SF North Bay

Actually, up the lazy Petaluma slough. Here approaching Hwy 37 bridge a bit inward of the river's/slough's mouth.




And here the final destination, within a few steps of central Petaluma with lots of restaurants and stores.



Although one might need to consider the occasional commercial traffic.

We are planning a trip to the Sacramento delta next fall. We have a son in Petaluma but we had not planned on going up the Petaluma river due to reports of extreme shoaling from lack of rain. Proud Mary draws about four feet with single screw protected by a skeg. It sounds like you had no trouble with the river. Do you advise the trip? We had planned on going to Napa but sounds like we may be able to get to Petaluma after all.

Paul

The Petaluma needs a dredge, no question. Make your trip near the end of a flood and stay in the middle of the channel. The Petaluma is NOT a river. It's a tidal slough. The "river" designation was given years ago when the local politicians were after federal money for its dredging. Therefore, the "outside of the bends are deepest", that we see in rivers, aren't true for the Petaluma slough.


We draw about 4' x 2" and have never had a problem when transiting in high water. When you reach the turning basin, stay close to the wharf on the south side of the basin. It's shallow everywhere else!


The problem with going up the Napa River is it takes most of the day, but the city doesn't allow overnight stays at their dock. If you do choose the Napa, which, by the way, is a beautiful trip, pick your times for an incoming flood.

Ray,
Thank you for the information. We may have a private dock available in Napa so the city dock in not a problem. I may have more questions later.

Paul