1986 150hp to mudhole

[chesapeake724]

I've fished that area from a party boats close to 20 yrs. ago, but I don't have firsthand experience at the helm with the type of seas up there. It all depends on the wave period and less about how "far" you are offshore. 2'-4' on the Chesapeake is a back-busting washing machine of short waves that'll rattle your fillings, and you can still see both shores. On the flip side, I've gone 26 miles into the Atlantic (out of NC) in a 21' center console with a 2'-4' swell that was pleasant as all get out. If you are confident in your equipment, preparation, and boat handling ability, 12-15 miles off should be within range of a V with 150hp. I'd be surprised if you even touched the extra fuel, but obviously it's better to have and not need. Five words:

"Buddy boat" and "go for it".

[Blue_Runner]

Ditto the last 3 posts.

[willy]

Its a doable run, done it twice, once in my robalo 1820' cc and once in my friends 21 footer. Both times we had a weather window which said it would be good, we used the marine forecast taken at the outside buoys. In my robalo it got rough once the afternoon off shore winds kicked in but I just slowed down, in my friends boat which was a cuddy it was actually a little more worrisome to me due to it not being as seaworthy a hull as the robalo.
But both times it was just a run at cruise speed out and a little slower back in.
You just need to be prepared equipment wise as stated above, but in reality you should be that way whether you are running to the mudhole or running the bay. Biggest thing is good engine, reliable, extra everything for it, good life preservers, good working radio and a waterproof portable in a ditch bag along with all the other stuff like flares etc.
The best thing is to run it with a buddy boat or at least be in contact with a buddy out there if possible. I would like to do it but my V needs a good radio as it did not have one set up when I bought it and I have not been on it enough to need more than my good portable Icom.

[Blue_Runner]

I've done several round trips anywhere from 80 - 120+ total miles and never burned more than 48 ish gallons w/ Yamaha 150, 2 stroke. Furthest from port was 40 miles one way with at least 2 buddy boats. Can't have enough buddy boats.

[spareparts]

jsut remeber, when the weather service says 2-3ft seas, thats the height above mean level, meaning that a 2 ft sea is 4ft from top to bottom, a 3ft is 6 ft top to bottom. Check the wave period, we get a lot of 3ft every 3 secs, thats like driving accross plowed rows

[sven]

Thanks to all on the good advice. New problem that just hit today will put any more runs anywhere off for awhile. Filing at the jump and noticed strong fumes. Thought "okay just from the pump" than i noticed only a very weak current of air from the vent which normally blows out pretty good when fueling. So i killed the pump and checked the bilge and there was the gas! dont know what the hell is going on but my hunch its something (a leak) with the line from the fueling port to the tank. this hunch is due to the fact there was strong vapor in the front starboard, by the fueling port. If anyone has any ideas id appreciate them. i guess it could also be i need a whole new gas tank.

[ju-sey]

just bought my boat in sept. from guy in brick had a hole in gas tank took out floor and tank had it welded buy midland radiator in garfield he did a great job with a patch no more leaks

[chesapeake724]

Originally Posted by spareparts

jsut remeber, when the weather service says 2-3ft seas, thats the height above mean level, meaning that a 2 ft sea is 4ft from top to bottom, a 3ft is 6 ft top to bottom. Check the wave period, we get a lot of 3ft every 3 secs, thats like driving accross plowed rows

Disagree. NOAA/NWS gives wave heights in forecasts as crest to trough, not crest to mean.

http://www.weather.gov/glossary/index.php?letter=w

Basically, it's the height of the wave 'face' you'd be seeing. It just feels like they're wrong about the forecast by a factor of 2. ;)

[bgreene]

The top of the Mud Hole from the Highlands is less than 10 miles.

I've run up from Shark River Inlet ( Belmar, NJ ) to the top of the Mud Hole lot's of times, and anchored in the 130' of water for bluefishing.

Not a problem for your boat, or mine- which is a 93' Mako 201 center console.

Just pick your weather - and consider any " left over chop" if it was blowing the day prior.
Marine forecast of 5-10, preferably not from the E, as the seas have so much room to build.

Go and fish. If all's fine but you're still nervous about the run, don't go.
No shame in fishing within your comfort zone - that's the way it's supposed to be.