Bay boat offshore??
 

Im new to saltwater fishing. I just bought a 24' sea fox. I figured it was a pretty versatile boat for inshore and semi offshore fishing. I have a huge fear of being stranded offshore. Can y'all give me some suggestions for maintenance or for items that need to be onboard for just in case scenarios. Like what are the most common mistakes boaters make that leave them needing a tow. Other than not having a kicker motor.

spare prop
dont turn your motor off when offshore
make sure you have a vhf radio
a buddy boat is a good idea especially if you are new to offshore fishing
a small tool kit
spare fuses

Got everything but the spare prop. Just curious. Why not turn the motor off?

so you dont have to worry if it will start again

Even if its a two stroke you recommend this?
Its ok to run a two stroke all day?

It might not turn back on. Always good to have a spare battery. Handheld waterproof VHF that floats and also hand held water proof GPS.

I used to run my 2 strokes all day

Would I look like a total douche with a kicker motor on this thing? The guy I bought it from took it offshore and he had a kicker motor. I'm assuming for trolling. I have a 25hp tiller but I would have to bring a seperate fuel tank because it's a 2 stroke

It aint a joke if your offshore and you got no motor... better to look different than be stranded imo

Yea. He likey had it for an emergency way of travel. You can troll with your big motor

Agreed

Any other offshore fatal mistakes I should know about?

Not listening to your gut when it says turn around or leave them biting and head in.

Erik,
I have a " oh $hit" bag on my boat , it's a waterproof bag that has hand held VHF , flares, whistle, spot locator , a few snacks in case it hits the fan I can bail with this bag . Checking and understanding the weather . Like I know in may and early June the weather has a better chance of a storm popping up than mid-late July when it's hot a hell . Best thing to do is take baby steps

SPOT LOCATOR!!!! Its the "oh crap" button that will save your life!

Mike, is that the same bag you showed me last time we went fishing? If so I'll sell the boat and fish the ditches with Leroy.

More specifically, I've got the Spot Connect. I can send texts to my wife and family while I'm out there. Its a nice feature!

It takes prewritten messages i.e. I'm running late, I broke down, etc

Get SEA TOW

Also a handheld VHF may not give you enough coverage to call coast guard depending locaton, last year had to pull a boat in from the Chandeleur Islands all he had was a handheld VHF.

duct tape, tie wraps, crescent wrench, channel locks, wire strippers, gun, butt splices, first aid kit, food, water, lots of rope, more rope.

wd40, skeeter dope

the safest way to me is with a buddy boat, theres no better feeling than having someone out there with you incase you would need something. Going offshore always makes me nervous, even in big lake i get nervous when I'm out there with inexperienced guys.

I'm disappointed in you all......Nobody said beer! You'll need enough beer to last you the tow ride in!! Or to get you thru the wait to be towed. Whichever suits your situation

You scared bruhh!!!!

leave a float plan with someone and also take the boatus.org saftey test for boaters has alot of good info that some old and younger boaters need to know even if they was born before required date

So sea tow and a handle of crown? Sounds good to me. What's the response time?

A spare bilge pump is always a good idea too

If you planning on fishing offshore alot. Spend the money and get an epirb!!!

There is not 1 Sea Tow Boat from Galveston to The Westbank of NOLA, don't count on them if your offshore and need help. You would do better hailing a crew boat. EPIRB for sure, an offshore ditch bag. The best thing to do is go with a buddy boat. 24' Sea Fox has a nice Vee to it and should do well in the Gulf if it's not to sloppy.

Also, don't go cheap on maintence of your boat, make sure everything is in working order.

Thought that was a given.

Gas, oil, beer, water, more beer, sammiches, even more beer. I learned that from the Texas Duo last year. And it worked out pretty darn good. Gotta have something to occupy your time while ya running those 25 miles.:smokin:

My VHF radio has a button on it for emergencies. Is that the same thing as an epirb? Sounds like a great idea I jut don't want to spend the money on something my VHF is equipped to do

That button should be connected to your GPS and indicates to the CG where you BOAT is.

An EPIRD is something that connects to you that indicates to the CG where you are or where the EPIRB is.

Got it

Take a look at the Spot Connect. Its a good unit at a good price.

Everything discussed so far is a good idea. I would add get a NOAA chart, good compass and learn how to navigate without a GPS just incase. Also pay attention at all times to the weather, and other vessels. Just use your common sense and remember the gulf can go from peaceful to hell in about 30 min. Take your time traveling to conserve fuel.


BROWN FIN

Redundancy is the best plan for off-shore fishing. As I stated in other threads a bay boat doesn't belong off-shore. Over the years that I have fished off shore, every boat I've owned had 2 outboards, separate tanks for each, a spare battery, spare props, sea anchor and dang good working VHF with the tallest antenna I could install. GPS with a handheld backup, spare anchor w/ rode, emergency medical supplies along with spare water and bug stray. A set of up to date paper charts and a corrected compass. (I started fishing off shore before the advent of Loran and GPS.) Over the years I've used everyone of these articles. Spot Connect is good to have, however, I prefer to be able to limp back to shore than having to wait anywhere from 2-6hours before someone can pull me in. In bad weather this could be a serious problem.
Weather factors are always your biggest concerns. Thunderstorms, fog and un-expected high winds. These conditions can easily overcome you in a few short minutes. The design of a bay boat does not allow for operation in any sea over 3ft. (real 3ft seas with breaking caps and shear walls). I've seen seas go from dead calm to nasty 4-6ft in less than 15 minutes.
The best option to fish offshore is to have a close buddy with a capable boat. Trade him/her bay trips for off-shore trips with you picking up the gas bill. Works real good around here!

Just my .02.