What makes a good offshore boat

Photo courtesy of Tayana NW. For sailors whose voyages will take them farther offshore, an ocean crossing perhaps, Malkin says consideration has to be given to the possibility that weather may be unavoidable and emergency rescue might be delayed. These factors and others will drive boat preparation and modifications.

A heavier displacement boat with a small cockpit might be an ideal set up for these types of longer passages. Technological advances should also be taken into account. Today AC, water makers, 12v-only refrigeration, and a variety of other appliances are becoming the norm and may require the inclusion of a genset.

Again, that is based on intended usage. If your plans are to really be autonomous, then there is no chance to plug into shore power. Ventilation and fuel capacity are two other important factors of the equation.

Your offshore sailboat choice will be based on many factors: your sailing route, experience, destination, weather, and land-based support. That makes it much easier to avoid heavy weather. A final thought for those dreaming of making the leap to offshore: consider joining a rally. Your offshore boat choice will be based on many factors. Among them are your route, skill set and experience, intended destination and activities there , ability to avoid weather, and land-based support.

Share it! Facebook Twitter. Previously, he spent 11 years on the editorial staff of Boating. Chris Caswell. Boat Reviews. Boating Guides. Boat Buyer's Guide. Boat Seller's Guide. Spring Commissioning for Your Boat. Popular Articles Related Articles 1.

Five Affordable Trawlers Under 40 Feet. What Hull Shape is Best? When it comes to fishing miles and miles from the inlet, size does matter. This is another one of those factors that requires you to make a judgement call depending on where and how you fish. Most captains would feel comfortable running a foot center console 10 or 12 miles into the ocean to go deep sea fishing on a calm, sunny day in south Florida. But trying to take that very same boat 50 or 60 miles out into the open Atlantic to reach the edge of the Continental Shelf off the coast of Maryland would be considered by many to be a dangerous over-reach.

As a general rule of thumb, the wave-splitting deep-V hull design is considered the norm for center consoles and walkarounds. But larger sportfishing yachts are often big enough that they handle rough seas well with a semi-V which has less of an angle in the hull or a nearly flat bottom. Some offshore fishermen also like multihull designs , many of which tend to run very smoothly through rough water. Go for lots of sea trials , and test out different makes and models.

Visit your local boat show , and inspect one model after the next. Take your time, and do your research. Skip to content.