new to the V20

[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 .

[Blue_Runner]

I just converted to hydraulic last year after 2 failed cables in less than 2 years time. Somebody could have gotten hurt on the 2nd failure - running almost 30 mph w/ 6 people on board it snapped and motor suddenly turned violently to starboard. Sent us heading for a seawall but luckily I backed off in time and nobody got thrown out.

Its expensive but its the best.

[dbetterred]

Just curious guys, what is a spade fish?

[hookedandcooked]

A spade fish is black and white striped like a zebra ,shaped like a spade on a deck of cards. they average 4 to 10 # . The state record in Va is 14 # even I think. They are some of the best eatin fish in the ocean.