[Texas Marine Clean]

I have a small 18 ft flat bottom we took out about 10miles last week we were to scared to go any farther. The water was smooth as glass caught lots of sharks but nothing worth keeping. I just wonder what how much larger a boat I need to buy to go out about 25-30 miles and get into some bigger fish. Or maybe i'm just a **** fool for even thinking about that kind of trip in a bay boat what do you think?

 

[Specialops]

It's OK But if there is any and I do Mean ANY chance of a thunderstorm absolutly DON"T DO IT. YOU WILL GO DOWN!

 

[Texas Marine Clean]

yeah with hurricane season on I probably ought to wait untill I can bum a ride.

 

[Cru]

It is up to you to determine how risk averse you are. Is it prudent to go 25-30 miles off in a single engine bay boat? Maybe, people do it all the time. Some people also ride wheelies on motorcycles and jump off buildings with parachutes. Those activities are more dangerous. I have a wife and kids, so I want twin engines and an offshore boat to go out past sight of land. 25-30 miles can be an awful long way if there is a squall and it gets rough.

 

[Instigator]

Not counting Mexican shark boats? Me, in the almost 22' Instigator. But wait, that was 50 miles out!

 

[CAPSIZED]

I had a 17' seahunt that I ran 30-40 miles regularly (in july, lol.). Had many fun trips, lots of fish for little money. I also had a few close calls with the weather. That was all before I was a dad... now I have too much to live for. Been there done that.... never again.

 

[Bret]

We saw a 20ish ft center console bay boat out at falcon last august during the POC gathering.. no top but a big ole golf unbrella tied to the console. That 63 miles from port a and 50something from POC. but it was a flat day..

 

[gostomskij]

I probably ought to wait untill I can bum a ride.

There are many, and I do mean many guys on this board that are willing to take you out. Start a thread stating all your knowledge, what you can afford, how far you like to go, what equipment you have, days that you are available. In short, introduce yourself. People (including me) will take note and when a opening happens be ready.

Victor

 

[mcgolfer]

i won't say what or how big but i have seen some very small boats more than 40 miles offshore. most of these boats are probably towed to the coast by bass fishermen with a sense of adventure. at one time i was one of those who judgement was a little suspect. i am still here to talk about it and it did make me move fom the lakes to the seas after a few not so nice rides in thunderstorms...rick

 

[CLVL]

Small boat, no sides, 60+

This guy was out 60+ miles from Freeport last weekend (not that I would recommend following his lead).

 

[LA Cox]

60+!!! That's nuts! Back when I was younger we took an 18' Bayhawk 32-34 miles out. Of course we had problems with the throttle gears stripping out on that trip...Thank god I had Mcgiver on the boat! Smarter the next day and took the big boat out!

Late,
Cox

 

[agulhas]

i think the weight of his balls is what was pushing that boat so low in the water.

 

[spoiled rotten]

last year in july about 3 miles from double yellow. i saw a 14 foot jon boat with two men in baseball caps and young woman in the middle fishing.

 

[trashcanslam]

i've been 80+ in a 17' boston whaler with a FICHT! had an aux fuel bladder from a Viking... back in the younger days of couse its all we had

 

[sqwaby]

Fished my old 17' whaler 20-25mi. out more than a few times. If you get caught in a good storm in that flat bottom you'll have problems with the steep swells coming over the bow. you had better rig a monster bilge pump.

 

[Fishtrap2]

Honestly, there is a lot of drama in this "go out in a bay boat with a single engine and you will die" stuff. If you plan it correctly and use your head you will be fine. I do admit that there is a risk but again, use your head! I fish out of a 24' bay boat with a single Yamaha 225 HP engine every chance I get. Just a few things to remember...

1) Over maintain your engine and boat.
2) Always file a float plan and a time of return with someone you can count on.
3) Invest in Tow Boat US insurance as to not screw up anyone elses day if you do have engine trouble.
4) SAT phones are worth it!
5) Do not overcrowd the boat.
6) Invest in good PFD's.
7) Carry an extra prop, filters, tools, oil, plugs, etc. If your boat can not carry these items...it is too small.
8) Know your range.
9) Buddy boats are a good idea...always!
10) Carry a first aid kit.
11) Have a good radio but remember the line of sight rule!
12) High Pressure is king!
13) Leave the beer at home...drink lots of water!

Just a few thoughts...

Even the smaller bay boats are more seaworthy than some of the boats that most people went offshore in 15-20 years ago.

Next time I have to loan some guy in a 31 ft. fountain a gallon of oil, I will be sure to post up...happy to do it but come on!

 

[haparks]

i am planning my first trip off shore the week of the 18th if its glass i figure 20 to 25 miles is my limit-- i have a 19ft kenner cc with a 125 merc 1 year old holds 32 gal of gas is this with in reason---

 

[iridered2003]

it's not about the size of your balls! it's about common since and confidence in your boat.this is my 17ft princecraft with a 50 hp mercury. i launch on the beach. i run out too VA FOG last weekend.it was 40 miles from where i launched and a 35 mile run from freeport. i went out 2 or 3 weeks ago in 4 to 6 ft seas and that will never happen again! it will only happen if a storm pops up on me. just use your head and check the weather for a week before you plan on going. thats what i do and last weekend paid off good. good luck and good fishing

 

[bioman]

i have a 20 ft fish and shi barge, just make sure you have tow boat us they will come and get you up to 25 miles out of galveston.
i dont go out unless it is glass and you have to check the weather pretty careful. just depends on your comfort level, we take three gas cans out there and we try not to use the third. the third is for emergency, only, i cary extra bilge pumps, hell of a lot of rope in case you got to anchor up, if your in 80 ft of water you might have to put out 200 ft of rope to hold, extra batterys, extra tools, but my boat can handle the extra stuff and weight

 

[SurfMeister]

We saw a Carolina Skiff flat bottom boat coming in at 25 miles when we spotted a piece of wood that was holding ling. We waved him down and let him try his luck on the ling. I know that Carlolina Skiff's are foam-filled, but man that hull must beat you to death in any kind of wave conditions. SM