Time to get back into offshore fishing after a 5 year layoff. Looking at getting a 23’ CC. Question for those who do go offshore these days, do you go 1 motor with Seatow as your backup or 2 motors as your backup? (Obviously all should have Seatow or TowBoatUS. The boat (from the Columbia Boat Show) I liked the most (including affordability) was the Sportsman 232 Open. Only problem was, after my last escapade being stranded by 1 motor I swore I would never go with only 1 again. However, this boat only has an option of 1 motor up to 250hp. Opinions appreciated.
the question is if you are ok with having to spend the night offshore waiting on the towing company, in the case that you break down offshore after 3pm.
Anyone run one big motor with a kicker?
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Baracuda, preferably Id like to not spend a night offshore unless it was planned. Just looking for opinions on how those view their own personal situation and opinion. Also, if anyone knows of deals on 23’ or around there (pulling with 2010 Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71) please let me know.
If its brand new out of the box, no worries for 3/4 years. Buddy boat with others. There are a whole list of things you can do to mitigate being stuck out there. Two motors is best though. Is it the tow capacity of yur truck that is keeping you from a two motor rig or the cost…?
I think you will answer your question by asking yourself;
- What can i afford to buy.
- What can i afford to operate. I know a few guys who have nice boats and cannot go out unless they put 4 or 5 guys on the boat to pay for gas.
- How far do you plan on going.
- How comfortable are you with one motor.
Personally i run a single engine and feel good with it. Maintenance is the key.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Depends on how hard you can kick. After swearing to yourself that you’d never go single again, how hard can you kick your own rear when/if it happens again? 
In all seriousness though, people go single all the time. Myself, I prefer not to. Who’s to say that just because I have two older motors that it’s better/worse than one newer motor. If you can keep it running and maintained and it’s a reliable engine, why not. We take chances every day driving to work and crossing the street.
Affordability isn’t the issue. Maintenance and cost to go out definitely aren’t the issue. I have a price range I’m trying to stay in just because that’s what I’m willing to spend on a boat that I’ll keep stored in Charleston (I live in Lexington) and may only use 10 times a year. On the towing capacity, the 1/2 motors has nothing to do with that, more referencing weight of boat due to size of it. I believe towing capacity is 10k but I prefer not to go over 6k. I have my truck on a 7.5" lift with 35" tires which also plays a roll in that.
If you do decide two motors, make sure the single engine has enough to get you on plane. 60-70 miles offshore plowing all the way home is as bad as waiting on a tow. You also go through a lot more fuel.
May not ever need the top speed, but it is there if you do. Also two bigger engines will run more efficient than two smaller ones at the same cruising speed.
One thing I’ve learned, Patience while shopping for a boat really pays off. Late summer and fall seem to be best to purchase one. IMO.
Running 23 Regulator, single yammy 3 years,with no problems.
Engine is 2008, 600 hours, try my best to stay ahead of required maintence.
"Thou Shalt Never Shut Single Engine down Offshore "
That’s bottom fishing or drifting.
Epirb, spot, Tow Boat Us Membership, all the others, flares radio etc.
500’ anchor line.
Used to run twin engine diesel Sporties and have come in on one engine quite a few times. IMHO there is much more to fail on a Diesel, the attached Transmission Gear, running gear., charter and work boat guys get the payback, recreational guys not so much.
However we are talking Small boats here anyways, nothing wrong with a well running single engine offshore , sure two always better, I am comfortable with my situation.
good Luck
Fred, I don’t intend on being that far out in my boat often or ever. Reason I’m going 23+ is that’s what I feel comfortable going to the ledge or thereabouts trolling when that’s what I decide to do. I’ve always been one to bottom fish but would like to hit the trolling scene during peak season. Thanks for opinions as always. Saw on CL a ‘97 Kew West 23’ with twin Zukes for $12k today. Not sure overall running condition etc but that didn’t seem like too shabby of a deal. Still haven’t received email back on condition.
Be careful of the older suzuki motors. Corrosion issues would scare me away from those.
Key West 2300cc Mercury 225 optimax “Fish Tale”
I have an 06 23’ Key West with twin 115 Yammys (low hours) I am gonna sell.If you are serious I can send you some info.
This boat has everything you need for offshore; outriggers, down riggers, radar and more.
NN
07, 23 Key West, Twin 115 Yammys
“Coastal Bound”
With a single, you may do well to stay “on the beaten path” and fish places frequented by others…Capers, 4KI, CHS 60, Gardens, Y-73, Commanche. Someone is usually out there or will be there soon unless you picked an ugly day to fish. If you have complete faith in your motor…stretch out to Edisto Banks during the dolphin run.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
190cc Sea Pro w/130 Johnson
1- 19 year old (boy of leisure)
1 - 1 year old (fishing maniac)
1 - wife (The Warden)
ECFC
I’ve been towed with a single 50 miles out. It sucks!! Would I do it again. Yes! Would twins be better? Yes. My boat sat all last year as I didn’t have the cash for gas. It will probably sit this year and I’ll catch a ride with buddies.
I can tell a lot of thought and creativity have been put into this entire thread…
Nice work.
http://www.sustainablefishing.org/
www.joinrfa.com
Luke 8:22-25
DoubleN I’m definitely interested. Seacraft23, if and when I get my boat you’re always welcome. I’m down to pay someone $100 bucks to put me on fish for bottom fishing. I’ve never had a problem catching fish but reading live bottom and finding the snapper, trigger, grouper etc, never could get to them off SC. In the gulf off Pensacola never had that issue but ever since in SC it seems it’s much different.
quote:
If you do decide two motors, make sure the single engine has enough to get you on plane. 60-70 miles offshore plowing all the way home is as bad as waiting on a tow. You also go through a lot more fuel.
There aren’t many twin engine boats that can plane on one engine, at least without switching props, which is no fun in the ocean, and requires 2 spares for counter rotation engines. And trying to plane will burn a LOT of fuel. Figure on coming home at 7 or 8 mph with most boats. Which is about the max speed you could get towed home.
A big single engine with a backup kicker of 10-15 hp will get you home as fast as most twins running on one engine.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
I’ve always wondered why nobody runs kickers anymore. Big single will get better fuel economy. If you want the insurance why not the kicker instead of twins.
Mayhem
Pioneer 197