new to the V20

[hookedandcooked]

I'm lookin forward to getting it out for a good fishhing trip. I also have a 60 gal tank what size motor do you have , so i can get an idea of my mileage

[Blue_Runner]

2004 150 hp Yamaha 2 stroke.

Among other things I would recommend getting familiar with your rig's fuel burn before venturing into the ocean with it. Some motors are thirstier than other and the prop size plays a role as well. I keep track by tracking miles traveled and how many gallons it takes to fill the tank at the end of the day.

[reelapeelin]

As always, Blue Runner is dead on...when he says "know" your fuel burn, notice he didn't say 'GUESS" your fuel burn...and he's right about makin' it back in w/only 10 gals being too close...a common rule is 1/3 fuel capacity out...1/3 back in...and 1/3 left over for when things don't go just right...buffer. So if your V will get you 15 miles off on 1/3 of your fuel, then make that your limit...Sounds like you've been out enough to know how quickly things can go wrong out there...don't let us read about your @$$ in the newspapers...

[Blue_Runner]

Can't go wrong with the 1/3rds rule.

Note: the trips I went 40 miles were up the coast rather than dead east. At least if something went wrong I would have died within site of land! Makes it a lot easier to for the coasties to recover the bodies.

Its a good idea to have at least two VHF radios (fixed mount and handheld) 2 compasses, two cases of beer, and associated safety equipment. Know your heading so if the GPS goes out you can make it back in on the compass. Know how to relay your position to the CG.

J/K on the beer....that is optional equipment.

[cfelton]

Welcome Hookedandcooked!! Unless that Johnson is mighty thirsty you should be fine on the gas consumption going out to the Chesapeake Light Tower (only 16 miles). Been out there a few times myself on my buddys 19ft. GW and didnt have any trouble. I haven't taken my V out there yet but May is coming and the Big Spadefish usually school up at the tower then!! Hope ta get out there soon. Just as the others said keep a close watch on the weather and all your safety equiptment up and running and you'll be fine. Good Luck and let me know when the Spadefish come in, the're alot of fun and mighty good eatin!!

[macojoe]

you will be fine!! I use to go in my V with a 175 HP about the same distance and always out and in and movking around with no more then 25 gal gas, mostly less.

[hookedandcooked]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm lookin forward to gettin her out on the bay . I'm putin hydrolic sterring on my V befor i take it out this year,my cable steering is real stiff . I hope I see you out at the tower this summer Cfelton , the spade fish are what I'm lookin for to . My buddy got one that tied the state record, I think last year .