Small Outboard safety

[krosemond]

This article is a wake up call for all of us who venture offshore in small open outboard boats.<br /> www.docksidereports.com/small_boat_safety_at_sea.htm <br /><br />Having downsized from a 24' full transom inboard diesel to a 20' outboard skiff, I am re-thinking my pre trip safety plan.<br /><br />Safe and prudent boating to all.

 

[JB]

Re: Small Outboard safety

But, Krose! There aren't enough Whalers for everyone to have one!

 

[krosemond]

Re: Small Outboard safety

JB, I thought you were going fishing for 10 days? I am trying to get the boat right for a week at the coast myself, starting 7/8!<br /><br />Catchemup!!!

 

[12Footer]

Re: Small Outboard safety

This is something we see on the west coast of Florida way too much! I won't take my boats over a mile out under IDEAL conditions. I love bluewater fishing. But when the "bug bitez", I make reservations on one of the many good deep sea boats at Fort Myers Beach, or Pine Island.<br />Besides, when you add up the fuel costs, cost of transport,ramp fees ect, the price aint bad.

 

[krosemond]

Re: Small Outboard safety

12 footer, I agree about the cost comparison of chartering. But the last couple of times I chartered, I felt like a spectator. There is something special about the hunt. Doing everything that it takes on your own to bring that bluewater fish back to the dock.<br />I am not saying that going offshore in a small boat should not be done, we just need to understand what COULD go wrong, and be as prepared for it as possible to have the best chance of protecting life and property. I have a lot of time on the water under my belt, and I am much more afraid of the sea than I was 20 years ago. When I think back on my early days going offshore and what I didn't know, I am just thankful to be here today. I just hope a lot of people new to the game will read that article and make as much effort as possible to learn what it takes to be prepared to go offshore. But I know that we will continue to see stories about people drowning or being lost at sea.<br /><br />And some of the responsibility rests with the boat builders and dealers who talk about how there boats can take you out to places where "the big fish" are, and they send folks on their merry way with a new boat and no idea of what they are getting into when the pass the sea buoy and head out to sea. <br /><br />Again, safe and prudent boating to all.<br /><br />

<br /><br />(And all this from a guy who used JB Weld on a stripped spark plug)