How far can i take my 17ft 120hp boat into the sea?

Question

im a first timer very nervous but i know i can do it

Answer 1

till waves come over the side

Answer 2

Get a marine radio and keep an ear open for bad weather. A storm can blow up very fast, so stay alert!!Wear your life jacket at all times. Have extra fuel, and tell people where you are going. Keep shore in sight. If you see fog coming in get home FAST! You have a small craft so be cautious!!If you are going out alone tie a line on you so if you fall over board you can pull your self back to the boat!Also put a kill switch on the ign switch to kill the motor.

Answer 3

Watch the weather closely because it can change in a blink of an eye. Make sure you take all safety devices with you. GPS and good radio is a must.

Answer 4

Watch the weather....Closely

I have been out about 26 mi, my boat is only 19 ft and only have a 90 hp motor.

Have good radio, check frequently to make sure you can be heard, GPS,

Most of all....a kicker motor in case of failure of main motor.

If not all these stay close to shore.

Answer 5

I've had mine out to 12 miles. Basically it's a good idea to keep shore in site, but I wouldn't wander out where very few boats are at, or without a good ship-to-shore radio on board.

5 miles out is reasonable enough for even a rowboat, but in general, it's not a very good idea to be s******g with the ocean if you don't have a very solid understanding of mother nature's fury!!! Just play it safe and only go out as far as you can swim!

Answer 6

I would say as far out as you feel comfortable.  First off a 17ft boat (unless its a whaler, grady white, etc) will not be able to handle any large waves, but more importantly - with a single engine you are risking a serious tow bill, or worse if you venture too far.  I would not loose site of land in a boat of that size, and even then I would make sure to check the water report to see how the waves are... depending on where you are storms can roll in quickly.  Make sure you have all the proper safety equipment (flares, life jackets, ship to shore radio, etc) I would also suggest buying a small kicker and mount it on the transom... just in case your engine dies, you will have a small back up...

Answer 7

I would keep it withing a couple mile and feel it out. If it feels stable then venture out a bit more,but keep close incase a storm brews.

Answer 8

i have a 14 Livingston with a 25hp evinrude  I've done 50+ miles out on a nice day

Answer 9

buy a compass.(gps can fai)l ,radio flares, lunch for sure all the standard boating equipment.

Answer 10

25 yards