Bay boats offshore

[Rockypoint1234]

Hi, does anyone have experience taking bay boats offshore 25 miles or less? I’m considering buying a 22 ft bay for inshore and some offshore fishing. Is this feasible?

 

[dingbat]

Guys fish out 10-15 miles in kayaks so it’s possible in good conditions.

Having said that, I wouldn’t buy a bay boat for regular use out front. “Good days” can be few and far between

 

[Rockypoint1234]

Guys fish out 10-15 miles in kayaks so it’s possible in good conditions.

Having said that, I wouldn’t buy a bay boat for regular use out front. “Good days” can be few and far between

Thank you

 

[Chris1956]

I am not sure what a "Bay" boat is. A 22 foot runabout is fine for fishing 1-3 miles into the ocean if the waves are comfortable. Heck the inlet is the worst part of the trip, especially with the wind against the tide.

 

[lprizman]

Yes ....boat will be fine.... depends on who is at the helm.....
Proper electronics and safety gear....pic your days.....
Enjoy!!!!

 

[dingbat]

I am not sure what a "Bay" boat is.

It’s a cross between a flats boat and a center console.
My issue with them is lack of freeboard and bow flare

A buddy has an Everglades 243. Nice boat for flounder fishing the backwater. He hitches a ride offshore

Everglades 243cc Hybrid Boat

Discover the Everglades 243cc Hybrid Boat, a top choice among hybrid bay boats and inshore fishing boats. Featuring a versatile center console design, it’s perfect for both bay and coastal adventures.

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[Texasmark]

I don't fish offshore but have encountered significant sized waves....hiding the boat from the horizon occasions, and wave length that allowed the boat to sit level for several seconds, in the trough, before changing direction.

My choice, were I to go out today would be deep V and high flare to the bow. My current experience with bay boats is shallow dead rise at the transom to operate in shallower water and no flare as it's usually not needed.

The Bertram 20 footer that shows up in the Australian's Avatar is a perfect bay boat in my opinion.....I forget his name but he is an Administrator on the site.

Agree you need to know your boat's capabilities and how to handle it in varied water conditions. Within reason I'd say this matters more than the design of the boat.

 

[lprizman]

Center console with lower gunwales is typically considered a bay boat....
I've taken my bass boat out to block island....pic your days...have a radio.....
Have I!!!!

 

[Sprig]

Besides the wind you have to check the swell. The size and timing of the swell is as important as the wind. Also the wind off shore is a somewhat unpredictable thing. It can go from flat calm to really blowing quickly. You can’t wait to see what’s going to happen. When the wind starts to blow and you are 20 miles offshore you better start heading back.
Your experience, expertise and seamanship is also critical when you go off shore.

 

[Ray74]

Pick your days and carry all necessary safety gear and you will be fine. I take my 20ft dc out 10-15miles regularly.