How far out on a 18' 90hp?

[Boston Whaler]

Hey all,
This is my first post here, and I wasn't quite sure where to post this question so I figured I'd introduce myself, while at the same time asking a question or two. My name is Tom, I'm 21 and I've never been offshore fishing but that will change soon as my question will explain...

My friend has a 18' boat w/ a 90hp engine. It's still practically brand new so I have faith in it. We live in central NJ and the boat gets taken out almost every weekend for inshore fishing in NJ. We're all getting obsessed just thinking about the prospective fishing holes that are located 8-20miles off our coast (the mud hole). We all have the last week in August off and we were thinking about journeying out there on a day when the bay is smooth as glass to give tuna fishing a try.

My question: would you do it in a 90hp, 18' boat that you had plenty of faith in? Sorry if this is a silly question, but I'm just trying to get some reassurance that I'm not going to die. We're aware that it's not the smartest thing to do on a boat that small, but I just wanna know what you guys think.

Thanks in advance,

--Tom

Tom, you never did say what kind of boat. The answers to your question would be very different if you told us it was a 18' Carolina Skiff, then if you had told us it was a 18' Boston Whaler Outrage.

[wazzupz]

no fish is worth this experiment in my book. most if not all 18' boats have a cut out transom, low gunnels, and 100 feet on anchor line. Bad combination in nasty weather

[BuffaloHunter]

If the weather's right, and you've got the fuel to make it home, go for it.

[Miguel]

I´ve been out 12-15 miles on my 17 ft Aquasport with a 115HP a couple of times. First time weather was really nice so it gave me the confidence to do it again. Second time the ride was so bumpy that I swore never to do it again. I was scared at times due to my low cut transom and the following seas. Would I do it again? Maybe..... The urge just comes and my brain conveniently forgets about that awful day.
Having said that, if you decide to do it, follow everyones advice and have some redundancy in electronics (fixed and handheld GPS and VHF) and proper PFD´s for everyone on board. Last week I saw this nifty little gadget that lets you send specific messages via email to some contacts. These messages relay position. It does require and activation and service fee.
I have not read anyone mention it, but with a single engine you should also be concerned about engine failure (I´m assuming there´s no kicker motor). Take with you plenty of drinking water, power bars, etc, in case you end up drifting for a while.

[fiftywide]

IMO, I've done a trip to the monster ledge in the mudhole in a 20 foot jones brothers with a 130 yami on the back and it was doable. BUT, it wasn't all that fun. I've also done a trip out to the mudhole in a 20 foot grady and again wasn't that great. On a small boat, that area IMO, just isnt worth a 24 inch bluefin or the estranged mahi. NOw if the mudhole was filled with those 180 lb bruisers that they are getting down south, I god damn well would be out there with the jones brothers more frequently. BOats are built for purposes. Your buddies boat was not built to go 20 miles offshore, but then again niether isa a 20 foot jones brothers.