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Where to see yachts on the west coast?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Surf Cruise, Mar 9, 2007.

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  1. Surf Cruise, Mar 9, 2007
    #1
    Surf Cruise

    Surf Cruise New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
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    Location:
    Grand Haven, MI
    I am on the west coast for work about once a month. I often try to stay near the water so I can walk marinas in the evening and look at boats, but I have not come across many marinas with big boats.

    I realize I may be spoiled because I spend a fair amount of time in Florida and I don't expect much can compare to the collection of yachts there, but there has to be some big ones on the west coast.

    Ive run across a couple in San Diego, Seattle and Vancouver but have not run across anything fun in the L.A. area, or San Francisco. There has to be some big boat in those areas, any idea where to look?

    I will be in L.A. in a couple weeks and would love to do some sight (big boat) seeing.

    Any guidance is appreciated.

    Thanks
  2. goplay, Mar 9, 2007
    #2
    goplay

    goplay Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2006
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    Location:
    Sausalito, CA
    The west coast does not come close to the "high zoot" boats you will see in Florida. San Francisco Bay Area has a handful of larger yachts berthed in the Sausalito area.

    In southern California, the highest concentration of nicer yachts is in Newport Beach. The best way to view them is from the water. Get access to an electric Duffy if you can and tour the area. The first time I was there I was really blown away... and again it doesn't compare to FL!
  3. KCook, Mar 9, 2007
    #3
    KCook

    KCook Senior Member

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    Location:
    Phoenix
    I agree with goplay, Newport Beach is very enjoyable. However, virtually all docks are private, no real opportunity to do a "dock walk". There is (or at least used to be) a large boat rental operation at the beach end of the ferry for Balboa Island. Rent sumthin and have a ball. Weekend traffic is a zoo, if that is an issue for you.

    Long Beach Marina (not the commercial harbor) and Marina Del Ray also have nice yachts.

    Kelly Cook
  4. Surf Cruise, Mar 9, 2007
    #4
    Surf Cruise

    Surf Cruise New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
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    Location:
    Grand Haven, MI
    What you guys are saying is kind of the same cocnclusions I have come to. I figured with the vast amount of knowlage on this site someone might know where to go.

    I guess my serious dreaming will be limited to Southern Florida. But I will keep looking on the west coast and let you know if I get lucky.
  5. coismov, Mar 9, 2007
    #5
    coismov

    coismov Member

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    Feb 4, 2006
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    Location:
    Milwaukee, WI
    From time to time I get down to Marina Del Rey from LA and there are occasionally some respectable yachts down there. A few that I remember are Marinteknik's "Griff" and PJ's "Birgitta" (ex Cover Drive). The docks aren't all open to the public though, so it makes for inconsistant yacht spotting, but it's still a very pleasant, nautically oriented town. Lots to do along the shore.