Too far for a 170DC??????

[manny3]

Hi, I have a 170dc with a 60hP 4stroke Yamaha, I will like to go approx. 20 miles from where I dock the boat. Not out in the open but along the shore (on long island sound) I was wondering if it is too far of a distance to travel safely. Any opinions?
Thanks,
Manny.

[boostjunkie1]

I dont see where that would be to far for your boat to go safely..... 20 miles would be 5 gallons of gas so I'm sure you are fine. JB

[fridaysoff]

Manny3
When I had my 170CC I went out as far as 18 miles in the ocean and up to 10 miles out quite a few times. I've spent a lot of time on the ocean in my life and I only went out on Blue bird days (no wind or storms). I had a buddy boat with me most of the times and I stayed in touch with the weather channel on my VHF. You should be OK if you've had some experience in open water. You'll have to watch the weather in the summer for sudden storms that could cut you off form your dock. If you think about it you could always put out your anchor and swim to shore if you have to. Get a good amount of anchor line and plenty of chain so your anchor will hold.If you have not purchased a VHF think about getting a handheld at least. Write down the phone numbers of your Coast Guard station and other emergency providers and put them in your cell phone. Do everything you can to provide the most safe voyage possible and then go and enjoy your boat. I still think the 170 model Triumphs are the best they make.
John D.

[ROBO714]

hey manny, i see you are from NY, so greetings from the other side of the LI Sound! Where do you plan on heading out to? The sound gets pretty rough in the afternoons, as you probably know. I love to do my traveling up and down the sound either at the dusk or dawn hours, where the sound is like glass. I used to have a 22ft walkaround and even in the afternoons, the chop would be extremely rough.

[manny3]

Originally Posted by ROBO714

hey manny, i see you are from NY, so greetings from the other side of the LI Sound! Where do you plan on heading out to? The sound gets pretty rough in the afternoons, as you probably know. I love to do my traveling up and down the sound either at the dusk or dawn hours, where the sound is like glass. I used to have a 22ft walkaround and even in the afternoons, the chop would be extremely rough.

I, will head east from port washington

[ROBO714]

nice nice....try to hit up port jefferson on your way...all i have to recommend though is watching the forecast. on days with no wind and chops less than a foot, you could probably go forever in the 170 out on the sound.

[BarryB]

Hi Manny,

I don’t know what experience you have as a boater so here are the basics.

How far one goes out on their boat depends on comfort level with boating and safety equipment. In South Florida, many boaters routinely cross the gulf stream to reach Bimini. That passage is about 50nm in the open ocean. Safety equipment includes: PFD for every person, a throw able floating device, Flares, horn or other sounding device, VHF (2, one fixed and one portable), portable GPS, charts for your area, anchor and line (300’ or more), food and water for a few days (if you get stranded), fowl weather gear, small tool kit and spare fuses, BoatUS or TowBoat membership. Good weather reports, now and 2 days from now.

Rule of thumb for fuel, 1/3 out, 1/3 back, 1/3 reserve. If you use a 2 stroke, keep extra oil on hand.


I’ve taken my 170CC 70nm and always have charts to find fuel.
You may want to take some boating courses at your local Power Squadron. Many members have vast experience boating.

Enjoy and be safe.

[mondo80]

I have been 50-65 miles out many times on the long island sound. I launch from city island (Bronx). My 1700cc does just perfect.