Long range Blackman trip planning

I know, I know it's a long way off but, I wanted to put a bug in everyone's ear about a trip I will make next season and would be much more comfortable if there were a couple boats along with me. A Blackman flotilla we'll call it. Ok, I was talking with the son in law of the former owner of the Harvey-B (Blackman). He tells me that the family (Binghams) have made the Benitos/Cedros trip a couple times in their 26 billfisher. He said that they (Harvey-B) had a larger fuel capability than the standard Billfisher (225 gal I think?). But he said that Bahia Tortuga was a very well equipped facility which he's never seen run out of diesel fuel. This guy runs a large private sport fisher and makes the run down there often. The plan is to launch from S.D., top off at Coral (Ensenada), spend the night at San Martin Island, then make the run straight to Tortuga for fuel the next day. I think that I'll bring a 20 gal fuel bladder as well. I plan to fish the area for a couple days and surf Natividad as well. I'm putting this out there as a planning notification and will bring charts, to the BOCA picnic to discuss. I plan to make the trip in August or September. Of course we'll take a good close look at the weather for potential tropical storm development before departing. All in all I think the entire trip will require 11 days. Three for the transit down, five for the fishing/surfing trip amd three transiting back. Fuel for thought!

Scott

Scott

Sounds great maybe make a San martin run as a shake down trip.

Dan And Ann have been talking about your trip maybe they would make the run.

Russ

Check your browser,You must have us confused with the Riviera Board !

That's pretty far Scott, too many things can happen too far out and S.O.L. is not a good feeling! Coast Guard is at least 2-4 hrs by air, 8-12 hrs by sea. No los tienen "Vessel Assist"!

The fishing up here is generally too good in Aug/Sept to leave it for something else farther away with fuel prices the way they are today.

You might consider the Mag Bay trip in October/early November; Same or bigger size tuna you would have at Benitos in August/ wahoo on the ridge, dodos, blue and striped marlin, plus all the inshore species inside the bay. Trailer down in 2 days, fish a week, and trailer back in 2 days. More boats/assistance in Mag Bay than Benitos/ Turtle Bay.

Going down in so-so weather can be done in a 26, but coming back uphill is a whole different ballgame, there aren't a whole lot of places to hide in case the offshore wind begins to howl for 3-5 days.

Pick your poison: Instant death in a head-on with a Mexican semi or 1500# bull on Highway 1 ; or 2-6 day slow death treading water wondering if the currents are going to take you SW towards Tahiti where every night you have to paddle like mad dodging freighters in the night with feet chewed up by molas or drifting NW towards Guadalupe and becoming part of the summer white shark extravaganza !

Doghouse, are we getting old. Scott's a youngster that's the reason he bought the boat.
I like $80 a day for a panga cerveza and surf perch.

Add the fish tacos in Guererro Negro!

Jeff,
You are right. There could be some danger involved. But, then again we could get waxed while driving home today too.
I know Mag Bay is a great alternative I just don't like the part about trailering a big arse boat over those mountains south of Ensenada with winding twisting roads, 300' drop offs, no guard rails, and big trucks coming at you with less than 2' of clearance.
With proper planning (HF Comms, epirb, and life raft) and another boat or two along the trip could be epic and very safe. San Clemente Island and Todos Santos are great adventures but, for me it's time to venture a little further.
Like the song say's "Life goes by so fast, you only want to do what you think is right, close your eyes and it's past... story of my life".

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I just don't like the part about trailering a big arse boat over those mountains south of Ensenada with winding twisting roads, 300' drop offs, no guard rails, and big trucks coming at you with less than 2' of clearance.

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Been there, done that, wouldn't do it again.

Well in case you didn't know, Ann has driven their 26' down to Mag Bay 7 times. No hot truck either, just a 1982 Suburban. Dan says he's too scared to drive so he reads while she drives.

I think he does all his reading from the back seat.

Do you still plan on going on this trip and when? I will take ownership of a new billfisher at the end of this month or into first week of Aug. Was planning on trip to San Martin for first maiden voyage. Would like to go down with you to at least that far.