What is the smallest boat you would take out on a calm day on the SF bay?

Question

would you take a 14foot aluminum boat out on a calm day?

If not what would be the smallest you would take out...

what is the smallest engine you would use?

also which brand of off board would u recommend? and which has the simplest engine (ie easiest /cheapest to fix)

and about how much does a new 15HP motor cost?

Thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

Hello

I dont know wat sf is, san fransisco?? Anyway not knowing the conditions all I can tell you is that fibreglass generally provides a softer ride, and it all comes down to experience. If you wanted more security and less space, an inflatable zodiac or something. Generally 4 strokes are great on fuel, but some people swear by their trusty 2 strokes. We have a 15hp Honda 4 stroke that was about 2700Au $ I think.... So about 1500 american or something i dont know how to convert all that well without a calc.

Dont be cheap on the motor, you could get a new 15hp for under 3k, and much less

alot of people also use tinnies cuz there cheap but theres not much else i can tell ya

Answer 2

I've never been in SF bay, but have been in long beach, newport harbor, huntington harbor, san pedro, san diego, oceanside & dana point harbors--as long as they have a breakwater/jetty to block the aves you should be fine as long as you STAY IN THE HARBOR!

I have always seen people kayak the harbors without difficulty, Ive been out on a 12-14 foot dinghy (aluminum) boat with a 10 horse outboard motor--and did fine with a few buddies in the boat fishing...I also have been out in an inflatable raft (avon) in the harbors too...

I would warn you, make sure you have your registration, CF numbers in plain view, and ALL coast guard requirements! They love to snatch you up and shake you down-itching to give you tickets

Answer 3

The rule of thumb is a 100 bucks for each pony (HP) and add 500 bucks. I would go with a 4 stroke, more up front in cost. They use less gas to run. A 14 foot on SF bay? Been on the St Lawrance seaway on a 14 ft boat. If its calm no problem, a fisherman in a 14 footer drowned 10 yrs ago on the finger lake near me. No life jacket on a 14 foot boat and 3 foot waves are not too smart. Wear a life jacket be safe and enjoy