Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

[boatster]

Just curious what people think qualifies a boat to be offshore capable versus a bay or nearshore boat? I would like to eventually get a 19-22' powerboat to go offshore but am unsure what boats would be best for this task. Is it based on the motor, the hull, etc?

 

[Ross J]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

My first thought would be the likely conditions you'll expect to encounter.<br />A "nearshore" boat would likely be an open boat with a small cabin, one outboard and a few life jackets and fire extinguisher. This would be taken up on a trailer each trip and washed down at home. The fishing gear would be stored in the shed out back and you'd expect to complete most of the work on it yourself.<br />The "offshore" boat would be much more substantial, heavier, complete with life raft, survival gear, long range tanks, usually diesel powered, capable of sleeping x4 people and cooking, cleaning etc; capable of handling heavy seas, and you'd need an ocean going skippers ticket to skipper it!<br />I own a 5m boat which is heavy and has gone over 60km off shore but only with its mother ship for comfort. I've likewise been well off shore in large vessels and felt very comfortable. To me an ocean going boat would need to be over 12m length, and carry all the previously mentioned gear plus have exceptional satillite electronic communication and radar.<br />Ross

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

That's a good start Ross J although you don't need a license unless you're carrying passengers for hire or other commercial application. Boatster "Near shore" is a relative term. Your location, experience, etc... also have a lot to do with it. I would feel quite comfortable taking certain 20 foot boats many miles offshore if it were outfitted properly. Others may think that's way too small of a boat. Not to be too blunt, but if you have to ask the question, you're problably not ready for serious offshore boating just yet. Get some more exposure first. Go out with others who do it alot and familiarize yourself with navigation and weather and boat handling and mechanics and rules of the road and so on. It's all about your comfort level, but you need to be educated on these matters first or your comfort level may be too high. AKA, false sense of security. Truely safe offshore boating takes hard study and lots of hours behind the helm and it shouldn't be taken lightly. Good luck and be safe.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

I will assume by offshore you mean out of sight of land but not the middle of the ocean. I have taken 24 foot boats 30 to 40 miles offshore. I feel 22 feet is the smallest I would consider. Preperation for any situation is the important thing when going offshore. This means spare parts and the ability to do repairs, dual batterys, radio, epirb and other survial equiptment. The boat should have self bailing decks and at least two high capacity bilge pumps. I would not take a single outboard offshore but do take WELL maintained single I/O's and inboards. It is much easier to do repairs on I/O and inboard engines in the boat rather than hanging over the transom. There are a lot of offshore capable boats in the 22 to 24 foot range.

 

[boatster]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

Thanks guys,<br /><br />I am definitely not sea ready at this point. I guess MY definition of offshore would be at most to the Islands like Catalina or the Channel Islands out here in Southern California. I am very interested in the C-Dory 22' Cruiser. These are typically fitted with a 90 hp outboard. Their reputation is pretty solid. Currently I have an Avon Searider 13' fitted with a 50 hp Tohatsu. For those who aren't familiar this is a very deep rigid hull inflatable boat (ex Coastguard boat). I have already taken it 26 miles from the mainland to the east side of the islands. But I know this boat is typically more stable than say even a 22' grp boat imo. That is why I am interested in what you think a typical offshore boat would be. Anyways I am very safety conscious and am aware that weather conditions as well as the fit of the boat are major factors in sea worthyness.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

Boatster<br />In Southern Cal for trips to Catalina I think any V hull 18 foot or more is safe most of the time. Like any ocean there are day when 100 foot is not safe. In general terms the boat should have a closed bow or be self bailing. You need to have a fuel tank big enough to make the trip in the worst conditions and still get back with 1/3 of a tank. You need a second source of power, even a 15 or 20 HP motor will keep you off the rocks and get you back in. Boats needs a good VHF radio with DSC at least one GPS, a good anchor with 200 feet of line and at least some chain. <br /><br />I seen the C Dory adds for 10 years or more at the boat shows but never seen one on the water. I see the boat as more of a displacement hull than a planeing hull. The best boats become popular. Spend a day or two at one of the busy public boat ramps in your area. Go down on the dock and help boats coming in get up to the dock, tend a line. I think you will find every skipper willing to tell you what he likes about his boat and what he does not like. You will get better information at the dock than in any sales floor. As long as you do not hold them up you will get good info. Can also go over to the wash station where can view the hull and still most are willing to talk to you while they wash there boat.<br /><br />As a offshore skipper you must be prepaired and respect the SEA. One of the hardest things but most inportant is to say we are not going to launch today because Seas are too rough or forcast not good. Maybe friends or family are coming down to go out but you have to make the safe choice. Sometimes you can go to a different area but sometimes better to stay in port and do something different. <br /><br />Lots of good quality boats finding the one right for you will take some time. I will say this, most people second boat is bigger than their first boat. Deeper V ride better under way, but uses more fuel and rolls more when stopped. Heaiver boat ride better and use more fuel and are harder for Light person to control when launching.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

As a side note to all of the above, if you see the term "off shore" in relation to a performance boat, that will also mean that it has special extended drives that will remain below the surface in heavy seas.

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

Anyboat that has sparkle paint and has an outboard which is 2-3 times too powerful for the hull is an inshore boat,, better suited to speeding at 80mph across a small pond. Offshore boats typically have deeper hulls with a good bit of deadrise, or angle of the vee hull and are made to cruise at reasonable speeds for the sea conditions offshore. My 23 foot Seacraft has a 200 hp outboard on it and at times this hull ,although one of the best built hulls, is inedaquate for sea conditions offshore. Only experience can show you the way. Do not be fooled by all the glam and glitter in the showrooms, if you can pound on the hull and have it sound like a kettle drum, you will be wasting money,, Gutshot in Raleigh

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

These quotes summarise the above posts. Wealth of good advice here:<br /><br />

...complete with life raft, survival gear, long range tanks ... familiarize yourself with navigation and weather and boat handling and mechanics and rules of the road ... You need a second source of power ... Only experience can show you the way ...

Belt and braces ... always.<br /><br />Ciao

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

Boatster. Deep V rigid hull inflatables are ridiculously seaworthy. I too have been off shore in small RHIBs in some very serious weather. 8 to 10 foot breaking surf 30 knot+ winds. They have the speed and maneuverability to keep you out of trouble. As I'm sure you know the Coast Guard uses them for surf rescue boats. They are by far the best way to go for boats under 20 to 22 feet. They just don't fit everyone's style.

 

[boatster]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

Drowned Rat,<br /><br />that is true. I have limited experience on mine but it has been in some very rough conditions and handled beautifully. For me it is the high period wind swells that make things challenging. Low period ground swells aren't a problem unless of course their cresting over me . My first trip across the channel was flawless. But as mentioned in posts above I had waited and passed off several prospective days for the right conditions. Can't say how many times being hasty or rushed has just lead to more problems.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Whats the difference between an offshore boat and say a nearshore boat?

Boatster. Glad you like your boat. I am a big RHI fan. I wish I had one. I wouldn't attempt that trip to Catalina in any 13' boat other than an RHI. That says something about their seaworthiness. I've got some great photos of me in a 17 footer about 10 feet in the air comeing off the crest of a wave. Perfectly balanced, lands like a feather. I love those boats!