Noobie Boating Questions?

Question

What is the smallest boat that you can take into the ocean? ..Would a Klamath with a Mercury outboard have a chance?

Do you need special clearances, and radio equipment to be allowed to go into the ocean, or major bays/harbors?

Basically I'd like to one day have a cheap boat to fix up that would qualify for some close to coast ocean worthiness, etc.

Answer 1

if your asking this question on yahoo then you should not be going out to sea and especialy not crossing any bar. you better get out on someones boat and get some experience, its not something you just do. there is a lifetime of knowlage and understanding the ocean to being safe and having a planned and  trip out to sea on your boat

but anyway look up the boating and fisheries on a government site. also maritime safety queensland

or what ever is relevent to you

i used to go out in a 12 foot tinnie 5  miles and stay over night in but i had all the safety gear and local knowaladge

got to go

Answer 2

I've seen people in the ocean in a canoe. In my opinion, they are pretty foolish.

A 18-21 footer with high walls is about the smallest I'd advise. And then only on calm days.

There is a bunch of US Coast Guard approved safety equipment that is required in all US waters for powerboats. Exactly what depends on the size of the boat.

You can search boating regulations for your state or from the US Coast Guard web site to find out what's required for your boat.

Answer 3

Hi,

As you mention Oceans, as opposed to seas, I maybe am geussing that we are talking US, and not UK

So the rules and regs may be different

I have taken a canal-designed narrowboat across the English channel, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, and only about 28 miles across to France, and onto their inland system

I needed a few things. A Port of London Authourity paper, a mobile phone, a certificate from the French authourities to say I could enter the harbour, a Mariners Certificate to allow me across in open seas, A little GPS screen on board,

maps, a seaworthiness certificate, registration papers, etc etc.

What a farce! If you choose to just go out and brave the elements, no amount of silly paper-work will save you

Fundamentally, if you stay fairly just off-shore, the tides & currents will park you on a coastline after a while.

But to keep the Authorities happy, it is advisable to enquire as to what is required for your ventures in your local area.

Happy boating !

Bob