1986 150hp to mudhole

sven · #1 08-23-2009, 10:31 PM

im thinking about going out to the mudhole from atlantic highlands, nj. I would only go when projected weather would call for 2'-4 seas and extended nice weather. Boat is 23 years old but the yamaha 150 runs great and I've already had it out in 5-6 footers right off sandy hook with no problem. I believe the west end of the mudhole is about 12-15 or so miles offshore. I plan to take 10-15 extra gallons gas just in case (have 60 gallon tank). I have radio, gps and of course all other required safety equipment. Anyone have experience taking their 20 footer to the mudhole? any advice is much appreciated.

RWilson2526 · #2 08-24-2009, 08:21 AM

Been wanting to make that run out there myself but have not had the right combination of weather and people on board....(nice weather days I have had the whole family out and dont want to run out that far with them and days out with friends have been a little iffy for running out there). I've certainly seen boats our size and smaller out there when I've been out on party boats and such....All about the weather I guess.

Let me know when you are thinking of going maybe I will take a run out there with you in my boat. At least it will give the coast guard a better chance of spotting both of us!

Seacrets · #3 08-24-2009, 09:23 AM

No offense, but some people mistake 2-3' seas for 5-6 footers. I've owned two V20's and while out there, if it kicks up to 5-6' seas, you won't be pouring extra gas into your tank. Even 2-4 footers can be uncomfortable. Please be safe, 25 watt radio, good pfd's (not the West Marine $4.88 specials), extra fuel water separator elements, tools, flares, first aid kit, throw ring or cushion w/ line attached. I run 30-40 miles offshore in a 25' boat (Proline) with a 9 1/2' beam and at 5-6' seas we're coming back to the dock. Again, please be safe. Just my $.02.

RWilson2526 · #4 08-24-2009, 09:59 AM

I hear ya Seacrets.....I personally would be looking for a forecast of "2' or less" myself. Like you said even if you can make it out there relatively safely it would be nice to be able to stand up and do a little fishin.

chesapeake724 · #5 08-24-2009, 07:57 PM

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 · #6 08-25-2009, 07:54 AM

Ditto the last 3 posts.

willy · #7 08-25-2009, 10:00 AM

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 · #8 08-25-2009, 01:45 PM

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 · #9 08-25-2009, 05:54 PM

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 · #10 08-25-2009, 07:51 PM

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.