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.