ocean boating

[SEmerson]

Is there a forum for ocean boaters. I am trying to get info on what size boat I would need travel from usa to costa rica.

 

[WDaniels]

What kind of boat? Sail or power? For either one go to Boat and Yacht Sales, Buy Boats and Yachts - YachtWorld.com and put in your wants and likes. It'll find a boat that'll fit you.

WD

 

[SEmerson]

In a few years I would like to get a power-sail cat. But I would like to get a cabin cruiser for next summer. The idea of the cruiser was for on lakes. But I was trying to figure out if I could get one big enought to do a ocean trip and still be towable.

 

[Alan Reagan]

A friend of mine made an ocean crossing from Florida, up the east coast and across to Europe in a 43 foot sail boat. He ended up in Spain for the winter and then brought her back across to the U. S.



For long range cruising I would go with a trawler hull yacht. Fuel efficiency for a single screw is usually in the 2 to 3 gal per hour cruising at 8 knots. Smaller ones burn as little as 1. 5 gal/hr at 8 kts. That's slow but they ride good and are comfortable to live on.



A 35 to 45 footer would make the trip to CR. Mostly depends on whether or not you are going to go coastal or open ocean. A 35 is pretty small to live or spend a lot of time on with a motor yacht because you are limited to being pretty much forward of the engine room for your living space all of the time. That means a small galley and salon.

 

[WDaniels]

a 45 foot trawler hull will not get anything close to 3 to 4 gallons an hour at 8 knots. Generally a grand banks 42 foot has 2 Ford Lehman 120hp engines that consume 4 gph each. A 36 footer has one Ford Lehman 135 horse or a Cummins 6BT5. 9 that each consume about 6 gallons and upward for an 8 to 10 knot speed. Even saw one 46 foot Banks that had twin Cat 375 hp engines. Those babies will suck some fuel. That is the reason I'm going sail. Cannot affort 1000 to 3500 dollars to cross the pond one way.

WD

 

[SEmerson]

I have never went long distances on water. So I am not sure of the route I would take. What are the weather conditions and goverment problems on a trip like that? What ever I would take would have to have diesels in it. So what is the best guess on fuel and speed? Looking at boats I see a 20-30 Cruising speed. Why is 8-10 ideal? Is that the best economy?

 

[Alan Reagan]

a 45 foot trawler hull will not get anything close to 3 to 4 gallons an hour at 8 knots. Generally a grand banks 42 foot has 2 Ford Lehman 120hp engines that consume 4 gph each. A 36 footer has one Ford Lehman 135 horse or a Cummins 6BT5. 9 that each consume about 6 gallons and upward for an 8 to 10 knot speed. Even saw one 46 foot Banks that had twin Cat 375 hp engines. Those babies will suck some fuel. That is the reason I'm going sail. Cannot affort 1000 to 3500 dollars to cross the pond one way.

WD

And a quote concerning the Albin 36 Trawler with a single screw:



Albin 36 aft cabin trawler Boat/US Magazine - Find Articles



"The majority of 36s have been powered by a single in-line, six-cylinder, freshwater-cooled Ford Lehman diesel engine. Prior to 1985, the engine was rated at 120 hp. In 1985, minor modifications boosted output to 135 hp. Beginning in 1987, Albin began offering a 210 hp Cummins diesel engine as an option and, in 1990, buyers could choose optional twin engine installations of either the 135 hp Lehman or 210 hp Cummins engine.



With the standard 135 hp Lehman engine, the 36 will cruise at about seven to seven and a half knots and bum about three gallons of fuel per hour. The optional 210 hp Cummins adds only about one knot to cruising speed and about a gallon per hour to fuel consumption. The Albin 36 carries 350 gallons of fuel in two tanks, and has an effective cruising range of more than 700 miles. "



Besides the article, of which there are many out there, I have boarded (USCG) and talked to many owners and that's where my numbers came from. A search of "trawler hull fuel use" or "trawler hull fuel consumption" will give results more in line with my numbers. That's where the above quote comes from.



Or: Passage making or Passagemaking boat plan and kits



Maybe these guys are always running with the tide.

 

[SEmerson]

What is the limit that you can captain with out a captains license?

 

[Alan Reagan]

To carry up to six passengers on a non-inspected vessel, an OUPV (Operator of Un-inspected Passenger Vessel) will suffice. This is also known as the "Six Pack" license.





To carry more than six paying passengers on inspected or non-inspected vessels requires a Master's license which determines, by tonnage, what size vessels a person may "captain". These are 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 through unlimited tonnage (large ocean going). Also, based on where your experience is gained, a master's license may be issued as near coastal (inside 200 nautical miles). Voyages outside the US to any foreign port requires other endorsements, primarily STCW (Standards for Training, Communication and Watchstanding)



Most insurance companies require a licensed master for the larger yachts. Hired crews have appropriate licenses for the size yacht they are operating.

I have a 100 ton Master's License and hope to upgrade to the 1600 ton next year. The sea service requirements and training requirements are pretty substantial once you go over 500 tons.

 

[SEmerson]

To carry up to six passengers on a non-inspected vessel, an OUPV (Operator of Un-inspected Passenger Vessel) will suffice. This is also known as the "Six Pack" license.


To carry more than six paying passengers on inspected or non-inspected vessels requires a Master's license which determines, by tonnage, what size vessels a person may "captain". These are 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 through unlimited tonnage (large ocean going). Also, based on where your experience is gained, a master's license may be issued as near coastal (inside 200 nautical miles). Voyages outside the US to any foreign port requires other endorsements, primarily STCW (Standards for Training, Communication and Watchstanding)

Most insurance companies require a licensed master for the larger yachts. Hired crews have appropriate licenses for the size yacht they are operating.
I have a 100 ton Master's License and hope to upgrade to the 1600 ton next year. The sea service requirements and training requirements are pretty substantial once you go over 500 tons.

So How big can I go with no paying passengers. Just freinds and family. And if needed how do I get a 6 pack lic?

 

[Alan Reagan]

USCG Licensing



Look at the menu on the right for Charter Boat Captain. That will provide the requirements for a OUPV up to 100 ton.



You can go as big as you want. Insurance will be one (of many) of the big drawbacks if you go too big. Surely you aren't looking much bigger that 50-60 feet? That's a lot of boat. That's getting in the 50 ton range.



I work on a 244 foot boat and that requires a 1600 ton license for the Masters. Of course, these are paid positions.



The web page above has all the info you need for a license. You may have to go to Sea School or equivalent to get ready for the exam. Sea time for a 6 pack is not much at all. Plus, your own boat, no matter how small, counts as underway time. Keep in mind, when you claim your own boat, the USCG will ask for a copy of your registration(s) for all boats claimed. If the boat belongs to someone else, you will have to have a signed affidavit. Good luck.