I have 22 bay boat. I would like to do occational reef fishing on calm days. I would not plan to go farther than the Charleston Sixty. What would most recommend it have on board, i.e. PLB, raft, ditch bag?
A good VHF radio and a backup radio are first and foremost. The rest is just extra. I rarely get out of the inlets, but when I do, I always get a radio check on my VHF before heading out. I keep a handheld on board just in case as a backup. I won’t go out past about 10-12 miles in my boat anyway unless its like a mirror, and that never happens when I’m off work. There are usually quite a few other boats on the reefs whenever I get out there, so just that is peace of mind knowing I can communicate with them if I have an emergency.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki
I run a 21ft offshore series boat. I carry 2 addational hand held GPS (tested prior to trip), compas, hand held VHS radio in ditch bag, additional PFD’s and a PBL (registered). Thats all in addition to the boat mounted equipment. Also carry extra oils (motor, steering) and some tools. Plan on picking up some fix it type tape the future. Also let someone at home know your plans; where your going and when you plan to return.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
mounted vhf, not a handheld… cell, file float plan, full tank of gas, charged battery or spare if possible, I have 2 batteries with a perko switch and alternate 1 & 2 each week. Never on both. Flare kit. Radar weather aps for i phone,
a nerf football. If it’s nice you can toss it around in the water, if you hit soemthing you can tear it and plug a hole if needed.
Plus the above mentioned.
Mako 1901 Inshore-Honda 130
1975 13’ Boston Whaler
1977 23 Mako-project
10% of the people catch 90% of the fish.
Just go, you’ll know your comfort level with the equipment you have once you get out there once. It’s not as big of a deal as it seems. 22’ bay boat is plenty to go well past the 60 if the seas allow.
But to directly answer your question, what do I take? VHF, PLB, Tow Boat US membership. The rest of the safety gear you have already because of regulations. Know you general compass headings so you can get home if your electronics crap out. Don’t count on your cell phone working. Don’t count on those other boats near you at the reef to hear you on the VHF. The majority of people don’t keep theirs on or have it loud enough to hear anyways.
Plenty of beer because it will take tow boat and/or sea tow a while to get there. Same with food, take more than just one lunch.
I was on a boat where a through hull fitting broke and water came in fast. The old guy who owned the boat quickly grabbed a small section of pool noodle from the tool kit, rolled it up like an ear plug, shoved it in, and on we went.
The standard safety kit, two good vhf radios with two antennas, silicone emergency tape, tow boat membership, and a piece of pool noodle is all you need.
If your boat breaks down, sea tow/tow boat will save you. If your boat is sinking, your cooler will make a fine life raft.
Key West 2300cc Mercury 225 optimax “Fish Tale”
What everyone else said . Don’t underestimate tow insurance because its new or fairly new. Its a must anymore