I have a 24ft Century Inshore with a 250 Yami 4 stroke. I have a 77 gallon tank. I primarily striper fish but my fishng buddy who fishes the coast a bunch has just about talked me into taking a trip. I am curious on how far out I could go if the weather is nice. He mentioned about going out to the rigs I believe out of Rockport or Port A.

With only one engine, I'd be sure and go with a second boat! Need to watch the weather very close and have backup method of nagication, even if it is your old boy scout compass.

He did mention having a buddy boat.

Lots of factors but the rigs are about 7 miles out ( I bet these are the ones he is talking about), there are some furhter out, but if you figure 1 MPG you could go 35 out and 35 back with 7 to spare. But I would not go til August as that is the slackest(sp?) seas.

I think he is wanting to go in August. He also mentioned going down in October and down rigging for big bull reds.

My rule of thumb is 1/3 of my total fuel quanity. In your case 25 gallons is 1/3 of your total capicity. Not knowing how you drive, WOT or just cruise, I would think you should get aroung 2 mpg, that being the case we are talking around the 50 mile mark.

Leave out with 77 gallons, head back with 52 gallons and arrive back at dock with 27 gallons, providing of course you didn't get lost or burn more fuel then you expected which is where the 1/3 rule kicks in.

wait a minute... you can downrigg succesfully for those big bulls down there?!?!? i wonder if my 13' whaler could handle it lol

Brandon,
I've caught those Bull Reds in the bay in November. They will be in a lot closer.

This picture is a good one, 30 ", but the ones I'm talking about will be over 40" fish.

offshore for bull reds? you can catch them in the fall right off the jetties. I used to catch numerous ones every eyar right off the beach or bob hall pier 15 years ago. If I went through the effort and planning to go offshore in a bay boat, I'd have some other targets while I was there.

I wouldn't worry much about having just a single engine... most problems that shut you down are fuel or electrical related, so a catastrophic engine failure is pretty rare.

just make sure you have some safety gear... VHF radio and possibly a backup handheld, GPS and a backup and conventional compass, and possibly a membership to US boat or sea tow... cheap insurance if you do break down offshore.

Thanks guys. I was just wondering how far out I could go. My buddy was talking about down rigging for those bulls just outside or on the other side of the jetties. I hear of people catching some big fish at the rigs offshore and was just curious.