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Random Quote: Only two times I'll fish, if I'm alone or with somebody.....
im looking at a 08 21 footer... how far out can i take her if the conditions arent to bad and is this safe.
As far as you would want to find yourself out with a motor that won't start on a day when NOAA and his forecast took a surprise turn for the worse. And only you can answer that question, so forget about what other people do.
Good rule of thumb told to me by veterian captain- approx. 1 nautical mile per foot size of the boat.For example 18' boat about 18 miles or so, Of course weather permitting and boat safety gear are very important
Ryan, there are way too many variables for you to be able to answer that question. The type of boat is a variable. My 21' is a small 21' and there are days I won't go offshore in it at all. There are other times I don't mind running it out a fair piece. Another variable is the quality and quantity of the safety gear you will carry. You are another variable. You are inexperienced, so that will be a limiting factor. It takes a while to learn your boat, your area and the weather. Take a safety course and go out with an experienced operator a time or two. You'll learn a lot. When making your decisions tend to the conservative side.
__________________ 2008 Pioneer Cape Island 18/Yamaha 115 2S
1999 Custom Craft 14/Mercury 25 2S
Plastic Navy: Hobie Revo 13, Heritage Redfish 10, Emotion Mojo 12, Field and Stream SOT 12
The answer is one that can speak to a lot of things, "Don't get caught.". In this case it means don't get caught in a situation you and your boat can't handle - weather, seas, mechanical failure, medical emergency, ??.
You need adequate situational awareness to get to a safe harbor (not necessarily the one you started from) if conditions start to tank. You either need to have help with you or be able to get help if you have a mechanical failure or medical emergency. Time can be your biggest enemy with many of the problems you might encounter (for a buddy to tow you in, for a tow to arrive, etc.).
For many of the bad things that can happen, a bigger boat can be safer. For some of the bad things that can happen, no boat is big enough.
Big trips in a little boat take more careful planning with regard to conditions and more equipment and gear than for inshore trips. The gear $$ are a lot more per boat cost $$ than for big boats.
If you have to ask, you and your boat probably aren't ready.
The answer is one that can speak to a lot of things, "Don't get caught.". In this case it means don't get caught in a situation you and your boat can't handle - weather, seas, mechanical failure, medical emergency, ??.
You need adequate situational awareness to get to a safe harbor (not necessarily the one you started from) if conditions start to tank. You either need to have help with you or be able to get help if you have a mechanical failure or medical emergency. Time can be your biggest enemy with many of the problems you might encounter (for a buddy to tow you in, for a tow to arrive, etc.).
For many of the bad things that can happen, a bigger boat can be safer. For some of the bad things that can happen, no boat is big enough.
Big trips in a little boat take more careful planning with regard to conditions and more equipment and gear than for inshore trips. The gear $$ are a lot more per boat cost $$ than for big boats.
If you have to ask, you and your boat probably aren't ready.
Both you and Paul Bernard have given very credable answers.
Truth is, no one person can answer the question for another person. Both you and Paul have given sound advice. I've never, and will never, answer that question to someone who asks me, and I'm asked all the time.
A long time ago when we only built flat bottom boats, which was our heretage, I kept two boats at my dock. One, a 24' PRO-LINE, 10 degree bottom, the other a V-20 WELLCRAFT. Please understand this was late sixties, a long time ago. I'd often take my son fishing offshore in both. But, when asked the question by a consumer, I'm always very careful in my answer. I'd have no problem talking about my personal situation, but never presume to tell the customer what is safe and prudent for his or her family. It's really an impossible question to answer for someone else.
I fish regularly up to 25miles out on a 20' boat. I look at the weather the day before I go offshore as well as the following days forecast to eliminate any fronts that could stall or arrive quicker than expected. I also look at the wave forecast all around the area I plan on running too just to make sure nothing looks funky. If there is anything that causes me concern I stay inshore. If it looks good I go early and usually running back in by 2:00
Remember it can get rough, even if calm when you start. That gets folks killed. Range, gear and experience are all important. I had a very seaworthy 18 footer I used to go 35 plus miles and was in up to 8' steep seas, but the boat was in top shape, had a kicker, Radio and emergency gear. Plus I had a lot of experience in that perticular stretch of water.
