Question:

Had not seen many Alaska posts yet this year.  One guy was worried about RV park reservations and I sent the following email which said he had bigger problems facing him than park reservations. …. We got back into Washington before October but drove on to Texas then back to Oregon, 22,000 miles round trip …

Does driving to Texas before an Alaska trip heat your tires up enough to get you up back up to Alaska?

Response:

The purpose of my original post was to suggest common sense RV prep when going to Alaska.  We are particularly indebted to this NG.  We want to thank all posters for their past service.  A number of individuals posted extremely useful information, some posts turned out to be essential. Oh we had a great time going to Alaska – it was truly a trip of a lifetime for us.  We enjoyed coming and going through BC and Yukon as much as Alaska itself.  We took our time, tried to be flexible, stayed 2-3 days in one area and generally towed our 30′ Arctic Fox on paved roads.   Maybe our prep was more than most people but our experiences were about average from what we heard from other people for the time we spent there. From May to September, I probably fished 100 times – no ocean nor fly outs – all roadside angling, some days no fishing, some days three times.  Many days I got skunked, some times I limited out but mostly I caught just enough fish to make it FUN!  My wife read a lot and put our photographs in binders which are the envy of kids and family.  We saw Valdez on a sunny day which was spectacular!  One day while fishing near Talkeetna, I saw sunny Denali in all its glory(but my wife missed it). We enjoyed touring Homer, Fairbanks, Hyder, Ketchikan and Seward and other spots.  But our most enduring memories are of the friends we made coming, going and while there. If you haven’t gone, go.  If you’ve gone before, go again. But realize in Alaska, Yukon, B C and Alberta services may not always be available. Be prepared.  On the Cassiar Highway, a guy from Maine and I stopped to help an older gentlemen with a blowout who had driven all the way from North Carolina.  Between us we were able to get him back on his way because he did not have a jack and his spare tire was flat. Go figure.  John  To reply, lose FLYROD

Response:

a party pissing & moaning about the terrible travel conditions on a trip to AK: All I can say is, you are like a friend of ours that also went to Alaska, and had the same outlook about the trip as you.

Unfortunately, some of the people who like travel seem to like it because it gives them new and different things to piss & moan about. They snarl about the lousy condition of the Alcan highway, oblivious of the fact that it is virtually impossible to keep such a road in pristine condition, considering its remoteness, length, terrain, and vicious climactic conditions.  They bitch about the magnificent Top Of The World Highway, insensitive to the fact that it was built and is maintained mainly for their pleasure.  They recite how many equipment problems they and their ilk suffer, clueless about the ill effects of stupid driving practices and neglected maintenance.   People looking for something to cry about will find it.  It doesn’t matter where they look.   For us, our trip to AK was one of the greatest travel experience we’ve enjoyed in over 40 years of rv travel.  We were delighted, impressed, and grateful for the work that is done by both Canadian and Alaskan highway crews to make it possible for us to tour such magnificent country is relative comfort and safety.  We had some flat tires and saw some others who had troubles, but we did not think to blame them on AK or BC.   Your personal attitude will dictate whether you are happy or unhappy. Circumstances have little to do with happiness. Will Sill

Response:

Had not seen many Alaska posts yet this year.  One guy was worried about RV park reservations and I sent the following email which said he had bigger problems facing him than park reservations. Last year we cleared Vancouver BC on April 30 heading north but they had late spring storms and we got snowed in several times and several northern BC and Yukon lakes were still frozen so we skipped on to Valdez to get into fishing.  Unlike us, you might want to dawdle in US or southern Canada until ice out all the way. We got back into Washington before October but drove on to Texas then back to Oregon, 22,000 miles round trip The RV res info previously posted is fairly accurate.  2002 RV traffic was down 10-25% from 2001 and with gas/diesel expected to be higher this summer, my guess is traffic will be down more than last year which will free up more RV spaces in crowded areas such as Los Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali, Palmer, Homer, Paxton, North Pole and others. Watch out for the dreaded RV caravans.  Some parks block out spaces for them and will chase you out just so their caravan buddies can park next to each other. I hate to move around until we’re ready to go.  Be sure and ask the parks how long you can stay at that spot.  Parks at Palmer, Los Anchorage and Fairbanks were snitty so we passed them up the second time through. Like most people going to Alaska you have bigger problems facing you than where to park.  You better make sure all your equipment is in tip top shape. We saw three class C’s burned out – one on fire as we passed, 8 trailers 5ers and class A’s under tow, 3 class A’s wrecked on the side of the road, one 5er and tow truck rolled and we listened intently while 3 New Hampshire guys told us how they waited 3 hours on Top Of the World Highway while Search and Rescue used grappling hooks trying to pull up body parts from a diesel pusher that went over the side. Oh yeah.  We were so smug and pleased with ourselves.  We had double spare tires, auxiliary batteries, water, diesel and backup fuses, lights, filters, oil, etc.  We drove slow and we drove carefully and we only had minor damage and repairs.  We thought we had skated by. Then we got back to Oregon and a trailer rim separated and tire exploded, a gray tank separated, our transmission went out, trailer and truck breaks went out, a tow truck tire exploded and we found propane and water leaks.  O well.  The Alaska highways can be humiliating.  Like the Boy Scouts – Be Prepared! John To reply, lose FLYROD

Response:

Los Anchorage? Please explain.

Response:

All I can say is, you are like a friend of ours that also went to Alaska, and had the same outlook about the trip as you. There are over 135 people a week dying on US highways, so they are to be expected, even in Alaska. On the other hand, I only saw a couple of rigs in distress, nothing life threatening. We enjoyed the trip very much, and would like to return. I notice one thing you pointed out.  From all the problems you had with your rig after returning to the states, You must have pushed your rig beyond it’s design capabilities or it wasn’t maintained in the best condition before you took the trip.  My rig suffered none of the calamities you mention, either in Alaska, or after returning home.  When road conditions were bad, we slow to a crawl so as not to do damage.  I did need some new tires, but that was expected before we made the trip. Tom J Had not seen many Alaska posts yet this year.  One guy was worried about RV park reservations and I sent the following email which said he had bigger problems facing him than park reservations. Last year we cleared Vancouver BC on April 30 heading north but they had late spring storms and we got snowed in several times and several northern BC and Yukon lakes were still frozen so we skipped on to Valdez to get into fishing.  Unlike us, you might want to dawdle in US or

southern Canada until ice out all the way. We got back into Washington before

October but drove on to Texas then back to Oregon, 22,000 miles round trip The RV res info previously posted is fairly accurate. 2002 RV traffic was down 10-25% from 2001 and with gas/diesel expected to be higher this summer, my guess is traffic will be down more than last year which will free up more RV spaces in crowded areas such as Los Anchorage,

Fairbanks, Denali, Palmer, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Homer, Paxton, North Pole and others. Watch out for the dreaded RV caravans.  Some parks block out spaces for them and will chase you out just so their caravan buddies can park next to each other. I hate to move around until we’re ready to go.  Be sure and ask the parks how long you can stay at that spot.  Parks at Palmer, Los Anchorage and Fairbanks were snitty so we passed them up the second time through. Like most people going to Alaska you have bigger problems facing you than where to park.  You better make sure all your equipment is in tip top shape. We saw three class C’s burned out – one on fire as we passed, 8 trailers 5ers and class A’s under tow, 3 class A’s wrecked on the side of the road, one 5er and tow truck rolled and we listened intently

while 3 New Hampshire guys told us how they waited 3 hours on Top Of the World Highway while Search and Rescue used grappling hooks trying to pull up body parts from a diesel pusher that went over the side. Oh yeah.  We were so smug and pleased with ourselves.  We had double spare tires, auxiliary batteries, water, diesel and backup

fuses, lights, filters, oil, etc.  We drove slow and we drove carefully and we

only had minor damage and repairs.  We thought we had skated by. Then we got

back to Oregon and a – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – trailer rim separated and tire exploded, a gray tank separated, our transmission went out, trailer and truck breaks went out, a tow truck tire exploded and we found propane and water leaks.  O well. The Alaska highways can be humiliating.  Like the Boy Scouts – Be Prepared! John To reply, lose FLYROD

Response:

I don’t understand your point in posting this  crap.  2002 RV traffic was down 10-25% from 2001

Where did you get this info? Is this from your own count? Why couldn’t it be narrowed down to say 19%. I don’t a big math guy, but 10-25% allows for like 250% error. Is all of this coffee shop talk. Just some wild guesses? I can assure you that Los Angeles and Anchorage have little in common. The "main street" highway 1 is 2-3 lanes wide and runs at 35-45mph. That what caravans do–everything together. And they are a considerable income source to campground owners. If there are only a few sites available when you check, and your site is booked for a caravan in a week–then you have to move. If you don’t undstand this, ask when checking into a campground. I have made three (five actually, the first two don’t count as they were to Ketchikan) to Alaska and have seen only one burned out RV. You say you saw three last year, what do that mean. Do you suppose there is something air in Alaska that makes class Cs burn? How many burned out vehicles have you seen in Los Angeles? And you saw 8 RVs under tow, was that in you total of 22K miles? What do you mean by "3 class A’s wrecked on the side of the road"? What does that have to do with being in tip top shape? And the grappling hook story? What is that supposed to tell us? That class As just fly off the road on the Top of the World, but not in Colorado or Vermont. I do appreciate you telling everyone that extra tires, fuel, water and fuses aren’t needed for the trip. Why not tell everyone that the roads for the most part are in very good condition. That there areas of not so good road in construction areas and one must drive slowly through these areas. That the Top of the World really isn’t too bad of a road, but does have some sections where driving slow is required. Beter yet, why not just tell eveyone about the hazards of taking an old motorhome in poor condition to Oregon and to beware of tow truck tires.  

Response:

Question:

Nothing ventured, nothing gained…go for it.  My experience on Lakes Michigan and Superior in a 24-ft cabin boat has been good, but I venture out with radar, GPS-chartplotter, Loran, 2 VHF radios, 2 depthfinders, and a backup 15-hp outboard motor.  And I nearly always see, at the boat launch, some crusty old fisherman heading out in a 14-ft jon boat with 25-hp outboard…amazing balls. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Unless you get 4 miles to the gallon, forget it.  1/3 out, 1/3 in and a 1/3 in reserve.  Tuna requires trolling, lots at about 8-9 mph.  Not enough fuel capacity, unless the albies get inside of about 10 miles.  I have a 21′ and carry 67 gallon, and get about 2 mpg and I won’t do it.  Post a request to be a hitchhiker on the www.Coastsidefishingclub.com board and you will get a ride and live to fish again. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you. I’ve gone 20-30 miles in the Atlantic in smaller boats than that. You really need expertise in weather observation, a high antenna on a fixed, not portable, VHF radio, an extra battery and enough smarts to know when not to go out. And bring along a spare six gallon tank and hose. Try going out in the company of a couple of boats. And buy yourself some Type I life jackets, the real deal kind, and consider an EPIRB. Make sure you have a way to climb back in your boat if you get knocked overboard. Same here.  The buddy system applies.  Dont’ quite agree with the 6 gallon tank theory, however.  That would get me about 5 miles closer before I choke…..

Response:

Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Be nice Harry… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Be nice Harry…

How can he? He’s the consummate evildoer of this NG. — Skipper

Response:

Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks!

Yikes!  Is it a Force outboard?  I wouldn’t trust that setup, 13 years old, offshore.  Especially if you don’t know how much gas it holds.  How old are the batteries?  Do you have towing insurance?  Just some more questions to think about…

Response:

JAX has just reduced his percentage of useful posts to about 8% with the latests posts…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ben thur, dun dat writes to tell us just how scared he is of the water with: (way to go, bt,dd) geesh.  another guy tied to the dock when the wind is greater than 8 knots and telling how safety conscious he is. Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good. About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Well, I’ve never been "offshore" except twice around Cape Caution, but…    I agree about the redundancy. Get, at the least, a good "get-you-home" kicker with a separate fuel tank.    An in-dash VHF is under $200 – why not? And it sounds like an EPIRB is a good idea too.    Another good idea would be an inflatable dinghy to get into if the boat DOES sink. "Real" offshore boats have special emergency rafts that autoinflate, etc. but you probably don’t need to go that far.    And I can never understand boaters who don’t know how much fuel they carry, or what their range is! DEFINELY find out what your range is, and the range of your kicker, before venturing any distance. Lloyd Sumpter "Valkyrie" Campion 18 – 20 gals, 110mile range – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Your comments on redundancy are right on the money in my experience. On the other hand, I’ve seen those "gentle blue water rollers" break onto the deck of a 50 footer.  On a 50 foot boat that just creates a little commotion for a few seconds, but in a 20 foot cuddy you’re likely to get a sinking sensation. Looking beyond gear failure, there are some other risks difficult to avoid such as late afternoon thunderstorms, fast moving cold fronts, and breaking conditions in the inlets caused by tide and offshore swells.  Things can change in a hurry even on a day that starts board flat and looks stable.  Important to remember that small boats have small safety margins. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I always have been told and adhered to the redundancy rule. A backup for everything when going off-shore. Such as engines, fuel tanks, radios, batteries(you got that covered), safety equipment, food, water etc. Are you sure you want to trust everything to your set up with no redundancy? I spend my time in the mid Chesapeake Bay in a 26′ Bayliner. The rollers there can get pretty nasty with high frequency four to six footers. I’ve been told blue water rollers are more gentle because of the lower frequency. Your seamanship is to be applauded, but I suggest you adopt more redundancy.

Response:

I always have been told and adhered to the redundancy rule. A backup for everything when going off-shore. Such as engines, fuel tanks, radios, batteries(you got that covered), safety equipment, food, water etc. Are you sure you want to trust everything to your set up with no redundancy? I spend my time in the mid Chesapeake Bay in a 26′ Bayliner. The rollers there can get pretty nasty with high frequency four to six footers. I’ve been told blue water rollers are more gentle because of the lower frequency. Your seamanship is to be applauded, but I suggest you adopt more redundancy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

ben thur, dun dat writes to tell us just how scared he is of the water with: (way to go, bt,dd) geesh.  another guy tied to the dock when the wind is greater than 8 knots and telling how safety conscious he is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good. About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy?

Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

30 gallons sounds awfully small for a 20 ft. boat.  

Agreed.  And 120Hp seems like a very small engine, as well. My 18′ CC has a 150HP Merc OB and a 60-gallon tank.   I would strongly advise against going further out, without making some major adjustments in his capabilities. e.g. installing more fuel capacity, and being almost fanatical about weather-watching. I’ve been 40-50 miles out (in a commercial fishing boat) in the Pacific out of Oregon, and it was pretty scary.  Unlike the short-period waves we have in the Gulf, these were HUGE rollers, a city block or more thick.  I’d hate to be out there when they started kicking up. 120hp and 30 gallons of gas, in a 20 footer? No way. Ron M.

Response:

Jim,     I’d be surprised if your handheld VHF was strong enough, 25 miles out, to reach shore without an external antenna. Paul — "The opinions expressed in the article are the opinions of the author, not of Ford Motor Company. " – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

I go out about 20 miles off Boston Harbor sometimes in my 19 foot boat, but only when there is flat water and a stable high presure area in place with little chance of bad weather kicking up. I keep my vhf on and monitor the weather channel and radio stations for any surprize weather. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

30 gallons sounds awfully small for a 20 ft. boat.  I’ve got a 26′ powercat with twin 150’s and 180 gallons of fuel and I am always a little nervous (rightly so) about going off more than 20 miles.  A handheld VHF will NOT cut it, as Dan mentioned, nor the 30 gallon fuel tank.  You just can’t trust the weather service with forcasts.  They might say that the winds will pick up in 24 hours, but all of the sudden, you are in 20 kt winds.  Then you are in real trouble.  Usually I burn about 65 gal on a normal 12 hour trolling trip, but once, when the weather turn on me prematurely, it took about 130 gal to get home in terribly steep head seas. In general, I wouldn’t recommend it.  I’m usually the smallest boat out in the deep and I definitely feel it when the weather turns.  There are way too many things that go wrong. BTW, you didn’t mention an EPIRB in your list… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Question:

My provider has warned me that my account will be suspended, due to my sending off-topic posts, and insults. This is a direct result of Gehrkes lies. A copy of the first post is appended. I can not afford to lose my Usenet access at this time, I need it for my work.  As a consequence, I have no choice but to unsubscribe from ROFF. If you wish to contact me,.please use e-mail. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text —— Original Message —– Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2002 10:53 AM Hallo Herr Connor, bitte den "Privatkrieg" beenden, hier kommen Beschwerden

Question:

Mike The standard I use is how do my flies compare to commercially tired ones in trout getting . They do just as well . Lou – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve never seen any fly patterns that "cheat" like that but the trout, who are  the ultimate judges of such things, don’t seen to mind my shortcuts and take my flies. Am I breaking some unwritten law? I’m not a tier, myself, but it seems to me that it doesn’t matter. You tie flies, and the trout eat them. If there’s a problem, I fail to see it. — "Armchair warriors often fail, and we’ve been  poisoned by these fairy tales" -Don Henley

Response:

The standard I use is how do my flies compare to commercially tired ones in trout getting . They do just as well .

Lord have mercy, Lou!  If that was my standard, I’d be too damn depressed to carry on.  I compare to the bare hook.  My flies almost always do better than a bare hook. JR

Response:

John LOL Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The standard I use is how do my flies compare to commercially tired ones in trout getting . They do just as well . Lord have mercy, Lou!  If that was my standard, I’d be too damn depressed to carry on.  I compare to the bare hook.  My flies almost always do better than a bare hook. JR

Response:

The standard I use is how do my flies compare to commercially tired ones in trout getting . They do just as well .

Commercial flies are as a general rule of poor quality, and inferior effectiveness. There are doubtless considerable numbers of positive examples to the contrary, but I have not seen many of them. If your flies work, which they obviously do, then they are excellent.  You might well be able to improve on them if you give the matter some thought, but comparing them to commercial flies, or various "standards" is not likely to be of much help in this endeavour, apart from using them as negative examples, or for your general edification. TL MC

Response:

Mike Here to learn and maybe share. I’m new to fly tying and realize that I have allot to learn.  For now I’m just finding my way… Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The standard I use is how do my flies compare to commercially tired ones in trout getting . They do just as well . Commercial flies are as a general rule of poor quality, and inferior effectiveness. There are doubtless considerable numbers of positive examples to the contrary, but I have not seen many of them. If your flies work, which they obviously do, then they are excellent.  You might well be able to improve on them if you give the matter some thought, but comparing them to commercial flies, or various "standards" is not likely to be of much help in this endeavour, apart from using them as negative examples, or for your general edification. TL MC

Response:

Mike Here to learn and maybe share. I’m new to fly tying and realize that I have allot to learn.  For now I’m just finding my way… Lou

Exactly why we are all here, and of course to enjoy ourselves. If you have questions, ask away. Somebody on here will invariably know the answer, or even several.  Just as long as you are not going to Antarctica fishing for killer whales, and need info on the best methods and flies! TL MC

Response:

Mike Hiya Most of my fishing is close to home. I’m up on the Keeweenaw Peninsula and mostly fly fish  small rivers and  for trout. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike Here to learn and maybe share. I’m new to fly tying and realize that I have allot to learn.  For now I’m just finding my way… Lou Exactly why we are all here, and of course to enjoy ourselves. If you have questions, ask away. Somebody on here will invariably know the answer, or even several.  Just as long as you are not going to Antarctica fishing for killer whales, and need info on the best methods and flies! TL MC

Response:

Mike Hiya Most of my fishing is close to home. I’m up on the Keeweenaw Peninsula and mostly fly fish  small rivers and  for trout. Lou

I know nothing at all about it, I have never heard the name, and I would not have known it even existed but for your post. Rest assured, somebody here will either know it, or know of it, and will be able and willing to assist if necessary. As a "newbie", you may, along with some others, be rather confused at the goings-on on here at present. Just ignore them, all things must pass.  It will not affect your participation in th

Question:

Two more: 1.  This is not the USenet.  Through the magic of modern technology, people from all over the world can and do post.  Remember this, and try to respect it.  Likely as not, your understanding of French, German, Dutch, whatever is likely not as good as their understanding of English, and in many cases, YOUR English is not as good as their English. 2.  Spell-flame at your own risk.  Yes, we all do it sometimes.  Many drink too much and neither is liable to result in a good feeling. I have found that when I use a "mean" spellflame, I usually spell "cat" with a "k", "moron" with an "e" and spell "spell" with either 1 or 3 "L"s. Picky grammar flames usually come out, "Didt you learn nothing in skool?", but YMMV.  This is not to say a good-natured ribbing re: a humorous tendency to er, lapse is bad, just be careful.  Personally, I don’t like spellcheckers, but again, YMMV. TC, R

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This "guide" is strictly my opinion, and I’m sure comments will be made. As far as I’m concerned, newbies and their appropriate comments are just as welcome as anyone else’s… You are more than welcome on ROFF insofar in that being a "newbie" doesn’t make you unwelcome.  What makes you unwelcome is stepping on your dick as you "walk" in.  I hope this, with additions, serves as a newbie’s guide to ROFF, but it is not a FAQ. <_excellent newbie advise, (and good advise for all posters), snipped Great post; I’m keeping it for future reference.  Here’s a very old newbie usenet lyric.  It’s been around since at least the late 80’s.  Every couple of years I have occasion to post it again.  Enjoy! The Newbie’s Song (Based on the Major General’s song from "The Pirates of Penzance", Gilbert & Sullivan).

Tee Heeeeeeee….yup, purdy damn funny…… TC, R Cheers, and tight lines,

CLINK, thank ya, and back at ya… -Mark

This bring to mind something I forgot.  An addition to my original post: I don’t care WHAT the LookOut Distress manual says, HTML and MIME are not welcome on much of USENET…

Response:

This "guide" is strictly my opinion, and I’m sure comments will be made. As far as I’m concerned, newbies and their appropriate comments are just as welcome as anyone else’s… You are more than welcome on ROFF insofar in that being a "newbie" doesn’t make you unwelcome.  What makes you unwelcome is stepping on your dick as you "walk" in.  I hope this, with additions, serves as a newbie’s guide to ROFF, but it is not a FAQ.

<_excellent newbie advise, (and good advise for all posters), snipped Great post; I’m keeping it for future reference.  Here’s a very old newbie usenet lyric.  It’s been around since at least the late 80’s.  Every couple of years I have occasion to post it again.  Enjoy! The Newbie’s Song (Based on the Major General’s song from "The Pirates of Penzance", Gilbert & Sullivan). I am the very model of a Usenet individual, I’ve information meaningless and ultimately trivial, I know the basic elements of alien biology, And all the hidden secrets of the Church of Scientology, I’ve seen "The Wrath of Khan" and every Star Trek film that followed it, I moan about my Servicecard and how the cash till swallowed it, About the laws on handguns I am sending off a counterblast, With many cheerful facts about the way you can MAKE MONEY FAST! ALL:       With many cheerful facts, etc. I’ll tell you why the Japanese are taking over Panama, And why the USA is still a better place than Canada, In short, in matters meaningless and ultimately trivial, I am the very model of a Usenet individual. ALL:    In short, in matters meaningless and ultimately trivial,           He is the very model of a Usenet individual. I post in alt.revisionism lies about the Holocaust, I cut my .sig to twenty lines, I didn’t want to, I was forced, I really can’t believe the "Good Times" virus to be mythical, And Clinton’s raising taxes which is, frankly, bloody typical, I’ve upset several people on alt.flame, I really don’t know how, And sent a thousand business cards to Mr. and Mrs. Shergold now, I have a very poor grip of political geography, And absolutely no involvement (yet!) in child poronography, ALL:      And absolutely no involement, etc. I’ve paid two-fifty dollars for the Nieman-Marcus recipe, And told the Spanish tourist’s tale about the toothbrush pessary, In short, in matters meaningless and ultimately trivial, I am the very model of a Usenet individual. ALL:    In short, in matters meaningless and ultimately trivial,           He is the very model of a Usenet individual. In fact, when I know what is meant by "binary" and "FTP", When I know how to decode porno JPEGs from a .uue, When I can handle HTML, Telnet, mail and IRC, And when I know the words initialised to form "http", When I have learnt what topics are acceptable in talk.bizarre, When I know more of Usenet than the tailpipe of a motor-car,                - In short, when I’ve a smattering of elementary netiquette, You’ll say a better individual has never surfed the Net. ALL:      You’ll say a better individual, etc. For my technical experience, although I claim to know it all Could barely serve to run the installation disk from AOL; But still, in matters meaningless and ultimately trivial, I am the very model of a Usenet individual. ALL:    But still, in matters meaningless and ultimately trivial,           He is the very model of a Usenet individual. Cheers, and tight lines, -Mark

Response:

To bad this post can’t be the first message anyone gets when they – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This "guide" is strictly my opinion, and I’m sure comments will be made. As far as I’m concerned, newbies and their appropriate comments are just as welcome as anyone else’s… You are more than welcome on ROFF insofar in that being a "newbie" doesn’t make you unwelcome.  What makes you unwelcome is stepping on your dick as you "walk" in.  I hope this, with additions, serves as a newbie’s guide to ROFF, but it is not a FAQ. 1.  Show some level of brain activity: BAD post:  "I live near water.  What do I need?" Good Post: "I live near the xxxxxx River in xxxxxx, xx.  It contains xxxxxxx.  I’d like to spend around xxx.xx.  Any suggestions?"  If you intend on staying awhile, give a short bio, perhaps.  You don’t have to tell the world intimate details, but the basics are nice. 2.  Show a high level of good manners: BP:  "You morons need to just discuss fishing, dammit" (Likely answer: "Piss off, you rude newbie") GP:  "I noticed there seems to be a high level of non-fishing threads. Is this normal?" (Likely answer:  "<G  Yep.  If friends might discuss it while going to fish, fishing, after fishing, or going home from fishing, it will likely get discussed on ROFF.  And it will almost certainly stay that way.") 3.  NEVER be afraid to ask a question, considering the above and below. BP:  "I saw a great pattern for my water in a shop 500 miles away, but I was too cheap to spend 1.00 on it.  It was called a blue or maybe a green something or another.  Can any of you so-called experts tell how to tie it, and NOW, dammit." GP:  "I screwed up.  I saw a pattern that I think would be good on my water, and didn’t buy it.  I fish for xxxxx at xxxxxx, and this fly had, best as I remember, xxxxx body, xxxxx tail, etc.  Does this click with anyone?  Any help appreciated." 4.  This isn’t "the Internet," it is USENET, and, as far as you’re concerned, nobody "runs" it.  Trying to run it by issuing "directives" to ROFFians shows how little you know about it.  Further, while suggestions are generally welcome or at least tolerated, orders, edicts, and commands are generally met with, er, scorn, especially from "WebTV’ers" and unknown "aol’ers." BP:  "You people need to just discuss fly-fishing.  Joe Blow called me a name and I’m reporting him.  What you people need is a moderator, and I am the one you need.  Do it my way, or else." GP:  "I can’t take it, I’m leaving." 5.  If you want to dish it out, be ready to take it, and be careful here.  ROFF is full of smart people with a wide body of knowledge, and you will regret expecting to "win." BP:  "fuk ewe, you stoopid as i knew moore abut fishin whenn i was borned the n youll everr no.  quit tesing me because im a geenis and no it all.  as shakespeer said, i dont wrassel all day on st crispys battlefield, so look out when you mess with me."   GP:  "Your momma wears combat boots…" 6.  Use care with "profanity."  While there are no (well, none identified) swooning maidens with virgin ears who will be shocked, directed profanity will likely not get a good response.  A _suggested_ rule of thumb, if the word "you" is involved, don’t do it… BP:  "Fuck you," "You asshole," "You prick," etc. GP:  "I disagree," "WHAT?!," "You gotta be kidding," A note: I realize this seems to border on "rules", but it just seems to be right.  I can’t explain it, and welcome any comments, but I still offer it as my opinion.  Also, never use the word "retarded" in describing someone or their ideas.  I can promise that will get you enemies you REALLY don’t want.  In fact, I suggest you learn to "set back" any timing adjustments you need to make. 7.  No question, with enough info to answer, and politely asked, is inapproriate. 8.  There are no rules. 9.  Try to use common sense.  We all slip up, but if you have NONE, and can’t rent, borrow, or steal some, ROFF might not be your place. 10.  Yes, it HAS been discussed before, but so what?  There is are sites, Deja News, www.deja.com, amongst others, that archives posts. Sometimes, it may be helpful to turn there first.  This might get you get needed info "right now." 11.  PETA sucks, but if you practice C and R, that will be respected, as long as you respect those who C and E.  IMO, C and K, if all you do is kill, is wrong (unless control is needed for a sound reason), but C and E is just the food chain in action. 12.  The "13th Floor" of ROFF. 13.  IMO, blatant, non-participating SPAMMERS are fair game for what they get, but use care in blasting them, and not offending others. 14.  Dive on in, welcome aboard. HTH? R

Response:

This "guide" is strictly my opinion, and I’m sure comments will be made. As far as I’m concerned, newbies and their appropriate comments are just as welcome as anyone else’s… You are more than welcome on ROFF insofar in that being a "newbie" doesn’t make you unwelcome.  What makes you unwelcome is stepping on your dick as you "walk" in.  I hope this, with additions, serves as a newbie’s guide to ROFF, but it is not a FAQ. 1.  Show some level of brain activity: BAD post:  "I live near water.  What do I need?" Good Post: "I live near the xxxxxx River in xxxxxx, xx.  It contains xxxxxxx.  I’d like to spend around xxx.xx.  Any suggestions?"  If you intend on staying awhile, give a short bio, perhaps.  You don’t have to tell the world intimate details, but the basics are nice. 2.  Show a high level of good manners: BP:  "You morons need to just discuss fishing, dammit" (Likely answer: "Piss off, you rude newbie") GP:  "I noticed there seems to be a high level of non-fishing threads. Is this normal?" (Likely answer:  "<G  Yep.  If friends might discuss it while going to fish, fishing, after fishing, or going home from fishing, it will likely get discussed on ROFF.  And it will almost certainly stay that way.") 3.  NEVER be afraid to ask a question, considering the above and below. BP:  "I saw a great pattern for my water in a shop 500 miles away, but I was too cheap to spend 1.00 on it.  It was called a blue or maybe a green something or another.  Can any of you so-called experts tell how to tie it, and NOW, dammit." GP:  "I screwed up.  I saw a pattern that I think would be good on my water, and didn’t buy it.  I fish for xxxxx at xxxxxx, and this fly had, best as I remember, xxxxx body, xxxxx tail, etc.  Does this click with anyone?  Any help appreciated." 4.  This isn’t "the Internet," it is USENET, and, as far as you’re concerned, nobody "runs" it.  Trying to run it by issuing "directives" to ROFFians shows how little you know about it.  Further, while suggestions are generally welcome or at least tolerated, orders, edicts, and commands are generally met with, er, scorn, especially from "WebTV’ers" and unknown "aol’ers." BP:  "You people need to just discuss fly-fishing.  Joe Blow called me a name and I’m reporting him.  What you people need is a moderator, and I am the one you need.  Do it my way, or else." GP:  "I can’t take it, I’m leaving." 5.  If you want to dish it out, be ready to take it, and be careful here.  ROFF is full of smart people with a wide body of knowledge, and you will regret expecting to "win." BP:  "fuk ewe, you stoopid as i knew moore abut fishin whenn i was borned the n youll everr no.  quit tesing me because im a geenis and no it all.  as shakespeer said, i dont wrassel all day on st crispys battlefield, so look out when you mess with me."   GP:  "Your momma wears combat boots…" 6.  Use care with "profanity."  While there are no (well, none identified) swooning maidens with virgin ears who will be shocked, directed profanity will likely not get a good response.  A _suggested_ rule of thumb, if the word "you" is involved, don’t do it… BP:  "Fuck you," "You asshole," "You prick," etc. GP:  "I disagree," "WHAT?!," "You gotta be kidding," A note: I realize this seems to border on "rules", but it just seems to be right.  I can’t explain it, and welcome any comments, but I still offer it as my opinion.  Also, never use the word "retarded" in describing someone or their ideas.  I can promise that will get you enemies you REALLY don’t want.  In fact, I suggest you learn to "set back" any timing adjustments you need to make. 7.  No question, with enough info to answer, and politely asked, is inapproriate. 8.  There are no rules. 9.  Try to use common sense.  We all slip up, but if you have NONE, and can’t rent, borrow, or steal some, ROFF might not be your place. 10.  Yes, it HAS been discussed before, but so what?  There is are sites, Deja News, www.deja.com, amongst others, that archives posts. Sometimes, it may be helpful to turn there first.  This might get you get needed info "right now." 11.  PETA sucks, but if you practice C and R, that will be respected, as long as you respect those who C and E.  IMO, C and K, if all you do is kill, is wrong (unless control is needed for a sound reason), but C and E is just the food chain in action. 12.  The "13th Floor" of ROFF. 13.  IMO, blatant, non-participating SPAMMERS are fair game for what they get, but use care in blasting them, and not offending others. 14.  Dive on in, welcome aboard. HTH? R

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know what you are flying but when flying my instructors Turbo Aztec, six full grown american people and topped off I can hold 15,000 on one engine, well, or as long as my leg holds out. cg It is most certainly feasible and is done all the time. Wether done single engine or twin is really no consideration. In some respects, a single may be better than a twin because in a twin you need to carry much more fuel to feed two engines. That second engine does not give you any more chances to remain airborne, if one should fail, until such a time that you are back down to normal weights. During the early phases of the flight you would be so heavy with fuel that one engine could not possibly keep you in the air. Reinhard

First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard

Response:

I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James The two longest legs are Oakland to Honolulu 2100 NM and from there you have another long leg, either HNL to Majuro, Marshall Islands, or HNL to Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati, the latter one being a good stop, but almost again as far as OAK-HNL. After that you can choose your legs more easily and they are considerably shorter.

You could also go up to Alaska, across and down through Russia, over to Japan and then on to the South Pacific.  It is a much longer journey, but no 2000 mile over water legs. (I wonder how far the jump to Palau would be, I’ve always wanted to go there…) Brian

Response:

First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard I only show from OAK to PHNL to be 2089 nm that would only be about 10 hrs in the air.

My rounded off 2100 NM was only a paltry 11 NM off from your very accurate 2089!! well within range 300 gal, 1800 lbs, but you would not be flying  more than 5 hours on one engine. cg

It is quite obvious to me that you are an armchair pilot who has never done anything like this before. Your numbers are all wrong, and I hope for your sake that you never try it. You would most certainly get your feet wet. It took me 13 hours in a Baron 58 and 15 in a Twin Bonanza. Your turbos in that Aztec would most likely do very little if anything for you since westbound to HNL most frequently you need to stay at 10K or below lest you catch the prevailing westerlies which are very strong at altitude. So you would do well to get 150K over the water. Reinhard

Response:

I only show from OAK to PHNL to be 2089 nm that would only be about 10 hrs in the air. well within range 300 gal, 1800 lbs, but you would not be flying  more than 5 hours on one engine.   cg First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard

Response:

First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard

I thought for IFR you only needed 45 min reserve.  – Doug  -  Kingfisher plans are here…Now, about that Garage… …cruising between 150 to 200 miles per hour… Greater cruising speeds are possible, but the size of the earth does not warrent greater speeds. -Igor Sikorsky in 1934

Response:

It doesn’t matter a great deal what the legal reserve is.  Winds over the Pacific on that flight are usually against you.  If you go high at all to minimize fuel consumption the head winds increase.  The Aztec is NOT a fast airplane for its fuel consumption.   To fly that leg without considerably MORE than a 45 minute reserve, is to seriously invite wet feet.  The 3  hour reserve is not bad.  The 14 hours is quite optimistic, in my opinion.  I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks!   John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard I thought for IFR you only needed 45 min reserve.  – Doug  -  Kingfisher plans are here…Now, about that Garage… …cruising between 150 to 200 miles per hour… Greater cruising speeds are possible, but the size of the earth does not warrent greater speeds. -Igor Sikorsky in 1934

Response:

OK, so its been done before in factory planes, how about homebuilts?  I am considering the KR2, which has an advertised range of 1600sm, can this be extended with additional tanks to the 2100nm required to fly to HNL? James – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James James, It is most certainly feasible and is done all the time. Wether done single engine or twin is really no consideration. In some respects, a single may be better than a twin because in a twin you need to carry much more fuel to feed two engines. That second engine does not give you any more chances to remain airborne, if one should fail, until such a time that you are back down to normal weights. During the early phases of the flight you would be so heavy with fuel that one engine could not possibly keep you in the air. The two longest legs are Oakland to Honolulu 2100 NM and from there you have another long leg, either HNL to Majuro, Marshall Islands, or HNL to Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati, the latter one being a good stop, but almost again as far as OAK-HNL. After that you can choose your legs more easily and they are considerably shorter. Reinhard

Response:

What did you assume that I would try it without any  preflight planning?? cg It is quite obvious to me that you are an armchair pilot who has never done anything like this before. Your numbers are all wrong, and I hope for your sake that you never try it. You would most certainly get your feet wet. It took me 13 hours in a Baron 58 and 15 in a Twin Bonanza. Your turbos in that Aztec would most likely do very little if anything for you since westbound to HNL most frequently you need to stay at 10K or below lest you catch the prevailing westerlies which are very strong at altitude. So you would do well to get 150K over the water. Reinhard

Response:

First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard I thought for IFR you only needed 45 min reserve.  – Doug  -  

Surely you jest, Doug. Kidding aside, the special flight permit that you get for the overload condition and he temporary fuel tank installation requires you calculate in a 3 hour reserve on transoceanic flights. Things can happen while on such a long flight; the forecast winds can turn out different, you might have equipment problems that cause you to burn more fuel for less airspeed than you had planned, etc. I have had several a couple of occasions when I was glad for the extra fuel. Remember, there is only one time when you can have too much fuel: when you are on fire. Reinhard

Response:

It doesn’t matter a great deal what the legal reserve is.  Winds over the Pacific on that flight are usually against you.  If you go high at all to minimize fuel consumption the head winds increase.  The Aztec is NOT a fast airplane for its fuel consumption.   To fly that leg without considerably MORE than a 45 minute reserve, is to seriously invite wet feet.  The 3  hour reserve is not bad.  The 14 hours is quite optimistic, in my opinion.  I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks!  

How do you get 21 hours of fuel into an Aztec?  I’m not familiar with the type, but at an avg fuel burn of 8-10 GPH – we’re talking about 168-210 gals. Where would you put it all?  Another question springs to mind – how do you add oil in flight? I’ve seen club aircraft burn as much as a 1/2 qt/hr. The sump would be bone dry after 21 hrs with no additional oil.

Response:

I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks! How do you get 21 hours of fuel into an Aztec?  I’m not familiar with the type, but at an avg fuel burn of 8-10 GPH – we’re talking about 168-210 gals. Where would you put it all?  Another question springs to mind – how do you add oil in flight? I’ve seen club aircraft burn as much as a 1/2 qt/hr. The sump would be bone dry after 21 hrs with no additional oil.

If you stay below 10k feet, you will frequently find winds that are not too bad. You often find about 10 knots of help down low.. Under no circumstances would I start out with ANY headwind on that leg. Then you could make HNL in about 14-15 hrs in an Aztec. Taking a Baron to Fiji last year, I flew at 6K feet to HNL and did quite well. (13 hrs.) Fitting all that fuel into the plane is really not so difficult. There are professional tanking outfits that install ferry tanks in the cabin in a day. You are certainly correct when you adress the oil issue. It is absolutely essential that you know the oil consumption of your engines. And there is also a way to rig an oil replenishing setup to that you can add oil in flight. Reinhard

Response:

OK, so its been done before in factory planes, how about homebuilts?  I am considering the KR2, which has an advertised range of 1600sm, can this be extended with additional tanks to the 2100nm required to fly to HNL? James

Well Jon Johanson has done it both ways (make that crossed the Pacific … ) in an RV-4 during his round the world trips. Check out his Web site at http://www.mag-net.educ.monash.edu.au/saaa/head.html. He has also published his autobio called "Aiming High", Wakefield Press, South Australia, ISBN 1 86254 424 7. Highly recommended reading for anyone building their own plane. Rgds JD   …… I’d rather be flying ….. John Duncan M.C.N.E.  PPL(A)  J.P.  AOPA(Aust)#42745 EAA#548147 J & J Network Services Pty Ltd P.O. Box 109 Minto N.S.W. 2566 Australia

Response:

My tongue was firmly in cheek.  I don’t fly VFR without at least 1 hour reserve. — Doug  -  Kingfisher plans are here…Now, about that Garage… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It doesn’t matter a great deal what the legal reserve is.  Winds over the Pacific on that flight are usually against you.  If you go high at all to minimize fuel consumption the head winds increase.  The Aztec is NOT a fast airplane for its fuel consumption.   To fly that leg without considerably MORE than a 45 minute reserve, is to seriously invite wet feet.  The 3  hour reserve is not bad.  The 14 hours is quite optimistic, in my opinion.  I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks!   John I thought for IFR you only needed 45 min reserve.  – Doug  -  Kingfisher plans are here…Now, about that Garage… …cruising between 150 to 200 miles per hour… Greater cruising speeds are possible, but the size of the earth does not warrent greater speeds. -Igor Sikorsky in 1934

Response:

No idea about a KR2, but you might want to read Sport Aviation (past few issues) and look for the 2 part round the world story by the author and Burt Rutan, who flew their Long EZ’s around the world. Very informative (and nice pictures – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, so its been done before in factory planes, how about homebuilts?  I am considering the KR2, which has an advertised range of 1600sm, can this be extended with additional tanks to the 2100nm required to fly to HNL? James

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, so its been done before in factory planes, how about homebuilts?  I am considering the KR2, which has an advertised range of 1600sm, can this be extended with additional tanks to the 2100nm required to fly to HNL? James Well Jon Johanson has done it both ways (make that crossed the Pacific … ) in an RV-4 during his round the world trips. Check out his Web site at http://www.mag-net.educ.monash.edu.au/saaa/head.html. He has also published his autobio called "Aiming High", Wakefield Press, South Australia, ISBN 1 86254 424 7. Highly recommended reading for anyone building their own plane.

James, You are considering a monumental task here ol chap, this sought of feat requires a hell of a lot of homework and I would suggest you’re really stretching it in a KR-2. With a large amount of retro-fitting you could possibly carry out this adventure, however the stakes are extremely high! I would also endorse the above, ie read Jon Johannson’s book and while your doing that bare a thought for the planning both technically and enroute that goes into these voyages. You may also wish to contact the "Mick & Dick" of "Round the World Friendship Tour":- Sport Aviation Feb edition Pg 76. For a start, unless you’ve got heaps of "Bucks" behind you, just go build your A/C and enjoy flying it around the "States". Whilst I’ll admit, I don’t have an intermit knowledge of the KR-2 and its weight & balance etc, it is only small by any standards. Its payload excess does not go down well with the number crunching required when you consider such additions as fuel, extra redundancy systems req’d, and ESPECIALLY CONSIDER ENGINE RELIABLITY etc, etc. To say the least, 18 plus hours is a long time to spend in the close confines of a KR-2 cockpit, surrounded by custom built ferry tanks around your ears. I have two buddies that were involved in Ferry Flights across the Pacific in their younger days. One of them did get his feet wet mid Pacific (1200 Nm from nowhere & at night) when the nut on the Alternator pulley worked its way loose. Lucky for him he had spotted a fishing boat a couple of hours before and was able to back track and relocate it. All be it, he was now down to torch and compass. That was in a brand new production A/C as well. Glenn now does his long transcontinental flights the same way I do, the only way:-In style at 43,000 ft. James, whilst your challenge is a commendable one, the golden rule is to keep your feet dry. Best way to do that is travel the South Pacific the same way most of us do, In a 747, 767 etc, and don’t forget you can have the added advantage of sipping champagne or other adult beverages!! If you’re considering going on from HNL to other South Pacific destinations, then you have a hole heap more challenges in front of you. Regards Ray (Just my 2 cents worth) J.

Response:

I don’t know what you are flying but when flying my instructors Turbo Aztec, six full grown american people and topped off I can hold 15,000 on one engine, well, or as long as my leg holds out. cg It is most certainly feasible and is done all the time. Wether done single engine or twin is really no consideration. In some respects, a single may be better than a twin because in a twin you need to carry much more fuel to feed two engines. That second engine does not give you any more chances to remain airborne, if one should fail, until such a time that you are back down to normal weights. During the early phases of the flight you would be so heavy with fuel that one engine could not possibly keep you in the air. Reinhard

Response:

How do you get 21 hours of fuel into an Aztec?  I’m not familiar with the type, but at an avg fuel burn of 8-10 GPH – we’re talking about 168-210 gals. Where would you put it all?  Another question springs to mind – how do you add oil in flight? I’ve seen club aircraft burn as much as a 1/2 qt/hr. The sump would be bone dry after 21 hrs with no additional oil.

The Aztec would burn considerably more than 8-10 GPH.  Probably closer to 25 GPH.  So we are talking about over 500 gallons.  The Aztec is a rather slow twin with a pair of 250 HP flat engines.  It is Pipers upscale Apache, just as the Beech Baron is the high power version of the Travelair. John

Response:

What is the availability of av-gas in Russia. I hear that it’s non-existant. D.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks! How do you get 21 hours of fuel into an Aztec?  I’m not familiar with the type, but at an avg fuel burn of 8-10 GPH – we’re talking about 168-210 gals. Where would you put it all?  Another question springs to mind – how do you add oil in flight? I’ve seen club aircraft burn as much as a 1/2 qt/hr. The sump would be bone dry after 21 hrs with no additional oil. If you stay below 10k feet, you will frequently find winds that are not too bad. You often find about 10 knots of help down low.. Under no circumstances would I start out with ANY headwind on that leg. Then you could make HNL in about 14-15 hrs in an Aztec. Taking a Baron to Fiji last year, I flew at 6K feet to HNL and did quite well. (13 hrs.) Fitting all that fuel into the plane is really not so difficult. There are professional tanking outfits that install ferry tanks in the cabin in a day. You are certainly correct when you adress the oil issue. It is absolutely essential that you know the oil consumption of your engines. And there is also a way to rig an oil replenishing setup to that you can add oil in flight. Reinhard

Reinhard is exactly right.  You notice in the original post that I did mention that it would take some fancy ferry tanks to get the fuel in! When my airplane flew across the Atlantic from Brazil to Cornwall, they added a special fancy ferry tank.  A 50 gallon drum on chocks where the back seat goes, with a wobble pump to pump fuel up into the wing tank. They recommended that you run the wing tank down to less than a quarter full before pumping fuel up to it.  They said watch the gauges so you do not overfill it and pump fuel overboard.   The also recommended the long distance power setting of 1800 RPM and 23 inches of manifold pressure.  That was supposed to get the fuel consumption down to 14.7 gallons per hour.  That gave a little over eight hours in the air.  At that power setting, you get 100 knots! Still wouldn’t make Honolulu! John

Response:

I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

James, It is most certainly feasible and is done all the time. Wether done single engine or twin is really no consideration. In some respects, a single may be better than a twin because in a twin you need to carry much more fuel to feed two engines. That second engine does not give you any more chances to remain airborne, if one should fail, until such a time that you are back down to normal weights. During the early phases of the flight you would be so heavy with fuel that one engine could not possibly keep you in the air. The two longest legs are Oakland to Honolulu 2100 NM and from there you have another long leg, either HNL to Majuro, Marshall Islands, or HNL to Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati, the latter one being a good stop, but almost again as far as OAK-HNL. After that you can choose your legs more easily and they are considerably shorter. Reinhard

Response:

I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James I think someone tried this in a twin.  Her name was Amelia something….. Sorrry, it was too easy to pass on  :-)

Like minds I guess, but I resisted.  Abacus.com has an add-on for MS Flight Simulator that follows her route.    It wasn’t/isn’t an easy flight. John J. Miller

Response:

I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

Da Plane, Boss, Da Plane! (sorry, just couldn’t help myself) John Galban====N4BQ (PA28-180)

Response:

I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

I think someone tried this in a twin.  Her name was Amelia something….. Sorrry, it was too easy to pass on  :-) Jeff Oslick

Response:

I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

Response:

Check out http://www.calle.com/aviation/airports.cgi Allows you to specify departure, destination, range and speed, and displays a nice table and map of the results. Lots of material for dream flights… BTW you probably don’t want a totally deserted island; food, water, fuel, runway and women should be minimum requirements (the website allows you to specify 2 out of these 5 Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

Response:

Question:

I purchased  9′ #6  4- piece rod early this summer and have loved it….however  it not a sage or an orvis…but at a  better price…

Response:

Check the reel seat. I purchased 2 rods for my grandsons a few years ago, and the reelseats failed in 6 months. the metal formed ring that holds the reel broke on both rods had to tape the reels on. While they don’t cost as much as a Sage, or Orvis, if you do a lot of flyfishing buy a rod that will give you years of service not 6 months. I have been flyfishing for 50+ years and have seen them all. Buy good blanks, build your own. Use snake guides, rather than single foot, as single foot bend, and snake guides don’t. Tight lines Art

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I purchased  9′ #6  4- piece rod early this summer and have loved it….however it not a sage or an orvis…but at a  better price…

Response:

Check the reel seat. I purchased 2 rods for my grandsons a few years ago, and the reelseats failed in 6 months. …While they don’t cost as much as a Sage, or Orvis, if you do a lot of flyfishing buy a rod that will give you years of service not 6 months.

You could have returned the rods to Bean for repair or refund;Bean has a 100% guarantee on everything.  So really a Bean rod should be able to give you years of service. You might also take the time (if you can) to visit the Bean store in Freeport, and check the workmanship on their different rods.  The $400+ rods are nicer than the $100 ones.  You get what you pay for, eh?  On the other hand, *all* their rods are guaranteed, no matter the price. BTW, I agree that the best value is in building your own. Russell Gelinas

Response:

Question:

I wrote this a few years ago… any comments would be appreciated;  I think you will enjoy it! THE REAL FLY FISHERMAN                          

Question:

The show is scheduled for September 11-14. In years past, Organizers, Etc. (800 283-2754) have helped attendees with travel and lodging reservations. You might give them a call for details.

Response:

Hello Simon: Contact the staff of the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show at: PO Box 370 Camden, ME 04843 Clay

Response:

I am very keen to attend the Denver Fly Fishing Trade Show in September. Could someone please furnish me with details.

The organization behind the promotion of this show is Fly Rod & Reel Magazine.  Their address is:         Fly Rod & Reel              PO Box 370              Camden, Maine 04843 You can also send E-Mail from their home page at: http://flyfishers.com/fly-rod-reel.html Regards, Trent P Roberson          Rx F Fish "For Your Good Health, Fly Fish" URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

Response:

I am very keen to attend the Denver Fly Fishing Trade Show in September. Could someone please furnish me with details.

You can write Fly Tackle Dealer Magazine at Box 370 Camden, Maine 04843. You can probably e-mail Fly Rod and Reel (same group) through their web site (sorry, don’t know the Domain Name).    -Ralph Ralph Cutter, California School of Flyfishing. http://www.flyline.com

Response:

Question:

You can fish the streams in the park productively all Summer long, but they do get low and the fish get squirrely.  Heating is not so much a problem as low water.  Try the upper Hughes, the Hazel (if it’s open this year) and the upper Conway.  Learn to crawl on your belly, and hide behind the boulders.  I know nothing about Naked Creek.  As a sidelight, there are a bunch of decent limestones in the general area as well.  Buffalo Creek is one of the better ones.  Call Harry Murray in Edinsburg, VA.  He has a pharmacy/ fly shop.  Nobody is better versed on these streams than he.  I don’t have his number.  Call dir assist. and get the number for Murray’s fly shop in Edinsburg.

Response:

We fish the lower Shenandoah year round for Rainbow and Brown trout. We take good size trout from about 12 streams with regular success. The trophy trout areas are good but the smaller spring fed streams hold fish year round and have less fishing pressure. In addition to Murrays, I would recommend the Mossy Creek Flyshop in Bridgewater to get info on Smithy Creek, Mossy as well as the Bull Pasture. I would contact the Orvis store in Roanoke to get the flies and hatch info on Lower Jackson, Back Creek, Upper Jackson, Tye, South, Irish, Pedlar and Upper Maury. Ron Bennett Flyfishing Virginia L.L.C. (804) 467-6668

Response:

How late can one fish in the Shanendoa trout streams productively? I’m told they get to warm by "summer." I want to fish Naked Creek in mid Jun e.

Response: