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Author Topic:   17-Footers Used Past The Jetty

Mike Kub posted 04-16-2011 09:43 PM ET (US)
I have a 17-foot and Outrage 18. [I] fish by myself mainly [and] the smaller boat [is] a bit easier to manage. I mostly fish bays. I know these Montauks have been offshore by some brave souls. I have had mine for 15 years. Luckily [I] have not been in any really bad rough water as some of you probally have. I would like to hear of any experiences or from those of you that use the 17-footers much past the jetties. Thanks. I really enjoy this website. Peace.
littleblue posted 04-16-2011 10:35 PM ET (US)
I had both, a Montauk and and 18 Outrage. The Montauk will do it, the Outrage will do it better.
deepwater posted 04-16-2011 11:40 PM ET (US)
My name is deepwater,,Its a shortened version of ,,"Your that fool way out in the deepwater aren't ya ",, I fished the canyons off the east coast of Del and Md and I picked my days to fish,,Some days it was table top smooth and some not,,I have taken enough watter over the bow to flip my chum cooler and fill the boat 1/2 full bow to stern,,The 88 SPL Johnson never sputtered or we would have rolled,,I have had this boat new in 1988 and hope to have it another 10 years
deepwater posted 04-16-2011 11:42 PM ET (US)
Forgot,,My ride is a Montauk
Fishmore posted 04-17-2011 01:13 AM ET (US)
I run my boat and fish on the west coast. I have launched from Morro Bay up to Bodega Bay. But mostly I go out through the Golden Gate or Half Moon Bay. The Montauk 16'7" is a capable boat in most conditions as long as you do not push it to hard. It is at it's best going down swell. Going in to a short chop it can pound you. You can alleviate the pounding somewhat by adjusting your throttle and trim to match the conditions. I am very comfortable running my boat in 6 - 8 foot swell if I have an interval greater than 12 seconds. Larger waves with shorter intervals and I stay in the bay. One other thing that happens is when going in to a strong wind chop (20 knots +) the spray comes back at you and gets you wet. Wearing rain gear or bibs and a float coat solve the spray problem. Farthest I go out is 25 - 30 miles due to the fuel range of the boat.
contender posted 04-17-2011 11:01 AM ET (US)
Hello, I'm down in South Fla. and the most important is just to pick your days (weather). Many days during the summer the ocean looks like a plate of glass, so its nothing to run out 20 miles in the gulf. In my younger dumber days I have treked across the the Fla straights to Bimini (53 miles one way) but again there are days were it is not safe to go out in the bay. Just pick the right days...
weekendwarrior posted 04-17-2011 11:47 AM ET (US)
Before kids we took our 17' Montauk offshore very frequently, on nice days. What you have to watch out for is the weather turning quickly. I think this boat handles very nicely in rough water for its size, but it is only 17' so you have to stay on top of the weather and tides and know your inlets well so that you don't get caught in a bad situation. What it does not do well is run into the wind at an angle. You get pounded and soaked. For me personally, if they forecast anything greater than 2' seas (that's 4' peak to trough) then I don't go outside, especially here where our inlet can get a bit nasty (Jupiter inlet). Recently we had a 51' sport fisher breach and roll tossing the captain out in our inlet for example. You do not want to get caught in seas that size with a Montauk. So watch the weather, know your inlets and know your range in case you have to change inlets due to bad conditions and I think you'll be fine.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/image047.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/image055.jpg
domlynch posted 04-18-2011 02:23 AM ET (US)
Weekendwarrior--It looks to me that the 51-footer should not be in water that shallow, the listing in the second picture is not just "ugly" but dangerous. I can only imagine the skipper must be very inexperienced, or possibly incapacitated skipper or vessel, or have no local knowledge-- even then there are always exceptions. The trick is not to be one of them!
I feel no boat owners should underestimate the sea. We should respect it and enjoy it. While I have not much experience in Whalers from what I have read and my other several thousand hours at sea in other brands here in Australia, I imagine they can take a lot of punishment with a good skipper. I reckon the trick is not to get swamped. When swamped in a short chop, the free surface moment of the water in the hull--basicaly the effect of the water onboard sloshing to one side suddenly--will more than likely capsize the boat, almost regardless of size or brand.
Then, being in the drink, one is not in a pleasant situation even in a Whaler. But at least the hull will be floating and hopefully with Whaler's hull shape affords a chance to clamber on board the upturned hull. That would depend on the sea state.
I don't mean to paint a picture of doom and gloom; small boats--not just Whalers--with good seamanship can survive some very nasty conditions. [Surviving is more] about the period and amplitude between waves and wave height than miles outside, as long as you have plenty of fuel range.
Dom
weekendwarrior posted 04-18-2011 07:26 AM ET (US)
Donlynch, the captain was killed in that instance. He was thrown from the flybridge and hit the deck on his way to the water. The boat was in the center of the inlet in that picture. He had years of experience, exactly how he allowed the boat to get in that situation is still unknown. This is the same inlet that we take our montauk in and out. I have gone out in mornings where this inlet was like glass then come back later the same day and it was rough like this. It has shifting sand bars and a ripping current during the tide change. My point here was when in a small boat like the montauk, know the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case the inlet gets nasty.
jimh posted 04-18-2011 08:33 AM ET (US)
Boston Whaler boats track very well going downwind. This helps when returning from seaward and a big sea has developed. Most people will not go out to sea in a small boat if a very large sea is running, but one might have to return from seaward after a large sea develops.
solongdarling posted 04-18-2011 09:42 AM ET (US)
I fish the southern Oregon coast out out of Winchester Bay. The ocean conditions are consistently rough, and the river bar can truly be dangerous. I monitor the data buoys, the coast guard channel, and my own local knowledge in making decisions on wether to go out, and if so how far and for how long. Like Tony, I prefer to head up coast in the morning, and plan to head back before the afternoon winds kick up. My goal always is not so much finding fish, rather it's getting home safely! My Montauk is an awesome boat in rough conditions, but very uncomfortable. Know your, and your boats limitations!
andrey320 posted 04-18-2011 12:09 PM ET (US)
17? How about 15?
I take my Dauntless 15 offshore here on the West Coast (Souther California) when the weather is nice. I've learned that anything larger than forcasted 4-6 will keep me away. In 4-6, I will stay close to the marina and skip the 40+ mile round trip to the island.
This past Saturday, we went about 12 miles along the shore, wakeboarded and fished. Before heading back, the Navy base requested all boaters to stay 4 miles offshore in front of the base which we had to pass through.... The ride back with the bigger waves and head wind took almost 2 hours going under 10 mph.
The weekend before, I made the mistake of staying out late. Went to Ventura harbor from Channel Islands harbor (about 10 miles). We started making our way back close to 4pm. Wind was gusting to 25 with waves about 5-7. This was the roughest weather I've been out in. It was also the first time I thought that the 50 Honda is not enough motor for this boat when I couldn't out run waves the bigger waves. It was a pretty wet and miserable ride, but we made it back safely.
domlynch posted 04-19-2011 04:05 AM ET (US)
Weekendwarrior,
Tragic that the skipper was killed in that incident. I agree absolutely with your points about how the weather can change etc etc. Running through inlets eg. with outgoing tide against onshore wind etc can create dangerous conditions.

I agree you need to know the weather forecast but also be ready if a nasty wind (unforecast!) comes up, this has happened to me a few times and quite frankly I am very lucky to be here...since those times I still follow the forecast but also don't trust them very much !
Having said that, with common sense & preparation we can access offshore/coastal waters on many occasions with a high degree of safety, much more than driving a car..
Dom
steelhead5 posted 04-19-2011 05:14 PM ET (US)
I concur with the other Montauk owners. I have been out 45+ in my Montauk, but it was the flattest of days out here on the rough Pacific out of Half Moon Bay, CA. I use to regularly fish salmon 15 - 20 miles from port.
Beauty of the Montauk, it lets you know when you were out in weather that was too rough ----- Your back hurts when you get in.
Dave Sutton posted 04-19-2011 06:00 PM ET (US)
My average spearfishing day in my 'Tauk is a run I call "The Stations of the Cross" that's over 100 miles.
Run is Point Judith RI to Block Island, to Montauk Point NY, to Plum Island NY, to Fishers Island NY (may as well be Connecticut), to Watch Hill RI, and then back to Point Judith. Those are some pretty good runs, if you look at a chart. All I ever complain of is sore feet. Slow down when it gets crappy and pay attention to the weather is the advice I'd give.

Dave
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Author	Topic: 17-Footers Used Past The Jetty
Mike Kub	posted 04-16-2011 09:43 PM ET (US) I have a 17-foot and Outrage 18. [I] fish by myself mainly [and] the smaller boat [is] a bit easier to manage. I mostly fish bays. I know these Montauks have been offshore by some brave souls. I have had mine for 15 years. Luckily [I] have not been in any really bad rough water as some of you probally have. I would like to hear of any experiences or from those of you that use the 17-footers much past the jetties. Thanks. I really enjoy this website. Peace.
littleblue	posted 04-16-2011 10:35 PM ET (US) I had both, a Montauk and and 18 Outrage. The Montauk will do it, the Outrage will do it better.
deepwater	posted 04-16-2011 11:40 PM ET (US) My name is deepwater,,Its a shortened version of ,,"Your that fool way out in the deepwater aren't ya ",, I fished the canyons off the east coast of Del and Md and I picked my days to fish,,Some days it was table top smooth and some not,,I have taken enough watter over the bow to flip my chum cooler and fill the boat 1/2 full bow to stern,,The 88 SPL Johnson never sputtered or we would have rolled,,I have had this boat new in 1988 and hope to have it another 10 years
deepwater	posted 04-16-2011 11:42 PM ET (US) Forgot,,My ride is a Montauk
Fishmore	posted 04-17-2011 01:13 AM ET (US) I run my boat and fish on the west coast. I have launched from Morro Bay up to Bodega Bay. But mostly I go out through the Golden Gate or Half Moon Bay. The Montauk 16'7" is a capable boat in most conditions as long as you do not push it to hard. It is at it's best going down swell. Going in to a short chop it can pound you. You can alleviate the pounding somewhat by adjusting your throttle and trim to match the conditions. I am very comfortable running my boat in 6 - 8 foot swell if I have an interval greater than 12 seconds. Larger waves with shorter intervals and I stay in the bay. One other thing that happens is when going in to a strong wind chop (20 knots +) the spray comes back at you and gets you wet. Wearing rain gear or bibs and a float coat solve the spray problem. Farthest I go out is 25 - 30 miles due to the fuel range of the boat.
contender	posted 04-17-2011 11:01 AM ET (US) Hello, I'm down in South Fla. and the most important is just to pick your days (weather). Many days during the summer the ocean looks like a plate of glass, so its nothing to run out 20 miles in the gulf. In my younger dumber days I have treked across the the Fla straights to Bimini (53 miles one way) but again there are days were it is not safe to go out in the bay. Just pick the right days...
weekendwarrior	posted 04-17-2011 11:47 AM ET (US) Before kids we took our 17' Montauk offshore very frequently, on nice days. What you have to watch out for is the weather turning quickly. I think this boat handles very nicely in rough water for its size, but it is only 17' so you have to stay on top of the weather and tides and know your inlets well so that you don't get caught in a bad situation. What it does not do well is run into the wind at an angle. You get pounded and soaked. For me personally, if they forecast anything greater than 2' seas (that's 4' peak to trough) then I don't go outside, especially here where our inlet can get a bit nasty (Jupiter inlet). Recently we had a 51' sport fisher breach and roll tossing the captain out in our inlet for example. You do not want to get caught in seas that size with a Montauk. So watch the weather, know your inlets and know your range in case you have to change inlets due to bad conditions and I think you'll be fine. http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/image047.jpg http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/image055.jpg
domlynch	posted 04-18-2011 02:23 AM ET (US) Weekendwarrior--It looks to me that the 51-footer should not be in water that shallow, the listing in the second picture is not just "ugly" but dangerous. I can only imagine the skipper must be very inexperienced, or possibly incapacitated skipper or vessel, or have no local knowledge-- even then there are always exceptions. The trick is not to be one of them! I feel no boat owners should underestimate the sea. We should respect it and enjoy it. While I have not much experience in Whalers from what I have read and my other several thousand hours at sea in other brands here in Australia, I imagine they can take a lot of punishment with a good skipper. I reckon the trick is not to get swamped. When swamped in a short chop, the free surface moment of the water in the hull--basicaly the effect of the water onboard sloshing to one side suddenly--will more than likely capsize the boat, almost regardless of size or brand. Then, being in the drink, one is not in a pleasant situation even in a Whaler. But at least the hull will be floating and hopefully with Whaler's hull shape affords a chance to clamber on board the upturned hull. That would depend on the sea state. I don't mean to paint a picture of doom and gloom; small boats--not just Whalers--with good seamanship can survive some very nasty conditions. [Surviving is more] about the period and amplitude between waves and wave height than miles outside, as long as you have plenty of fuel range. Dom
weekendwarrior	posted 04-18-2011 07:26 AM ET (US) Donlynch, the captain was killed in that instance. He was thrown from the flybridge and hit the deck on his way to the water. The boat was in the center of the inlet in that picture. He had years of experience, exactly how he allowed the boat to get in that situation is still unknown. This is the same inlet that we take our montauk in and out. I have gone out in mornings where this inlet was like glass then come back later the same day and it was rough like this. It has shifting sand bars and a ripping current during the tide change. My point here was when in a small boat like the montauk, know the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case the inlet gets nasty.
jimh	posted 04-18-2011 08:33 AM ET (US) Boston Whaler boats track very well going downwind. This helps when returning from seaward and a big sea has developed. Most people will not go out to sea in a small boat if a very large sea is running, but one might have to return from seaward after a large sea develops.
solongdarling	posted 04-18-2011 09:42 AM ET (US) I fish the southern Oregon coast out out of Winchester Bay. The ocean conditions are consistently rough, and the river bar can truly be dangerous. I monitor the data buoys, the coast guard channel, and my own local knowledge in making decisions on wether to go out, and if so how far and for how long. Like Tony, I prefer to head up coast in the morning, and plan to head back before the afternoon winds kick up. My goal always is not so much finding fish, rather it's getting home safely! My Montauk is an awesome boat in rough conditions, but very uncomfortable. Know your, and your boats limitations!
andrey320	posted 04-18-2011 12:09 PM ET (US) 17? How about 15? I take my Dauntless 15 offshore here on the West Coast (Souther California) when the weather is nice. I've learned that anything larger than forcasted 4-6 will keep me away. In 4-6, I will stay close to the marina and skip the 40+ mile round trip to the island. This past Saturday, we went about 12 miles along the shore, wakeboarded and fished. Before heading back, the Navy base requested all boaters to stay 4 miles offshore in front of the base which we had to pass through.... The ride back with the bigger waves and head wind took almost 2 hours going under 10 mph. The weekend before, I made the mistake of staying out late. Went to Ventura harbor from Channel Islands harbor (about 10 miles). We started making our way back close to 4pm. Wind was gusting to 25 with waves about 5-7. This was the roughest weather I've been out in. It was also the first time I thought that the 50 Honda is not enough motor for this boat when I couldn't out run waves the bigger waves. It was a pretty wet and miserable ride, but we made it back safely.
domlynch	posted 04-19-2011 04:05 AM ET (US) Weekendwarrior, Tragic that the skipper was killed in that incident. I agree absolutely with your points about how the weather can change etc etc. Running through inlets eg. with outgoing tide against onshore wind etc can create dangerous conditions. I agree you need to know the weather forecast but also be ready if a nasty wind (unforecast!) comes up, this has happened to me a few times and quite frankly I am very lucky to be here...since those times I still follow the forecast but also don't trust them very much ! Having said that, with common sense & preparation we can access offshore/coastal waters on many occasions with a high degree of safety, much more than driving a car.. Dom
steelhead5	posted 04-19-2011 05:14 PM ET (US) I concur with the other Montauk owners. I have been out 45+ in my Montauk, but it was the flattest of days out here on the rough Pacific out of Half Moon Bay, CA. I use to regularly fish salmon 15 - 20 miles from port. Beauty of the Montauk, it lets you know when you were out in weather that was too rough ----- Your back hurts when you get in.
Dave Sutton	posted 04-19-2011 06:00 PM ET (US) My average spearfishing day in my 'Tauk is a run I call "The Stations of the Cross" that's over 100 miles. Run is Point Judith RI to Block Island, to Montauk Point NY, to Plum Island NY, to Fishers Island NY (may as well be Connecticut), to Watch Hill RI, and then back to Point Judith. Those are some pretty good runs, if you look at a chart. All I ever complain of is sore feet. Slow down when it gets crappy and pay attention to the weather is the advice I'd give. Dave .