Through the heads and cruising Bass Strait

[Kestrel]

Hi guys
Has anyone taken their boat through the heads and then turned left or right and travelled 'inner' Bass Strait?
It's something I'd like to do in my 20' Merry Fisher, but the reputation of the 'Strait' has me concerned.
Yes of course I would check the weather and act accordingly (and safely) and have the right safety gear.... but what I'm interested in is hearing from any of you who have done it in a boat around the same size as mine about your experiences and any tips you may have.
Cheers
Kestrel.

[DougieK]

I'm not at all experienced, but the rip is terrifying. Once you're out you'll probably be ok.

[4liters]

I've been on a few trips where we've done that. I gather that if the conditions are good enough to be in the Rip itself it's fine to go right the way through. There's some interesting reefs on the outside.

It's one thing I probably won't be in a hurry to do in the kayak though.

[bowl]

Launch Barwon heads.
Plenty of gummy n reds.
Salt guide or reds fishing adventure....I'd google

[cobby]

On a decent day it's not all to different to cruising the bay following the Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry in its wake. The swells flatten out quite noticeably once away from the entrance as they're not influenced by tidal flow. For peace of mind, pick a line through the rip (the one without the standing breaking waves preferably), once you have the tip of point nepean lined up with the tip of Lonsdale on the other side continue straight out for roughly 1km before turning either left or right to easily avoid the real nasty bits.

I've done most of my strait trips out of Westernport and more often than not heading out the western entrance or around Woolamai is almost back breaking compared to what's just around the corner outside.

[purple5ive]

Launch Barwon heads.
Plenty of gummy n reds.
Salt guide or reds fishing adventure....I'd google

how do you suggest he get under the bridge?

[4liters]

Launch Barwon heads.
Plenty of gummy n reds.
Salt guide or reds fishing adventure....I'd google

how do you suggest he get under the bridge?

[ducky]

Been out the rip a handful of times. Been in the rip a dozen times. On its day it’s pristine. When it decides to be scary it’s bloody terrifying.

I’d be very hesitant to do a trip out there for the first time on anything but a dead calm day. Especially coming back on a different ride than you left. Example very light breeze on Sunday just past. Run out tide. 4-5m High rollers on the Queenscliff side.

If going for a mosey I’d launch at newhaven and do eastern entrance or head out the western from stony:hastings

[Kestrel]

Been out the rip a handful of times. Been in the rip a dozen times. On its day it’s pristine. When it decides to be scary it’s bloody terrifying.

I’d be very hesitant to do a trip out there for the first time on anything but a dead calm day. Especially coming back on a different ride than you left. Example very light breeze on Sunday just past. Run out tide. 4-5m High rollers on the Queenscliff side.

If going for a mosey I’d launch at newhaven and do eastern entrance or head out the western from stony:hastings

Yep Thanks
My boat is berthed in a Marina in the Yarra And I don't have a trailer so my only option is to go through the Heads.

[bowl]

Launch Barwon heads.
Plenty of gummy n reds.
Salt guide or reds fishing adventure....I'd google

how do you suggest he get under the bridge?

My bad.