17ft Arima ok for Hailbut????

chrome obsession · 06-03-2007, 03:28 PM

I have a 17 ft Arima and was wondering if that would be ok or even safe to use to go Halibut fishing??? I have been out to bouy 10 and even across the bar many time and have done fine but have never been out 20-30 miles......

Thanks

tomictime · 06-03-2007, 05:23 PM

do a search, this general topic has been covered here MANY times....
in general you need skills, wingman, fuel w reserves (I believe in 1/3 for reserve..not the 10% you read in boat-tests)..., safety gear and more...

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrome obsession

I have a 17 ft Arima and was wondering if that would be ok or even safe to use to go Halibut fishing??? I have been out to bouy 10 and even across the bar many time and have done fine but have never been out 20-30 miles......

Thanks

Bullwoods · 06-03-2007, 06:35 PM

I'de like to hear the responces too. I have a 18ft intruder that I would like to take out. But, sadly I'm still a greenhorn.

Phil Layer · 06-03-2007, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullwoods

I'de like to hear the responces too. I have a 18ft intruder that I would like to take out. But, sadly I'm still a greenhorn.

This is one of those, "If you have to ask, you probably don't want to try it." The good news is, you're asking.

You need to get a good understanding of what can happen on the ocean. You need to be prepared for "What if" and be confident in your abilities when times get tough. It really has a lot less to do with the boat than the captain.

This is a great place to learn what you don't know. As recommended many times when this question arises, ride with an experienced person several times before you go it solo. Create a nearly fail safe boat by duplicating all critical components. Take boating classes.

Good luck!

Pete · 06-03-2007, 06:50 PM

I have a 20 foot Intruder, I've spent a fair amount of time over the horizon but I would never consider taking my boat out to the 40 line. A big part of the off-shore game is margin-of-safety. Sure, on a good day, any boat can make it if nothing goes wrong. But there's no reason to risk your life just for the sake of a fish.

Robalo Bill · 06-03-2007, 07:14 PM

Level of safety changes,,,redundant systems, epirbs, wing man, satellite phones. International Maritime Organization approves signals for commercial use on the high seas with a SILAS (Safety of Life At Sea) rating. These devices far exceed Coast Guard standards for luminosity and many boaters use the more expensive SOLAS devices or the added margin of safety they provide. You will be far from safety/rescue consider survivability, even with USCG notification...4,6,12 hours.

KeyWest · 06-03-2007, 07:47 PM

Just as everyone else has posted - its all about acceptable risk to you. With a 17' boat, on a calm day, and a wing man where the two of you agree your not going to leave one another - I think your good to go. But start venturing out on days where it can get sporty, and your on your own and don't have a running partner - well, again, acceptable risk.

Have you gone through the thought process of what can fail, how it can fail, what you will do once it fails, etc. In industry this is called FMEA (Failure Mode Effect Analysis). This is second nature to NASA, airline, nuclear, etc., folks. What could go wrong, what would be the effect, how can I continue without it, etc. Most folks that venture offshore lay awake a nights thinking about this stuff before going out - I know I do!

Pilar has stated many times on here that the best way to learn is to go with someone that has experience offshore and ask LOTS of "why" questions. That is some wisdom you should take to heart!

kenai · 06-03-2007, 07:52 PM

Good advice here as usual. I ran my 17 arima out to the chicken ranch (around 30+nM) for quite a few years. But, redundant systems in vhf, gps, bilge pumps, usually travelled with a running mate, etc.etc. Your biggest problem is going to be fuel capacity. I carried 2 twelve gallon portables to go with the 27 gallons in the main. I'd suggest you hard plumb them with a quick disconnect and a 3 way valve. PM me if your interested in this. No fun pouring from the 5 gallon can in a bumpy ocean.
The arimas are a pretty stable platform but a 17 foot boat always made people question my sanity when I told them I took it offshore 30+ miles. They may have been right but the boat can probably outperfom the skipper most times. You have to be the judge on whether you're comfortable or not.
Things can change quick and help can be a long time coming the farther offshore you get.

Draggin' Bait · 06-04-2007, 06:46 AM

We use our 17' Arima for albacore fishing out of Northern California. Better than taking extra 6-gallon tanks is to install the two ten-gallon side-saddle tanks. We've been out 60 miles. Now, having said that, I will add that we go in a "pack" of anywhere from half-a-dozen to over twenty boats. We're all leaving the dock at about the same time, we're on the same VHF frequency, we know each other and we're going to the same general area so there are always other boats in sight. The boats are either twin-engine or carry a kicker. My boat has dual gps, both fixed and hand-held VHF, a hand-powered bilge pump in addition to the electrical one, and all the other normal safety items. We're not afraid to go, but we're also not afraid to turn back when the larger boats keep going and we're not comfortable with the situation. If someone does develop a problem someone else runs home with them to keep company. As advised, go with someone else the first time, develop contacts out of your homeport who you would trust to watch your back. Prepare properly and you'll do fine.

BARCHASER · 06-04-2007, 07:14 AM

Hint, hint. Long drive for you guys and fishing this area requires winds of only 10-15 and flat tides. The tide flow gets way too strong in the Strait when the minus tides are running. When the wind gets going the Strait is a big wind tunnel. Two weeks ago, two of us fished two days, Thurs and Friday, and got three, 42,36,37. Saw a 120 being filleted at the dock. No long runs and only 2-3 miles offshore. No quota. Smaller boats are OK. I'll be there Wed-Sat this week. Check it out!

http://www.salmonuniversity.com/sjf_port_angeles.html

Tinman · 06-04-2007, 08:09 AM

One thing to consider with such a small hull is weight. Don't overload with passengers, fuel, ice, gear, etc. A lightly loaded hull is much more seakindly.