Got a 17 1/2 foot Aquasport cc w/ 90 hp...I wonder how far off shore you guys would feel safe fishing in such a craft... boat will have all required equipment plus a VHF and good 6 hp merc on a kicker bracket. most fishing would be bay/coastal near shore but I would like to bottom fish a SEA GIRT REEF [NJ] and other areas 3-5 mi offshore.... I just hope I find the time as I have to drive 4 1/2 hrs to any coastal areas... any thoughts???/ ... bob
How far from shore??
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
something to think about
what speed can you make with boat fully loaded in building 3 foot seas while under the power of your 6 hp motor?
i would rather see a 10 - 15 hp kicker on this rig.
what speed can you make with boat fully loaded in building 3 foot seas while under the power of your 6 hp motor?
i would rather see a 10 - 15 hp kicker on this rig.
OPINARI..I understand your concern but A LOT of guys go out with NO backup propulsion. The 6HP Merc is an almost new 2 cyl and is the same size and weght as a 9.9 or 15 merc.. Neither is is going to plane a 17 1/2 foot boat of course but the amount of push this new merc has compared to other older small outboards I've owned is astounding. I was thinking more along the lines of boat size,seaworthiness,etc. Do you feel a GOOD boat like an Aquasport 175 is too small to go to inight of landhore reefs and wrecks??.. always within sight of land within sight of land say 5 miles off max??/ .... bob
bulletbob,
i can not answer your entire question. i would not have you do on your boat what i would do on my 18 footer. i do not know your boat, your skills or the waters you intend to fish. i, myself, will do things this time of year on my same boat, in my same location, that i would never do from nov thru april.
mostly because of water temperature. so you see, there are many factors that you must take into consideration.
as for the size of your kicker. you are right that the 6 is almost the same size and weight as a 10 or 15 (at least for evinrudes). but there is a world of difference between the pushing power of a 6 hp compared to a 10 or 15 hp. since they are of similar size and weight you would be much better off with a 10 or 15. i currently have a 10hp and i am looking to upgrade this to a 15hp for this very reason.
so let me again ask you to ask yourself - what speed can YOUR boat make fully loaded in building 3 foot seas while under the power of YOUR 6 hp motor? just something for YOU to think about. good luck and stay safe.
i can not answer your entire question. i would not have you do on your boat what i would do on my 18 footer. i do not know your boat, your skills or the waters you intend to fish. i, myself, will do things this time of year on my same boat, in my same location, that i would never do from nov thru april.
mostly because of water temperature. so you see, there are many factors that you must take into consideration.
as for the size of your kicker. you are right that the 6 is almost the same size and weight as a 10 or 15 (at least for evinrudes). but there is a world of difference between the pushing power of a 6 hp compared to a 10 or 15 hp. since they are of similar size and weight you would be much better off with a 10 or 15. i currently have a 10hp and i am looking to upgrade this to a 15hp for this very reason.
so let me again ask you to ask yourself - what speed can YOUR boat make fully loaded in building 3 foot seas while under the power of YOUR 6 hp motor? just something for YOU to think about. good luck and stay safe.
Opinari... all your points are valid and well taken... Nov. thru April is PARTY BOAT time for me and mine!... Boat will be used in the Finger Lakes, possibly Lake Ontario close in and Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook areas.. I would also like the Sound, but the traffic is probably brutal and its no closer than Raritan Bay... I would probably not go out any later than mid October... I have been a boat owner for much of my adult life and over those years have "rescued" many stranded boaters without ever being stranded myself... I am the type that has one eye on the rod and the other on the weather!.... There is not a fish that swims that is worth drowning myself or my teenage sons! When I look at this sleek, beamy Aquasport I think she can handle most conditions I would care to be out in. I do not venture forth when there are small craft advisories etc.. I love to fish but who wants to get thier brains beat out for a few seabass,blues,fluke,etc?? .... I'll wait.... the fish will be there when the weathers better... thats my modus operandi.... thanks for your thoughts .... bob
Bulletbob
I own the Aquasport 200 which is actually 19.5' and have used it all over. I agree with Opinari in that we cant tell you what to do with your craft, just that you have to be confortable with your decision. I will tell you that I dont have a kicker on my and that I just pick my days. I have gone out to Cholera ( about 9 mi ) with my boat, but that was with a 2ft sea and usually coming home in a 3ft by days end. I am really not worried about the boats seaworthyness, but rather having a comfortable ride. As you may or may not know, running 18-20 in a 2-3ft chop rattles your teeth. If you dont mind that, then start to explore. Otherwise, pick your days.
I own the Aquasport 200 which is actually 19.5' and have used it all over. I agree with Opinari in that we cant tell you what to do with your craft, just that you have to be confortable with your decision. I will tell you that I dont have a kicker on my and that I just pick my days. I have gone out to Cholera ( about 9 mi ) with my boat, but that was with a 2ft sea and usually coming home in a 3ft by days end. I am really not worried about the boats seaworthyness, but rather having a comfortable ride. As you may or may not know, running 18-20 in a 2-3ft chop rattles your teeth. If you dont mind that, then start to explore. Otherwise, pick your days.
one last try
bulletbob, i am not trying to shoot you down or discourage you in any way.
you asked how far off shore we would feel safe fishing in such a craft as yours.
as i said in my last post that is much too complex a question for any of us to answer for you.
you will need to make that determination for yourself, but first you must answer a great many smaller, but important questions. not answer to me or anyone else, but only to yourself or your crew/passengers, if any.
i am suggesting that you find the answer to the question i raised. the answer to that question will tell you approximately how long it will take you to reach safe harbor if/when your situation might take an unexpected and drastic turn for the worse. let us say, for the sake of discussion, that the answer is 3 mph. then you may not only be 3 miles off shore, you could be at least 1 hour off shore in possibly a very dangerous and unexpected lightning storm, just for example.
are you comfortable with that? - it is your call all of the way.
when you have determined the answers to some of these smaller questions, you will be that much closer to determining the answer to your original question.
with good judgement, planning , preparation and equipment; the most dangerous part of your offshore expedition should be the 9 hr roundtrip from your home to the ramp and back.
good luck and be safe.
bulletbob, i am not trying to shoot you down or discourage you in any way.
you asked how far off shore we would feel safe fishing in such a craft as yours.
as i said in my last post that is much too complex a question for any of us to answer for you.
you will need to make that determination for yourself, but first you must answer a great many smaller, but important questions. not answer to me or anyone else, but only to yourself or your crew/passengers, if any.
i am suggesting that you find the answer to the question i raised. the answer to that question will tell you approximately how long it will take you to reach safe harbor if/when your situation might take an unexpected and drastic turn for the worse. let us say, for the sake of discussion, that the answer is 3 mph. then you may not only be 3 miles off shore, you could be at least 1 hour off shore in possibly a very dangerous and unexpected lightning storm, just for example.
are you comfortable with that? - it is your call all of the way.
when you have determined the answers to some of these smaller questions, you will be that much closer to determining the answer to your original question.
with good judgement, planning , preparation and equipment; the most dangerous part of your offshore expedition should be the 9 hr roundtrip from your home to the ramp and back.
good luck and be safe.
thanks again guys.... bob
~~~~~
Bob,
I go out of FI Inlet in an old piece of dung 17' runabout. I never go more than say 5 miles. When people fishing on the boat complain or look green, I go back to the inlet. If I hear 3-5 foot seas, I may feel it out, but I stay inside. Anything less, and I feel safe. BUT! this is just me. I feel very confortable in the water.
You really have to feel your boat out in different seas. see how it handles the water and how you handle the boat. You dont want to bury your bow. You dont want to roll too much if lying sideways. You dont want water comming over the stern. make sure your radio is working well, and your safety gear is easily accessable. The more conditions you experience, the more comfortable and safe and skilled you will be.
Also consider who is on your boat. If kids, or non-water people are onboard, tone down your spirit of adventure.
Try a day calling for 1 to 2's. Then 2 to 3's. Try different winds. Always watch the weather. If a storm kicks up, you are traveling SLOW.
Also remember, the roughest part is often the inlet itself. Stay in the channel, and keep an eye out 360 degrees. A half mile or so past the inlet, and it often calms considerably.
Give it a shot, just ease into it.
...mocean
Bob,
I go out of FI Inlet in an old piece of dung 17' runabout. I never go more than say 5 miles. When people fishing on the boat complain or look green, I go back to the inlet. If I hear 3-5 foot seas, I may feel it out, but I stay inside. Anything less, and I feel safe. BUT! this is just me. I feel very confortable in the water.
You really have to feel your boat out in different seas. see how it handles the water and how you handle the boat. You dont want to bury your bow. You dont want to roll too much if lying sideways. You dont want water comming over the stern. make sure your radio is working well, and your safety gear is easily accessable. The more conditions you experience, the more comfortable and safe and skilled you will be.
Also consider who is on your boat. If kids, or non-water people are onboard, tone down your spirit of adventure.
Try a day calling for 1 to 2's. Then 2 to 3's. Try different winds. Always watch the weather. If a storm kicks up, you are traveling SLOW.
Also remember, the roughest part is often the inlet itself. Stay in the channel, and keep an eye out 360 degrees. A half mile or so past the inlet, and it often calms considerably.
Give it a shot, just ease into it.
...mocean
mocean..thanks for your thoughts.. I may have given the impression that I am a novice,but this is my sixth boat.I know how to quarter into rough seas and ride in the trough between followers etc.I was just wondering about where guys feel safe in a 17 foot boat. This Aquasport looks pretty rugged. I once owned a Wellcraft 17 cc and had it in some nasty stuff with no problems... I may be wrong but this Osprey looks like a more durable hull to me. Most of this boats life will be spent here in the Finger Lakes or Lake Ontario with perhaps 6 trips a year to NJ bays and inshore reefs.... I LOVE LI Sound also but need to find a good route to a productive ramp and fishing area without a ton of traffic... maybe some of our friends here can help me in that regard.. thank you again for your valuable input.... bob... [email protected]
li sound
bullet bob, where are you coming from??I know most launches on ct side of sound and alot of ways to get there..I travel from orange cty ny.
bullet bob, where are you coming from??I know most launches on ct side of sound and alot of ways to get there..I travel from orange cty ny.
fishman.. I would pass right through Orange County on Rt 17 on my way to the Sound.. .... I live in the Finger Lakes region... Candor...[near Ithaca]... long ride I know but I don't like sweetwater fishing that much.... I used to live right near Raritan bay in NJ,, I sure wish I still did....
fishman.. I would pass right through Orange County on Rt 17 on my way to the Sound.. .... I live in the Finger Lakes region... Candor...[near Ithaca]... long ride I know but I don't like sweetwater fishing that much.... I used to live right near Raritan bay in NJ,, I sure wish I still did....
Joined
·
1,679 Posts
Not so much going the distance is knowing how to forcast the weather. I look at the marine weather forcast for the water where I will be. If it is over 15kts or have any chance of going over 15 kts I don't go. There is a big difference between 15kts and 20kts in a small boat. 1-3' seas is not so bad but 2-4 is a long wet ride home.
Aside from the marine weather, I look at the weather forcast maps and see how close the isobars are. If far apart (middle of a high pressure), then your safe going to england. Before a front comes thru, stay in the bay.
I also look at the NOAA sea bouys before I leave home so I know what to expect.
I also keep my engine in top condition and if something appears wrong I fix it right away. I don't have a kikker and don't like the extra wait. I do have unlimited seatow which will get me back if something breaks.
I would start out by learning how to judge the weather like an expert and know when to go and when not to go.
After I would say your range would be 1/8 your tank of gas at full speed. This will give you 1/4-1/2 tank to use (dock to dock) and never leave the dock with less then a full tank and always come back with a 1/2 tank. 10-15 miles out is probably a safe distance once you know all the above.
Capt Marc.
PS my normal commute is 15-17 miles. Never had a problem.
Aside from the marine weather, I look at the weather forcast maps and see how close the isobars are. If far apart (middle of a high pressure), then your safe going to england. Before a front comes thru, stay in the bay.
I also look at the NOAA sea bouys before I leave home so I know what to expect.
I also keep my engine in top condition and if something appears wrong I fix it right away. I don't have a kikker and don't like the extra wait. I do have unlimited seatow which will get me back if something breaks.
I would start out by learning how to judge the weather like an expert and know when to go and when not to go.
After I would say your range would be 1/8 your tank of gas at full speed. This will give you 1/4-1/2 tank to use (dock to dock) and never leave the dock with less then a full tank and always come back with a 1/2 tank. 10-15 miles out is probably a safe distance once you know all the above.
Capt Marc.
PS my normal commute is 15-17 miles. Never had a problem.
capt marc... thanks for the fine input....I too am extremely watchful of weather and sea conditions... there is not a fish that swims that is worth drowning
weight vs. wait
my 9.9 manual & electric start kicker weighs just 80 lbs. a manual only would weigh 70 - 75 lbs. it is well worth the WEIGHT.
tow boat insurance is a great thing to have. however, you have to first call for them on your vhf or cell phone(if working). then you have to WAIT for them to come rescue you. you may not have the luxury of having the time to safely WAIT FOR THE TOW BOAT.
a kicker, in many situations, can provide you with the time needed to maintain a safe position until help from another vessel arrives. it can also prevent you from going from a bad situation to a deadly situation.
my 9.9 manual & electric start kicker weighs just 80 lbs. a manual only would weigh 70 - 75 lbs. it is well worth the WEIGHT.
tow boat insurance is a great thing to have. however, you have to first call for them on your vhf or cell phone(if working). then you have to WAIT for them to come rescue you. you may not have the luxury of having the time to safely WAIT FOR THE TOW BOAT.
a kicker, in many situations, can provide you with the time needed to maintain a safe position until help from another vessel arrives. it can also prevent you from going from a bad situation to a deadly situation.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
NorEast Fishing Forum
A forum community dedicated to fishers, anglers and enthusiasts in the North Eastern area. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, boats, tackle, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
deepseafishingpuntac
1 Reply
Gary_
1 Reply
Fishslayer09
1 Reply
Recommended Communities
Join now to ask and comment!
