Noob Question on Offshore Venture

[Pipe_Dream]

Originally Posted by Blue_Runner

Been out regularly 45+ miles, furthest was 75 (won't do 80 again). Epirb, dual fixed mount radios, quality life preservers (kind that keep your head up out of the water when you're unconscious), a floating ditch bag with rope/carabiners/water/sunscreen/flares/handheld radio and of course marine towing insurance.

Always best if you have another boat with you. Someone said high pressure which gives more confidence for stable weather pattern and I agree with that. Still, anything can happen. If you have enough patience and fuel I feel the boat can handle more than I'm willing to handle in it.

That said, the time I went out 75 miles it was a nice day until it was time to head back. The wind picked up from the north which made for a slow ride. The main problem I had was fuel. I felt if I just tried to plow through it vs. planing off I would most certainly run out. So I kept it planed which made for a miserable ride for all aboard. I had the enclosure ON and was somehow taking buckets to the face THROUGH the front enclosure/windshield. About four hours worth of that......needless to say I was happy to get home!

And that's why I don't venture offshore in the old Pipe Dream. Offshore for me is east which means I have to head west to get home, and nearly all our weather comes from the west. Especially the storms.

Now when I'm down in the Keys that's another matter entirely.