18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

[houstonnoob]

I have 18ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra. I want to go offshore fishing but not too far. Maybe about 3 miles or less max from the shore. I want to be able to see the land and on the calm water day.

Should I be OK to be out there with this small boat few miles? Or NO way dude!
The boat has marine gps, marine cb, and the normal coast guard safety requirement equipments.

Has anyone with similar size boat been offshore fishing?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

depends on where you are, the weather conditions, the amount of boat traffic, and how seaworthy the boat is.

do you have a BoatUS or SeaTow membership?

 

[dingbat]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

A person with good skills could pilot a row boat across the ocean. A person with not so good skills could have problem crossing the creek. Use good judgment and you'll have no problems at all. We used to take a 17' trihull out 10-15 miles and not think once about it.

BTW: You can still see land from 10-15 miles out depending on the back drop. Your 3 miles limit will look like a couple of hundred yards

 

[houstonnoob]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

depends on where you are, the weather conditions, the amount of boat traffic, and how seaworthy the boat is.

do you have a BoatUS or SeaTow membership?

I have no idea what these membership you are referring to. I can tell you I am not in any club as far as in "boat" wise.

A person with good skills could pilot a row boat across the ocean. A person with not so good skills could have problem crossing the creek. Use good judgment and you'll have no problems at all. We used to take a 17' trihull out 10-15 miles and not think once about it.

BTW: You can still see land from 10-15 miles out depending on the back drop. Your 3 miles limit will look like a couple of hundred yards

Ok cool, that's very positive. Really 3 miles out isn't that far from land, that you can still see the land? If I can see land with 3 miles I might just hit 4 or 5 miles max. My goal one day is attempting to go to the nearest oil rig. By me going 3 miles out is sort of like breaking the fear for me.

I've gone deep sea fishing on the party boat before where I can't even see the land and I was totally lost, didn't know which direction we're at that time.

BTW: How can I tell where the oil rig is at the closest to me in Galveston, TX? I have a Garmin GPSMAP 498, I wonder if this will tell me.

 

[dingbat]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

I have no idea what these membership you are referring to. I can tell you I am not in any club as far as in "boat" wise.

The memeberships he is talking about are tow "clubs" I'm a member with Boat US and I wouldn't leave the dock w/o it.

 

[JSMoore]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

Ok cool, that's very positive. Really 3 miles out isn't that far from land, that you can still see the land? If I can see land with 3 miles I might just hit 4 or 5 miles max. My goal one day is attempting to go to the nearest oil rig. By me going 3 miles out is sort of like breaking the fear for me.

I've gone deep sea fishing on the party boat before where I can't even see the land and I was totally lost, didn't know which direction we're at that time.

BTW: How can I tell where the oil rig is at the closest to me in Galveston, TX? I have a Garmin GPSMAP 498, I wonder if this will tell me.

Houstonnoob, don't fear it.... Just RESPECT it! If you are going to go off shore, make sure your equipment is completely reliable, seaworthy, and well maintained; and that you know how to use it well. I also try to have a "backup" for as much equipment as possible. As an example, 2 GPS/Chartplotters running on 2 separate electrical circuits is better than one. A backup VHF radio is better than one. Spare parts for your motor, (alternator & water pump belts, fuel filter, spark plugs, etc.), are a good thing to have. Learn to read the changes in the weather and sea conditions. I've seen things go bad with very little warning. Know when it's time to head for port.

All I'm saying is; while you're on land, try to think of everything possible that could go wrong on the water and have some kind of workable backup plan. While you can never anticipate everything, good pre-planning can help when the unexpected happens. And, when you ARE on the water, you can relax and enjoy the day. Remember...... this is supposed to be FUN!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

you should take an experienced fisherman, including a guide, with you the first time, or go on a small boat charter. the cost will be your tuition on how to do things. It's good that you are careful and concerned, but it sounds like you have a lot to learn.

Be sure you have a properly rigged anchor. You want to stay put if there is a problem.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

you may want to look into a BoatUS or SeaTow membership. it will save you about $600 if you need a tow. other than that, two GPS's (one can be hand held) and two radios

unless you know the coordinates of the oil rigs, your GPS wont have it in them. it will have the channel markers and other nautical navigation way points.

 

[Cowthief]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

We have a 19ft boat and go out 30miles. Like everyone has already stated, it is your equipment, being prepared and ALWAYS let someone on land know your departure and return time. 3-5 miles out will look like you are 500 yards from shore. Here you can still see land at 12miles out on a clear day. Watch the clouds and the waves.

I have a smaller 17ft boat I plan to start taking offshore.

P.S. Check your bilge pumps.

 

[Cowthief]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

The boat has marine gps, marine cb, and the normal coast guard safety requirement equipments.

Forgot something, this also changes when going offshore. Check with your local state and federal rules. You may need more aerial flares and such.

 

[Ned L]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

I'm going to take a bit of a different track here and not talk about the equipment you take, because I believe that if you are experienced enough to do what you want to do you shouldn't need the equipment (spare parts aside - always good to have them and to know how to replace them). Yes the electronic navigation do-dads are nice, but if you can't find your way home with just a compass I'd be concerned. - Some of your questions also give me concern. Wanting to get to an oil rig and then asking "How can I tell where the oil rig is at the closest to me in Galveston" is concerning.
It is the experience that takes you safely out and back, not the boat. Back in the mid 1950's my parents would go a couple of miles offshore in a 12' plywood outboard runabout with a 15hp Evenrude on it and were perfectly comfortable. I've been commercial scalloping 100 miles offshore in a dead fog and had a guy idle up in a Boston Whaler Outrage and call out "which way is Atlantic City?" - him I'm not too sure about.
Once you learn more of what you are doing you won't need to ask the question 'can I do this'.
With experience you will understand how quickly water conditions change with changes in the weather. You should understand basic navigation and not rely completely on the electronics as if you are staring at a video game monitor. Understand direction, steering on a heading, currents, wind changes a bit, understand your boat and how it handles in different conditions and how it handles as the weather decays. It's one thing to be a 1/4 mile out and realize the weather is turning nasty and 'oh crap I'm just figureing out what my boat can handle' and being 20 miles out and have to figure the same thing out. I'm not saying saying you need to be an expert in any one area, but you should know enough to understand in advance when you may be heading for a problem situation.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

...BTW: You can still see land from 10-15 miles out depending on the back drop. Your 3 miles limit will look like a couple of hundred yards

The 3-5 mile horizon that is always quoted is the water horizon standing on the average small boat deck.
Anything taller than the water will still be visible.
Typical Trees can be see at 10 miles.
Major city apartment buildings and sky scrapers may be seen at 30 miles.
You will not see the land, just the trees and buildings sticking out of the water.
Depending on the lay of the land, it could take 20~50 miles to enter the "Water, Water Everywhere" zone.

3 miles is not consider "Offshore" to many people.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

The question you ask should scare you. Hey is it OK to drive on the freeway in this car, how about this car? Its NOT THE CAR. Please please take someone, never mind not take. Have them take you on your boat out who knows what they are doing. Listen and learn, its not that your not going to be able to do it just at first listen and learn. You can get hurt real quick and real bad and worse hurt people that thought you knew what you were doing and trusted you.

 

[JSMoore]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

I'm going to take a bit of a different track here and not talk about the equipment you take, because I believe that if you are experienced enough to do what you want to do you shouldn't need the equipment (spare parts aside - always good to have them and to know how to replace them). Yes the electronic navigation do-dads are nice, but if you can't find your way home with just a compass I'd be concerned. - Some of your questions also give me concern. Wanting to get to an oil rig and then asking "How can I tell where the oil rig is at the closest to me in Galveston" is concerning.
It is the experience that takes you safely out and back, not the boat. Back in the mid 1950's my parents would go a couple of miles offshore in a 12' plywood outboard runabout with a 15hp Evenrude on it and were perfectly comfortable. I've been commercial scalloping 100 miles offshore in a dead fog and had a guy idle up in a Boston Whaler Outrage and call out "which way is Atlantic City?" - him I'm not too sure about.
Once you learn more of what you are doing you won't need to ask the question 'can I do this'.
With experience you will understand how quickly water conditions change with changes in the weather. You should understand basic navigation and not rely completely on the electronics as if you are staring at a video game monitor. Understand direction, steering on a heading, currents, wind changes a bit, understand your boat and how it handles in different conditions and how it handles as the weather decays. It's one thing to be a 1/4 mile out and realize the weather is turning nasty and 'oh crap I'm just figureing out what my boat can handle' and being 20 miles out and have to figure the same thing out. I'm not saying saying you need to be an expert in any one area, but you should know enough to understand in advance when you may be heading for a problem situation.

Well spoken Ned L! I use the heck out of my electronics. BUT, I learned to do it the old fashioned way first.

 

[houstonnoob]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

Good input! Thank you all.

I am confident with my boat and it's engine. They engine has been completely rebuild weeks ago. My concern now is the basic navigation without the use of the electronics since most of you have mention it. Hmm, I'll check around to see if any place offering a basic navigation class.

 

[JoLin]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

Good input! Thank you all.

I am confident with my boat and it's engine. They engine has been completely rebuild weeks ago. My concern now is the basic navigation without the use of the electronics since most of you have mention it. Hmm, I'll check around to see if any place offering a basic navigation class.

If you haven't taken a boater safety course, you really need to to. Your terminology (marine CB radio- there's no such thing) tells me you're very new at the boating thing. We all started there. Try US Power Squadrons (USPS.org- I'm a member), CG Auxiliary and your local marine law enforcement to see what courses are available. Your problem is not being offshore per se, as you aren't going very far. Your problem is getting back when visibility goes to crap (dark or fog) and you lose your electronics for some reason.

 

[houstonnoob]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

Yes I am new to boating things. After taking 2 hours basic navigation course I headed out to sea today (Saturday). Base on GPS I went out about 5 miles and spent about 20 minutes out there. The water was slightly choppy and Unfortunately I will have to postpone the future trip to go offshore indefinitely due to motion sickness problem. OMG only if you guys know how bad it was for me, I was pale as a ghost.

Normally I fish and boating at the lake but today was the first day out to salt water. Very different beast! Lessons learn!

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

See your doctor about the motion sickness thing. They have stuff now (scopolamine) that doesn't knock you out like the old Dramamine did. There are also accupressure wristbands: http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Wristb...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

[skagit17]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

A person with good skills could pilot a row boat across the ocean. A person with not so good skills could have problem crossing the creek. Use good judgment and you'll have no problems at all. We used to take a 17' trihull out 10-15 miles and not think once about it.

BTW: You can still see land from 10-15 miles out depending on the back drop. Your 3 miles limit will look like a couple of hundred yards

This!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: 18 ft walkaround with 4.3L OMC cobra, ok to go offshore fishing?

... I will have to postpone the future trip to go offshore indefinitely due to motion sickness problem. OMG only if you guys know how bad it was for me, I was pale as a ghost...

Do not postpone the trip or it will never happen!
Each time you do it, your body will get used to it.
Keep your eyes on the horizon, NOT in the boat.
If you can stand up, so much the better.

If you look at objects inside of the boat, your inner ears will tell your brain the boat is moving and your eyes will argue, "No it Isn't!"
... and then your stomach will loose the argument.

If you have a problem with motion sickness, face the problem, avoiding it is not the solution!