Whats the risk of fishing offshore with an 11 foot achilles inflatable boat with 15 hp engine?

Question

What do you think of this idea, I would like to buy one for fishing offshore maybe 1-5 miles off the gulf coast. Please experienced offshore fisherman only.

Answer 1

those boats are pretty much unsinkable, I have been on salt water and seen those little buggers anywhere, they just float like a cork in a bathtub.

the ride may be rough and choppy but you're not going out in a storm are  you?

With normal precautions you should be just fine, GPS, enough fuel, proper clothing and some sort of communications gear (portable radio).

The biggest safety factor in ANY boat, regardless of the size is common sense.

If you're not paying attention, a larger boat will give you a false sense of security and you will be no safer.

Answer 2

I go offshore frequently and in my opinion thats a bad idea. First of all inflatables can and do sink. If the weather turns bad it can happen very quickly in the gulf and you may find yourself unable to return to land and even driven further out to sea. Just because you see other people in inflatables that does not mean they are smart or its a good idea. I have rescued many boaters in larger vessels and plenty in small boats like that who thought they had plenty of time or a boat big enough to handle what came their way. Save your money and wait for qa bigger boat or go on a party boat

Answer 3

I don't need to be an offshore fisherman --  just a common sense boater --  to tell you that you can't take an 11 foot boat anywhere but a calm, inwater channel without experiencing major waves.  You have the perfect back- lake fishing boat, but to go 5 miles off- shore is really ... um, dumb.

Take care and buy lots of insurance...

Answer 4

i did the same thing off the shore of southern california.  there are a couple of risks to start. it will be a very bumpy ride there and back unless you find a good calm day.  depending on how much weight is in the boat it will not go very fast. if you do end up hooking a large fish it will be very hard to land it.

Answer 5

It could sink,use one of your redundant aircraft carriers for reliability.Sorry its boring and raining again in the UK.To go even one mile offshore I would want at least a 20 to30ft boat with a decent inboard engine,Sailed all over the world.