Hi,
I am after some advice on taking my boat to Rottnest for a few days (end of Dec to early Jan) will it be safe to go over in it and is there anywhere I can find out averages for the weather in January mostly the swell and wind so I have an idea what I'm getting myself into. I will attach a photo of my boat because i'm not sure if it will be big enough to take over there. Hope someone can help me :) Thanks Tasha.

Hot and easterly winds in the morning before the seabreeze probably kicks in

If you pick your day, its an easy trip (especially from Freo) but if the seabreeze kicks in it'll be a lumpy ride back. I think they still do those rotto convoys so suss that out as well.

When i was studying in Freo, one of the boys was filthy rich and lived on the river so daddy bought him a 18ft centre console to avoid traffic so we'd hit up Rotto a few times each week depending on classes. Never any issues.

If in any doubt look at this site

biawa.asn.au/pages/rottnest-safety-convoy-2

Might help you might not...

We really need a picture of you standing in front of your boat.

Under some circumstances you could possibly get an escort all the way over, and all the way back,.. I mean,..

Thanks for that guys :)

hi tash and dan
for climate stats on rottnest:
www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_009038.shtml
or here www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/ and zoom in to rottnest lighthouse
you'll need to look at the wind strength v direction pdfs to understand what MDSX is talking about above
for tide and wave data, i won't assume you're familiar with this just because you posted on seabreeze
www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/rottnest-island-tide-and-wave.asp
you really need to start checking it daily and get a feel for how the sea and swell translate to conditions on the water if you want to be proficient out there.
also, don't under estimate what a 1m sea from 25kn easterlies (ie wind waves heading out to sea in the morning) can do to your vessel if you're inexperienced - can be quite hairy once you hit the outer part of cockburn sound and deeper waters despite it looking like glass at leighton.
ditto the 2m seas we can get from a couple of days of 30kn SWers in the afternoons.

if in doubt, sit it out. but otherwise play safe and enjoy!

where do you plan to launch from ?

i
go here if swan river/freo way and become a member and learn to logon and logoff

www.searescue.com.au/

or here if rockingham way

www.cockburnsearescue.org.au/

mazdon is right . Don't just listen to someone who says go over on an easterly . In your size boot which looks about 18ft , anything over 15 knots easterly will make it a bumpy ride over . Do some runs out to carnac and stragglers first on average days to see what sort of fuel consumption and how your boat handles . My biggest bit of advice is if in doubt go another day . Your boat will make it to rottnest but your days have to be picked well otherwise it will be a long and uncomfortable ride if you pick the wrong day .

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DanandTasha said..
Hi,
I am after some advice on taking my boat to Rottnest for a few days (end of Dec to early Jan) will it be safe to go over in it and is there anywhere I can find out averages for the weather in January mostly the swell and wind so I have an idea what I'm getting myself into. I will attach a photo of my boat because i'm not sure if it will be big enough to take over there. Hope someone can help me :) Thanks Tasha.

Don't base any decision on "averages for the weather"...A famous economist once drowned wading across a lake and then complained to St Paul at the Pearly Gates "...but the average depth of the lake was only 4ft!?"

DanandTasha , I think it is important for you to spend some more time out on the deep blue building up experience and getting an understanding of what weather conditions the Westerberg can cope with.
The boat itself is a rippa! Built on the south coast in Albany and designed to handle fairly tough conditions.

Experience skippering will help you decide on the day if the trip over is possible or not, don't rely on other peoples word.

Go fishing towards rotto and get a feel of how you need to drive the boat and safe speeds whilst the wind is blowing from certain angles. Obviously keep it to under 15knts and I would recommend under 2m swell until you gain more confidence.

I fish out of a 4.5m plate runabout and spend a fair amount of time 25 - 40km offshore - on the right days. when I feel the wind turn or pick up I usually make the call to head closer in.

Consider where you will be leaving your car and trailer, don't leave at woodies and if possible take the car back home.

pm me if you need more help.

Just follow the roto ferry, smooth water all the way, if however it smells a bit like a farmyard you've followed the wrong boat and will end up in kuwait