appropriate size PB for rock fishing?

Hey guys, I've seen people going out for RF at SC and Capitola, sometimes up to 4 people in those small yellow aluminum boats. They're probably 14'. Are they safe or just safe enough but one has to be crazy? I'm guessing some of you may own or have owned PBs in the past and know something about it.

It's not really the length that I'm worried about. I go out on my tarpon 120 (12') all the time. But the handling characteristics are much different between a boat like that and a kayak. It seems the boat may have a harder time handling itself on the water.

Has anyone been out there on one of those? What would you say the min size of a boat to handle the ocean? I'm not talking going 50mil off shore, just along the shores where we normally go in our yaks for RF etc...

More specifically, what do you think about a 17' open bow with a 120hp outboard? Thanks guys.

 

I have a 16 foot Klamath with a 40 HP merc. Boat and motor size is less important then using your brain and having a motor and boat (and all the safety gear) in solid working order. I actually think yak'ing gets you in the right mind set...be safe and smart. I have gone out of SC, bay and delta many times and always feel in control. My 'scariest' moment was san luis res. WOW that wind comes up fast!!!! But as long as you are not a cowboy and think you'll do fine is just about any PB.

PM me if you want to talk more.....

It really depends more on the type of the boat than the size. Some 15 footers are way more seaworthy than a 21 foot ski boat. For the ocean you want something that is self bailing with scuppers in the back to remove any water that may wash into the boat if you take a wave over the bow or a swell sloshes into the stern while drifting.

Outboards are generally better than inboards because they are harder to swamp if you get water in the boat. If you stick with a reputable brand like a Boston Whaler, Grady White, Wellcraft, Arima, Tiderunner, Parker, etc. etc. you should be fine.

That being said you need to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment like a good radio, backup radio, apropriate anchor with enough chain and rope to keep you off the rocks if your motor dies, gps, compass, and of course life jacket and warm clothes for everyone on board.

The type of boat you described sounds more like a freshwater skiboat and I would definitely avoid using one of those in the ocean on anything but the calmest days.

Good luck and be safe out there.

-Eliot

The type of boat you described sounds more like a freshwater skiboat and I would definitely avoid using one of those in the ocean on anything but the calmest days.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Of course, coming from yak fishing, safety is #1 priority. Glad I started on the yak. It's made us more alert in every way.

Yeah, this boat I'm describing is exactly a freshwater ski/fish boat. Sounds like I may just see how it handles around SC harbor and if it doesn't feel right, I'll bail.

Some aluminum skiffs (and other boats) will actually SINK if they swamp, while others will still float when swamped.  That latter would certainly be preferable.    One could refer back to the 'what about floatation foam' thread and do the same thing for a skiff to improve it's safety. 

Back in the day, my grandparents used to commercial salmon fish in a 12 foot aluminum boat out of Fort Bragg. Once they could afford it, they upgraded to a larger boat, but it can be done with safety in mind.

Has anyone been out there on one of those?  

I believe the yellow tub rentals out of Santa Cruz Boat Rental and Capitola Boat Rental are wood.  In the last 10 years, i rented one on three occasions.  Not nearly as fun as yaking, b/c you don't get to pothole and they limit you to a radius of about 3 miles.  They did feel pretty safe though. 

At SWS yesterday there was this guy in a small skiff fishing just outside of the cove to the right (NW).  The guy was getting really close to when the waves broke at the point...closer than I'd be comfortable with in my yak, for sure.  But he was just standing there, fishing away...Mooch mentioned over the radio that it looked like he was doing okay, too.  It still looked dangerous to me.

Usagi

where's SWS?

Sorry...Stillwater Cove aka "Stillwater south", the one in Pebble Beach.

Yeah, sounds like you're describing the rental skiffs from SC and Cap, justyakit. Those boats are designed specifically for ocean conditions (hull shape, rocker, beam, etc). So, while they may be shorter than a open-bow skiboat....they are more seaworthy. That being said, I have fished from a '93 Bayliner Capri open bow ski boat w/an IO engine and it was OK. Not great, but manageable as long as you pick the right days (calm!). Just don't plan on taking a brand new 21' Mastercraft Maristar into the ocean unless you want to sell it for real cheap after the saltwater kills it....hahaha!

I've gone out in those skiffs loads of times-- mostly pre-kayak. That's acutally how i met SCAllen.
They're plenty stable, etc...even a bonehead like me can manage them.

Yep, been in those stinky skiffs a bunch and I always felt pretty safe in them...  even when a motor quit on us once...  They aren't pretty, but as mentioned they are designed for ocean use.

An open bow bayliner is not.