16 PM

Good luck Matthew, when you get to Loreto I'll watch your stuff for you.

Graham - 6-10-2012 at 01:22 PM

Matt has this GPS/messaging system by DeLorme:

http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?ite...

I haven't received any email messages yet, but I did get a link to his track and current map position. I'll post that this evening after I secure permission from him or his wife - they might want to remove some of the information before making it public.

Current position shows he retreated a little bit and pulled onto shore just before noon, close to the road, I'd guess around Huerfanito. Probably taking his projected middle of the day break, and giving those kidneys a rest.

Wind and waves permitting, I imagine he'll run down to Gonzaga area this evening. Or he might want to just relax and enjoy a little beach time alone after the all the rush and work crossing the border and getting the show on the water.

Graham - 6-10-2012 at 01:30 PM

Thanks Mike. That will mean so much.

Maybe bring Don-Kay down to go fetch the gas and water...

Graham - 6-10-2012 at 01:46 PM

He's underway again. At 1:40 PM he's passing Isla San Luis.

Graham - 6-10-2012 at 03:27 PM

And Sunday at 3 PM he's safely on the beach at the north end of Alphonsinas.

Mulege

Mulegena - 6-10-2012 at 03:36 PM

I'll tell Tim and Lily and the folks at El Patron Restaurant down by the lighthouse to keep on the lookout for him.

David K - 6-10-2012 at 03:36 PM

Thanks Graham for lettings us hear of his progress... If his family okays it, please post the track here for us to follow, or the link anyway.

Alfonsina's is a great place to take a break... and 'Outboard Ed' Wills (The King of Gonzaga Bay) is there, too!

chuckie - 6-10-2012 at 06:24 PM

Sounds like a fun trip, but to be honest, not very ardous (sp). Relative luxury compared to the guy that rowed a New England Dory down, or Kayakers....I'll watch for him here at Mulege..Emergency Pacificos will be available.

bajasuzie - 6-10-2012 at 07:10 PM

I've got his back in San Jose

Graham - 6-10-2012 at 10:18 PM

Well, thanks everyone for all the offers of help. A heart-warming response from so many great Nomads.

Unfortunately, I just heard from Matthew's wife that the inflatable sustained some kind of damage which can't be easily repaired and he's had to abandon the attempt. She doesn't think it involves any kind of air loss or leakage. We'll have to wait to get the story.

Here's the link tracking him down from San Felipe and to his location at Alphonsinas.

http://share.delorme.com/?MapId=5609e9e515c84f9980ee3d39cc79...

Well, as I said, there are no guarantees in Baja adventure... part of the attraction of the place. Another big attraction is the wonderful kindness of most of the folks you meet.

So after what seemed like a very credible first day, I'm sure Matthew is absolutely deflated himself, but his immediate problem is he now has to get back to the border and possibly leave the boat for a few days.

I'm sure he'd love to talk to anyone in the Gonzaga area and explore his options.

sd - 6-10-2012 at 10:35 PM

Sorry to hear this Graham. I love Baja waters and was looking forward to following Matthew's trip.

Perhaps he will try again in the future.

Scot

DUH !!!

captkw - 6-10-2012 at 10:58 PM

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ????

David K - 6-11-2012 at 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Graham
Well, thanks everyone for all the offers of help. A heart-warming response from so many great Nomads.

Unfortunately, I just heard from Matthew's wife that the inflatable sustained some kind of damage which can't be easily repaired and he's had to abandon the attempt. She doesn't think it involves any kind of air loss or leakage. We'll have to wait to get the story.

Here's the link tracking him down from San Felipe and to his location at Alphonsinas.

http://share.delorme.com/?MapId=5609e9e515c84f9980ee3d39cc79...

Well, as I said, there are no guarantees in Baja adventure... part of the attraction of the place. Another big attraction is the wonderful kindness of most of the folks you meet.

So after what seemed like a very credible first day, I'm sure Matthew is absolutely deflated himself, but his immediate problem is he now has to get back to the border and possibly leave the boat for a few days.

I'm sure he'd love to talk to anyone in the Gonzaga area and explore his options.

Thanks for letting us know, and the map link!

yawn..well, what happend using a deflatable

captkw - 6-11-2012 at 06:16 AM

:?:

lots of

mtgoat666 - 6-11-2012 at 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
Sounds like a fun trip, but to be honest, not very ardous (sp). Relative luxury compared to the guy that rowed a New England Dory down, or Kayakers....I'll watch for him here at Mulege..Emergency Pacificos will be available.

yes, walking, bicycling, kayaking or sailing a small craft seems a bit more adventurous and worthy of publicity than motoring in a deluxe powerboat. travel adventure is man vs nature sans internal combustion engine!

BajaBlanca - 6-11-2012 at 06:37 AM

I think any way you travel Baja is worthy and can be considered adventurous. Baja is brutal/fantastic no matter your mode of travel, so the adventure is inherent. It is not only the vehicle, but the people you meet, the places you see, the experiences you have which are totally out of your comfort zone.

I personally loved the fact that he started this journey by overcoming his own challenges after his accident.

bigmike58 - 6-11-2012 at 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
I think any way you travel Baja is worthy and can be considered adventurous. Baja is brutal/fantastic no matter your mode of travel, so the adventure is inherent. It is not only the vehicle, but the people you meet, the places you see, the experiences you have which are totally out of your comfort zone.

I personally loved the fact that he started this journey by overcoming his own challenges after his accident.

Well said!! :yes:

MikeYounghusband - 6-11-2012 at 07:46 AM

He'll be back, it grows on you like a fungus.

Hook - 6-11-2012 at 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ????

Mulegena - 6-11-2012 at 08:21 AM

Baja sticks to ya' like a cholla cactus in yer leg.

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeYounghusband
He'll be back, it grows on you like a fungus.

bacquito - 6-11-2012 at 08:30 AM

good luck!

desertcpl - 6-11-2012 at 08:33 AM

thats to bad,, let us know what happened

one good thing that he had this trouble in Gonzaga bay and was able to get into Alponsinas

he will have alot of good help and good people for help

if it had been in some of the more remote areas , it would be alot different, I also agree with some here about the inflatable being just to rough riding for a long haul like this, mabye next time he might consider some thing like this

http://yuma.craigslist.org/boa/3068064646.html

[Edited on 6-11-2012 by desertcpl]

Barry A. - 6-11-2012 at 08:39 AM

Quote:

What a shame. I have always wanted to do the same trip in my Gregor 14 foot 'tin boat', but never had the guts and organizing ability to set up the fuel and H2O "dumps" to facilitate such a trip. I have provided such logistics for several similar kayak trips by my friends-----which in itself was fun, and took me into some really remote places via land.

I do hope he trys again.

Thanks to Graham and David for helping us to follow the progress, while it lasted.

Barry

Graham - 6-11-2012 at 08:45 AM

Yes. I agree. The challenge and exhilaration of running that coastline will call him back. He's had vastly bigger challenges than this to deal with. I'm sure he'll learn the lessons and try again.

It will be interesting to know what failed on the Zodiac and why. Matthew had it in the shop just before the trip for a check up and servicing and they reported back it was in good shape.

He must be really disappointed. The way he was going he could have been approaching LA Bay tonight... but as desertcpl said he was lucky it didn't happen along a remote stretch like that.

David K - 6-11-2012 at 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeYounghusband
He'll be back, it grows on you like a fungus.

... and you sir, I hope you are working on your book! :yes:

MikeYounghusband - 6-11-2012 at 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeYounghusband
He'll be back, it grows on you like a fungus.

... and you sir, I hope you are working on your book! :yes:

I'll check with Don-Kay and see how he's doing. It's his book

when is the update ??

captkw - 6-11-2012 at 02:41 PM

Cypress - 6-11-2012 at 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
Baja sticks to ya' like a cholla cactus in yer leg.

Ouch!

MikeYounghusband - 6-11-2012 at 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw

UPDATE.................STILL WRITING

goldhuntress - 6-11-2012 at 10:39 PM

So sorry to hear this, a real let down for him I imagine...but I'm going to be optimistic and hope he gets it together and continues on his journey. I don't think I've ever been on a trip in Baja where my plans didn't need a revision or two.

Graham - 6-11-2012 at 10:43 PM

Latest on Matthew... heard from his wife that they tried in vain to fix the problem with the Zodiac.

He's secured a ride to San Diego tomorrow, Tuesday, where his wife will meet him and take him home to the LA area.

Then they'll both head back to Alphonsinas, probably on Thursday, (after that drama I don't think she's going let him out of sight for a while) to take the boat home and return it to the "shop" for assessment and repair.

Still not sure exactly what the problem was, but I guess we'll hear soon enough.

Now as part of taking his life back after nearly perishing in that head-on bigrig collision, Matthew qualified as a helicopter pilot and then as a pilot instructor, and I know he is just itching to explore Baja by helicopter a la Erle Stanley Gardner.

One way or another, I don't think Matthew Sokalski will be sitting too long at home watching TV or playing with his computer.

Barry A. - 6-11-2012 at 11:02 PM

Ha!!!!! Love it!!! Go Mathew!!!! :tumble:

Barry

desertcpl - 6-12-2012 at 06:31 PM

what I understand about a possible failure on the Zodiac

is that there could have been a seperation with the PVC or hard bottom

shari - 6-12-2012 at 06:41 PM

I owned 3 rigid hull zodiacs and sometimes the pontoons can become unglued from the hull...maybe that's what happened...maybe the heat damaged the glue.

I gotta say that the last couple days have been really screwed up for a few people I know...alot of bad luck going around...I wonder if there is something in the stars that triggers the nasties???? :?:

sounds like the swimmer and the zodiacer have had a run of bad luck too...sheesh.

comitan - 6-12-2012 at 06:47 PM

Its a Zodiac and PVC.

desertcpl - 6-12-2012 at 07:01 PM

I might not have that right,, but I think the hard bottom on these is my with PVC material,

shari - 6-12-2012 at 07:11 PM

zodiac rigid hull vessels have fiberglass bottoms I believe.

comitan - 6-12-2012 at 07:23 PM

Shari correct.

wish we had a report

captkw - 6-12-2012 at 07:25 PM

HOLA, defaltables can fail in many ways,,the coastees tryed them for a little while and used a brand called hurricane which was the best of them..but..alas.could not support the duty gave to them..I myself being in the Biz and till very recently working with many L.E. and SAR units have decided for my self that I dont care for them...and before anyone that has one starts yelling at me.. please let me say..IF we dont have to come looking for you (search)...enjoy what ever boat that you have..as time on/near the water is one of lifes best treasures in my humble opinion...hell if it floats..enjoy !! but. on the ocean.takes a little bit more than just buying a boat and having hopes..but that is where it starts..NO ?

desertcpl - 6-12-2012 at 07:27 PM

and she wins again,,

I was looking on West Marine and they was refering to it as PVC??
I have owned an inflatable before but not a hard bottom, so I was just shooting from the hip

captkw - 6-12-2012 at 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
HOLA, defaltables can fail in many ways,,the coastees tryed them for a little while and used a brand called hurricane which was the best of them..but..alas.could not support the duty gave to them..I myself being in the Biz and till very recently working with many L.E. and SAR units have decided for my self that I dont care for them...and before anyone that has one starts yelling at me.. please let me say..IF we dont have to come looking for you (search)...enjoy what ever boat that you have..as time on/near the water is one of lifes best treasures in my humble opinion...hell if it floats..enjoy !! but. on the ocean.takes a little bit more than just buying a boat and having hopes..but that is where it starts..NO ?

Graham - 6-13-2012 at 12:59 PM

As Matthew described the boat to me...

"A 14-foot white Zodiac inflatable with a fiberglass bottom. Powered by a 40 HP Tohatsu motor."

Another picture of it from an earlier Baja trip:

Just received a brief email from Matthew back in California. Naturally, he's disappointed and down about it, but cheered up by all the wonderful offers of help he received.

He’s preparing to return to Alphonsinas with his trailer to bring the Zodiac home for repair.

As he put it, “The tube had unglued along a 5 foot stretch.”

And even if he had the glue and materials necessary to repair it, he thought it too risky to attempt that himself knowing what was before him.

A chance he may be back to try again in a matter of days… or if not possible, to resume in October.

He said, “I want to finish it and I will.” I wouldn't bet against it... and I've got a feeling we're all going to learn a lot from this.

Barry A. - 6-13-2012 at 02:03 PM

I personally would think long and hard about using an Alum. boat next time rather than the inflatable--------I consistantly outrun "inflatables" with my GREGOR 14' when the waves get bad---------the inflatables just pound themselves (and their passengers) to death in heavy waves and have to slow way down----------not me tho, I just rip as the GREGOR handles the waves better at higher speed then when going slow.

I do wish him success, no matter what he decides to do.

Barry

deflatables

captkw - 6-13-2012 at 02:54 PM

yep like a boston whaler will knock you dentures out !! LOL... I have had three small cat's (14ft) and nothing could touch them when the it got over 20 knots and every guy that went on a ride sold the boat that had and switched..that's How I got into them .Took 1 ride and never looked at a mono again !! then got a a 15.5 and now have the beast 18.5 @ 1400lbs and twin 75 two strokers(mercs of course) and wait for the wind to come up soft,dry and did I mention...FAST !!! K&T :cool:

[Edited on 6-13-2012 by captkw]

Curt63 - 6-13-2012 at 02:58 PM

Bimini top!

captkw - 6-13-2012 at 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
yep like a boston whaler will knock you dentures out !! LOL... I have had three small cat's (14ft) and nothing could touch them when the it got over 20 knots and every guy that went on a ride sold the boat that had and switched..that's How I got into them .Took 1 ride and never looked at a mono again !! then got a a 15.5 and now have the beast 18.5 @ 1400lbs and twin 75 two strokers(mercs of course) and wait for the wind to come up soft,dry and did I mention...FAST !!! K&T :cool:

[Edited on 6-13-2012 by captkw]

woody with a view - 6-13-2012 at 03:01 PM

that's a hell of a boat to have such a failure! i'd be peeed and contacting the mfgr asap.

i love my little tin warrior!

mtgoat666 - 6-13-2012 at 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Graham
As Matthew described the boat to me...

"A 14-foot white Zodiac inflatable with a fiberglass bottom. Powered by a 40 HP Tohatsu motor."

Another picture of it from an earlier Baja trip:

he should use a local panga. pretty simple sturdy seaworthy boat, and cheaper than an inflatible with bells/whistles

desertcpl - 6-13-2012 at 03:20 PM

i can understand every one here thinking that the inflatable is a bad choice for an endeavor like this and I agree, they are not made for this.
but i think this is one thing that he wants to do, other people have done other type boats, he wants to be the first with his

woody

captkw - 6-13-2012 at 03:26 PM

is that a 25 mariner on you tinny?? k&t :cool:

Archie - 6-13-2012 at 04:06 PM

Quote:

[Edited on 6-13-2012 by captkw]

Hey Captkw, I´d like some more info on that 18.5 cat.. I have a 14ft RIB zodiac with a 20hp mercury, and i tought that as long as i could keep it off the rocks and sharp objects everything will be fine.

I use it mainly to fish close to shore or in the lagoons both sides of the peninsula, never had an issue but been thinking lately to upgrade to a medium size panga.

archie

captkw - 6-13-2012 at 04:52 PM

I would go with 14 or 15.5 these are BIG boats !! the 18.5 is over kill !! the 14 me and the wife would beach launch with a old volvo all over baja..the trick is setting it up right and keep the weight down..the ony inherit down side in cats is they dont like wieght if you want to fly over the afternoon wind chop keep it simple and scream and fly..I can send you letters sent to factory from other guys in baja about me and my boats..send me your address,,might take a bit to find them as Iam a boat repair guy and its the season..I have been consulting about boats for a long time and can give you some pointers.."sea ya" K & T :cool:

[Edited on 6-14-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 6-14-2012 by captkw]

comitan - 6-13-2012 at 04:58 PM

Archie

One word of advise your Zodiac is made with PVC in the Baja sun it will not last long you should keep it covered as much as possible, Long time Zodiac owner also involved in the Class action suite against zodiac. Which we won. :biggrin:

COMITAN

captkw - 6-13-2012 at 06:54 PM

Hola,good advice and I'll add that applies to all small size (50 &under) boats,,I see so much damage to shift,throttle,steering cables,fuel line,wire insulatin,seats..hell anthing thats not metal !!on bigger vessel the compass has its on sun cover to protect it.. they cost big bucks & when you have large nicey dailed in (compensated) you keep it out of the sun !! I assume you know MAC & MARY ?? KEITH & THE LIL TASHA :cool:

woody with a view - 6-14-2012 at 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
is that a 25 mariner on you tinny?? k&t :cool:

yup. like new with less than 100 hours. :light:

woody

captkw - 6-14-2012 at 07:31 AM

HOLA, Thats a sweet motor...it has crome rings in it so its good to run the mercury prem oil a little on the heavy side of the mix and once a year decarbon it..thats a good one !!

woody with a view - 6-14-2012 at 07:35 AM

i try to mix it 54 to 1 :biggrin:

but seriously, i do run it a little rich. how do i decarbon it? seafoam in the carb?

shari - 6-14-2012 at 07:52 AM

I would have to disagree about zodiac performance and taking a beating. I first started using rigid hull zodiacs on the west coast of vancouver island where the weather is atrocious...big swells with wind chop on top of that. I can safely say that these boats take alot of the jarring away as the pontoons absorb some of the relentless pounding any boat will encounter.

Of course the boat still pounds down but the pontoons act as a shock absorber and softens it for a bit more comfy ride. But I would worry about the glue melting aspect in hot weather....which seems to be what occured in this case. that is their weak point...the glue job must be professionally done...with all the preparations extremely well carried out...dry, well sanded, done on a perfect day or indoors, etc etc...it is a real science and not recommended to fix it yourself.

Barry A. - 6-14-2012 at 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
I would have to disagree about zodiac performance and taking a beating. I first started using rigid hull zodiacs on the west coast of vancouver island where the weather is atrocious...big swells with wind chop on top of that. I can safely say that these boats take alot of the jarring away as the pontoons absorb some of the relentless pounding any boat will encounter.

Of course the boat still pounds down but the pontoons act as a shock absorber and softens it for a bit more comfy ride. But I would worry about the glue melting aspect in hot weather....which seems to be what occured in this case. that is their weak point...the glue job must be professionally done...with all the preparations extremely well carried out...dry, well sanded, done on a perfect day or indoors, etc etc...it is a real science and not recommended to fix it yourself.

In my case, Shari, my friend had an AVON, not a ZODIAK and the biggest problem he had in high winds and rough seas is that the boat when running against the wind continously tried to go air-borne when coming off the top of waves at any speed at all--------and then would "crash" down in the trough following. He was constantly afraid that he would flip over backwards. My 14 foot GREGOR handled the same conditions much more at ease, and with less of a pucker factor, in my experience. I must admit that I personally have never run an "inflatable", so bow to your wisdom.

Thanks for the input.

Barry

comitan - 6-14-2012 at 10:34 AM

I agree with shari on the performance of the Zodiac but the sun will eat them up.

shari - 6-14-2012 at 10:45 AM

Barry...knowing how to manuever a zodiac(or any vessel) in rough seas is a seamanship or seawomanship issue many times...ya gotta alter course a bit sometimes to not get airborne...take it from a more quarterly position and of course reduce your speed.

but I figure the coast guard there uses rigid hulls for good reason...they are better in high seas, fast, unsinkable...

Barry A. - 6-14-2012 at 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
Barry...knowing how to manuever a zodiac(or any vessel) in rough seas is a seamanship or seawomanship issue many times...ya gotta alter course a bit sometimes to not get airborne...take it from a more quarterly position and of course reduce your speed.

but I figure the coast guard there uses rigid hulls for good reason...they are better in high seas, fast, unsinkable...

Shari-----That's exactly what I told my friend in the AVON------------my superior seamanship skills won out over his every time!!! :lol:

I loved running the big seas in the SOC in my 14' Gregor when the afternoon winds came up------- a real thrill!!!

Barry

captkw - 6-15-2012 at 07:04 AM

Quote:

some boats run much better at a higher speed in rough sea's !! just takes some years at the helm..K & T

comitan - 6-15-2012 at 08:22 AM

Quote:

some boats run much better at a higher speed in rough sea's !! just takes some years at the helm..K & T

Rough seas to a point, and you had better know that point.

woody waf

captkw - 6-16-2012 at 03:31 PM

WOODY,use the mercury brand "engine tune" and read the instructions ..and dont point the prop at you wifes white porsch !! A LOT of nasty black crap will be exhausted !! and to COMATAN,, If your reading this a well designed cat.proply loaded for balance dosnt take much at the helm..we call it "PP" point and punch and alot of boat race driver tease the cat's that they dont need know how to drive a boat !! most cats just want to run FAST and dont take helm !! austria and new zealand are big on cats and all of thier rescue vessels are cat's of course !! K & T..

[Edited on 6-16-2012 by captkw]

woody with a view - 6-16-2012 at 03:38 PM

got it. move the porsche..... :lol: