Sailboats

What kind of sailing certificate do you require?

While we don't require any formal certification, we will ask you questions about your sailing experience and size of boats you have sailed. That will determine what type of boat you can handle according to local conditions.

How many people can we take on a sailboat?

Each boat is rated for a maximum adult capacity (see price list). The Coast Guard considers the average adult weight to be around 125 lbs. Limitation can also be determined by seating and space configuration.

What size boat can we take out in Mission Bay or on the ocean?

Mission Bay is a semi-enclosed bay with different areas. One bay is designated for sailing; sailboats from 16' to 25' can easily sail that section in one to two hours. The other bay is a no-speed-limit area and is dedicated to power boats. Our Capri 22's, Catalina 250's, and larger sailboats have the option to go to the ocean which is only a few minutes away from our dock. You can sail north towards La Jolla and back (a four to eight hour sail, depending on wind conditions). All of our ocean going sailboats are equipped with a motor in case the wind dies and to facilitate getting in and out of the channel. We do require some prior ocean sailing experience for these boats.

How are these boats rigged?

Ocean-going sailboats are equipped with a motor, roller-furling jib, porta-potti or head, anchor, VHF radio and safety kit.

Where can we sail in San Diego Bay?

From our Downtown and Coronado locations, you can sail almost the entire harbor with sailboats from 18' to 36'. Some of the sights you will enjoy include the Coronado Bay Bridge, naval stations, aircraft carriers, downtown skyline, marine wildlife, and the submarine base. Typical sailing time would be anywhere from two to eight hours, depending on wind conditions.

Is it difficult to sail a Hobie Cat?

If you've never sailed a catamaran before and have some monohull experience you should be able to take a cat on your own after a half hour to one hour of sailing instruction with our staff. Lessons are $25 per hour plus the price of boat rental. Catamarans are a lot of fun, very fast, and very tricky! Before you can sail a catamaran, you have to build up some monohull sailing experience. Expect to get wet!

What should I wear when I want to sail?

Typical San Diego weather is nice, so dress accordingly. It is always a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or jacket in case the wind really picks up. Please wear tennis shoes or dock shoes, but no black-soled shoes (they leave black marks on the boat). Bring plenty of sunblock, a hat, sunglasses and drinks.

Are there places to dock for lunch? What if we need restrooms?

Most of our boats are equipped with porta-potties or enclosed heads, but there are also places to stop in San Diego Harbor. We will give you a detailed map with those locations when you rent a boat. There are one or two places in Mission Bay to stop for lunch and about six places in San Diego Harbor.

Do you provide skippers?

If you have no sailing experience or you don't wish to handle the boat yourself, we have USCG-licensed captains who can take you sailing with a maximum of six passengers, regardless of the size of boat. This is a coast guard regulation and that means a maximum of six bodies plus the captain. In addition to the boat rental fee, the captain's fee is $70 for two hours (minimum) and $25 for any additional hour. Non refundable reservations are mandatory and should be made as early as possible; occasionally we can arrange captains with a couple of hours notice. Tips are customary and should commensurate to the level of service received. 

If you have more than six passengers, we can help you hire your own skipper and you can have up to the maximum capacity of the vessel.

It has been while since I have sailed small boats. What do you recommend?

We can provide a refresher course out of our Mission Bay or Coronado location on a 16.5' or 18' sailboat. It is typically a fifteen ($7.00) to thirty-minute ($12.50) lesson and is part of your rental time. When you feel comfortable and the instructor feels you are ready, then you can sail on your own.

Do I have to rig the boat before my rental?

No, in most cases, the boats are rigged up and ready to go. When you return the rental, we take care of de-rigging and cleaning. Your job is to have fun!

Do you offer sailing classes?

We are an American Sailing Association school. We offer a Basic Keelboat Sailing Class every month. This is a two-day class (generally on a weekend) with a maximum of four students per Capri 22'. The cost is $249.00 to the public or free for members who join our sailing club at regular price of $249. (See Sailing Club for more information on the club, other classes and special discounts.).

Do you offer overnight rentals?

Yes, we do offer overnight rentals at our two San Diego Bay locations. You can sail for the day and spend the night on the boat at one of our docks with amenities, or you can anchor in Glorietta Bay Marina. The price on a Catalina 320 for the night only is $185 (does not include linens). Another option is to sail for the day in San Diego Harbor, sail into the ocean towards Mission Bay and spend the night at our Mission Bay dock or in Mariners Cove. You can then return to San Diego Harbor the following day.

Powerboats

Do I need a license to drive a motor boat?

No boating license is required to drive a motor boat. It does however help if you have some previous boating experience. Either way, we will give you a detailed map explaining the speed limits and boundaries and we will show you how to handle the boat before you depart. We also recommend you take a look at www.boatus.org for  boating and boating safety information. It is your responsibility to make sure you are qualified to operate the boat rent.

What size boat can you take out to the ocean?

If you have enough boating and ocean experience, you can rent one of our motor boats to go to the ocean. On a calm day, you need a minimum of an 18 foot motor boat; on a windy day we recommend a boat of 20 feet or larger.

Can we go from San Diego Harbor to Mission Bay or vice versa?

If you have adequate experience, you can rent an 18' (or preferably larger) powerboat to take this trip. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour and a half to go from one bay to the other. (From the Mission Bay jetty to the mouth of San Diego Harbor it takes about 45 minutes, depending on the sea conditions). San Diego Harbor can be cruised anywhere between one to four hours. We will provide more details at the time of the rental.

What is the right size boat for cruising in Mission Bay?

The size of the boat you rent will be determined by the number of passengers you have, the price and size you feel comfortable with. Typically one of our most popular "family-sized" boats is the Fundeck 17' or Searay 180 XL'. Both have open bow, nice cushion seats and enough power to pull a innertube or skier . See price lists for more details.

How about cruising in San Diego Bay?

The same holds true in San Diego Bay, however it is a very busy harbor with navy ships and more traffic. The water tends to be more rough, so vessels 18' and larger generally provide for a more comfortable ride.

What is the maximum number of people I can put on a motor boat?

Our bigger boats hold 9-10 adults, although when you reach the max capacity it will affect the boat's performance and speed. Sometimes it is advantageous and safer to split your group between two or more boats.

Do you rent waterskiing boats?

Yes! We have boats at all three locations available for skiing. The skiing equipment (flag, skis, rope, vests) can be rented with several different type of boats for $10/hr, $15/2hrs, $25/4hrs. You must have at least three people to ski (one driver, one skier, and one spotter who has to be at least 12 years old). We find the morning hours are the best time to ski due to less traffic and calmer water. We also have innertubes, wakeboards and kneeboards available.

How old does one need to be in order to rent a waverunner and do I need previous experience?

The driver of the waverunner must be at least eighteen; the passenger must be at least five years old. It is helpful if you've been on a waverunner before, but not necessary. At the time of the rental, our staff goes through a comprehensive explanation of the craft and explains the safety waiver. In addition, the dockhand gives you a "hands-on" explanation with the waverunner itself. We have shorty wetsuits to fit most people.

Fishing boats

What type of fishing boats can I rent?

We have 14' flat-bottom bay skiffs in Mission Bay and Coronado. They seat up to five people and have a 8 HP motor. Our ocean-going fishing boat is a 17' center console equipped with a bait tank, V.H.F radio and anchor. This center console can go to the kelp beds between Point Loma and La Jolla cove and renter must have prior ocean experience as a skipper on similar boat or larger.

Reservations are recommended for the center consoles. Please refer to the price lists for rates and availability.

What do people use for bait?

Local anglers use plastic lures, frozen anchovies/ sardines or live bait either swim bait or bloodworms.

Do you offer small and large group events?

Yes, to celebrate special occasions we have boats for small groups (up to ten people) or we can customize a large company event (up to 200 people). In fact, our corporate sales team has created really unique and fun team building events like sailboat wave rally's and power boat poker runs. San Diego is a naturally beautiful meeting spot and what better than getting the attendees out sailing!

Do you need a license to fish in California?

Yes, you need a salt water fishing license if you are 16 years old or older. A one day license is $12.10 and must be displayed when you fish. Local California residents can purchase 2007 annual fishing license for $41.50.