Thinking of Heading Off-Shore (70 miles) in C-Dory 25

This might be off topic, since Gerry has expressed "solo" cruising; however "solo" doesn't exclude other people aboard. I'm sure we've all had passengers who are at near zero assistance on the boat, but enjoyed the ride nevertheless.

It's standard practice to train for "solo operations" with a proctor, as I've seen in both military and medical fields. The proctor just sit's back enjoying the time, totally detached from the work events ... unless needed or called for. It's a level of intercept/safety that helps prevent or resolve any mishaps in realtime. Later, when the person is truly "solo", on their own, the training will really show it's worth.

There's plenty of chances to go out to 70, it's up to the individual to see if they want to put everything up front the first go, or take a trial run before a subsequent "true solo".

Just my 2 cents before going to Mattawomen to see how the BASS tournament is going.

Cheers!
 
Delphinus":15oi72sm said:
Thanks jbdba01, BrentB, and RobLL!

Great advice about radio (needs upgrade), radio checks and hailing, will check with Seatow, float-plan (already intended), don’t have autopilot, in process of purchasing offshore life raft and EPIRB, will be sure to bring camera but will not be fishing. Should be many boats I can photograph since planning to go between August 3-7 during white marlin contest. Will probably be hundreds of boats at the canyons, weather permitting.

One thing Bob Austin said, that keeps ringing in my head, is that I should probably do more intermediate distances before going the whole way out. I am sure he is right and will make that my immediate focus.
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Hello Gerry,

You have received much good advise on your question. Good advise for all of us really.

I used to have a Cape Cruiser 23 which I took about 20 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico fishing. I did it several time WITHOUT an Autopilot. Then, I installed an AP...and that one little addition made a HUGE difference in my fatigue level at the end of the trip. I've heard others describe an AP as a helmsman that requires no breaks or food and never complains about it's job.

When the going gets a little tough/rough, the assistance of a AP will make the trip out and, especially, the RETURN trip so much less fatiguing. I can also see it as a SAFETY divise in that if YOU are not feeling well (this is a SOLO trip, right?), you can turn the steering duties over to the AP.

At this point I would want an AP on most any cruising boat of mine.

Just a thought,

dave
 
I don't have autopilot but I would like to upgrade one of these days. Is it recommended to use autopilot if you find yourself in really tough conditions?

Avoidance is the best strategy, but conditions can be unpredictable despite forecasts. When it gets real rough, I'm steering and counter-steering, adjusting the throttle up and down constantly so I don't stuff the bow after riding down the back of a wave, and generally "white knuckling" it through. Its exhausting.

How does the autopilot do in these less than ideal conditions compared to a person? I'm leery of trusting technology when things are critical.
 
You may want to read "A Crew of One" by Carlos Bentos available on Amazon. He fished this area for years all by himself on his Bertram 35 and actually won the White Marlin Open in 1996. It's a wonderful read and it would give you some valuable insight on what to expect.
 
PaulNBriannaLynn":dnmgaxmg said:
I don't have autopilot but I would like to upgrade one of these days. Is it recommended to use autopilot if you find yourself in really tough conditions?

Avoidance is the best strategy, but conditions can be unpredictable despite forecasts. When it gets real rough, I'm steering and counter-steering, adjusting the throttle up and down constantly so I don't stuff the bow after riding down the back of a wave, and generally "white knuckling" it through. Its exhausting.

How does the autopilot do in these less than ideal conditions compared to a person? I'm leery of trusting technology when things are critical.
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Hello Paul,

An AP will be a great asset in many "less than ideal conditions" situations as it can steer the boat well (or, at least, better than ME). You may need to control the throttle. In BAD conditions, YOU may be able to steer the boat better than the AP. For the APs that use a hydraulic pump, the capacity of the pump is usually dictated by the capacity of your hydraulic steering pump ramp (volume of the ram in CCs or cu inches). In situations where the AP pump capacity is "marginal" in relation to the steering system volume, the AP will sooner crap out or loose it's ability to quickly make steering adjustments in BAD conditions. (Therefore, when you buy your AP components, size the hydraulic pump so it has adequate 'extra' capacity.) Then, YOU must steer, operate throttle, view chartplotter for maintenance of proper course, etc.

BAD conditions refer not only to wave height, but other factors like wind, tide, rain, wave interval, and whether the sea state is 'confused' as when crossing a river bar or channel entrance.

So, the short answer is NO the AP will not handle ALL conditions but it will be a GREAT ASSET in many conditions.

I currently have a Raymarine Evolution 200 Sportpilot on my Ranger tug 21EC...it has 'patterns' in the computer that let you go in circles, for instance. I had the opportunity to use it out in the Gulf last week. I set it to 1/2 mile RADIUS...and to my surprise it took the tug in a PERFECT circle. Conditions where 10-15 mph SW wind and a 2-3' chop. We where trolling and, granted my speeds where approx 4-5 mph over ground (2-6.5 mph through water). Ride was uncomfortable with beam seas and fine with following seas. Anyway, given the seastate and wind, I thought the AP would give me an 'oval' end product...but NO it was a PERFECT circle even when I zoomed in on the gps later to view the track. I was impressed.

Fair winds and autopilots,

dave
 
I've never had auto pilot but another thing I have read that they are good for is maintaining a truer course over a long distance. This would equate into a fuel savings which would be an important consideration when taking a small boat offshore.

Again no experience personally with them in a small power boat but I have talked to a Canadian 'Around Alone' sailor(Derek Hatfield) who trains in Lake Ontario and he told me that in his 60' Open - when the swells are up the auto pilot is not quick enough. He has to take the helm to correct at the top for the ride down. But those were 60 - 80' green with another 20' white on top. He was pitchpoled by one rounding Cape Horn. Probably a different situation than being discussed here,,,,, sorry for rambling.

Regards, Rob
 
Thanks Kushtaka, Foggy, BrentB, haliman, 'o cino, SGIDave, PaulNBriannaLynn, Sasscom, and Robert H. Wilkinson:

GREAT ADVICE!

Thank you--and everyone who contributed--for the ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT and CRITICALLY IMPORTANT advice! I am currently saving all your comments, as a Word document, distilling out and listing/checking off each individual recommendation, most of which I will do.

Examples:

PLB and delorme on my PFD.

Will not aim for sunset return but rather 1.5-2 hours before.

Will carry a dedicated emergency tow line.

My step-dad has essentially served as a proctor for me on several occasions. Great suggestion, but I feel I really need to be alone. It is likely I would become distracted worrying about them holding up on such a long, possibly uncomfortable, trip.

Since I have never gone 140miles, without rest (most ever was 100miles in relative calm), will make equal trek along coast line in challenging conditions, with inlets to duck in. If too strenuous, I will not attempt without autopilot.

I can not emphasize enough the critical importance of the potentially life-saving advice I have received from all of you! I put my question out, to C-Brats members, hoping for exactly what I got. Thank God for you guys and this website!

“And that’s the hard part…not going too far” (Moitessier’s quote, above).

This adventure may remain a dream for some time, while I work up to it.

Most sincerely and respectfully,
Gerry Ballough
“Dori Den”
 
Good Luck Gerry!
My Dad always said "it's never too late to be what you could've been."

If you need a Satt phone as back-up, I have one you can borrow, as I'm in Waldorf, MD.
 
Thank you, 'o cino. You are very kind, but I think I need to equip for multiple off-shore adventures, and would hate to deprive you of your phone for too long.

Love the quote by your Dad! I’m going to tell it to my 3 sons (ages 23-25), and for sure remember it for myself.


Sincerely,
Gerry
"Dori Den"
 
Thanks to all of YOU (i.e., your extremely helpful comments and excellent advice) I did not take the risk of a single-handed 70 mile voyage off-shore, from Ocean City, Maryland, in my CD-25.

Alternatively, plans are in motion, and commitments made, for a Bahamas crossing from West Palm to West End. My Step-Dad, Mother, Wife and I will be leaving August 5th-7th, depending on weather. The plan is to stay 2-3 days and return in a good weather window. Will start a new post with invitations for company and/or advice. We are committed to those dates and, if it works for any C-Brats, please feel free to join us.

THANK YOU, SINCERELY, FOR YOUR INVALUABLE ADVICE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS!

Respectfully,
Gerry Ballough
“Dori Den”
 
I hope you are able to go! Don't know if it's been mentioned, but I would "polish" your fuel system by running the tank bone dry in safe conditions, then re-fill with high quality gas from a frequently used source. I'd then also change out all your fuel filters (system and motor) and have spares and a filter wrench available. I might even have a 6 gal. portable along with the correct supply fitting and a few full gas cans on deck, just in case. Calculate your speed/distance/time/current numbers for limping in at hull speed. I like that you're planning to cross paths with other known travelers along your route, essentially shortening your emergency distances. Of course carry all the usual spares and safety gear, but you know that. Best of luck on your adventure! Cheers, Mike.
 
Thank you, Mike, for your very good advice and considerations. They sound very similar to Bob's of Thataway.

I hope you don't mind that I transferred your message to my Bahamas Crossing posting... because it is helpful and consistent with other great advice I'm getting.

Sincerely and with best wishes,
Gerry
 
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