minimum boat size for the gulf

[tako1972]

Hello,
what's y'alls opinion on the minimum boat size for making trips to the rigs and offshore fishing? Thanks, happy hunting, be safe.

[jetro]

23' with a well maintained engine, vhf and maybe an epirb.

[snapper1]

Depends on the captain...!

I have ran a 15 foot boston whaler in the gulf stream off Ft lauderdale for 6 years from 1999-2005. Now I have the boat here in Corpus Christi for 5 years I have been out twice this week 36 miles in it. I have been out 30-40 miles about 20 times in it and the close rigs about 100. You have to pick your days whether you are in a 21 footer or a 15 footer.

I owned a 21 boston whaler which was much more comfortable. An EPIRB, VHF, FLARES, and lots of Fresh water is a must.

When I go out in my 15 I plan like I might be stuck for a few days.... and I always have my EPIRB with me.

[Drunkswimmer]

I have a 11.5 inflatable (baltik) with a 9.8HP Nissan. I only go to the rigs up to 5 miles out. Its small and light enough to load up in a pickup and drive on teh beach to get to the rigs. I figure if i get in trouble i can always paddle back....

[adriangarz1206]

You definetly have to know the predicted,weather and the limits of your equipment.I have taken a 17 foot twin vee 40 miles out but engine was new and weather conditions that,week were zero feet the entire week..safety is first so I had 2 radios epirb spot and all safety equipment required by coast guard

[tako1972]

Thanks for the help guys,
I will start with a smaller boat for the 5 mile trips and either build or buy something capable of more. A question for Drunkswimmer. Where did you buy that Baltik/Nissan combo? Thanks again.

[Drunkswimmer]

I just watched Craigslist.. found a very lightly used dingy setup in SPI and bought it right away. Inflatables in the 12' range go anywhere from 800-1500 and motors go for 1500-2000. I got everything for 2300. Things to keep in mind, check the laws on beach launching before you buy. I have an 11.5 because on pins you can only launch soft hulled vessels less than 12' and less than 10HP motor.

I like my baltik. Its thicker (1.3mm as opposed to .9mm) and hand glued. The customer service from the american retailer is super crappy, but its built sturdy.

Start by looking for avons, zodiacs etc. I know mercury makes some quality inflatables and some places do combo's. I just wanted to go used cause I was poor after buying my gun and other gear

[LIMITLESS]

Drunk, if you want to run arround the Port A Jetties, or Packery, and need a hand, hit me up...

[Drunkswimmer]

Sure thing guys.. the Jetties sorta scare me.... I cant really anchor up around them and the currents get weird for such a small light boat around the ends. May as well walk/swim them since you are so close to land.

Here is a video of a beach launch I did when y'all had that sick inshore viz... Man i was jealous when you posted your report!

PINS Beach Launch - YouTube

[LIMITLESS]

It would be cool to run arround the surf side of the north jetty at port a, since you would otherwise have to take another boat, then carry all your gear...

[gnominic]

I agree with the general consensus. The bigger the boat the further and longer you can go and stay out and the bigger the weather you can tolerate.

I've launch from PINS in a 10ft inflatable with a 6hp outboard. When I ran crewboats I once pulled up to a four-pile and there was a guy in a john boat who can spider-webbed himself in the middle of the rig legs.

It's a bad approach to think "this boat is big enough for the gulf" but rather think in terms of the time period you can forecast the weather. The definition of a "blue water" boat is one which can out-sail the weather forecast. If the weather turns bad, you have to either be able to weather it or out run it to shelter.

The key then if with the operator. If you're willing to turn around at the first sign of bad weather then you can get by with a very small craft. If, as with many operators, you don't pay close attention while on the water, then the bigger the better. Experience is key to small craft headed offshore.

Good luck,
-dennis

[Get'n Jiggy]

I take my 20ft'er out in calm-2ft seas. It's super dry and rides great! I was waiting on a boat buddy to go out 30+ but I have seatow now Some nice deep rigs out of POC and Port A.

Best thing is I get 3-4mpg at 30mph with a single 4.3L

Who needs a big boat that get's .5 or .7 or 1mpg

GO gnat fleet GO

[UaVaj]

Originally Posted by Get'n Jiggy

I take my 20ft'er out in calm-2ft seas. It's super dry and rides great! I was waiting on a boat buddy to go out 30+ but I have seatow now Some nice deep rigs out of POC and Port A.

Best thing is I get 3-4mpg at 30mph with a single 4.3L

Who needs a big boat that get's .5 or .7 or 1mpg

GO gnat fleet GO

I do get about 1mpg on my 30' cat w/ twin zuke 300. I have taken the cat to the middle grounds without thinking twice. it has plow through some nasty stuff too and never felt unsafe.

I also have a 13 boston w/ johnson 40 that get about 5mpg. the boston that rarely go offshore. 5 miles offshore (known as nearshore) only on a good good good days with all the basic equipment (plb/vhf/flare/lifevest).

unless you are better at predicting the weather than the weatherman who has a ph d in meterology. there is no replacement for a big boat. safe than sorry. all it takes is one time to be in conditions too big for the boat under you for you to figure it out. sadly most figure it the hard way. so hopefully you make it back in one piece that one time.

buy the biggest boat you can afford and use it well within the capacity of such boat size. IMHO the smallest boat for true offshore duty (6 plus miles offshore) is a 24' with twin 175. 1/3 fuel rule for good forcast. 1/4 fuel rule for questionable forcast. do not go out in bad forcast.

[Get'n Jiggy]

Originally Posted by UaVaj

/
unless you are better at predicting the weather than the weatherman who has a ph d in meterology. there is no replacement for a big boat. safe than sorry. all it takes is one time to be in conditions too big for the boat under you for you to figure it out. sadly most figure it the hard way. so hopefully you make it back in one piece that one time.

buy the biggest boat you can afford and use it well within the capacity of such boat size. IMHO the smallest boat for true offshore duty (6 plus miles offshore) is a 24' with twin 175. 1/3 fuel rule for good forcast. 1/4 fuel rule for questionable forcast. do not go out in bad forcast.

I'm a better weather man.... no question

And your opinion is way off in left field....IMHO

[UaVaj]

Originally Posted by Get'n Jiggy

I'm a better weather man.... no question

And your opinion is way off in left field....IMHO

since you are "better" at predicting the weather than the weather man himself.

MHO is moot.