Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

[Wstandis]

In your opinion what is the smallest power boat you would take to martha's vineyard?

I realize weather conditions can change quickly so take that into consideration. I am thinking a 24'?

 

[JB]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

Boats vary so much in seaworthiness that using length as a criterion is a poor choice.

For example, I would take a 17-20' Boston Whaler, Everglades, Del Quay or other very high quality boat places that I wouldn't take many much larger boats.

The run to Martha's Vinyard is what the 16-17' Whaler Montauks were designed for. I would take one of them there, just as I took my Whaler 16' Sakonnet to Bimini from Miami.

 

[iBrent]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

A buddy of mine has a 19.5' stingray. Not much in terms of freeboard plus an open bow. But on nice days he runs out to Cuddyhunk from Westport. Not much further to the vineyard. I guess it depends on where you're launching from.

 

[Wstandis]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

stonnington

 

[iBrent]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

stonnington

CT? That's like 60 miles!

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

just as I took my Whaler 16' Sakonnet to Bimini from Miami.

You are now disqualified from giving advice on matters such as this. You're crazy.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

You are now disqualified from giving advice on matters such as this. You're crazy.

It's a 50 mile trip. It's sometimes like glass. Sometimes it's very bad. I've made the trip many times. There were days when I could have easily taken my 13 footer over, with some extra gas cans. No guarantee on getting back, however!

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

You are now disqualified from giving advice on matters such as this. You're crazy.

Ha. And you're probably soon to be disqualified as well, given that JB is one of our most respected moderators, a heck of a mariner, and just generally a nice guy. Hopefully you'll get a second chance.

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

Ha. And you're probably soon to be disqualified as well, given that JB is one of our most respected moderators, a heck of a mariner, and just generally a nice guy. Hopefully you'll get a second chance.

I'm sure he is all those things. I'm also sure he has a fine sense of humor.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

First, I commend the OP on doing so research before just jumping in and going.

While the boat does play an important part in getting you there. Certain boats are far more seaworthy for that crossing then others. But, don't forget about the other parts of the equation. The weather and YOU!!!!!!

Do you have enough experience to do this trip? Can you read maps? Have you handled your boat in rough weather? In general, how good are your seamanship skills? Do you have spare parts and the knowledge to troubleshoot a problem in rough weather in the middle of the crossing? The captain of the boat plays a big part into this equation.

Now, I am not saying that you can't handle it, only you know that. I am just trying to throw out a reminder that even the best boat with the worst captain might not make it. Likewise, a smaller boat with a well acomplished captain could very well make it safely. (Such as JB )

You must know your limitations. There is always risk involved, learn how to decrease the risk to a comftable level for you. This will be different for everyone. This may include using the right boat, practicing your seamanship skills in that boat, having all needed safety equipment plus some, filing a float plan, doing the trip with other boats, learning to read the weather, building extra days into your schedule for weater, etc.

Maybe you have already thought about this, I don't know. Whatever you decide to do, please do it safely. Don't make the men and women in the Coast Guard risk thier lives to save yours because you were ill prepared for such a trip.

Good luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

In your opinion what is the smallest power boat you would take to martha's vineyard?

Ayuh,... A 12' Tinny would do,... as long as it's trailered onto the Ferry.....

Ha. And you're probably soon to be disqualified as well, given that JB is one of our most respected moderators, a heck of a mariner, and just generally a nice guy. Hopefully you'll get a second chance.

I'm sure he is all those things. I'm also sure he has a fine sense of humor.

Ayuh,... And alittle Crazy streak as well, I'm guessin'.....

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

My only thought is that if you have to ask, you probably shouldn't be making the trip. I'm an inland boat guy but I shouldn't wouldn't make a trip across a distance like that without getting out there in a relatively safe area and boating around a few times first. If you had done that and really knew the trip you are describing, then you wouldn't have to even ask the question.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

I have a 17' that I take 30 miles into the Gulf on good weather days. But I also prepare thoroughly, keep my boat and engine maintenance up to the max, and carry two Personal Locator Beacons on board. (GPS is a given, but you need a back up of some sort.) The short answers is: Can do in a seaworthy boat, in good weather, and with proper planning. Be smart and enjoy the ride.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

Where's your home port? When I was younger my neighbor and I used to leave Westport Harbor early in the morning to fish either Martha's Vineyard or the Elizabeth Islands in a 17'er Whaler and never had any "major" problems. Afternoon winds in the summertime can kick up a pretty good chop on Buzzard's Bay sometimes though. Just have all of your Coast Guard safety equipment and a reliable boat/motor and you'll have a blast!

We never tried to make Nantucket though (except on the ferry), just a little too far.

BOB

 

[Wstandis]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

My only thought is that if you have to ask, you probably shouldn't be making the trip. I'm an inland boat guy but I shouldn't wouldn't make a trip across a distance like that without getting out there in a relatively safe area and boating around a few times first. If you had done that and really knew the trip you are describing, then you wouldn't have to even ask the question.

I agree with this statement - I dont even have a boat yet. I had one a few years back and had to sell it. I will be getting one in the spring. I am fairly certain at this point that I will be getting a Glastron gt 205. http://www.glastron.com/us/gt205.html

I am just curious if, after I know the boat and develop my skills a bit more, it would make the distance. I am the guy that buys the tool he might need instead of the tool I need so i want to make sure this is a capable boat.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

In your opinion what is the smallest power boat you would take to martha's vineyard?

I realize weather conditions can change quickly so take that into consideration. I am thinking a 24'?

There are a lot of 24 footers that can easily do the run,given they carry enough fuel and nobody who wants to turn back when you're half way.
Weather is a stinker out there.I have seen many,many very angry wives who were talked into making the run from Boston to Province town,which is comparable to your run.They started around 9 in the morning with a flat sea,but by 11, the South Western winds started picking up, as they always do, and together with an incoming tide and 3 to 4 footers coming in broadside and over the bow,getting everybody soaked, these runs became a journey from hell with crying kids and screaming wives.Never mind the fuel gauge that starts to show dangerously low levels because of head winds and broadside waves.That probably is the least of your problems.
Before you do it think twice and then think again.
All that being said,I must admit that I went cod fishing and whale watching in a 19 foot Starcraft Holiday about 25 miles South East of Gloucester.

 

[JB]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

I should probably have mentioned that my Miami-Bimini trips in the Sakonnet were always in convoy with other vessels.

Old and ugly? Yup. Stupid? Nope.

 

[captharv]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

Blue crabber said it above. Its not the boat; its the operator and his skills.....
I was in the CG Auxilary for 26 years and very active in search and rescue. We patrolled before the sea tow and BOATUS tow came to being. I have "assisted" 250 boats in that time, so the advice I am about to give comes from getting boaters who did everything wrong before we found them. Since you asked for advice, here it is:
Open ocean is serious business. I would take a 16' whaler to M.V. if the conditions were right and the fact the boat is virtually unsinkable. I also have 40 years + of experience and a 50 ton masters license.

However, IF I were you here's what I would do:
Start out by taking a C G Auxilairy or power squadrons boating course. They cover a lot more than safety.
Learn how to read a chart (boatspeak for map) and plot courses. (Covered in the full courses)
Then, join a boating club. Maybe you can ride in other members boats which will give you an idea of what you want for not only the boat but for the accomodations for you and the family. At a minimum, I would want the electronics big 3: Depth sounder, a mapping GPS and a good quality VHF radio.
Then, once you get the boat, use it on somewhat protected waters and get some experience which will build on the classroom stuff. Practice using the GPS and charts (they do go hand-in-hand) is good weather so it can save your butt in no so good weather. weather can change drastically and even fool the forecasters. Liek we used to say when I lived in upstate NY: I have shoveled "partly cloudy" off my driveway quite a few times.
Then, when you feel you are ready fot the M.V. trip, find another boater to run with the first time. There is safety in numbers, and if he made the trip before, he may know which marinas, restaurants, etc are good.

PS: I spent some time on the Cape a while back. There is a launch ramp on Green Pond right at the bridge at the inlet. Just a few miles of open ocean to M.V.
Oh, yes. Learn the propor enounciation of reference to Jaws: Shaaak

 

[lucky7]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

i have a similar boat to what you are considering, and while i am very happy with it, i would buy something else if i wanted to do coastal cruising.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Smallest boat to make it to marthas Vineyard

Good to hear your plan a little more. Some of the folks on here (myself included) didn't know the nature of your post. On the safe end, you were asking the question that you did. On the dangerous end, you were some guy with little boating experience that was going to rent or borrow a boat to do the trip, just wanting to know what size would work. It's scary to give that kind of advice without knowing more about the situation.

It sounds like you at least know about boating. I'm sure that others on this forum (like Lucky7) will provide you with some good info about that boat. With your mantra of buying what you think you'll need, just make sure that you're buying an ocean-worthy boat. If that's not practical, stick to the one that fits 90% of your desires.

Kudos again for asking the question.