Going offshore tomorrow for the first time. any advice?

jibes138 · Dec 5, 2009

Charts

Sounds like you'll have fun. 15 to 20 is great sailing. You might want a single reef in the main, you'll be right on the edge of needing a reef. You probably don't need one at 15 but at 20 you might. Watch your heeling angle, 20 degree max is my rule of thumb then reef. More heel causes a lot of problems, weather helm, stress on rig, uncomfortable,.
Make sure you have charts of the area. GPS is useless unless you know how to navigate which is the art of knowing where you are and planning where you are going then actually going there. I've been out the Charleston inlet, those beakwaters go out for miles, watch shipping, some huge ships come through there.

David in Sandusky · Dec 6, 2009

Enjoy the sail!

I remember Charleston Harbor as big and obvious, but the only vessels I ever rode out of the harbor were a submarine and a sub tender!

Taking a couple of knowledgeable sailors along addresses any advice I might have. You are taking a good boat out on a nice day!

I do agree with your friends. We have sailed Lady Lillie all over LAke Erie for 10 years with a GPS, a depth sounder, and good charts. You will want a depth sounder (sonar?) for gunk-holing the sounds inside the barrier islands in the future.

Fairs winds, and following seas!

kloudie1 · Dec 6, 2009

I agree !! Enjoy the ride.. Sounds like you have sail handling under control with lots of experience on board.. A good chart and the handheld GPS and eyeballs are probably fine for keeping you off the bottom ... but a depthsounder takes out a lot of guesswork.. ENJOY.. it'll be a hoot!

PaulK · Dec 6, 2009

I'd second (or third) the depthsounder, especially since the largely sandy coast around there can shift a bit from what a chart might show. Maybe bring some hot chocolate - the breeze may be cooler out on the water. Since you're sailing with a Frenchie, I'll add "Bon vent!".

Ross · Dec 6, 2009

For more complete charts go here and print them. http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/BookletChart/AtlanticCoastBookletCharts.htm

Definitely get a depth sounder soon.

Mike B · Dec 6, 2009

Since you dont have GPS make sure you turn and look back the the inlet and pick out a land mark that you can navigate to on your return. You only need to get a few miles off shore before things start to lose their prominance. If you have a landmark to get you in the neighborhood you'll be fine. Enjoy the sail, it should be fun.

Stu Jackson · Dec 6, 2009

Mike, he DOES have a GPS!

Have a great time, writ back and tell us how much fun it really was!

LANCE ON CLOUD NINE · Dec 6, 2009

Tell some land friends or dock neighbors of your plan. And that you will give them a ring when you return. Have fun!

dserrell · Dec 6, 2009

CalebD · Dec 6, 2009

jibes138 said:
... I've been out the Charleston inlet, those beakwaters go out for miles, watch shipping, some huge ships come through there.

Those breakwaters are also infamous as they are below the surface at high tide out on the ocean. I would suggest making a way point on the GPS where the end of these breakwaters is.

Have fun and be safe.

Buck420 · Dec 6, 2009

Brobins, Com'on

brobins75 said:
Charleston, SC. wind = 15-20 knots, waves = 1-4 feet, visibility = 10 mi.

havent really been too far offshore in this boat yet. we havent made it out of the jetties yet. The boat has been solid and good to us thus far. i rebuilt her from the keel up over 3 years, and I wouldnt say she is new, but we havent had any problems thusfar. I have pfc's, flares, safety equipment, rib w/ outboard, etc. I dont have much instrumentation yet. I only have a vhf, and an older waas gps with no chart chip.

The depth in the area i plan on sailing is good. I probably wont get out of the site of land. i just wanna get some good wind. Do you think im ok to go? I have several people going with me. One is an ex sailing instructor for Clemson University, and another is a French offshore racer from back in the day. They are both comfortable with my gear. They recommend I get sonar asap, but I dont have it at the moment. I know the harbor area pretty well and have done fine w/o sonar so far. I know i need it, but from the harbor to offshore, i think im fine. Oh, i have seatow too.

My starting battery is fully charged, my house bank has been reduced from 2x 8D batteries, to only one functional. I do carry a 1500 watt portable generator and can charge batteries if i need too.

oh, i just filled my 120 gallon water tank, is this ok? is it better full or empty? does it matter?

the boat is a 1986 Hunter 40. new sails. 150 genoa. no storm sails. furler. new rigging, new sheets, halyards, lines.

any thoughts?

You've got a strong boat and a strong crew !
U'r not sailing out of Charleston harbor, heading for Europe... you're just going for a day sail...
com'on....
Oh, BTW, as I'm sure you know, the current runs pretty strong in the inlet... hope you've timed your trip so that the current is with you going out and conming in

S36_Osprey · Dec 6, 2009

sounds like fun to me.
I got 3 inches of snow on top of the tarp covering my boat last night.
I would much rather be there than here!!

Joe · Dec 6, 2009

Since you're going someplace new... make sure you set some gps waypoints on your way out.... you know, like dropping bread crumbs to find your way home. I'd set one at your marina entrance, one or two mid channel, another at the jetty entrance.. add any others you might deem important... just record their numbers on your chart, later you can give names to the ones you want to keep and discard the others. This way...... if the fog rolls in, or you get caught out after dark you can set a course with the appropriate waypoints and follow the arrow home.

I wouldn't really call what you're doing "going offshore"... it's more like coastal daysailing... but if it's your first time out in the ocean I know you are a bit nervous. Relax....just trust your sailing ability, believe in your boat, use common sense and know the way home. Sailing in the ocean is very gratifying.... you'll be hooked.

gboase · Dec 7, 2009

My first thought is .... What the heck are ya waiting for? GO FOR IT!!
There's nothing in the world like getting out of the safe harbor. You'll feel like your world went from a small room to the whole world instantly.

Enjoy and Fair winds!
George Boase

brobins75 said:
Charleston, SC. wind = 15-20 knots, waves = 1-4 feet, visibility = 10 mi.

havent really been too far offshore in this boat yet. we havent made it out of the jetties yet. The boat has been solid and good to us thus far. i rebuilt her from the keel up over 3 years, and I wouldnt say she is new, but we havent had any problems thusfar. I have pfc's, flares, safety equipment, rib w/ outboard, etc. I dont have much instrumentation yet. I only have a vhf, and an older waas gps with no chart chip.

The depth in the area i plan on sailing is good. I probably wont get out of the site of land. i just wanna get some good wind. Do you think im ok to go? I have several people going with me. One is an ex sailing instructor for Clemson University, and another is a French offshore racer from back in the day. They are both comfortable with my gear. They recommend I get sonar asap, but I dont have it at the moment. I know the harbor area pretty well and have done fine w/o sonar so far. I know i need it, but from the harbor to offshore, i think im fine. Oh, i have seatow too.

My starting battery is fully charged, my house bank has been reduced from 2x 8D batteries, to only one functional. I do carry a 1500 watt portable generator and can charge batteries if i need too.

oh, i just filled my 120 gallon water tank, is this ok? is it better full or empty? does it matter?

the boat is a 1986 Hunter 40. new sails. 150 genoa. no storm sails. furler. new rigging, new sheets, halyards, lines.

any thoughts?

geneWj · Dec 7, 2009

I am of the opinion that all the instrumentation in the world will not make up for solid sailing experience. Most boats are capable of handling far more sea conditions than there owners. 40' is nice if its set up so U can handle itwh out anyone else or a crew of one.
I've done 2 circumnavigations and a trip around the Pacific and up and down the west coast of th USA 45 times plus bringing the boat to Florida. Our boat is 32'. Knowing when where and how to make decisions when U'r tired is the number one thing that comes to mind.
Good luck have fun and post us of U'r experience.
geneWj

serenisea · Dec 7, 2009

A few things

I can't tell how long of a voyage it is, so I will assume it is a few days to a couple of weeks.

I didn't read anything about paper charts and navigation. I would also consider renting or buying the following:

1. EPIRB (or PLB)
2. Life Raft
3. Sat phone
4. Ditch bag with essentials for survival

Take along spares:

1. Lubricating oil
2. engine belts
3. raw water impeller
4. Oil & Fuel filters
5. Engine coolant
6. Head rebuild kit
7. Bucket (could be used as a head).
8. 50% extra drinking water (one gal per person per day consumption), 33% extra fuel
9. A bunch of stainless hose clamps of various size (they can be used to secure things that break.)
10. Extra navigation light bulbs

These are a few of my favorite things. Also, give someone on land your intended route and ETA.

Gary
s/v Sereinsea2
San Rafael, CA

You will be tethered while on deck, right?

brobins75 said:
Charleston, SC. wind = 15-20 knots, waves = 1-4 feet, visibility = 10 mi.

havent really been too far offshore in this boat yet. we havent made it out of the jetties yet. The boat has been solid and good to us thus far. i rebuilt her from the keel up over 3 years, and I wouldnt say she is new, but we havent had any problems thusfar. I have pfc's, flares, safety equipment, rib w/ outboard, etc. I dont have much instrumentation yet. I only have a vhf, and an older waas gps with no chart chip.

The depth in the area i plan on sailing is good. I probably wont get out of the site of land. i just wanna get some good wind. Do you think im ok to go? I have several people going with me. One is an ex sailing instructor for Clemson University, and another is a French offshore racer from back in the day. They are both comfortable with my gear. They recommend I get sonar asap, but I dont have it at the moment. I know the harbor area pretty well and have done fine w/o sonar so far. I know i need it, but from the harbor to offshore, i think im fine. Oh, i have seatow too.

My starting battery is fully charged, my house bank has been reduced from 2x 8D batteries, to only one functional. I do carry a 1500 watt portable generator and can charge batteries if i need too.

oh, i just filled my 120 gallon water tank, is this ok? is it better full or empty? does it matter?

the boat is a 1986 Hunter 40. new sails. 150 genoa. no storm sails. furler. new rigging, new sheets, halyards, lines.

any thoughts?

Rick9671 · Dec 7, 2009

offshore sails

serenisea said:
I can't tell how long of a voyage it is, so I will assume it is a few days to a couple of weeks.

I didn't read anything about paper charts and navigation. I would also consider renting or buying the following:

1. EPIRB (or PLB)
2. Life Raft
3. Sat phone
4. Ditch bag with essentials for survival

Take along spares:

1. Lubricating oil
2. engine belts
3. raw water impeller
4. Oil & Fuel filters
5. Engine coolant
6. Head rebuild kit
7. Bucket (could be used as a head).
8. 50% extra drinking water (one gal per person per day consumption), 33% extra fuel
9. A bunch of stainless hose clamps of various size (they can be used to secure things that break.)
10. Extra navigation light bulbs

These are a few of my favorite things. Also, give someone on land your intended route and ETA.

Gary
s/v Sereinsea2
San Rafael, CA

You will be tethered while on deck, right?

Recommend you add storm sails to this list. At least get a storm jib and practice putting it on in a hurry. You never know when you might really need it.

[our boat is snowed in and win.t be accessible until late March]

BruceC · Dec 7, 2009

brobins75: I agree that a depthsounder is good equipment to add; just remember however that unless you have forward searching sonar a sounder will only tell you how deep the water is where you have already been and a transom mounted transducer (not recommended) only compounds the problem. Unless transducer is mounted far enough forward, it may be that your keel or center board will provide the initial alarm in thin water. A good transducer is quite expensive, but well worth the money.