How far can a boat go?

M

Mattthn

New Member
Aug 10, 2008
4
California
Boat Info
Looking for the first boat
Engines
boatless
I live in California and planing on getting the Sea ray 215 weekender. I have no boating experience at all and I know this is going to be a stupid question but If I were to take the boat out to the ocean, will I be able to go offshore?
 
Welcome aboard. Before you even think about going offshore in any kind of boat I would get some training and experience under my belt or it may be a one way trip.
 
chuck1 said:
Welcome aboard. Before you even think about going offshore in any kind of boat I would get some training and experience under my belt or it may be a one way trip.
Click to expand...


DITTO!
 
To answer your question, that boat will probably get about 3 mpg or a little more. Multiple your usable fuel by 3, and you should be safe in calm seas, with other boats around, and safety gear, training, and warm water.
 
Thanks for all your reply. I am taking an online safety boating class as we speak. I know I will stay close to other boaters until I gain some experience. Just curious what is the farthest trip you guys have taken on your boat?
 
700 miles the day we bought it - well, the next 4 days.
 
You don't say what part of CA you live in. When I lived in Long Beach we routinely took our 23' Cobalt and then our 24' Sea Ray into the ocean. We cruised up and down the coast as far south as Dana Point and as far north as Marina Del Rey. We also went to Catalina Island often.

Here in the Delta and Northern Cal, we have cruised to SF Bay and out the Golden Gate. As others have said, you need to know what you are doing and respect the ocean. Take nothing for granted. Just about the time you think you know everything, Mother Nature has a way of kicking your ass.

I have boated most of my life but when I started cruising off shore things were different. After your classes I would take trips off shore venturing a bit farther each time until you begin to get comfortable with your boat and your surroundings.

One other bit of advice....make sure your equipment is in top condition and maintained.

Have fun and be safe.
 
Mattthn said:
I live in California and planing on getting the Sea ray 215 weekender. I have no boating experience at all and I know this is going to be a stupid question but If I were to take the boat out to the ocean, will I be able to go offshore?
Click to expand...

No. As soon as you get the boat in the water, the sand on the beach will suck your boat back to land.
 
The rule of thumb is that you use 1/3 of your fuel going out, 1/3 returning, and 1/3 for a reserve. If I remember correctly, when I had the 225 WE, which is basically the same boat, at cruise it got about 3 mpg and burned about 9 gallons per hour. The 215 WE has a 50 gallon fuel tank, so for a round trip this gives you about 17 gallons for the outbound leg. So, you can travel about 50 miles before you have to turn around.

If you can refuel at your destination, then you have a range of about 100 miles.

It is important when you are in open water to leave a reserve because conditions can change in a heartbeat. If the seas pick up, you will probably have to slow down, which is going to use more fuel. If your boat has to climb the waves, which happens with long period swells, your fuel consumption also goes up a lot.

Before you try any long distance trips, keep a log and learn exactly what your fuel consumption is at different speeds and conditions. Once you have those figures, you can plan your trips accordingly.
 
There was once a discussion about how far can one take out a boat. The answer is as simple; as far as you want to go. :smt101

I noticed you said you were taking a on line course. Try and find a coast guard auxiliary group and see what courses they have. Some real hands on experiance is something that would do you a lot of good. Also since no one else mentioned it, buy a Chapman's Seamanship Book. :thumbsup:
 
This is just an objective comparison but, I've owned many different type of boats. Mostly walk around fishing type boats with one or two outboard engines. I find that on my trip to the islands (Bahamas), about 60 miles accross, fuel usage is fairly close even with my 240 I/O 5.0 bravo III. The least amount of fuel I've burned 38 gals with twin fourstroke outboards 115hp, 26 foot boat, moderate seas. And most I've burned was 70 gals, single twostroke 175hp, 23 foot boat, heavy seas. Average seems to be around 40 to 45 depending on sea state, and load in the boat. I guess what I'm trying to say is fuel mileage is very dependant on sea state, load in the boat, currents, winds, and how disiplined the opperator is about watching cruising speed. Just because you make a certain destination today in good weather doesn't mean you'll make it in questionable weather tommorrow. You need to learn your boat. All boats do not perform the same, specially given different operators. Mike
 
Mattthn said:
I live in California and planing on getting the Sea ray 215 weekender. I have no boating experience at all and I know this is going to be a stupid question but If I were to take the boat out to the ocean, will I be able to go offshore?
Click to expand...

Mattthn said:
Thanks for all your reply. I am taking an online safety boating class as we speak. I know I will stay close to other boaters until I gain some experience. Just curious what is the farthest trip you guys have taken on your boat?
Click to expand...

Heed the advice and make sure you are very very comfortable handling this boat. Even take it out in a decent wind with some chop close to your local marina. You need to be comfortable handling the boat in rough seas and uncomfortable waters.
Yes, your boat will handle the rougher water, but if your married or have a GF, she may not be and running her through akward if not completely jarring times most likely will be a bad experience.

I live in the PacNW and we have some stretches of open water that we plan to take early in the AM. We can get through them in an hour or two but I have also been out there when it decides to turn nasty and the winds kick up creating unpleasant 3-5' and sometimes worse seas.

My Father in Law lives in Fallbrook, CA and I've always wanted to trailer our boat down to Long Beach and going to Catalina Is.

Where do you plan to go?
 
Pakmule said:
Maybe I am a ***** but taking a 21' boat offshore would scare the crap out of me. :)
Click to expand...

I think it depends on the boat and the captain - I've taken my 21' Parker out 18-20 miles to go fishing. I don't go alone - I usually have another experienced boater on board and we also usually have other boats we communicate with during the day. Get used to your boat and your equipment before you start a '3 hour tour...'. My 270 handles better offshore than the Parker and I now only take it since it has twins.

The weather and water can turn on you pretty quick so the recommendation to take something other than an online class is certainly where I'd start if I were a new boater. Find an experienced boater to go out with the first couple of times - maybe in his boat first if you've never ventured out and then in your boat so you get used to the handling and your equipment. Start keeping logs of gas consumption so you know what the actual range of your boat and your driving habits are.

Have fun and be safe!
 
It seem to me like that this isn't a good idea at all. I live in orange county and always wanted to take the boat out from long beach and travel to Catalina, and maybe fishing on the way. but i guess even that is not safe for an inexperience.
 
Good call. Most guys on this site would not give bad advise. I have been boating for about 10 years on Georgeon Bay in Ontario Canada. I have been out when the weather has gone bad in a hurry and have never had a problem or been worrierd about getting back but I do have a fair amount of experience on the water. The ocean, now thats a differant thing. Even I wouldn't go out without talking to someone who has experience navigating the waters I chose to boat. Learn from someone who has that experience in those waters and you will be better prepared should the weather change with options of knowing any nearby ports you can pull into or island cover if need be. Good luck and welcome to the site!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,274
Messages
1,429,835
Members
61,147
Latest member
Boudica
Back
Top