Ocean Going Vessel or no?

byebyeducky · 07-30-2007, 12:08 PM

My Buddy and I are always arguing about the ability of my boat (or any small boat) on the ocean. I have been crabbing and fishing in the bays and estuaries multiple times, and have been in a bit of rough water, but I have a fear of the ocean. Here is the deal:

He thinks I can take my 16' Sylvan (deep hull for a 16', 70hp evinrude, 8hp honda kicker) out on the ocean on a calm day for some bottom fishing. I feel like I am bordering on the edge of isanity for even asking the question.

Is there ever a time when the ocean is calm enough that this would be safe? If so, what equipment am I required to carry on my boat? What equipment would be highly reccomended?

I do not want to try anything stupid, and I am just looking for some honest answers from experienced Salty Dogs.

CATCH AND EAT · 07-30-2007, 12:14 PM

My answer is NO. To small for pacific northwest applications IMHO. I have seen smaller boats out there though. Driftboats matter of fact and even small 10' Zodiacs and jet skis. Everyone has their comfort level but I figure if you have to ask you already know you are to small.

Hitch a ride with bigger boats.

Chromaflage · 07-30-2007, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CATCH AND EAT

.... and jet skis. Everyone has their comfort level ...

Oh, so true...and I in no way advocate, support, endorse or otherwise suggest acceptability of such modes of transportation in the ocean.

SecondSeason · 07-30-2007, 12:23 PM

Barta would say yes as long as you use fishing line wrapped around a coke bottle to bottom fish.

don't listen to bernie he thinks that bottom fish are only halibut. if it is the other white meat you seek i would agree with him. if your seeking rock fish pick your days and don't over load that boat with more than 2 people.

ran one of those in alaska and i must say that is a decent boat for up to 1 foot wind chop anything more i would say fish the columbia.

northriver1 · 07-30-2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CATCH AND EAT

My answer is NO. To small for pacific northwest applications IMHO. I have seen smaller boats out there though. Driftboats matter of fact and even small 10' Zodiacs and jet skis. Everyone has their comfort level but I figure if you have to ask you already know you are to small.

Hitch a ride with bigger boats.

Boat would work fine at Port Orford or Brookings on a flat calm day. However, if you are not comfortable than don't push it. Plenty of things to do in the bays.

Tinman · 07-30-2007, 12:26 PM

First of all, you are the captain, and what your buddy says counts for nothing. You alone are responsible for the safety of your vessel and crew. Second, the fact that you fear the ocean is a very good sign. Third, a vessel like yours, properly equipped and in capable hands, is adequate for inshore bottom fishing on very calm days.

If it were me (and for 16 years I went to sea in a 15 footer with 25 hp Evinrude), this is what you need.
*VHF
*GPS
*Depthfinder
*Serious anchor and several hundred feet of line
*Compass and charts
*Twice as much fuel as you think you will need
*Everything in good operating condition
*Everybody aboard wears life jackets at all times
*File a float plan with a loved one
*Light load with just two people aboard (including yourself)
*Ability to use all equipment on board quickly and easily, without looking at a manual
* Light wind and swell, forecasted to either improve or stay stable for the next couple of days
* Proficiency in small boat piloting (Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary courses, or equivalent experience.
*

One good trick is to go very early in the day, and be back at the dock by 10:00 am before the wind starts to blow. Best of luck to you.

Killertraylor · 07-30-2007, 12:31 PM

Friday was the day, and you missed it! Might need to wait another year for conditions that flat. To answer your question, yes, there are definitely days you can do it. The problem is you really need to pick your days, and unless you live at the coast, it's not worth trailering your boat all the way over to find out conditions changed. The other problem, is that conditions can change quickly out there and you wouldn't want to be more than a mile or two from port when they do. There are some good bottom fishing spots close enough to Depoe and Newport where you could do this on a calm day.

As for safety gear - first and foremost, wear a really good float coat or life vest ALL THE TIME. Mustang makes an excellent coat. I'd also have a floating ditch bag with a handheld VHF, cellphone in a waterproof case, flares or flare gun, a handheld gps to tell the coastguard where you are, and a bible. A PLB is probably overkill and wouldn't work as fast as a vhf distress call with your gps coordinates. Because you shouldn't be going far offshore anyway, that should get the coast guard there quickly.

Terry H · 07-30-2007, 12:41 PM

The above posts are all right. However if I were you i'd thumb a few rides--pay for gas--and get a taste of what you're in for. We all have seen days that are really flat and calm,then the fog hits ,or the wind startes or --or--or.
Bernie and I and others have seen small boats in the ocean,always the comment is"those guyes are nuts!!!!"I think they must make it back,I dunno. Most could not have the equipment that is called for,so maybe they don't make it back.
Comfort level is sometimes confused with bravado. "We drove all the way down here and darn it we're goin fishin"WRONG
Your boat is a great boat for it's intended use. The ocean off the Or. coast is not like some of the bay waters in Alaska. We have some really nasty currents-wind-swell combos that will give you religion.
OK I'm done now-thats my 5cents wouth of free stuff.
Terry

fishbait · 07-30-2007, 12:47 PM

Ok,

If you are a seasoned skipper operating our of a port you are very knowledgable of

and

Your boat and equipement is in very good working order with backups

and

You pick your day very carefully and know how to moniter weather and sea conditions for advance warning of pending changes

and

You are prepared to risk you life in a "marginally large enough" boat for a few bottom fish.

Then I say

Probably OK

Tinman · 07-30-2007, 12:49 PM

Terry is right about sudden fog being a problem. That is where the equipment comes in. You should have GPS waypoints back to the harbor. Before the fog hits, you should point the boat at the harbor entrance, and note the compass heading. Or you can pull out the chart, and follow a depth contour back to the harbor. Or drop anchor until you sort out what to do. Or if you really get stuck, call the Coast Guard on the VHF and give them your GPS position...they might escort you in. The key is multiple lines of defense. It would be worse with a dead battery. In that case a handheld VHF and alkaline battery operated GPS would be great.

fishing junkie · 07-30-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byebyeducky

My Buddy and I are always arguing about the ability of my boat (or any small boat) on the ocean. I have been crabbing and fishing in the bays and estuaries multiple times, and have been in a bit of rough water, but I have a fear of the ocean. Here is the deal:

He thinks I can take my 16' Sylvan (deep hull for a 16', 70hp evinrude, 8hp honda kicker) out on the ocean on a calm day for some bottom fishing. I feel like I am bordering on the edge of isanity for even asking the question.

Is there ever a time when the ocean is calm enough that this would be safe? If so, what equipment am I required to carry on my boat? What equipment would be highly reccomended?

I do not want to try anything stupid, and I am just looking for some honest answers from experienced Salty Dogs.

Since you asked for honest answers, I wouldn't even consider it...... It can get too big, too fast for that boat. I'd spend $100 on a charter every time I got the hankerin to go, and not risk it. You'll have about that much in a trip from your boat anyways.

Threemuch · 07-30-2007, 01:13 PM

I would, on a calm day, with a VHF and handheld GPS, two of each would be better, lifejackets on and staying near shore. Depoe is a cool place to get into some near harbor bottomfishing.

You will do that a few times and then want a bigger boat.

My next boat will be a 17 Montauk. As long as the man will let you cross the bar, it's as seaworth as any other vessel out there.

I can bum rides for bullets and BFB.

BigWaterBigFish · 07-30-2007, 01:43 PM

Let me qualify, we use to run out in small aluminum boat with 9hp at nehalem and then run back in ... but then Dad got the whaler and we've never looked back.

My thoughts ... if you have to argue about it, you've already answered your question ... size up and review what the one post with cautions that YOU are responsible not just for your life but those that you invite to go with you.

There are plenty of "small" boats that are seaworthy.

Reel Obsession · 07-30-2007, 01:59 PM

Problem I see if how fast conditions can change even on a great day. Back when I had a 17' boat, I was tempted often to leave the buoy 10 crowd and cross the bar, but happy I never did until I bought a better boat for it. Some days it looks like glass, but things change so quickly, and a flat ocean can get ugly fast. I've seen white caps form at the first sign of wind, without any warning or forecast. Last place you want to be is outside when the wind picks up, and the CG closes whatever crossing you have to make for several hours..

byebyeducky · 07-30-2007, 02:17 PM

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the honest answers, and realize I need more equipment at a minimum in order to go out. I think I may try to find some friends with a nice boat first, and learn a bit more about the ocean. I have only been out 4 or 5 times. Eventually, maybe I can get a seagoing boat!

I just wanted that "second opinion" from some seasoned salt.

Thanks, and any more tips or advice on classes on safety/piloting a vessel in the ocean would be appreciated.

BTW I am going on my first tuna trip on Saturday (chartered) :grin:

Teton · 07-30-2007, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byebyeducky

BTW I am going on my first tuna trip on Saturday ... :grin:

Now your pocketbook is really in trouble.

(that is, once you are on the darkside, there is no help available. You begin to loiter at offshore boat dealers and buy expensive shiny reels)

chrome obsession · 07-30-2007, 02:51 PM

I would say you would be fine as long as you know your limits out there and have the right equipment....I have a 17 Arima and its been way out in the ocean many many times on rough conditions and calm...Never had an issue....But I do recommend to stay within your comfort level and what you know....

byebyeducky · 07-30-2007, 02:58 PM

Teton:

SHHHHH! My wife might hear

Actually, she supports my habits pretty well, I better not complain!

byebyeducky · 07-31-2007, 09:36 AM

One more question fellas,

Where can I get the list of requirements for safety equipment required on vessels off shore? I would assume there are multiple lists for different sized vessels, and for how far off shore you are.

Also, Thanks Tinman for the reccomended list.

I can assure you guys I will be good and ready (well prepared and cautious) before I try anything! I want to live to go fishing again!

fyshndad · 07-31-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byebyeducky

One more question fellas,

Where can I get the list of requirements for safety equipment required on vessels off shore? I would assume there are multiple lists for different sized vessels, and for how far off shore you are.

Also, Thanks Tinman for the reccomended list.

I can assure you guys I will be good and ready (well prepared and cautious) before I try anything! I want to live to go fishing again!

Check out the ASK THE CG THREAD pinned to the top of this page
Your answers are there

byebyeducky · 07-31-2007, 10:54 AM

Thanks!

Bucolic buffalo · 07-31-2007, 12:17 PM

What fishbait said. I fished out of Windy bay for years in the early 70's in a 16' Glasspar(sp?) with a 65 horse merc. Were we crazy? By todays standards, yes. Back then nope. We had a cb, a depth finder and a compass and fished the days the ocean was in good shape and if the fog came in we made sure of where we were in regards to the jetty's and the direction of the drift. Would I do it today? Nope, don't have to but I would still take it out if conditions were good. The boat was bought by my late father-in-law for skiing and fishing. He had commercial fished and ran the old Hawawatha charter boat out of Windy bay and thought it was a good solid ocean boat. The farthest we ran out was 10 miles on a flat day. Pick your days and be safe.

Walleyed · 07-31-2007, 04:13 PM

Peer pressure kills peers
:frown:
Chances are if your at the wheel you now if it�s safe.

packer · 07-31-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byebyeducky

Thanks!

Its not the size of the boat that will get you in trouble its your lack of experience on the big pond that will get you in trouble . Spent 4 yrs in the CG in puget sound and picked up alot of people who paid the price because of silly mistakes . Spent many days boarding boats in a 16 ft small boat and found that sometimes it would actually handle some snotty water better than a 30 footer .Better of spending some time with somebody to mentor you a bit before making the leap .