Anyone see i/o open bow boats running around the big c and the puget sound area? When I saw puget sound, I'm talking less than 1000 yards from shore. I'm looking for a 18-20' boat and am kind of leaning towards an all around family boat rather than just a fish killing machine. Any thoughts...
I grew up on Puget Sound and now fish the Big C all the time and an open bow boat will work just fine for both fishing and Family fun on either of these bodies of water.
Its just boating common sense. You don't go out if the waves are going to be breaking over the bow all day. Keep your eye on the conditions. I have ran all oner Puget sound and the Columbia river in a 15' Alaskan with no problems.
Thanks for the reassurance. This is my first boat and just wasn't sure. I know it's not the "ideal" setup for going way out but I just want a setup to take the family out on a nice weekend fishing excursion.
I have a 18 foot open bow Seaswirl Striper and fish the big C and out of Garibaldi in the summer on the ocean. I have never had any problem in either place. My boat works great as a family ski boat and is deep enough that I feel quite safe on the ocean.
I do both the big c and the sound in an open north river and no issues, also been in the ocean clear out to the CR bouy on the big c and also westport, a couple things thou will you be running a prop or jet, in a jet make sure it has a stainless steel impellar and on both if your in the salt make sure they have zinc bars. also if your in these waters make sure its a mimumin 10 degree V on the bottom, the boat will run better in big water. Also if your in the big c be sure you have all the electronics gps ect. hpoe this helps.:meme:
I run a 17ft bayliner open bow. Tip #1 snap your bow cover on it will help big time on those sloppy days. Tip #2 choose your days and times with great care.. Have Fun.
Not sure what difference an I/O makes (balance?), but I ran a 19-foot Willie (windshield, open bow) for many years without problems (including over the bar) because I picked and chose my times.
If waves are breaking over the bow, you're probably not talking a good family time anyway...I ran for cover at the first small whitecap (about 11-13 mph of wind).
I also don't see the I/O or Straight outboard relevance, but we have had both, 19' outboard and 18' inboard, both open bow. We've used them up and down the Columbia and into the ocean. Pick your days. If you want the extra assurance, build a box to go in the bow and snap on your bow cover. I can make my boat essentially a closed bow if I want to. TOC.
I'm sure if you go through the neccesary rinsing and upkeep, this isn't something that should worry you much. Lots and lots of classic ocean going boats have I/Os in them. TOC.
Just a suggestion. If you want more of info navigating the salt, check out the Salty Dogs, and do a search for previous threads. Open bows are NOT ideal for the salt. A bow cover is a good start as bar conditions can change in a moment. Open bows do not have a bulk head between the bow and the cabin therefore one wave over the bow can equal a lot of water in the boat very fast with another wave right behind it. It only takes a minute to be swamped in the ocean.
Pick your days, watch the forecast, and be careful. The ocean is NOT forgiving.
Just a suggestion. If you want more of info navigating the salt, check out the Salty Dogs, and do a search for previous threads. Open bows are NOT ideal for the salt. Experience helps but is not a guaranty. A bow cover is a good start as bar conditions can change in a moment. Open bows do not have a bulk head between the bow and the cabin therefore one wave over the bow can equal a lot of water in the boat very fast with another wave right behind it. It only takes a minute to be swamped in the ocean.
Pick your days, watch the forecast, and be careful. The ocean is NOT forgiving.
I know the setup is not ideal. I'm not looking for an ideal ocean setup. I just want to go when the pinks are in and maybe a time or two for silvers.
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