Do I have the right Equipment to Hit the Gulf Stream??

[noworries79]

Re: Do I have the right Equipment to Hit the Gulf Stream??

Great advice! This thread is great. I have a 16' stratos that I occasionally take out to the trawler wreck and Cape Lookout. Of course the wind forecast has to be 5-10 mph and I have to be prepared. Sometimes I get funny looks boating cobia 10 miles out, but I know my limits and wouldn't dare head out with a bad forecast.

That's the main thing: Experience and weather, knowing yourself and your boat's limits.

Tight Lines!

 

[Genonbamagirl]

Re: Do I have the right Equipment to Hit the Gulf Stream??

I have done things on the sea that would make most people not believe a word I ever said again. The Navy will do that sometimes.

The advice you have recieved above is mostly good. In nice weather, she is good for more than you are asking about. In rough weather - she may or may not be the death of you. Even today, sailors run little ribs in awfull weather to places they shouldn't be but have to go. Should you do it? No. Do I want to do it? No. Weather is the one thing that makes me stay close to a sheltered place even though I am capable of being out in it.

Over stock yourself on safety gear. That can't be said enough. Then, if you believe in her (and she likes you), you don't go out on bad weather days, you don't press your luck by staying out when the weather turns, you are willing to tolerate a slow and very uncomfortable ride back (following seas can be dealt with if you power back and be patient - no comfort involved) and you are willing to spend some days out there just floating around in the emergency gear (worst case scenario), then by all means, take her out. She was actually built for that back when people believed a 21' boat was fine for offshore work.