How far out and how many motors is the law.

**mikesufka** · 03-23-2017, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by mikesufka

This is probably a dumb question, but can you see shore at 70 miles out ?

MDS

PS: I'm in Brad's camp

That was a dumb question. After thinking about it for a second, I'd have guessed 20 miles or so, but I was wrong there too I see.

MDS

**FUJIMO** · 03-23-2017, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Krazymaan

I guess this is mostly for you coastal peeps.
I kinda was under the impression that a boat heading out into the ocean a certain distance with a certain size boat was required to have more than one engine in case one motor failed, this is for safety reasons i was under that impression.
I can't imagine a person with an STV or anything under 20' heading out until you can't see land anymore. Those mermaids would have you for dinner.
So whats the laws or is it just enter the horizon at your own risk and good luck?

...Forget the motors. I go out as far as I want.

**Tom Foley** · 03-23-2017, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Zastrow

In my wildest dreams I would not go very far offshore with one engine in any size boat. I can not put my life on the line for a mechanical object that may fail.

Sea Tow / Boat US .

**olboatman** · 03-23-2017, 07:29 PM

Hey guys...ya got it all wrong! The # of motors on the boat does not make off shore trips any safer. Actually the more motors the more chance of fire which is a mariners worst nigntmare! The marine radio ( to summon help) and a survival craft or suit(s) (to get into when ya have to get the f--k out) are your best friends. Cell phones are excluded!!!!!!! I have a LOT of hrs and miles off shore wreck diving and have allways had the best VHF radio and TALLEST antenna on board. Glad I only needed to use them for recreaction. JMO Gary

**mjw930** · 03-23-2017, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Zastrow

If I blow an engine I simply slow down and can run on one or two to get back. I have had every mechanical problem possible happen with my boats. Lost steering twice with a tie bar that fell off on one boat and a loose power steering fitting on a 42 MTI with 1550 Sterlings lose fluid at well over 100 mph in a hard corner. Blown number six drives at 160 mph. Lost props twice. Blown at least 15 engine I/O and O/B. Blown transmissions. Many more smaller items that have always had me limping to port on one engine. But never have I felt my life was threatened. However for me scary would be going 70 miles offshore with one engine. All I can say is you better have a really good marine radio or strong rowing arms.

The big difference is you are running high performance, highly stressed mechanicals so yes, you will break things on a regular basis. If you are going offshore on a regular basis you use the right tool for the job and be fanatical with maintenance.

I know know a number of people who routinely run to the Gulf Stream from central Florida in single engine outboards almost every weekend but they run the most reliable equipment they can buy and maintain it on a regular basis. Many run twins but some do run singles but all have EPIRB's, some have sat phones as well as survival inflatables. Like I said, the right tool for the job.

Personally I've always been the guy that would only take twins offshore but with the reliability of modern 4 stroke outboards and technology like sat phones I wouldn't hesitate to run 20 or 30 miles out with a single.

Talk to any boater who grew up in S. Florida and I bet they either went to the Bahamas in their 16' whalers or know someone who did. THAT would scare the hell out of me but when I was 16 and indestructible I would have probably done it too.

**Mr. Demeanor** · 03-23-2017, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Zastrow

If I blow an engine I simply slow down and can run on one or two to get back. I have had every mechanical problem possible happen with my boats. Lost steering twice with a tie bar that fell off on one boat and a loose power steering fitting on a 42 MTI with 1550 Sterlingslose fluid at well over 100 mph in a hard corner. Blown number six drives at 160 mph. Lost props twice. Blown at least 15 engine I/O and O/B. Blown transmissions. Many more smaller items that have always had me limping to port on one engine. But never have I felt my life was threatened. However for me scary would be going 70 miles offshore with one engine. All I can say is you better have a really good marine radio or strong rowing arms.

Brad I m just comparing the "risk" of going 70 miles out in a single engine boat VS. going however damn fast that beast of your runs LOL.
We could ask an insurance company which they think is more dangerous.
Most commercial fishing boats are single engine.
As I stated we have an EPIRB, Satellite phone, etc. Do you?

**Chaz** · 03-23-2017, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by mjw930

Talk to any boater who grew up in S. Florida and I bet they either went to the Bahamas in their 16' whalers or know someone who did. THAT would scare the hell out of me but when I was 16 and indestructible I would have probably done it too.

Some even crossed at 3:00 am ....

The reality of it is that it don't matter if your in a 50' sport fishin boat . There are times when you go in the valley so deep you can't see the 50 footer that's 300 yards in front of you . All ya can do is try to surf the backside slope ... got Dramamine ???

**W2F a V-King** · 03-23-2017, 09:39 PM

6 ft to horizon vision is about 3 miles (ball park)...VHF is also line of sight only, so you need a really tall antenna to get the marine operator. Or to bounce communication from one boat to another that may or not be there. 25 ish miles max?

Sat phone and a working GPS is your friend. Extra water and supplies, And Deep Pockets for Sea-Tow!

The real issue is what the weather can do to you that far offshore. Single motor or multiples. A boat with no power in rough seas can get ugly.

**W2F a V-King** · 03-23-2017, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by FUJIMO

...Forget the motors. I go out as far as I want.

That was a Great movie !!!

**Li'l Toy** · 03-23-2017, 10:09 PM

I always kinda felt this, but after those two boys were lost off South Florida I am convinced I don't want to be offshore in anything short of a cruise ship w/o an EPIRB on me.

**Mr. Demeanor** · 03-23-2017, 10:51 PM

Fishing guys: You go fast boaters are nuts.
Go fast boaters: You fishing guys are nuts.
Sailboaters: You guys are both nuts.

But who gives a fck what sailboaters think?

**baja200merk** · 03-24-2017, 08:02 AM

Try being 20 miles off Ambrose when your trim tab control box catches fire and smoke is rolling out from under the console. 2 engines wouldn't do chit for ya.

**99fxst99** · 03-24-2017, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Demeanor

Fishing guys: You go fast boaters are nuts.
Go fast boaters: You fishing guys are nuts.
Sailboaters: You guys are both nuts.

But who gives a fck what sailboaters think?

**Mr. Demeanor** · 03-24-2017, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by baja200merk

Try being 20 miles off Ambrose when your trim tab control box catches fire and smoke is rolling out from under the console. 2 engines wouldn't do chit for ya.

Had to be towed in once from about 20 miles out when I had a battery short. NOt realizing what happened I switched both batteries together which killed the good battery in a very short time.