24' 1997 Sea Ray Overnighter safe enough for the bay? Nearshore?

[Mercutio]

Hey Guys,

I'm new to boating (signed up for the CG class next month) but I was wondering if my 24 foot Sea Ray would be an ok fishing boat for the bay/tunnels now or near shore during fall striper season.

It's got an inboard which makes me nervous, but so far she seems to be a pretty seaworthy boat.

Does anyone have one? Fish from it? I know it's mostly a ski-boat.

[Fishboy OV8]

Don't know about the boat, but I wouldn't be fishing the Bay at night without Radar, especially in the fall/winter when the Fog can get so thick without warning that you can't see your bow.... but a warm summer pattern in July/Aug might be more predictable. I've been out there when no fog was forecasted at the High Rise and the only way I made it in was my plotter and radar. Glad to hear you're taking a class. good luck in your adventures and be safe.

[Mercutio]

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs032.snc1/3232_109000515464_695305464_2881663_5762950_n.jpg

http://www.traderads.com.au/dpa/dpa042.aspx?imageid=415961&width=180&height=135

http://www.boat-world.com/photos/1215789333/thb1215789333_1.jpg

Not my boat - but very similar.

I never intend on going out at night.

[Fishboy OV8]

my bad, your title says overnighter :wacko:, suppose that's the boat style....... looks plenty sea worthy for the CBBT with good weather

[captdavdavis01]

Partner, youll be just fine. Just use good common sense, and have a good time.

Congrats on the new ride!


Danny

[gotboost]

Thats plenty of boat,but it's not the boat it's the Capt....is he ready?

You should have no problem around the CBBT in the fall,

[Mercutio]

Thats plenty of boat,but it's not the boat it's the Capt....is he ready?

You should have no problem around the CBBT in the fall,

I would say that I'm not as of right now, I've been putting in a lot of time on the river, but there aren't many fish to catch on the Elizabeth right now.

Can anyone recommend a good place to start fishing in the bay? I'll be coming out of the mouth of the Elizabeth.

[daddys toy II]

fished a 1978 24 sea ray for years all over the bay and ocean side stripper seasons, boat never had a problem with the conditions i fished in on either side just be careful and use common sense. as far a fishability they are more pleasure caft than fishing boat but it is what you make it. Have fun

[Capt. Skid]

Like gotboost stated, " It`s not the boat, it`s the Capt."weather licensed or not, you are still the Capt. of your ride !
The boating course is a valuable tool, but nothing beats good ole fashion experience!!!! So, the more time you
spend on the water the better you will get..Watch other boaters along the CBBT, you can tell the difference between
the ones that know what they are doing and those that are just putting around..Watch and observe GRASSHOPPER..
Things will come together. You should have no problems with your SeaRay, they are heavy boats and seaworthy, most
boats can take alot more than their Capt`s. Go have fun.. You shouldn`t be nervous about you I/O...take care of it and it will
take care of you!!!

Capt.Skid

[mike cozzens]

That's a nice looking ride and it's plenty of boat for the CBBT. If you use good judgment you will be fine. The Coast G class is a great idea. I wish more people took those classes.
That being said, it has always been the bone headed things that have gotten me. There have been some great " dumbest thing you've done" threads. My personal best was pumping about a half gallon of gas into a rod holder.
:rolleyes:
Mike

[BUDC]

Completely NEW to boating? The Coast Guard course is great, but make it a point to take or go with someone with a lot of experience handling a boat about that size. The book knowledge is a good idea, but there are a ton of hands-on things you need to know too. A trip or two will give you important insight on operating your boat courtiously, skillfully and safely.
Thanks for doing it right.:thumbup:
I am sure it will be a pleasure to be on the water with you.
budc

[TheNewGuy]

I would say that I'm not as of right now, I've been putting in a lot of time on the river, but there aren't many fish to catch on the Elizabeth right now.

Can anyone recommend a good place to start fishing in the bay? I'll be coming out of the mouth of the Elizabeth.

You can start right around the mouth of the Elizabeth, actually. HRBT has some great fishing. If you want to get over to the Hampton side, you have Hampton Bar, and then a couple of miles further up is Grandview, which has some great Cobia fishing. All of this is near shore enough that if you have a problem, you can pull right up to a beach in a populated area or into a marina. Perfect area for stretching your legs with the new boat, and the fishing is good too. I'm headed there today.

Good luck

[jkapl001]

Without totally giving it away there is some good fishing around NIT also set up and drip from the NOB back towards the HRBT, never know what you might catch. Shoot me a PM for more info, have fished that area alot.

[KenG]

When it seams like a bad idea it probably is. Always stay on the side of over kill, till you are more comfortable with your ability. There is an endless amount of things that can go wrong. Every thing from the boat falling of the trailer to a line raped in your prop. Just use your head. I would also recommend when you are in the lower bay remember a general compass heading back to home port, it can get foggy at time and electronics seam to fail at the worst time, the bay is positioned in a unexpected way, so it is not as simple as saying I will head west and run into land. A cart is also good to have on board. One last thing, if things go wrong, take your time in dealing with it. Rushing makes it worse.

[Mike Avery]

Only an idiot would fish out of a searay (or bayliner). Get a real fishing boat. :death:

P.S.....I'm just kidding :D ....I fished out of a similar style bayliner boat for years in the bay and out to the CLT and chased stripers all the way to Duck, NC and did pretty well. The fish don't care what kind of boat you have. :goodluck2:

[rth3030]

Learn the area that you plan on fishing at night. Nighttime appears different than day time. Mark your bouys, landmarks, and know where any obstructions our. Keep a good light on the boat and do not go alone. You will have fine.