Hi everyone, I’m new to this forum but it looks like there are lots of very friendly people here so I wanted to throw my question out here trying to get some advise. I’m new somewhat new to boating - only operated an 18ft boat in the lakes, but recently purchased a sea hunt triton 225 with 150hp Yamaha with hopes of doing some near/offshore fishing. I would love to have something bigger but at the moment it’s all I can “afford”. Question is: what are my capabilities with my boat as in, how far out would you take the 22.5ft boat off Charleston? I understand it’s all about winds, waves and weather but I wouldn’t take my 18ft boat with 60hp offshore no matter how nice weather would be. Just don’t think it was capable of handling any waves in case it would get rough all of a sudden. I’m open to any advise since as I said I’m new to the whole “saltwater fishing hobby” but would love to get into it as much as possible.
You can run that boat to the ledge but be smart. Know when to throw in the towel and watch the forecast. You’re in the same size boat as me. It can be done. Heres my advice…
Use the windfinder app, it has been extremely reliable for me. You need safety equipment if you’re going offshore. ACR plb, commercial vests, ship to shore vhf with back up handheld. Handheld gps, flares and file a float plan. I like to buddy boat.
Capt. R. Killin
21 Contender “Killin Time”
Mother Nature has been rather unkind to us little guys so far this season.
Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250
Yes sir. Last Sunday kicked my behind. Took me until Wednesday to shake that trip off.
Edward, if you don’t have trim tabs, put some on. They’re worth every cent.
Capt. R. Killin
21 Contender “Killin Time”
I had my Pioneer 222sf at Bubble Rock a time or two, GTH many times and all over in between. Be smart and go when the forecast has been stable and unchanged for a period for those long trips. There were a lot of times we shouldn’t have been out or come in sooner. Most of the time it was 30 miles and under and even then there were some long wet rides home. Get your safety gear in order and try to hitch a ride with someone that has experience, then someone that has experience running a small boat. Get a Towboat US membership and an anchor with plenty of rode should you need it. Watch the weather and use multiple sites, SailFlow, Buoyweather, Stormsurf, NOAA etc. If they’re all the same and good you’re good, bad stay home, marginal stay home, disagree significantly stay home.
Very doable, we caught a lot of fish on that 22’ boat but you have to use sense when doing it. Good luck.
Mark
Southport 28TE
2X Yamaha F250
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
Thank you so much for your replies. I do have most safety equipment including the PLB, just have to get a handheld gps. My boat is equipped with trim tabs so that’s done. Thanks for the apps recommendations, just had them downloaded and will be learning how to use them now. Also, does anyone know where I can take some classes how to handle boat in rough conditions or just how to boat in general? As I said I’m not completely new to boating but I am new to off shore boating. Thanks again!
2019 Sea Hunt Triton 225
Also, what kind of wave height and interval is within “comfortable” range for my size boat and what numbers are “doable”? Thanks.
2019 Sea Hunt Triton 225
You have to learn to trim the boat out right so that you’re “surfing” a following sea and getting the bow down when needed. Or in short not pounding while you’re running. That size boat is going to pound some no matter what with the shallow dead rise. As to learning, find someone to go with you or that you can go with that has a similar boat and experience.
Mark
Southport 28TE
2X Yamaha F250
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
with your size boat, I would look for x3 conditions or better. 2 ft 6 seconds, 3 ft 9 seconds.
Check the 41004 offshore conditions and forecast every day- on the conditions where it is showing x3 and swell- compare it to the forecast and also to the other weather data to see what you should be looking for.
Spend your first season reef fishing, R8- 4KI- Charleston 60 etc to gain some experience. And learn how to avoid running out through the washing machine created by the jetties and shipping channel currents.
quote:
Originally posted by DockmanSpend your first season reef fishing, R8- 4KI- Charleston 60 etc to gain some experience. And learn how to avoid running out through the washing machine created by the jetties and shipping channel currents.
^^You mean by timing it right or a different route?^^
you cant learn to drive a boat in rough water from a book… hire someone like Fritz… the boat coach… to teach you. You can only learn from doing. Asking questions is much better than most though, you can get experience just from the nearshore on windy days .
Who is Fritz and how do I get a hold of him? Thanks.
2019 Sea Hunt Triton 225
you don’t get a hold a fritz- he gets a hold a you.
Adventure outdoors fishing charters- Fritz
You guys are all awesome. Thank you so much for all your input. I’m sure I will have more questions in the future so there will be more posts from me. I’m looking forward to fishing the Charleston area.
2019 Sea Hunt Triton 225