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15' possibilities
Spoilcane	#1  Posted on 03/19/08 - 7:20 AM
Member Posts: 8 Comments: 0 Joined: 03/17/08	I am brand new to the forum and just purchased a 1985 Boston Whaler 15’ super sport powered by a 60hp Johnson in pristine condition. I mainly plan on using it for inshore fishing excursions and as a fly fishing platform to use in Biscayne Bay, Florida. However, I would like to use it in other ways such as near shore bottom fishing with the kids or pulling them around on an inflatable raft. How far should I venture offshore with a boat like mine? Do any of you use a boat like this for wake boarding or towing people on inflatables? I don’t want to do anything too foolish. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
MW	#2  Posted on 03/19/08 - 9:10 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1827 Comments: 10 Joined: 01/08/06	It will do everything that you mentioned except the last, it won't go "Off Shore", as long as you play in the Bay, you'll have no problem.... Taking a 15' "Tender" into "Open Water" is pushing the boat past it's "Limit's". It's classified as a "Tender" (under 16') and "NOT" sea worthy. mw Edited by MW on 03/19/08 - 9:15 AM
Binkie	#3  Posted on 03/19/08 - 10:04 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 2012 Comments: 0 Joined: 12/19/05	I used to take my 13 footer to Pennekamp reef, diving. Never had a problem. Carry enough fuel and a 7/12hp kicker motor, and enjoy yourself when the weather is nice. Other folks might respond, with different advise, but they might not be aware of the good weather, and calm seas usually found in S. Florida Rich
wrangler	#4  Posted on 03/19/08 - 10:51 AM
Member Posts: 264 Comments: 0 Joined: 03/14/08	Take a USCG Aux or Power Squadron safe boating class first. Learn what equipment you need and how to operate inshore first. You must learn to crawl before you can walk. You want to make every trip a round trip! The weather has a lot to do with it. If it is rough in the inlet going out say, Govt Cut or Haulover then turn around before you go to far. The 15' has low freeboard, large waves and you get water in.
Spoilcane	#5  Posted on 03/19/08 - 11:13 AM
Member Posts: 8 Comments: 0 Joined: 03/17/08	Pennekamp is half an hour from my home and is one of my favorite places that I plan on exploring every nook and cranny of with my little whaler. The shallow areas around the keys do not resemble open sea or offshore conditions. That is the area i was refering to as near shore. But there is no absolute line where one begins and the other one ends. The party boats out of Robbies’ in Islamorada only go a few miles out to get to water deep enough to bottom fish in. I don't intend on venturing out that far under any circumstance as seas can go from flat and glassy to a roller coaster ride as soon as a little breeze kicks up. However, congregations of frigate birds can be mighty tempting when they appear to be only a short distance away. I suppose that sort of situation must be handled with maturity many of us fishermen often have difficulty controlling. That safe boating course does not sound like a bad idea either.
danedg	#6  Posted on 03/19/08 - 11:28 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 349 Comments: 6 Joined: 01/24/06	Safety courses will educate you to practice the safest boating possible... Experience will teach you to keep your craft shipshape and keep an eye on the weather at all times... A Whaler, will not sink... A VHF radio, may save your life...when all else fails. I've never used mine...but I know it's there.
Spoilcane	#7  Posted on 03/19/08 - 1:08 PM
Member Posts: 8 Comments: 0 Joined: 03/17/08	I'm no daredevil or chance taker - especially if children are involved. Even if I'm inshore and there is a glimer of lightning on the horizon it's time to pack things up and head for land. And my vhf radio is in good working order as well.
Binkie	#8  Posted on 03/19/08 - 1:18 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 2012 Comments: 0 Joined: 12/19/05	The only time I`m apprehesive, is if i don`t have enough anchor line to anchor. A breakdown in the gulf stream with its strong current could pose a bit of a problem. I`ve seen 4 ` ground swells in the keys, and they are no problem in a 13 footer. In rough seas you have to know how to handle big waves, it only comes from experience. rich