So I currently have a Bayliner Runabout I have been fishing out of. That being said I want to move into something that I can use to run out to where H&M landing boats are going for over nights to catch Tuna. I’m really completely unsure what I should be looking at coming out of San Diego. I was thinking a 24’ skipjack. Really would like to get your guys opinion on an entry level boa to these kinda fishing grounds. I’m also open to fishing off a 35’ sailboat. Just unsure the best way around this and want to learn about going for tuna out of San Diego
Looking for recommendations to upgrade to different boat.
- Thread starter Sdneedmesomefish
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ShadowX
I Post A Lot But I Can't Edit This
ShadowX
I Post A Lot But I Can't Edit This
At that budget, it would limit your options. You can get a 24 ft skipjack in that price range, but it will usually be a fixer boat. You can look at other center console boats, but it will usually cost more if its a new outboard engine. The combination of the fuel tank size and the engine efficiency is what determines your range. Basically, if you want to fish up to 50 mile range and the boat has 2 mpg efficiency, you need one that can carry at least 75 gallons of fuel ((100 miles / 2 mpg) + 50 mile worth of additional fuel for trolling, emergency, etc).
You have to think of the usable range instead of overnight or local. The boats fishing for tuna right now are in Tanner or Cortez banks. That is close to 100 miles away and its a bit out of normal fishing range. I believe you are talking about something closer to within 50 miles from San Diego when the tuna are biting in local waters. That range should be reasonable for fishing down to Mexico.
If you plan to have sleeping quarters? A walkaround would be better if you need a place to rest. A center console is more for a one day trip. You have to consider the boat hull type. A center console is a planing hull and can get there faster at the expense of the fuel efficiency. A heavier wooden boat may be a displacement hull that limits your speed. You really have to figure out what you need first.
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So would you say a 24’ skip jack when they are hooking up on half day boats? I called H&M this morning and they said they were going 60-80 miles out right now. What is the fuel capacity on a skip jack even?
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In the day brother....my 24 got 1 to 1. 1 mile to 1 gallon at 16 knts. A little top Heavy.... not that maneuverable... tightly. For the 70's and the 80's it worked. Today there are so many new choices.... designs and materials being used in boat design and manufacturing.
With fuel milage in mind..... you can NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH. But don't forget many in the Small Boat Navy.... will go to AVALON and top off before going to some of the outer areas. Don't t forget fuel bladders.... another "extension" of your possible small boat range. You just have to "safely" think.... outside the box. Good luck in your search.
P.S. pass on the SKIPPY.👎
With fuel milage in mind..... you can NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH. But don't forget many in the Small Boat Navy.... will go to AVALON and top off before going to some of the outer areas. Don't t forget fuel bladders.... another "extension" of your possible small boat range. You just have to "safely" think.... outside the box. Good luck in your search.
P.S. pass on the SKIPPY.👎
Arima-bob
Ship faced aquaholic
I’m gonna disagree on a skippy. They’re great boats and built in and for SoCal. The 24’s are getting older, so finding a good hull is crucial. That said, prepare to rewire it if it’s original. Every old boat I’ve looked at is an electrical mess. With a standard 5.7 liter engine and a single prop, you can expect 1.8-2.2 mpg on average. Conditions and how you run it can vary that outcome quite a bit. My skip has a diesel and a duo prop, so mileage is a bit better.
I can’t say a skip is the best boat for you. Your fishing style and personal requirements play a big role in that. Are you a jig fisherman, or bait guy? Do you prefer to cruise and troll or run and gun? Is staying a night or two on the water something you want, or just a day on the water? Kids, wife?
Tons of options for every need out there. And keep in mind that those needs change over time too.
I fished a little 17’ Arima for years, and it took me almost anywhere I wanted to go. Lots of tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and even a few Makos. However, my kids are bigger now and want to fish. The little Arima is just too small for all of us now. I got my skip going, and it’s a whole different boat, but one I think is going to benefit us greatly in our fishing future. Also, it can take those runs to Tanner or Cortez if I’m doing a guys trip. My wife and daughters probably wouldn’t enjoy that long of a boat ride, except maybe my youngest. She’s a little hardcore with a lot of determination. Haha
I can’t say a skip is the best boat for you. Your fishing style and personal requirements play a big role in that. Are you a jig fisherman, or bait guy? Do you prefer to cruise and troll or run and gun? Is staying a night or two on the water something you want, or just a day on the water? Kids, wife?
Tons of options for every need out there. And keep in mind that those needs change over time too.
I fished a little 17’ Arima for years, and it took me almost anywhere I wanted to go. Lots of tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and even a few Makos. However, my kids are bigger now and want to fish. The little Arima is just too small for all of us now. I got my skip going, and it’s a whole different boat, but one I think is going to benefit us greatly in our fishing future. Also, it can take those runs to Tanner or Cortez if I’m doing a guys trip. My wife and daughters probably wouldn’t enjoy that long of a boat ride, except maybe my youngest. She’s a little hardcore with a lot of determination. Haha
That Arima looks like a really interesting boat. What kind of range you get on it? This is all a big move up for me to move out into water and start fishing as I have been fishing off a small Bayliner runabout
Arima-bob
Ship faced aquaholic
My Arima (older version) holds 23 gallons, and averages 4mpg. I’ve seen it get 5.5, but I’ve also been out in total wash machine conditions getting about 2mpg. I would watch the weather and keep it within 40 miles of the home port. If I know I’m pushing that 40 mile limit, I took extra fuel for peace of mind.
Croaker.Stroker
Old White Guy
I guess that boat ain’t making the 30 mile bank out of San Diego. Where would you fish it kelp patties on the shoreline?
Thanks I guess I’m trying to figure out what can get me out to 30-40 mile bank overnight and back to San Diego
Arima-bob
Ship faced aquaholic
I’m not sure where the 30 mile bank is, but I’ve had it to the 43, corner, and down to the upper hidden. I’ve caught tuna in all those spots.
Also get your check book out if you want to fish where the S.D boats fish. Lately they have been going to Tanner and Cortez, It's only about 90+ miles out.
JPeterson
Almost A Member
Regardless which brand/style/length you opt for, a $15,000 boat can turn into a $30,000 boat in less than a months time. And after all of that money is spent, you’re still left with a $15,000 boat. I’ve done it, as have a million other boat owners.
First, make sure the boat is structurally sound. Replacing a rotting deck is not cheap!
Second, investigate the condition of the fuel tank. Most boats don’t have access lids on the tank, so you’ll have to rip out the deck if the tank turns out to be bad (which takes you back to my first point).
Third, pay close attention to the drive train. Inboard/outboards are cheaper to replace than outboards, but you’ll still be out at least $6,000 if you have to replace a motor, and even more if you have to replace an outdrive.
Honestly, that’s the most important stuff to worry about. Buy a boat that is structurally sound, with a good fuel tank and power, and you’ll be spending quality time on the water right out of the gate. Too many people are worried about electronics when buying used boats. They’ll skip on great boats just because the electronics are dated, and instead buy boats that require repairs that will cost 3X as much as new electronics, simply because the fish finder is new. A quick search in the classified section will produce entire used electronic packages at really cheap prices.
First, make sure the boat is structurally sound. Replacing a rotting deck is not cheap!
Second, investigate the condition of the fuel tank. Most boats don’t have access lids on the tank, so you’ll have to rip out the deck if the tank turns out to be bad (which takes you back to my first point).
Third, pay close attention to the drive train. Inboard/outboards are cheaper to replace than outboards, but you’ll still be out at least $6,000 if you have to replace a motor, and even more if you have to replace an outdrive.
Honestly, that’s the most important stuff to worry about. Buy a boat that is structurally sound, with a good fuel tank and power, and you’ll be spending quality time on the water right out of the gate. Too many people are worried about electronics when buying used boats. They’ll skip on great boats just because the electronics are dated, and instead buy boats that require repairs that will cost 3X as much as new electronics, simply because the fish finder is new. A quick search in the classified section will produce entire used electronic packages at really cheap prices.
Arima-bob
Ship faced aquaholic
Don’t have that handy, but it’s not hard to find if you look for it. It’s about 40 miles south of San Diego
Spot on!
My added $.02 is how much of the work are you able to do yourself? Really is very easy to exceed the value of a fixer boat if you have to pay someone to do much of the work.
wdlfbio
Once you go Cat, you never go back
I have a very different take. You are probably a rookie with limited gear, knowledge, and experience, but excited about greater ventures offshore. Nothing wrong with that. Rather than buying a fixer upper, dropping cash on entry level gear, and making a bunch of frustrating mistakes the next couple of years (including be hasty with a boat purchase), meet some folks with boats. Look for rides. Make yourself a useful SOB. Become a handy crew member who is able to fill a seat, who doesn’t back out, who isn’t needy, kick down cash to offset expenses, bring bait, hooks , whatever gear the boat owner asks. Learn from various other owners. Then, after a couple of years, you’ll have a far better idea pf what you want, what to watch out for, how to fish, what gear to buy, and other folks on the water to share coordinates with.
I know that many of use enjoy mentoring somewhere worth a damn.
I know that many of use enjoy mentoring somewhere worth a damn.
Definitely Seen this and that’s why I’m trying to figure out what’s boats I should be looking at
wils
lazy-ass well known "member"
Ride the H&M overnight boats to where they are catching the tuna. Look around at the pirvate boats that are are in the general vicinity. Also, have the skipper hail the PBers in the general vicinty to see how many are first-time boaters. Boats that are capable of running 50-70+ miles are worthless if the "captain" doesnt know what he is doing. and someone who knows what they are doing would be capable of running your bayliner that distance....... with extra fuel onboard.
follow wdlfbios' advice. and dont be cheap when chipping in for fuel & bait because you were going to pay for that anyway.... along with the cost of the boat, tow vehicle, insurance, storage, maintenance, etc, etc, etc.
follow wdlfbios' advice. and dont be cheap when chipping in for fuel & bait because you were going to pay for that anyway.... along with the cost of the boat, tow vehicle, insurance, storage, maintenance, etc, etc, etc.
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I have a 22’ Arima Sea Legend. Self bailing deck and 106 gallon fuel tank up here in Alaska
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I can do a lot actually. I currently own 4 boats. I’m just looking to build up something fish off of. That being said I think I’m probably going to settle on something like a trophy to take to the corner. Beyond the corner I think is just getting unrealistic so to size of boat I would need. I been looking at some 21’ center consoles but I just don’t think that they really make sense for going out to the corner. I’m probably going to look for a 24’ ish trophy and add on like a 10-15hp 2 stroke kicker as a back up and or possible troll motor. Would rather have like 2 75s however the boat wasn’t configured that way so doesn’t make sense
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I might head down this route and keep bay fishing on the side with my runabout. After familiarizing myself better where they’re currently fishing realistically it’s out of the reach of anything that I would be purchasing or moving up into. I will likely just be keeping my open for a corners boat.
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My bailiner isn’t definitely not remotely capable of this as it’s a runabout Trihull design. It was designed with an open bow for playing in the bay. Also there is no reason for me to go spend $300 to go out to Cortez bank to find out what kind of boats are going out there. There are plenty of users on this forum doing it so it’s okay to talk to them. Frankly if I wanted to I could go sail my 33’ foot sailboat out there and set up some lines and troll and sail around for a day and then take a line up to Catalina. However my bait will be dead by the time I get there and it really won’t be that pleasant of a trip. What I’m trying to say is your post really wasn’t that remotely helpful.
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