3$J - I’ve seen, done and fixed way worse over the years.  My first glass boat got popped when I drove over the loose bow line while it was tied to the roof rack.  My current boat flew off a roof rack in Baja at 60 mph (prior owner).  Shit happens, and it sucks when it happens to you and your new Stealth.

The photos are a little hard to see for real repair planning,  but you are on the right track:

1)  Finished repair cosmetics are probably important to you (new boat), so checking with the manufacturer on color matching, materials, and procedures may be well worth your time.  If you’re DIY inclined and have some experience with finishes you can get to pretty good cosmetics in the end.  It will take patience and the right plan however.

2)  Structural inspection is important from a safe use standpoint.  Your interior inspection and leak check plans are a good start.  Some gentle “flex checking” - twist, bend the hull while watching for movement in the damaged area.  If you have no leaks and no movement, probably you are just doing cosmetics.  Hope for that.

Really sorry for your situation.  Glad to spend some time on the phone, or other private conversation if that’s helpful.  I think you PM me if you want…..

I have been sailing SF Bay and the West Coast for about 50 years.  Skills learned allowed me to become an expedition sea kayak guide in the mid 80’s to 90’s.  Started fishing even earlier and still use both sailboats and kayaks for fishing platforms.  Currently recreational sailing on the Bay, mainly day trips with occasional overnight adventures.  Boat is 26 foot and stores on a trailer at a yacht club. 

Ownership expense is a big deal for someone new to sailing.  There are lots of opportunities to crew for others and new sailors get “rides” all the time as a way to get out there without a big financial commitment.  Some specifics to try: 1) Ask around and you’re likely to find friends that sail. 2) check out “Latitude 38” in print free at West Marine or online at “Lectronic Latitude”.  They host annual crew events to help connect sailboat skippers and prospective crew. A lot these rides are on Bay race boats, but cruising crew are needed too.  Mexico?  3) If you can spend some money there are clubs/schools around the Bay to get formal training and certification for rentals.  Cal Sailing is on the cheapest end, and they range in price.  4). Check out a yacht club.  They are all about promoting their sport. Corinthian, Alameda, and  Richmond Yacht Club are good bets.  Attend events and let people know you’re interested and you will get rides.

Hope this is helpful as a start.

Oysterer - Thanks for the report and reminder on safety.  My hope is we kayak fishers remember to be mariners first, kayakers second, and fishermen third. 

Mariners understand and safely engage the boating world.  Basic skills include: 1) accessing forecasts of wind, waves and other conditions to assess prior to launch and adapt mid-trip. 2) navigating using marine charts, visual, compass, and/or electronic inputs to plan safe routes, know their location and stay on track.  3) Understanding and anticipating other vessels and their limitations.  4) Using VHF and other communication in routine and emergency situations.

In trip planning I try to have the “what ifs” covered.  More wind, bigger waves, less visibility, or a capsize all need to be OK if the trip is a “go”.
In other words, I prefer not to launch at the edge of my comfort zone, but have some capacity in case things get worse than expected.

In addition to the USCG auxiliary class suggested by others, I recommend Chapman’s Piloting and Small Boat Semanship.  This book is very rich and has been used by generations of boaters to get a handle on the basics of becoming a mariner.

I am currently using INavX to access charts on my phone, and a magnetic compass on deck.  If visibility is forecast or observed low I try to run simple straight line compass courses in case electronics fail.  For example  - the DR1 buoy is roughly south of Bolinas.  I try to go straight there on foggy days and get a visual location fix on arrival.  Then it’s north back to the landing to get home.

Knowing what to expect in shipping lanes, channels, and harbor entrances is also important since we are the little boats.  The big boats sometimes need the deep water, do not maneuver well, don’t know the rules or can’t see us.  Expecting or pushing your “rights” may not end well.  Help the other guy see you and show your intentions early.  Changing course or speed to avoid a conflict is usually pretty easy for a kayak, and we usually need only a few feet (or inches) of water under us.  I try to run the edge of a harbor entrance or channel .  If I need to cross, I aim to do it directly and quickly. 

Hope these thoughts help some people.  Loads of information on these forums about kayaking and fishing skills.  First be a mariner!

Hauls more than beer! 

Walk into West Marine and ask for an SF Bay 2015 tide and current booklet.  You will find a series of charts showing the current speed and direction at various times relative to max flood or ebb.  You will need to read the directions to use the charts correctly, but they are detailed, handy size (3.5 by 5 inch booklet), and free! 

This resource has been my go to for current prediction on the bay.  I think the Gate approach is well covered, so Baker Beach should have data.  Hope this is helpful. 

P.S. -I looked for this publication online, but could not find it.  If anyone knows a link ....

Michael - Take Kenny up on that private.  He has over 30 years of experience teaching paddling. 

We launched my big double off Paradise for some salmon trolling at California City last year  No fish were taken. But we saw some on the surface. 

The launch was a bit of a grunt, packing the boat and gear down from the parking area, but with wheels it would be pretty nice.  The park is first rate, and appeared pretty safe.  Entrance/parking fee was required.  Depending on current this launch would serve well for access to Angel Island.  Check the tide/current tables and give it a go.