I wouldn't do it in a '80's hull its to thin. I gotta a feeling if you get into an undesirable situation it may not turn out so well. Especially out there. Good luck and have fun it's a good boat to choose regardless compared to most.
I wouldnt worry about the age of a sound hull... many powerboats of the same age, and older and newer routinely make a real pounding crossing the bar.
it seems to me, that all things being equal in fair conditions, a sailboat with ballast moving a bit slower would have a better ride than a powerboat of the same size.
and some of the crazies that run powerboats catching air on the waves and swells are putting their boat to the test (or abusing it), and they dont care how old the boat is....
so mind the weather and play around a bit... there is a lot to be learned crossing a bar (and each one has its own individual challenges), no matter what type of boat it is.
but in fair conditions, it may be no worse than running down the river in the middle of the channel.
almost any tub/boat/vessel/ship can float on the ocean, but its how hard the boat gets pressed/worked/abused is what will determine how long it stays together/afloat... and this is seldom determined by the operator, but most times by the waters in which they are floating.
keep in mind your boat was not designed as a bluewater cruiser, so mind the weather reports and go forth fully prepared and you should have fun.
keep in mind, once you get "outside" during a mild, calm weather bar crossing, it can change quickly, and most definitely will with the tide change. coming back is likely to be under much different conditions.
