California - Advice: 20 people on a boat from CA Port

I've been "volunteered" to put together a group trip in California for a group of 20....everyone want's to rent one boat in some California Port preferrably San Diego or San Francisco for a weekend overnighter.

My dilema, I think it's easier to just get a rate on a Catalina Island weekend cruise rather than try to find a boat for 20. I think that 20 people on a boat overnight requires specific boats anyway with Coast Guard rules. Anyone know a good direction to head for any large boat rentals or charters?

Ideally we stay overnight in the boat, 3 - 4 days, we have a budget and it's not on the cheap so we can spend a little money. If you can prove me wrong that getting a pre packaged adult cruise is not the only way to go, many people will be very happy. Thanks!

You won't be able to do a cruise to Catalina on a large cruseship (e.g. Carnival) without visiting Ensenada. An obscure old law called the Passenger Vessel Services Act prohibits foreign-flagged vessels from carrying passengers between 2 US ports unless they visit a foreign port. (I've greatly simplified the complicated PVSA rules).

The largest operator of Catalina transportation is Catalina Flyer. They leave out of LA, Long Beach, and Newport. You can simply use them as normal passengers, or they may do charters or recommend someone who does out of SAN (about a 5h trip by water though).

Also consider a land-based hotel instead of chartering a boat the whole time. I don't know much about boating, but both main harbors (Avalon and Two Harbors) are moorings, you cannot dock. So it would require a tender boat, there may be a water taxi service at Avalon harbor. That may be more hassle than you want (or may be exactly what your group wants!)

You might want to check out this site -

http://www.killerentertainment.com/Californiacruises.htm

Thanks to both, I'll check out the link JerryFF. I also think a shore side hotel with day trips is a good option too.

Another option:

- a group that includes avid fishermen might be up for an overnight, 1.5 day, or long range San Diego charter fishing trip for "big game" fish like albacore, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, big eye tuna and dorado. These are usually hot from late June through September.
http://www.pointlomasportfishing.com
http://www.hmlanding.com/
http://www.fishermanslanding.com/

Cheers to all, we ended up with the fishing charter for the day.