15' runabout on Long Island Sound

[mkiv808]

Hey all, bought a 15' boat from a friend last year in great condition. It's a 1990 Sunbird SPL 150 with an Evinrude 48 SPL outboard. I haven't measured the beam yet, but I'm guessing it's around 6'.

It's been terrific on bigger lakes (Candlewood, Lillinonah), but I'm ready to take it to the sound as I live at its doorstep!

The previous owner went on the sound quite often, picked his days for low wind and stayed close to shore.

Anything I should look out for? Of course, I plan on going when the water is calm, wind is low and weather is predictable. I also won't be going too far from shore. I have all required safety equipment and will be doing a Coast Guard safety inspection at the flotilla in Milford.

I'll be coming out of Milford Harbor. I will get some charts too so I'm aware of all potential depth issues. It also has a fish finder which should help with depth.

From what I understand, the waters around Milford are pretty simple to navigate. Not as difficult as, say, Branford. I got my boating certification at a Coast Guard class in Milford, and they talked about the area a lot.

 

[dazk14]

Re: 15' runabout on Long Island Sound

You'll be fine, go enjoy. As a kid I'd cruise Boston Harbor with a 12' Sears Gamefisher with a 9.8HP Mercury. Smaller boats tend to act like a cork.

I now have a Boat shop in Central Connecticut and have much time on the Sound.

If you come across a tug wave, slow down and keep the bow high to get over it. Power trim helps, otherwise move passengers from bow towards amidships.

If it does churn up while you are out there, install your bow cover to help clear anything you might take over the bow.

Happy Sailing!

 

[haley]

Re: 15' runabout on Long Island Sound

Boat is small too, and when the conditions arebright I have no problem venturing out on Lake Ontario (which can get ugly at times). May want to think about a handheld VHF radio. Sure you can call the CG on your cell, but a distress over VHF is heard by them plus boats around you.

Jh

 

[mkiv808]

Re: 15' runabout on Long Island Sound

Yeah I'd imagine Ontario has a tendency to get even worse than the sound, since it's quite a bit bigger.

I don't have a bow cover, is that something I'll need to order? I don't believe he had one when he used it on the sound. Ah, the money pit.

 

[haley]

Re: 15' runabout on Long Island Sound

Yes, bow cover - nice.

I looked into a custom cover. Mr. Cover Guy recommended a one piece that stretched over the windshield. This way water would not run down the windshield and slip under the bow cover. But having a bow cover handy when the waves kick up would be nice. Will have to ask Mr. Cover Guy if you could secure just the bow portion while underway. And yes - mo money! But this way it moves from the "maintenance" category over to the "safety" category. After all, the Titanic did not have a bow cover and looked what happened to it!

jh

PS Grew up on south shore of LI, and did most of my boating in Candlewood in CT. The "Knolls"

 

[mkiv808]

Re: 15' runabout on Long Island Sound

Who is this Mr. Cover Guy you speak of?

 

[haley]

Re: 15' runabout on Long Island Sound

"Mr. Cover Guy" = custom boat cover shop owner I chatted with. Can't remember which one - I moved on to other ways to suck the money out of my pocket. Actually, I have a newer trailerable mooring cover that does the trick while at dock.

I just thought it was good advise that the custom cover is one piece to avoid drain off. Then in this thread I see it is good to have the cover configured in such a way that you can snap on the bow portion for heavy seas. I do not think the two ideas cancel each other out.

 

[mkiv808]

Re: 15' runabout on Long Island Sound

"Mr. Cover Guy" = custom boat cover shop owner I chatted with. Can't remember which one - I moved on to other ways to suck the money out of my pocket. Actually, I have a newer trailerable mooring cover that does the trick while at dock.

I just thought it was good advise that the custom cover is one piece to avoid drain off. Then in this thread I see it is good to have the cover configured in such a way that you can snap on the bow portion for heavy seas. I do not think the two ideas cancel each other out.

But generally, if I really pick my days and go when it's most calm, the bow cover shouldn't be necessary?