I go out as much as 2-3 miles on my canoe in the Gulf of Mexico off West Central Florida Clearwater area. It is a 16 ft 82 pnd Old Towne Guide made of Poly Link3 with a sandwiched Foam Core. It is the Boston Whaler of Canoes. Submerged it still floats. I've taken on 2-3ft swells and chop, I have an anchor to hold my position in high winds. I have a life jacket extra oar but no communication with the outside world. I have heard many people say I shouldn't be out that far without a boat. Its in the Gulf of Mexico so it is less choppy than other waters. I have seen kayaks out near me on many occasions by themselves however these craft are much more easily paddled back to safet due to their lower than 50 pnd wieght. The only thing I don't like is having an occasional 6 ft shark cruising near my canoe while I'm trying to fish 2 miles out in 8 ft of water. But other than that I think I should be alright if I'm only a 30 minute paddle back to shore right? If not tell me what I need to do different. As I recently read in FL Sportfishermans magazine of 2 guys Circling the Globe in an 18 ft boat with a 50 hp Merc and at some point they are going to cross the Atlantic Ocean. It is a Partially enclosed boat for storms.
