Small Boats (Why does size matter)

[NukeDawg]

I was at the fred hall show this weekend @ del mar, and was tempted to purchase my first boat. Because of storage concerns, i was considering the boston whaler 15' montauk. This would fit both my budget and garage (important). I really want to understand what i should expect when it comes to a small boat and the big pacific ocean outside san diego. Can anyone provide feedback on some of the limitations, expectations, or suggestions for a small boat owner looking to fish. Beyond the range limits due to fuel supply, what is the practical range (safely) i could fish?

thanks

 

[Mr. Len]

I was at the fred hall show this weekend @ del mar, and was tempted to purchase my first boat. Because of storage concerns, i was considering the boston whaler 15' montauk. This would fit both my budget and garage (important). I really want to understand what i should expect when it comes to a small boat and the big pacific ocean outside san diego. Can anyone provide feedback on some of the limitations, expectations, or suggestions for a small boat owner looking to fish. Beyond the range limits due to fuel supply, what is the practical range (safely) i could fish?

thanks

with a small boat you become expert at picking the days you go long...i took an 18fter to the 43 once...just once

 

[Duramax]

it's realy simple, small boat: stay inside the bay.
Big boat: go anywhere you want.
Small boat: great for lobster hooping in the shallow.
Big boat : Go anywhere you want.
Small boat: easy to clean.
Big boat: Go anywhere you want.
Small boat: Cheap on fuel
Big boat: Save up for your trip.............................

 

[the hook]

21' flats boat- take to the 302 on a nice day.

Take to the river anytime.

It was our compromise. I just wish I had a dry place to hide when the weather comes up.

 

[sandiegosteve]

I think you get the picture from other posts. Smaller boats are lighter and thus are thrown around by waves more. The waves that suck the most here are the ones from the wind in the afternoon. It is hard to predict those like the swell. wind chop will beat the hell out of you in a little boat. Particularly a little stiff one.

For your first boat, a small one that fits in the garage is a great idea. There is a big learning curve with boats. Smaller is easier to learn with and cheaper too.

A boat like that 15' would be great in the bay, great on lakes and ok in the kelp on calmer days. It would be good for the family, skiing and the beach.

 

[MATTY J]

If you are looking at going small, I'd highly recommend looking into the Arima 15, 17'ers Rangers or Sea Chaser. They fit in garages (even 17' in most). They are built in WA and built for rough northern waters. I am not saying that a 15 or 17'er is ready for offshore days, but the 17 should get you to the Islands, 9 mile and maybe even the 302 on decent days. I keep looking at the 17 if I need to down size. They are designed to operate on a smaller motor, 50-90 hp, and I hear that they are good on gas. Most are walkarounds so you should stay dry. Forget buying one new, they are pricey, but look into a used one. I hear they are very well built. Check CL in Northern Ca, Oregon and WA (they are built in WA).

 

[marlyn]

a small triumph skiff would be worth taking a look at also.as far as range you are limited by fuel and conditions on the water,on a good day you could take an aluminum to catalina but remember things change very fast out there.

 

[shinerunner]

Boats ride on the ocean not in garages. I understand your delima, just try and keep your priorities based upon where you might want to fish not where you store the thing. Been there done that.
my 2cents

 

[johnnylite]

Now that the show is over go hit some dealers and look at them again. Couple of tips. The amount of gas pretty much limits where you will go. Going offshore is not an everyday necessity. Lot's of fish near shore, in the bays and off Long Beach, Newport and lakes. Key to size is take what you think you would go fishing with as far as people and equipment and at least with the people get on a boat. See if you feel crowded or if you can fish freely. Is there somewhere for everyone to sit? If you have kids could they stretch out for a nap? Lot's of things to consider. We have a 21' and three of us fish well without bumping into each other. Four is not bad but five is a pain.

 

[sdfishkiller]

Alright, I've taken a 15 foot bayrunner to the islands on many days. warm clothes, foul weather gear. your set. that same bayrunner has taken us to the 9. I feel that a 17 foot fiberglass boat would go much farther. any of the local offshore banks within 30 miles, no problem.

We have an 18'10" whaler and the local banks are just a pop, skip and jump away, piece o cake.

Make sue you find a little skiff that has the highest HP/weight limit on it. you'll need the power

T-top with eisenglass enclosure, go for it!

Here is a link for the new 17' Twin-Vee classic cat

17' Classic

Here are some cool pics. 17' Mako, The Bayrunner my buddy used to own that could go anywhere! and a 17'10" Grady White

 

[Babu]

You’re looking at exactly what I had to face. I ended up with a 17” Montauk and put a 70 4 stroke. Done the 181 182 all around there and even the 302 from Oceanside. But on the down side. Can get wet, rough and very tiring. Patty spotting hard with the low profile. Also radio starts to bounce signals all over the place. The chine (sp) on the older Whaler down swell is a trip. Just ask the Masseuses. Up side CHEAP really CHEAP! 6-miles to the gallon 27 gallon fuel tank. Check also the height of the rail and Motor(in the up position) to the garage door. I know it sounds stupid but mine only clears by a inch or two. If I had to do it all over again I would probably go with the 17” Twin Vee. If you want you go with me this season and see for yourself.
Here’s a pic of Corky and myself shy of the 181 on a good day. Next is Corky and I just off the beach on a BAD day. Kinda get the weather point?

 

[size matters]

did someone say size matters

 

[Harrington89]

I have a 18' wellcraft cc and that thing is great on the water... But i think a 15' is going to be way to small way way to small you want something where you can be comfortable on it. I took a year to finally find what boat i wanted, Take your time, See if anyone needs a HOE that has a boat like what your looking for, and you can see how it works... Try anything from what you want to a 20' Remember go Used so you can get more bang for your buck.

 

[5150dude]

Do you homework and match your budget with your needs.

1. Talk to as many owners as you can.
2. Get as big as you can afford. Cheaper in the long run and you'll be happier.
3. Most important, do a SEA TRIAL hopefully on a sloppy day.

Good luck. It will be a relief after you make your decision.
I've always liked those little Boston Whalers. I've seen 17 footers at Catalina all the time and I don't think they live there. A 15 foot? I'd stay near shore and still have all the safety equipment like EPIRB, two good VHF's, Vessel Assist, open water PFDs, etc.
Dave

 

[Ragin' Cajun]

I like my Striper 1851 WA. Bigger than you were thinking but with the top up and Isenglass zipped in it makes for a comfortable dry ride. And on smooth days you go as far as the gas lets you.

But there have been days with a mixed 4 ft swell at short intervals just off LJ when I dreaded the ride back south!!!

 

[sharkbait]

If you're a fool, anything will work. When I was a little kid I used to skip school and ride my bike to quivera and take my folks dingy clear out to La Jolla, but I was WAY dumb and YOUNG (Like 13 yrs old). If you get a small skiff make sure you get one with the most freeboard possible. Something that you can lean your knees into. This makes a big difference in your safety as small boats rock all over the place. Be ready to get wet unless you get a windshield dash type boat ( runabout ). Small boats are great though, you can really fish up the inside kelp, but keep a weather eye at all times. And if its a CC get a bunny suite.

 

[Afry]

15' or 16' belongs inshore, no further then the nados on a flat day with good forcasts.

The 17 Twin Vee has a 12 gal fuel tank which is not enough. There is almost no comparision between a small mono hull boat and a small cat. The cat rides like a boat 2-3 feet bigger then it is.

I used to take my 18' Sea Cat on the 100 mile tour - 101/425/371/230/302 on a weekly basis. Pros are very little fuel and easy cleanup plus small boats are just fun to fish. Cons are you and the bait get beat up a bit if the waves are up and you have to plan your storage - gear/ice/rods/tackle/food etc.

I have been know to lose insanity and cruise it out to the Condom bank/West Fly or the 1010/60 mile but it has a 52 gal fuel tank and gets 5+ nmpg.

Small boats are fun!

 

[fishstick-er]

Where is the pic of the laundry hanging off the rocket launchers? That was a fun trip. I also feel that the small boat should be closer to 20 than to 15 for the offshore trip. Fuel tank size is a big consideration. Just pick your days and the fuel tank will determine your trip itinerary. Arnie might make you a deal on that SeaCat right there. It is a good small boat at a reasonable price.

 

[Customboatguy]

Judging by the look on your face in the pic., there is egg-nog on board?

15' or 16' belongs inshore, no further then the nados on a flat day with good forcasts.

The 17 Twin Vee has a 12 gal fuel tank which is not enough. There is almost no comparision between a small mono hull boat and a small cat. The cat rides like a boat 2-3 feet bigger then it is.

I used to take my 18' Sea Cat on the 100 mile tour - 101/425/371/230/302 on a weekly basis. Pros are very little fuel and easy cleanup plus small boats are just fun to fish. Cons are you and the bait get beat up a bit if the waves are up and you have to plan your storage - gear/ice/rods/tackle/food etc.

I have been know to lose insanity and cruise it out to the Condom bank/West Fly or the 1010/60 mile but it has a 52 gal fuel tank and gets 5+ nmpg.

Small boats are fun!

 

[Afry]

Oh yeah and make sure you have PYT install a hoodie hanger installed on your t-top. I'm from Ramona - what can I say?

This cat is for sale, asking $19,995

Funny Skipper...funny...

 

[dacrow]

get a good chiropractor and you might be able to handle it.

 

[Ali]

See cat above.

10x the boat of that Whaler.

If you buy a new boat in this buyers market you are crazy IMO.

Too many GREAT deals out there.

 

[Bottom Line]

I rountinely take my 17' Invader 30+ miles out - watch the weather and don't get so drunk that stupid stuff happens.
The small boat does take a helluva toll on this old body though!

 

[alien4fish]

if you can park it in your drive way, get a 21 -24 walkaround. they are out there , so take your time. You can get out of the sun with the small cuddyplenty of fishing deck and good range. you dont have to get all crazy and shit with the money just shop smart

 

[alien4fish]

heres my project