Off shore

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by FlukeU2

Yeah it's a 2015 but didn't get that or they didn't ask if I want that. The performance test online says 4000rpm. Boat goes 30mph and 3.39 mpg test was done in 5-10 mph winds so it was pretty calm I guess. Couldn't I get my fuel consumption right on my fishfinder?

WOW!! 3.39 MPG is a pretty impressive number Fluke. If it's correct, you have a range of 339 miles and with the 1/3 rule you have a safety range of around 225 miles. This is plenty for what you are looking to do.

As far as getting actual numbers on your GPS/Fish finder, most mid to higher end units do have a screen to monitor fuel consumption and other engine stats. What you typically have to do is get that data to the GPS from your engine. This requires the correct interface so the 2 will talk to each other in a language they understand. This is way beyond my scope of understanding so I think your best bet is to call the GPS manufacturer tech support and tell them which engine you have and they can let you know what you will need to make it work.

Having said this, with the excess range you apparently have, this would be a nice to have not a got to have. It is however nice to have the instant on the fly miles per gallon so you know what the RPM sweet spot is for your particular boat, load and sea conditions. This will allow you to dial it in and run your boat at the RPM which nets you the best fuel economy.

Safety, boat, fuel consumption, experience and location aside, having the right stuff and running it the right way is the next piece of the puzzle. This brings up the next question.....Do you have the tackle and gear you need to give you the best shot at hooking up and landing what you are targeting? If you are intending to troll, outriggers are practically a must for a good trolling spread as are the lures you troll, how your troll them as well as the associated rods, reels and terminal tackle.

If you need some help in this area, let us know what your intended targets are, hold on to your wallet and ask away.... Now this is the real fun part since I'm interested in others opinions here and I just love spending other people's money

BTW - This is a great thread and just in time to get us all geared up, dialed in and excited for what's to come in the next few months.

[Dino]

SINGLE SCREW 20+ miles? not for me ... bring a sat phone !

[FlukeU2]

Thanks Gerry. I'm not sure what I would target I'm guessing anything that swims lol. I do have some equipment for bottom fishing nothing really for trolling but I have these awesome rod holders my friend makes that I can use to troll no problem. My friend has hrs and hrs of experience trolling not salt water but for salmon and lakers. So I would need some info of trolling gear and tackle for different fish I may want to target.

[Gerry Zagorski]

I think the 2 engine safety argument is not as warranted as many think.

Although 2 engines are better then one as far as safety, many engine issues are fuel related and if you have fuel issues, two engines is not going to matter.

Having said this I know many who have limped in on one engine. If however you have one engine and it fails you can always get a tow. This can drain your wallet in a hurry unless you have towing insurance and I think is a must for everyone. Last time I was towed in it was only 6 or 7 miles and over $300, thankfully I was insured.

That's why it's important to have a good VHF fixed mount radio in working order and you need to have a good long weather window with an extended high pressure system forecasted. This way if you do have trouble, you have the radio, time and conditions needed to contact someone and wait it out safely for a tow.

Like Dan said, knowing and reading the weather is VERY important for planning. And, it's not only rain and storms, you need to concern yourself with, it's also the wind, it's intensity and direction.

[hammer4reel]

You should get approx 2- 2.2 mpg with that rig. On the average. I wouldn't count on much more than that unless really keeping it under 4000.

Sea condition can lower thst to 1.5 in tough weather.
Am little shocked that guys are acting like going out 20 miles is as bad as running to the canyons.

W even if kicks up. Twenty isn't that fsr to run in.
Almost anywhere you run out to fish it's a 20 mile run

[jc484]

my $.02
safety 1st, pick you day, set a schedule and tell some one on land it.

A wise man once said you need 2 things to go 20+ miles off shore fishing in a 20 foot boat, 1 the balls to do it, and someone as crazy as you to go with you.

good luck and keep us updated on how the trip goes when you get back

[FlukeU2]

i think me and my friend are both crazy enough to do it lol. Question someone said you can catch winter flounder and long. But gas anyone got fluke out there while bottom fishing? I read an article somewhere that said they think a lot of big fluke stay out there ? Does anyone agree?

[jsurmick]

Saw this discussion and wanted to get some advice.

This is my 1st post on this board. I have been reading it for a few years now. I love it! A big thank you to Gerry for putting this thing together, you really have a great thing going.

I live in the Pocono Mountains of PA. My best friend moved to NJ and we discovered Raritan Bay. We have progressed over the years from stripers and fluke to going further out on the reefs for sea bass.

Have got to meet the absolute best guys in the world doing this. A big thanks to Freddy Gamboa, his mate Ed, along with Kris and Darren of Fish Stix, for their help and advice! You guys are great!

Currently have a 23 Sea Boss Cuddy Cabin, twin 150 Yamaha 4 strokes. Looking to move up a little. I am going for a test ride on a 28 Grady Release. I want to go bigger, but still want to be able to trailer. The 'Smell's Fishy' crew consists of my 16 year old son who absolutely loves the water, me and my best friend. This boat runs great, just want something a little beefier.

Thanks for any advice. It will be greatly appreciated.

[CaptMarc]

Since this is your first boat, how much experience do you have operating a boat? Just give you my opinion, run the boat on a few nice days, have a full tank to start and do about 50 miles. Fill up before you go out again and keep a log. Then pick a little bit of a crappy day 3' with a good 15 mile wind. Take someone with experience if you haven't operated in these conditions. Do this a couple times and keep track. Then you will have an idea on your consumption in mildly rough conditions. You have to have confidence in your boat and your ability. I was one of those crazy people with a small boat running 50-60 offshore in a 25' boat. But paramount to that is safety. You can call or email if you would like to talk. Even in a 35' boat 75 miles offshore, you are just a cork.

[Dino]

Originally Posted by Flygaff

I had my 23 out to the glory hole and chicken canyon on a regular basis. You really have to pick your day and keep an eye on the weather. Safety is everything. if it doesn't feel right, don't go. watch your fuel. I went out to the glory a few years ago in perfect flat calm seas. about two hours out and 19 gallons of fuel. Wind changed in a very short time. Came back in 6-8 ft seas. took 71/2 hours and burned 79 gallons of fuel on the way in. I learned a lot that day. Be safe and have fun. Now I have a 25 ft and run to the Hudson. some people just don't learn.

FLygaff.. did you take the swordfish in your avatar from your 25' ? thats nice work !