How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

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Homerr

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Mar 4, 2002
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2,294
Ok, before you go off and say "you should buy a real fishing boat" just bear with me.. We've all probably started here at some point or another...<br /><br />I have a 22ft. Bayliner Capri. Yes, It's a runabout/ski boat.<br /><br />I go to the coast on occasion and crab and bottom fish in it. It handles the water well. (in my opinion) <br />I stick closed to shore, generally no more than a mile or so out when I bottom fish.<br /><br />My question is, would it be OK to go out farther after the Tuna and Halibut? I can put the canvas on, and stay quite dry. <br />The boat seems to take the rough stuff well. I'm inexperienced in the ocean, and thus I'm a bit nervous to go out farther. <br />I would really like to go out after the real fish and gain some valuable boating experience at the same time. I'm eventually going to buy a full-blown ocean fishing boat.<br /><br />I've been told that the sea is calmer when you get away from shore? Opinions?<br /><br />Should I tuck tail and stick to shore? Am I going to be chased back in my the Coast Guard for taking a smaller vessel out or ?<br /><br />Thanks again for the replies. This board is great!<br /><br />H. :confused:
 
S

SeaDawg

Chief Petty Officer
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Dec 3, 2001
Messages
418
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

You will be OK until you get caught in that storm that no one predicted, or the wind picks up. Then, if you make it back, you may never want to offshore fish again. <br /><br />At least that is what I have seen over the years.<br /><br />You will see a few 19 footers offshore, but most of them are over 30 footers.<br /><br />I would recommend that you pair up with another boat, and that you check and double check your fuel capacity. It is unreal how much fuel you eat up when the weather gets rough, or you are trolling.<br /><br />Yes, the swells are farther apart when you get offshore, but they are usually bigger too. Everyone will get seasick a lot easier, especially if they are unsure of the boat (nervous).<br /><br />You will not be chased in by the coast guard, only ridiculed by other boats on the VHF.<br /><br />The main thing to remember is to be patient if you do go offshore, and don't overdrive your boat. It will generally take you much longer to make the trip than you first expect, just to keep from getting beat to pieces.
 
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Homerr

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Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Thank you!<br /><br />H.
 
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Pursuit2150

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Dec 3, 2001
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553
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

You shouldn't have a problem off shore in a 22' <br />Just listen and watch the weather,go with a full tank of fuel.<br /> If it takes longer than you think going out it will probably take even longer coming back. <br />On the 1st time out go with seas not to exceed 4',thats about 15K winds,and the wind seems to kick up later in the day.<br />Often I see small boats, and I wonder Why.<br />Bottom line stay alert,go with caution.
 
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CTdave

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Apr 14, 2002
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Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Homerr<br />As long as the weather checks out, there is nothing to fear.<br />I have seen plenty of boats in the 20' + range offshore and others who have made the Fl-Bahamas crossings.<br />Things to have:<br />A good VHF radio<br />A hand held VHF (if you loose power)<br />Spare belts for the engine (& the tools to change them).<br />Leak repair kit.<br />Personal safety guear (PFD's flares etc...)<br />Wind direction can make or break your day.<br />I don't know where you boat but in FL and CT where I go, Northeast/East winds over 10-15kts can really make a mess of things. West winds can blow but it won't slop things up too bad until your several miles out & the seas get a chance to build.<br />Have fun out there & don't worry. If your boat runs well, it isn't going to blow up just because your on the ocean!
 
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SeaDawg

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Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Yea Homerr, ditto with these guys. I did not want my post to sound negative, but more caution is needed when you go to a smaller boat. <br /><br />I've been over 40 miles offshore (DE/VA coast on a lake calm day, and no thunderstorms in the forecast)in a 19 footer, but I had 2 other larger boats with me, and we all traveled together. <br /><br />I let them break the waves, and we all came back together too.
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Homerr,<br /><br />It's not so much the boat as it is the pilot.<br /><br />I've been in a 21' Starcraft Islander and gone across feom Franfurt,MI to Milwauakee, WI.<br /><br />Weather is the key. Watch it like a hawk and don't let testosterone get in the way. <br /><br />You won't be a "chicken" to the lives you saved!
 
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Capt. Bob

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 14, 2002
Messages
308
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Reminders,<br /><br />Practice the "One-Third Rule" by using: <br />One-third of the fuel going out <br />One-third to get back and <br />One-third in reserve <br /><br /> Float Plan<br /> <br />Play it safe, keep a stack of float plan forms on hand. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local marina before heading out on the water. In case of an emergency, pertinent information will be right at their fingertips to enable them to contact the local marine police or Coast Guard with necessary details. A word of caution-in case you're delayed, and it's not an emergency, inform those with your float plan, and be sure to notify them when you return so the float plan can be "closed out" and an unnecessary and costly search avoided. <br /> http://www.uscgboating.org/reg/reg_fr_SafetyTips1.asp#FloatPlan
 
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Homerr

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Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Thank you all for replying. I have a bit more confidence now to try an adventure the next time out.<br /><br />I do have a VHF radio with DSC capability. I figured this was a must!<br /><br />I boat mainly on the Central Oregon Coast (Coos Bay). The seas are usually calm in the morning, and get soupy in the late afternoon (*summer) I was going to try the South Oregon Coast this year for Salmon.<br />Thanks for the fuel tips. I've noticed that the boat really slurps the gas when I'm lugging around. WIth a big V8 and only a 40 gal tank, it can go fast if I'm not watching it!<br /><br />H.
 
oldboat1

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
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Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

You might think about installing a kicker motor for trolling and for safety. It really saves on fuel (seems to be a concern), makes for better trolling and is easier on the main engine -- and can get you either home or to shore in an emergency.
 
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SeaDawg

Chief Petty Officer
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Dec 3, 2001
Messages
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Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Yea, 40 gallons isn't very much fuel (normally). I had 80 gallons on board when I would go out with my 19 footer, and most boats today will hold over 100 gallons (that are rated for offshore use).<br /><br />But again, you should know your boat mpg, and can plan accordingly.
 
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crab bait

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Feb 5, 2002
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3,831
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

all boats seem to have the " optimum " rpm range.. where gas last alot longer.. find it ,you'll love it..
 
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suzukidave

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jul 1, 2000
Messages
387
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Not that I'm a big Bayliner basher, but I respectfully disagree with most of these posts. I think Bayliners are fine boats for a particular purpose but I absolutely wouldn't go much distance offshore in a Bayliner Capri. Foot for foot Capris are not as safe in bad weather as most other boats of that size and I just don't consider them suitable for operating anywhere you can't duck ashore right away. They aren't designed to run in storm conditions. They are way too light and their hulls are too shallow so they pound like crazy and the bow plows under very easily. The hulls don't handle well when they are run off plane, which is often needed in a storm. Their transoms are too low and so they can swamp in a following sea. Plus Bayliner doesn't do details well and their installation often leaves something to be desired. Whether it's windshield wipers, bilge pump wiring and mounts, fuel lines, fuel tank mounts, engine mounts, lights, battery mounts, or any of the other things you take for granted on boats until you really need them, Bayliners just aren't put together to take a pounding. <br /><br />I run a 1967 16' runabout that has seen better days with a little old outboard. If I had to go out in bad weather I would take my boat every time over my neighbour's 4 year old 20' Capri with a V8 i/o and I am definitely not bragging about my boat when I say that, just more confident that the aforesaid parts on my boat would hold together. I've been in that Capri in some weather and never want to have the pleasure again. <br /><br />I don't want to discourage you from doing more boating but that is my honest opinion. I say again that Bayliners are good value and fine so long as their owner's recognize their limitations. I also think that the latest Capris are a huge improvement over older Capris.
 
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araiha

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2001
Messages
121
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Homerr,<br /><br />Regarding DSC: Do you have an assigned MMSI so they know who to look for? Do you know who currently has DSC coverage for Sea Area A-1 off the Oregon Coast if anyone? The Coast Guard is not going to be fully operational for a couple of years yet. The Coast Guard ships have been upgraded, but unless you are within VHF range that will not do you any good. You might want to call Group North Bend (541-756-9220) and check if they have been upgraded, or if someone else (like Maritel) has DSC service.
 
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sea wolf

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Apr 3, 2002
Messages
1,219
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

the fact is, u don't know how your capris will handle rough ocean going. if u did u wouldn't be asking. i wouldn't go it alone the first few times until u know your boat's limitations. if u get into trouble far out, there's no quick run to the local marina, or sheltered cove.
 
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sea wolf

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Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
1,219
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

the fact is, u don't know how your capris will handle rough ocean going. if u did u wouldn't be asking. i wouldn't go it alone the first few times until u know your boat's limitations. if u get into trouble far out, there's no quick run to the local marina, or sheltered cove.
 
M

my new fishmaster

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 11, 2001
Messages
256
Re: How far would you take a 22 ft runabout in the ocean?

Pick your days very wisely carrer lots of extra stuff. I would have extra fuel kicker motor vhf,cellular phone and more. I went out on a 25 foot boat in Oregon scared the fish out of me boy was I sea sick.
 
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