On Feb 7, 10:30 pm, "King5899" wrote:

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- How far offshore is reasonable in this style, size, and equipped
boat?

Depends on weather. As Eisboch, when I was younger, it was
nothing to take a 13 foot Boston Whaler sport out to Halfway
Rock off Marblehead or even out further on a good day.

However, you have some limitations - like fuel milage. That
5.7 is going to suck some gas along the way, so that's a
consideration. I wouldn't try it until I know what I can expect
for gallons per hour at cruise and know it cold in varying
conditions.

"Reasonable" is a personal concept. I wouldn't do it unless
the weather was perfect and I had a boat going with me just
in case - in particular with a single engine 25 foot boat.

Things can get snarky in a hurry 15/20 miles out and in
a smaller boat, it can be flat out dangerous. That area
of the North Atlantic is a very interesting place and one
I wouldn't want to screw around with in a small boat.

- What else should I consider getting to ensure any offshore trip
would be a safe one?

You can't "ensure" that any offshore trip will be a safe one - there
are too many weather variables, too many possibilities. You
can only limit the possibilities.

I'll second Eisboch on the safety equipment and on the radar -
essential for offshore running.

The only other items I'd add to Eisboch's list is a kicker engine of
some type and I'd make sure I had an up to date tow package
with Sea//Tow, Safe Sea, Boat US or the franchise of your
choice. Tows can be expensive.

I'd also add that a advanced navigation course would be in
order.

And a decent radar reflector for those situation where you
can't see the bow from cockpit. :)

- Are there any places or clubs to meet up with other boaters heading
out to the hot fishing spots that might allow someone less experienced
to follow them out? (This would offer a level of safety that if
something did go wrong there are other boats in the area)

Yes, although for offshore fishing, it's better to charter with
an experienced captain and pick his/her brains about the
various techniques used to catch fish. Offshore fishing is
considerably different than inshore and you can spend a lot
of time, money and effort with little to show for it at the end
of the day. You will actually save money in the long run
by chartering a trip rather than beating the hell out of your
25 footer.

Lastly, my opinon is that if you are serious about offshore
fishing, in particular to places like the Mud Hole, get a bigger
boat. There is a "mosquito" fleet what hits that area every
tuna run - basically boats like yours that tow bladders filled
with gas that allows you to stay out longer.

The size of your boat is going to be an issue if you take one
or two guys along with you - in particular if you do manage
to hook up with a tuna.

Thanks in advance. I am excited to get in the water, the waiting is
killing me. I assume if your reading this newsgroup in February you
are also as eager to see the thermometor tip some warmer numbers.

Have fun and be carefull.