On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 05:15:48 GMT, "Jay" wrote:

I have a 20' long with 10' beam fiberglass V-hull chaparral boat with a
Johnson V-6 150hp outboard. Fuel capacity is 50 gal tank. Full electronics
and so forth, with optimum weather conditions seas 1-2 ft or that lucky
glass day. How far out in the ocean could I or should I go to see a little
better fishing, i.e.... size or game fish, without getting myself or others
in
trouble, or before is unsafe or unrealalistic. I would love to see blue
water but I don't think I have the fuel capacity for that, I am aware the
1/3 rule as per fuel, 1/3 out---1/3 back and 1/3 for just in case. Not that
it would make any difference, I would be going out of either south jersey,
Delaware bay or Delaware or O.C. Maryland.

Any help and or suggestions would be greatly welcome, I would like to bring
my kids, 14 and 18, but only if it's possible and safe to do so, if not,
chances are I would be doing it alone Most likely as I do most of time.

Thanks in advance

It's not a question of distance for quality fish, but location. You
don't have to go 20 miles offshore to find quality fish. In the area
where you will be fishing, a couple of miles fishing break lines, rock
piles, rips with the proper equipment will give you a quality
experience, stay reasonably safe and have a ton of fun.

20' isn't a lot of boat for riding 25 miles out in the North Atlantic.
And depending on your fuel usage, a long run like that even at cruise
setting is going to suck gas - how much depends on what the age of the
engine is and whether it's two or four stroke.

If you want to just take the kids out beyond the horizon and mess
around trying to catch some fish, maybe 10/12 miles depending on gas
usuage - and that's a good day.

Lastly, "glass" conditions can go to crap conditions in a hurry out
that far - all it takes is a moving weather front north or south and
you can be smack dab in the middle of heavy fog, 3-4 foot swells and a
world of problems. You also have to remember that your fuel usage can
increase by 25% in bad weather if you have to fight head or quartering
winds which can happen even on a "nice" day. Add to that the
occasional following sea - well, I'm sure you get the idea.

Just out of curiosity, what model boat do you have with a 20' length
and a 10 foot beam?