13ft boat at sea??

A Rib would be a good choice. I have crossed the Channel is one that was only 18ft, and it wasn't exactly flat either.

If you want a hard boat, something like a Warrior would be really good, but it depends on your budget.
 
Andyjb said:
Would a pump really stop it going under? It has got a front canvas canopy which might help deflect water a little.
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That depends on how quickly the boat swamps. Remember in an open boat there are no bulkheads to arrest the flow of water. Only a small quantity that the boat would normal handle can become disastrous if the boat tips due to a wave etc and all that water rushes to one point and dips what ever freeboard you have under the water.
 
There was a sad fatality recently just a little offshore in Donegal when a 15' cuddly cabin sank in very calm seas. Currently under investigation. Make sure your boat is at least suitable for use in the sea as opposed to just inland waterways.
 
Andyjb said:
Sub 5k
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I would be looking for a Seahog Shortie with a 40 - 60hp 2stroke on the back plus trailer for that sort of price. Make sure the foam filled flotation cavities are not water logged (weigh the boat on a weigh bridge with trailer and motor compensated for. ) The deck is solid and not spongey and the transom is solid with no water ingress and rot.

just an example https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kay...ing-boat-with-outboard-and-trailor/1296389572

The Shetland 535 is also another that is older and time proven if you can find a good one https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kay...-hp-4-stroke-outboard-hardly-used-/1306061568
 
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Also look at something like a Mayland 14 or 16 with a decent motor on the back. These will give you a little cabin.
 
Grew up in Hastings, well somebody has to, and used boats that could be beach launched, ie dragged down the beach by one or two people; a nice winch to get them back up. Consequently they were limited to about 16ft, with the odd Drascome Lugger thrown in. Our rule was that if there was a 5 in the forecast, ie force 5 we wouldn’t go. We also made sure that we went up wind just in case and were particularly careful if it was wind over tide. I still have 14ft beach boat today with a 15 hp outboard, good for 15kts with two adults. We always carry a sets, two if we can, of oars; good fun for rowing and there just in case of engine trouble. In addition, anchor, chain and warp; handheld VHF; bilge pump; a small selection of smoke flares.

These days I’m happier going just 2 to 3 miles, although five is not out of the question if the weather is right. If there are two or more boats we work on the therory that if it does start to blow, ie the day breeze comes on, then we have an hour to get back before it starts getting too bad. And we have gone some quite large distances, ten miles plus. We always work on the theory that we are going to get wet from the spray and even in summer a set of waterproofs are essential.

Lots of fun over the years has been had and even though,I’m now in mys 60’s and have a 10m yacht in a marina our open boat gets used at least a dozen times a year.
 
Force 5 being your limiting factor, in an open boat? Personally I'd take that one with a lot of caution. I will venture out in a 34ft cruiser quite happily in a F5 but in no way will shut the engines down and bait up the lines in those conditions. I think you'll find a 99% agreement across the board on that score.
 
BruceK said:
Force 5 being your limiting factor, in an open boat? Personally I'd take that one with a lot of caution. I will venture out in a 34ft cruiser quite happily in a F5 but in no way will shut the engines down and bait up the lines in those conditions. I think you'll find a 99% agreement across the board on that score.
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Well there are F5s and F5s. A NE F5 in the Thames estuary with wind against tide, no way. A northerly F5 on the South coast at slack water, maybe.
 
I just got a similar sized boat for one of my daughters and the wind and waves easily becomes too much for a boat like that even in semi sheltered waters so I would be very careful going out to sea unless there is little wind/waves and very stable weather conditions.
In general the boat is too small and I am not sure any planing boat of that size will do even if a rib type boat has better stability.
 
I know someone who regularly took a 13ft Dory from the Isle of Wight to either Guernsey or Cherbourg for lunch, that was well over 40 years ago, and although a bit mischievous he did know what he was doing...

But I wouldn't recommend it! He just chose the calmest of calm days..
 
I see loads of boats like the OPs going to sea here.
It would be foolish to head off 10 miles from refuge in questionable weather, but if you're talking about heading out a mile or 2 to do some fishing, it'll be fine just be careful with the weather.

Given the fact you're asking the question I think it's safe to assume you'll be cautious. Just take it in small steps until you're aware of the limitations of your boat.

A pair of oars would get you out of the most likely problems you'll have, you're more likely to call for help with mechanical problems than to ever sink or capsize.
 
A friend of mine has a Tehri Big Fun (15') with a 20hp on the back and he has had some great fun over the years. Although he is based in the Christchurch/Bournemouth area he's towed his boat all over even going to cornwall and going shark fishing for blues. Obviously he picks his days but this does show that smaller boats can be used on the coast safely but experience does play a part. Perhaps join a boat angling or motor boating club and gain experience from other members it's what happens in the club I belong to. Take your time, build up your confidence in both your boat and your skills and enjoy yourself.
 
Couple of points: 1). When I say if there is a 5 in the forecast we won’t go. Under the cliffs with a N even with a 5 it’s pretty flat, but if it swings NE it can change pretty quick, so that’s a no go. Also if it says 3 to 4 we would go, but if it says 3 to 4 becoming 5 later we won’t.
2) Current boat is a 14 foot Shetland, an open boat. Although I have had boats with cuddy’s being beach launched you need to get out as near to the bow as possible, otherwise you can end up waste deep in water, which is not nice even in the summer.
3) With regards to swamping, we are lucky that we belong to a club which has a lovely electric winch, that and a serious eye in the bow and a big backing plate, allows us to winch it out even if it’s half full. Usually stomping it on the beach at half speed also helps! Although having said that I have sunk a couple on the beach over the years.
 
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