have a few quistions

[peter f]

im new to salt water fishing about 3yrs ago so this yr i bought a 17 whaler montauk peoople say i cant go far with this and this is a inshore boat but the harbermaster was telling me that i could go from boston to the cape becouse that is some what not far from shore im looking to find out how true this could be thank you peter

[seaworm1]

the truth is that you could take that boat to Portugal if you had nice weather the whole way. The key is the weather. 17 ft is a very small boat, typically used near shore, but then again I have seen boats that size 30 miles offshore on good weather days. You need to keep close tabs on what the forecast is and making it anywhere within reason is not out of the question. But even on a bluebird day that randon thunderstorm pops up and will give you a whoopin. Your best bet would be to buy my 24' Wellcraft or 25' Carolina Classic-

[28Conquest]

Boston to Provincetown is about 40 nm so if it's flat and calm you can probably make the run in about 2 hours. But if the wind and waves kick up at all, you may be in a for a VERY long, pounding and wet ride home. The Montauk has a pretty low freeboard so it's not hard to get a wave over the bow if it gets rough and that can be no fun. Also I think your boat's range is 60-70 miles so don't forget to refuel!

On the positive side, you won't sink no matter what, but personally I would probably not risk it... You can always trailer down and launch just about anywhere!

28C

[Block and Tackle]

Make sure you wear a mouth guard. Boston Whalers pound in glassy conditions not to mention once you get more than a 6in chop.

In all seriousness you could head out and chase fish on the surface maybe 8 to 10 miles out but making the run to p-town might be a little aggressive.

[tmack92]

Peter, I run a 18' keywest, I've had it for 4 seasons now and I learned my lesson my first season with it when I got caught in a storm, went from 1 to 2's and 5 knot winds to 40 knots and solid 5 to 7's in literally 20 minutes.. We got our asses handed to us and that was the last time I've been caught...

Click on the picture for video, do you want to run 40 miles in this???




But then again Chit goes wrong with bigger boats also



Pick your days, watch the weather and and know when its time to head back to the barn, and yes it can be rewarding...

[Clint3240]

im only 24, been caught in 2 hurricanes under sail, and when was the last time that happened...i think i might have been in elementary and middle school. one time was past Nantucket, almost sank 2 times 30 miles off shore fishing, and im not talking a bilge filled up...water coming over the railings. small boat, big boat it does not matter. its the weather as the other people said.

[Captain Greg Sears]

Sorry to disagree with anyone who thinks a 17ft whaler belongs out very far past 1 or 2 miles on a good day.

The Harbor master who told you to go to P Town should be fired!!!

Now if you are dressed in a survival suit and have GPS, Radar, Radio and plenty of fuel and another bigger boat with you I would still say you are crazy. I think the Kayak guy is crazy and Jet Ski Bryan has a few screws loose too.

Why would you risk your life? Or risk the life of the guy who has to save you?

The fact that you are even asking this question tells me you are not experienced enough to be venturing more than a couple miles offshore.

Sorry to sound like your parents but I have seen many tragic things happen in the ocean because of one small mistake. Like the picture of the guy jumping the wave. or the day I found myself swimming 20 miles offshore.

If you do it Be extra prepared. And yes anything can happen to anybody but why increase the odds?

Oh buy the way Fred I want one of those engines that will take me to Portugal with just one 17ft whaler filled to the gunnel's with fuel? Your fuel tanks are bigger than his boat.

[SNAKE EYES SPORTFISHING]

i would jump on every open boat available and absorb all available info as possable, remember when on open or charters you are fishing with pros, ask questions most will be glad to help, well worth the money spent.

[greatwhitwhunter]

You are smart to ask guys who have been there done that. All the posts here make good points, listen to them. Take the time to learn what you and your boat are capable of before you venture out. Good luck , be safe and don't forget the emergency gear. Those football players in Florida were on a 24 foot boat!!

[wrap-check]

im new to salt water fishing about 3yrs ago so this yr i bought a 17 whaler montauk peoople say i cant go far with this and this is a inshore boat but the harbermaster was telling me that i could go from boston to the cape becouse that is some what not far from shore im looking to find out how true this could be thank you peter

Your harbor master is irresponsible.