Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by tg210707 on 02/29/12 - 12:27 PM

Hi all,

I recently bought an older 13 sport with a 28HP Evinrude. Motor runs great and the boat doesn't seem to have much damage to it. I live in Nashville, but would like to take the boat to Sarasota and use it in the Gulf from time to time. Do you think 28hp will be enough in the Gulf? I'm not planning on going out very far. Just closer to the shore and in the bay's.

Posted by duf on 02/29/12 - 2:48 PM

its simply a measure of boating intelligence and in most cases experience. If you've been around boats and boating, you know to check the weather, and in a small enough craft, not to get to far offshore. To have the right equipment, radio etc, to give a call for help, or to be in cell phone range. The measure is not the body of water like the gulf, but the sturdiness of the boat, size, motor reliability, and your experience. Even a small bay or lake can kick up enough to flip a boat. So, if your even questioning whether a 13 with a 28 is big enough to go in the gulf, no insult intended, but I would say, you don't have the experience and would stick with smaller bodies of water till you do. I've been in the gulf many times with my 22, and it can kick up right fast, even if you are expecting it.

Duf

Posted by tg210707 on 02/29/12 - 3:59 PM

duf wrote:
its simply a measure of boating intelligence and in most cases experience. If you've been around boats and boating, you know to check the weather, and in a small enough craft, not to get to far offshore. To have the right equipment, radio etc, to give a call for help, or to be in cell phone range. The measure is not the body of water like the gulf, but the sturdiness of the boat, size, motor reliability, and your experience. Even a small bay or lake can kick up enough to flip a boat. So, if your even questioning whether a 13 with a 28 is big enough to go in the gulf, no insult intended, but I would say, you don't have the experience and would stick with smaller bodies of water till you do. I've been in the gulf many times with my 22, and it can kick up right fast, even if you are expecting it.

Duf

Duf,

I'm not insulted at all. I need to hear things like that, from people who have experienced it. I'm a new boat owner and won't be in the Gulf anytime soon, mostly just in the lakes in Tennessee. I'm hoping to get down to the gulf sometime late summer. We'll see how I feel about it then. Thanks for the advice.

Posted by bmw90w on 02/29/12 - 8:42 PM

I rented a 13 once in Savannah and used it in the bay. Even in the bay, I kept getting waves over the transom, and I was getting nervous. That was on a good day too. I would be very careful in a 13. My montauk makes me nervous. Nervousness is good in my opinion though because you need to respect what the ocean could do to your safety!

Posted by FlyAU98 on 03/02/12 - 2:53 PM

Binkie wrote:
Nervousness is a sign of inexperience. I won't go on a nervous persons boat nor will I go an a fool hearty persons boat.

I disagree...I've seen a nervous look on many real Captains. I'd rather get on a nervious guys boat and help him make the right descision than someone who isn't nervous and should be!

Posted by duf on 03/02/12 - 3:59 PM

I disagree...I've seen a nervous look on many real Captains. I'd rather get on a nervious guys boat and help him make the right descision than someone who isn't nervous and should be![/quote]

and i'll go the middle of the road here. Either way, whether a nervous look on an experience Captain, or a rookie, they both equal they may have made a bad decision, although my bet would be the experienced Captain makes it first! :)

Duf

Edited by duf on 03/02/12 - 4:00 PM

Posted by bmw90w on 03/02/12 - 7:55 PM

I don't mean nervousness as not knowing what to do, I mean the type of nervousness that helps you garnish a respect for the situation. No matter how much experience you may have, everyone gets nervous if they are in a bad enough situation. I am very experienced, but a bad storm is a bad storm. Do I know what I am doing? Ofcourse. Do I know what the weather and waves are going to do? Not unless I am the man upstairs!

Posted by fred s on 03/02/12 - 9:20 PM

#10

Okay,
I have been in both situations. An inexperienced captain, in particular waters, and a nervous captain in the same waters. I have been boating since 1969 on an inland lake, albeit a large one that can get testy. I have a "six pack license", that was required to guide. I have traveled from West Palm to Lucaya Marina many times, but usually in reasonable seas. The last time, I screwed -up. I left for Green Turtle from the inlet and the seas were breaking over my radar arch. I could not turn around. Yes I was nervous, and scared. I knew I messed up, but also knew I had to handle the situation. I had all safety equip. aboard which included 3 radios, a High Seas telephone, (no cell service at that time) an EPIB and a small genset. 180 miles and made it! Whaler Rendezvous 1993. 1988 Revenge and won the oldest Whaler trophy in 1993. Go figure! Bottom line.. respect and be prepared.

Posted by fred s on 03/02/12 - 9:40 PM

#11

As a Post Script.
I learned that the sea is very unforgiving. I know there are many seafaring folks on this site that spend many hours on the open sea and I certainly respect their courage. Being in a Whaler surely gives us an edge, but common sense and knowledge is essential. You can't have too many "back-ups" when you get out of sight of land. A good compass and a chart is a requirement. Loran (now obsolete) and a good GPS is a major. I dearly love the salt water, but inland lakes are so much easier. Darn I love this site! Thanks Joe

Posted by fred s on 03/02/12 - 9:52 PM

#12

tg210707 wrote:
Hi all,

I recently bought an older 13 sport with a 28HP Evinrude. Motor runs great and the boat doesn't seem to have much damage to it. I live in Nashville, but would like to take the boat to Sarasota and use it in the Gulf from time to time. Do you think 28hp will be enough in the Gulf? I'm not planning on going out very far. Just closer to the shore and in the bay's.

Posted by fred s on 03/02/12 - 10:03 PM

#13

I didn't mean to do that, but come to Lake Cumberland, just up the road from you and I'll show you a real lake and we will do a Whaler week. You can stay with us on the houseboat. I have a covered slip for your Whaler.