[Captain Jack]

If the average run in the summertime is 50 miles, how suitable is my boat? I have a Proline 251 (LOA 27'4") Walk Around. It's biggest drawback for this is it is a single outboard. What do those of you who make this run regularly have? I could trailer to Hatteras, but longer drive and the inlet seems more unpredictable. I have a 170 gallon gas tank, so I think range isn't an issue. Thanks for your opinions. How difficult is it to find another boat going out of Lynhaven or finding the fleet out there if I did develop engine trouble?

[Mega Bite]

You should be fine.If you are experienced,pick your days,know how to read weather,have a relatively new motor.You need a good GPS or Two.I have a 23 foot boat with a single 225 I also have a G(e perb) and usually know a few of the boats when I go offshore.Its not the safest habit but Ill take it over Smokeing,driveing drunk or bungie jumping any day.

[Tickled Pink]

Captain Jack, you should not have any problems. Mega Bite outlined it well. I run a 1966 26' Stamas with an single I/O have left Little Creek in Norfolk and fished my way to Hatteras offshore (I like extreme sports). Hey Mega what's wrong with bungee jumping? lol

[reelguy]

i also run offshore in a 23' boat w/ single 225 ob. but i prefer to fish out of oregon inlet. closer run, plus i know alot of the charter captains. usually average 40 mile one way trip for tuna / dolphin. really need to learn weather patterns.

[Mega Bite]

Bungee Jumping is a Tree Mans worst nightmare,we usually are holding a saw at 13000 RPM.

[Deepsea]

I also run offshore. Single outboard 24' boat. No Problem. I just watch the weather and pick calm days.

[proline27]

Went out of OI on a 25’ Hydra-sport with a 300 HP Johnson, dead in the water 35 mile out. Towing bill for 35 miles $1500.00, charter boat left me, said he wasn’t set up for towing. Insurance paid $300 better go with a friend or get some darn good insurance.

[filthyhabit]

Having a membership to one of the towing services is a really good idea. Cost about $100.00 a year. Could save you big money in the long run. Make sure you carry two anchor rigs w/about 300' of line for each. GPS a must.

[Marlin Maniac]

I would NEVER leave someone alone offshore, under any circumstances. In fact I have extended my fishing day because there was an outboard boat in the area and everyone else has headed home. That charter captain is a jerk and set himself up for some really bad Karma. If you break down in the morning, you may have to wait until I'm ready to leave, but I won't leave you. Ever. Period. And some cheap insurance would be a 15 horse kicker on a bracket. 6 knots are better than 0 knots.

[SURFFISHERMAN18]

u beat me to it a 10-25 horse reliable kicker motor and 30 gallons of fuel 4 it will save the day

[flesh]

Having a membership to one of the towing services is a really good idea.  Cost about $100.00 a year.  Could save you big money in the long run.  Make sure you carry two anchor rigs w/about 300' of line for each.  GPS a must.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just curious who the charter boat was that left you out there?

[Tony S]

I would NEVER leave someone alone offshore, under any circumstances. In fact I have extended my fishing day because there was an outboard boat in the area and everyone else has headed home. That charter captain is a jerk and set himself up for some really bad Karma.  If you break down in the morning, you may have to wait until I'm ready to leave, but I won't leave you. Ever. Period. And some cheap insurance would be a 15 horse kicker on a bracket. 6 knots are better than 0 knots.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

IV heard some great fish stories from guys that broke down and had to poke in at 6 knots using their kicker, they caught fish on their way in in areas that boats just run past every day.

[Mega Bite]

I will have to double check but I thought a Liscesened Captain was required to give assistance if the situation warrents.Not helping a stranded boat could be grounds to get his liscense revoked.He should have waited for a confirmation that help was in transit before he left you stranded out there.

[Captain Jack]

Thanks for the replies. My boat has a full transom with a door on the starboard side and a full swim platform with a round 35 gallon bait tank mounted on the port side of the swim platform. I am not sure if there is a way to put a kicker on this boat without losing the big bait tank. Any thoughts?

[SURFFISHERMAN18]

kieth u r right a liscened captain is requred to offer assistance to any boat in destress unless it would put himself his crew and passengers in danger

[Tickled Pink]

Capt Jack.....Another must going offshore is a tall antennae. It gives you further range on your radio. The top of my antennae is around 19' above the water. I have talked to CG Group Hampton Roads while I was at the Norfolk Canyon.

[Mega Bite]

Dont forget to make up a Ditch Kit. Just incase you have to abandon ship.Flare Kit,First aid kit ,Sardines (waterbase) ,water,Survival Suit,iodine,sun screen,Medication ie.(insulin,Heart meds,)Sat Phone,hand held GPS,Vhf,G perb,E perb. Etc..................I said waterbase sardines because you don`t want to create a slick if youre in the water!!!!!

[Captain Jack]

Thanks for the good advice. Hopefully, I'll see some of you out there.

[Tickled Pink]

Just Give us a shout before you go. There is bound to be someone else heading out also.

[Sea Saw]

You could install a fold up kicker mount and stow your motor forward for use if needed. You can also bring an empty outboard tank and oil mix. You could then use your own fuel, instead of always carring the extra tank full when you go out.
Most people you meet off shore are more than willing to help anyone out.