Saltwater Fishing Forums - Fishing Reports, Sport Fishing Information, Deep Sea Fishing | NBSSportfishing.com

Copeland

Hello everyone,

I'm a new member and soon to be first time boat owner (though an experienced passenger and sailor).

I am wrapping up the purchase of an '87 Sportcraft Offshore 205. It's a small walk around, with a 150 Merc Black Max. I'll be fishing out of Portsmouth NH mostly, though I will bring to the Cape for my spring and fall trips. I will be fishing mostly inshore stripers, but do intend to chase some tuna when they are in close.

I would love to know your thoughts about must have boat items, most importantly safety items but also maybe some tricks or things I should think about.

I also only have the one motor for now, I will have to wait for spring to purchase my 101 or 160 #thrust, engine mount, trolling motors.

Much Appreciated,

Me

Retriever

welcome to the site, you will find many good fishing tips here. just review some of the forums. as far as safety you may consider taking a coast guard boating safety class. been awhile since taking one but i believe they are free. i am sure you can find upcoming classes and locations on line. good luck!

old mud

Welcome aboard ME !!!!! Just a word of caution, the words "Offshore and 205" are not a great combination. that being said, Plan and research all the safety gear and know how to use it. take in as many safety seminars as you can stand. Charter "offshore " with a reputable boat. (More than once) (Plenty on this site). I wouldn't worry much about "one motor" noreasters ALL have "One motor". just make sure your motor is running Top notch !!! and make sure you can fix all the little things that can / WILL go wrong. Not in any way trying to discourage you but rather hoping you will be aware of what can / WILL happen.

Be Safe !! and if you need help with a dcsision feel free to ASK !!! many people on this site are qualified and are more than willing to help.

Have FUN !!!!!!

__________________
Long you live and high you'll fly,
and smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry,
and all you touch and all you see,
is all your life will ever be

Copeland

Thanks Guys,

My fiance is required to take boating safety to operate the boat and I will attend with her.

Very true about "Offshore" and any 20' boat. I understand I am in a small boat, and will keep it in close. I wanted a boat that was small enough to trailer from VT to the coast, but large enough to get 'just a bit outside'. I'm not geared up for tuna, so just fall stripers for me, and hoping to chase tuna next year.

I think my biggest problem is going to be finding the space for the batteries I'll need to operate all of my desired electronics. (Well, the money for those electronics will be even harder to come by; trolling motor with batteries $1500, being able to hold my position in the "eddy", priceless)

Dangerboy

US boat unlimited towing..

Lose the electric trolling motor.

D

Copeland

Here's a pic of my boat, put a deposit yesterday, picking it up on Sunday. Just completed Boating Safety course, have my certificate, it's all coming together for me. I have been dreaming of this for years, I am very excited.

madkate88

Congrats on the boat. Hope you have a great time with it.