Power requirements for short offshore trips.

[diver_down]

I'm looking to pick up a boat (currently still shopping). Most of the ones i looked at are I/O drives in need of repower. I plan to put an outboard on the one I get.
The main use for the boat will be coastal diving with short ofshore fishing trips (coastal part of the stelwagen bank). I am quite confused with the power requirements for an ocean boat (or any bnoat for that matter). - Used to own a sailboat so this is new to me.
If somebody could point me into the right direction regarding a starting ballpark number for the weight / power ratio I would really appreciate it. I know that most of the boats have a power rating but being an I/O kind of screws this up - conversion and everything.
I'm looking to put either a dual engine setup or a main / trolling (gas) pair on the boat.
Thank You.
Nick.

 

[arks]

Re: Power requirements for short offshore trips.

To give a realistic opinion we need more info.
What size and type of boat are you considering? Open or cabin?
How fast do you want to go?
How far offshore will you venture? Will you go out in any weather or only good conditions?

 

[diver_down]

Re: Power requirements for short offshore trips.

The boat is going to be in the 21-23 ft range, v-hull preferably. I do not go out unless the weather permits it (went out on the sailboat once and thought it was a lot of fun until the coastguard asked me if I need a tow back to the port since everybody else was already docked due to the weather - BUT IT WAS SOOOO MUCH FUUUNNNN). Range would be under 20 miles from shore (or port more probably). I was looking at a trihull as well but I'm not sure it is appropriate. Most of the boats in my price range are I/O in need of replacement and I can pick up an outboard quite cheap. I'm thinking of cutting downn the transom, patching it, puting in a seccond FULL transom midway where the inboard is now and connecting / reinforcing the existing one with the seccond one - that way I would still have a full transom and not need a bracket. I'm pretty good with fiberglass, or at least I think so.
The boat would be a small cabin cruiser basically so I can crash inside if I decide to do two days of diving on the same area. Weight wise it would not exceed 3500 pounds, trailer included hopefully. The diving equipment is around 150 pounds / person and it would be at most 4 of us going out.
Thank You again.
Nick.

 

[diver_down]

Re: Power requirements for short offshore trips.

P.S. I know fast is a function of expensive. I would like to go as fast as not to "drag" around like a sailboat but speed is not my main goal - the main goal is to get there and back without any surprises (that's why the dual engine idea), and, be able in case of emergency to handle somewhat rough conditions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Power requirements for short offshore trips.

first look for an outboard boat the size you want. they are out there center consoles are great for diving. the conversion from I/O to Outboard, is not a very successful conversion. most are not happy with the conversion. twin outboards gives you security of being able to get home.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Power requirements for short offshore trips.

20 miles off shore is quite a distance. You will be out of site of land. I would not go out that distance in a 21-23 footer unless I was Darn sure the weather was perfect, and even then make sure my life insurance was paid up.

You need a bigger boat if you plan trips of that distance on a regular basis, IMHO

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Power requirements for short offshore trips.

well it would be cheaper if u got a good kicker and it would be cheaper on the gas and weight be much less. just warm up ur kicker each time before u go out

 

[diver_down]

Re: Power requirements for short offshore trips.

first look for an outboard boat the size you want. they are out there center consoles are great for diving. the conversion from I/O to Outboard, is not a very successful conversion. most are not happy with the conversion. twin outboards gives you security of being able to get home.

Are the hulls different in between the I/O and outboard powered or is it the success of the conversion a matter of doing it properly? Is cutting the transom a better idea than installing a bracket?

20 miles was the most I would dare going out, not something I would do on regular basis, plus, in most of the cases, those 20 miles would be the distance from the launching ramp and not from the coast - I like seeing at least clues off where the land is if not the land itself, ...
I thought about open boats / center consoles but having at least an enclosed place for the potty is nice when you occasionally have lassies on board, ...; or for the case when you decide too overnight instead of commuting on saturday night.