How far would you go offshore in 10m flybridge mobo

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dunedin

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I am no expert in motor boats, but how far would you be willing to go offshore in a standard looking 10m flybridge power boat like this …..

Screenshot_20250615_094043_MarineTraffic.jpeg

This little boat just made a 250nm overnight crossing of the North Atlantic from the Faraoe Islands to Scotland, speeding along at 16 knots for most of the way.
Don’t know what the wave heights were on that patch of the exposed North Atlantic, but at the time here it was windy and 4m swell on the west side of the Outer Hebrides, and they started 250 miles further North. It isn’t a patch of ocean known for its benign nature!

At first I saw the AIS trace and wondered if the Marine Traffic photo was of the wrong boat. But no, absolutely genuine as can see the boat and spoke to the very relaxed Faroese skipper and his partner, who were quite relaxed about the crossing (which they will repeat on their way home after a Scottish cruise). And not lucky novices - very experienced ex-professional mariner. Respect
 
Well done them. It must have decent fuel tanks to plane all that way.
My personal limit is about 25 miles off shore so respect. Then again I have had big boats I would think twice about going anywhere in if it was raining, and an 11 - 12m one that I would have gone out in wild stuff.
Good looking boat what is it?
 
billskip said:
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That's the distance between land ...so half way is 835 miles, which becomes the max distance you can be offshore...but "how far you you can go offshore" could be thousands of miles if you go round in circles offshore from land.
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You both are forgetting diesel.
 
kashurst said:
Well done them. It must have decent fuel tanks to plane all that way.
My personal limit is about 25 miles off shore so respect. Then again I have had big boats I would think twice about going anywhere in if it was raining, and an 11 - 12m one that I would have gone out in wild stuff.
Good looking boat what is it?
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Viksund 320 is manufactured by Viksund Boats AS at their main facility in Strusshamn, on the island of Askøy, just outside Bergen, Norway
 
billskip said:
?
That's the distance between land ...so half way is 835 miles, which becomes the max distance you can be offshore...but "how far you you can go offshore" could be thousands of miles if you go round in circles offshore from land.
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No, Point Nemo is sea not land - 1,670 miles from closest land. And shortest voyage to Point Nemo is 3,340 nm

…… which would be ambitious in an 10m flybridge mobo - but several 10m or less sailing boats have passed nearby
 
dunedin said:
No, Point Nemo is sea not land - 1,670 miles from closest land. And shortest voyage to Point Nemo is 3,340 nm

…… which would be ambitious in an 10m flybridge mobo - but several 10m or less sailing boats have passed nearby
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Yes, you are correct, sorry, I can make excuses...but I got into a mukinfuddle...
 
About 270nm, quite a trip over that stretch of water. I don't think I would attempt it in Hunter even though she has the range to do it, but certainly not at 16knots!

We did get Faroese fishermen come into Wick, while not often they did land some catches there. We also got the Faroe Ferry come in to Scrabster and Wick, met quite a few folk from the Faroes over the years in Wick.
 
Alicatt said:
About 270nm, quite a trip over that stretch of water. I don't think I would attempt it in Hunter even though she has the range to do it, but certainly not at 16knots!

We did get Faroese fishermen come into Wick, while not often they did land some catches there. We also got the Faroe Ferry come in to Scrabster and Wick, met quite a few folk from the Faroes over the years in Wick.
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The skipper mentioned the Faroes fishing boats bringing catches to NE Scotland. I didn’t think that was his personal maritime trade but yes the fishermen braved the crossing regularly. And presumably a few didn’t make it. Serious waters, especially in winter.
Modern weather forecasts help a lot - though the Scottish end certainly wasn’t a great forecast when they set off, after 3 days of strong Southerly winds, a brief reduction in wind but swell takes longer to drop.

There are a lot (by local standards) of sailing yachts at this time of year stopping in Stornoway, preparing for the crossing. Surprisingly a high proportion French boats. But rather different with sails (to save diesel) plus 3 or 4 tons of lead underneath if the waves get fruity.
 
dunedin said:
This little boat just made a 250nm overnight crossing of the North Atlantic from the Faraoe Islands to Scotland, speeding along at 16 knots for most of the way.
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I always enjoy seeing people use their boats out of the ordinary.

Lokks like they refuled on the southern most island, Suoroy before they made the crossing, so looks to be about 200-210 nm in one go.
These boats typically have a cruising range of around 200 nm at planning speeds allowing for a bit reserve, so I'm suspecting they were carrying a bit extra fuel on board.

dunedin said:
I am no expert in motor boats, but how far would you be willing to go offshore in a standard looking 10m flybridge power boat like this …..
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Very dependant on many factors, mostly the condition of the boat and all technical installations, fuel capacity, how well you know the boat, own experience and background.

I do a bit of boat deliveries here in norway, and with the typical 15-20 year old boat, in typical condition (after had 4-6 owners who didn't do much more then using it), i wouldn't go further offshore, or be out in anything other then fair conditions as there are always going to be some issues, that you don't want to have on a trip like this.
With a new(er) boat, and especially one i know well, then its a different matter.

Every year there are some motorboats making the trip from western norway over the north sea to Shetland or vice versa with is 180-200 nm. Very doable in good weather conditions with many standard production boats 30-50 ft. You don't have to plane all the way also. Many set off at D-speeds for around 12 hours and then have the option of sprint ahead or return.

dunedin said:
At first I saw the AIS trace and wondered if the Marine Traffic photo was of the wrong boat. But no, absolutely genuine as can see the boat and spoke to the very relaxed Faroese skipper and his partner, who were quite relaxed about the crossing (which they will repeat on their way home after a Scottish cruise). And not lucky novices - very experienced ex-professional mariner. Respect
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Here lies the key.
A trip like this can range from being almost being suicidal to very doable with acceptable levels of risk depending on the factors mentioned earlier and good weather prognosis.


ChromeDome said:
When searching the web it is surprising how many small boats have crossed the Atlantic, often with manufacturer support to prove seaworthyness.

It caused a stir in 1958 when a Danish Coronet 22 Explorer went over with twin Johnson 50 outboards.
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And here are some Norwegians who did the north west passage in single engine 20 footer in 1978


I heard that a Sargo 45 plan to make its way from the factory in Finland to the East coast of USA this summer on her own keel. Longest leg will be around 700 nm with is no problems with extra fuel on board.
Sound like a trip of a lifetime, but in those areas, you can't depend on on getting help if you get any technical issues or have a mishap.
 
It'll pass outside of gmdss area 1 (vhf coverage) I would imagine so needs to be equipped with relevant comms gear.

Plenty of knowledge about the engines, a good set of spares, a decent enough forecast and clean fuel tanks would make this doable!
 
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