John Deere Diesel--addendum

[joc]

I thought I would throw this out there, just in someone may be interested.

[Damon]

Does anyone run these boats 70 to 90 miles out, or is that being unrealistic.

Here in San Diego, we ran 95 NM out last Thursday to get to the school of Albacore on a friend's Boston Whaler (we nailed them!). The tuna can come in as close as 9 miles and can be as far out as 150 miles (mostly SSW along the Mexican peninsula), depending on the water conditions (i.e. current, temperature, and color).

I've had my Shamrock out as far as 75-80 NM. Even though it would not be necessary most of the time, it would be nice to have the range (i.e. 100-125 NM each way) on various occasions....

My next Shamrock will have a diesel and added fuel capacity.

[Pedlyr]

I have never been to the west coast or been out in the Pacific ocean.

But from what I have heard is that forays offshore like Damon mentions are more common on the left coast than here on the east coast when it comes to small boats.

Maybe this is because of weather, or some other factors. I'm not sure.

I used to fish commercially about 25 miles Southeast of Nantucket Island in an area called Great South Channel. In the fall, there would be allot of guys around tuna fishing in all kinds of boats. I remember one year the Coast Guard came out and made some guys go home since they lacked the proper saftey equipment like a life raft and EPIRB. We even saw guys in 20 ft boats with outboards. I believe they were shown the door too. Even though the weather was nice.

Obviously some can and do venture offshore in a small boat. But there is much more to it that just having a diesel or reliable vessel.

[Mistress]

Diesel engine fuel consumption is very calculable. It really has nothing to do with how much the boat weighs as long as the motor is properly loaded/propped. Whatever that Deere burns at cruise will be the same in whatever boat it is applicable for. That of course is gph...not mph.

[Anonymous]

joc...what hp is the Deere? 300 hp shoudl get you 30+ but prolly burn more than 10 gph at that speed. Prolly do 25 at 10 gph though.

The Cummins loves 1800 to 2100 rpm with 1800 being more economical. Prolly 3.5 mpg. in a 26' Shammy. closer to 3 mpg at 2100. With 16x17 I'm very close to 1 knot per 100 rpm and 2600 rp max rated.

[Damon]

But from what I have heard is that forays offshore like Damon mentions are more common on the left coast than here on the east coast when it comes to small boats.

You would be amazed what you see out there. Guys in 18-20' aluminum boats with outboards 45-50 NM in fairly snotty conditions and loaded down with 5-gallon fuel cans! Dumb....

My statements above are a little deceiving. The 75-80 NM is not straight out into the Pacific Ocean, but SSW from San Diego, which puts you out just W/SW of Ensenada Mexico between 35-65 NM, depending on which fathom bank you're fishing at (the fishing is really good down there). Ensenada has a fleet of Vessell Assist boats, which has a coverage of 100 NM. Besides, there are alot of boats out there doing the same thing, so we are usually in good company.

We make these trips about 3 times during the season. Most of the time, there is good fishing with 25 - 50 NM, which is not considered a far distance here. I'm sure the waters in the NE and NW is trickier than they are out of San Diego/Northern Baja. Two different worlds.

Some people choose to trailer their boats to Ensenada and launch from there. However, the Mexican police are currupt, so I just make the run by water from San Diego Bay. Besides, after paying for the gas for your truck, the 3 or 4 tolls, launching fee, and the long lines crossing back over the border, it's less of a hassle and cheaper just to launch out of San Diego.

[Kurt]

Damon:

Are there any hassles or special permits needed to fish/boat in Mexican waters?

Don't mean to hijack the thread, just curious because of tightened security here in the US and at the borders since 9/11. Also, because of continuing drug smuggling issues.

[Damon]

To fish in Mexican waters, each person needs a Mexican fishing permit, regardless if they are fishing or not. Each permit runs around $45 per year. The boat also needs a Mexican fishing permit, which runs around $68 per year. Some say you need a radio operator's permit, but only if you intend to dock at a Mexican port/marina. The reputable tackle stores in San Diego sell Mexican permits. That's about it.

Nothing special is required regarding the tightened security. In fact, each boater is required to go straight to the U.S. Customs dock after crossing back into U.S. waters. However, about 90% of them don't. Most of the time at the dock, there's only a phone there that you're suppose to pick and call the Customs office at the airport. You then have to wait around for about 30-60 minutes until an agent shows up. That's why most boaters just don't bother to stop.

Boating/Fishing in Mexican waters is not much of a hassle at all. There are one or two Shamrock owners on this board who keep their boat docked in Baja. Not a bad deal when you do most of your fishing down there (see latest fishing report). My main beef is trailering the boat down there to launch for a day of fishing. What some people do is launch from San Diego and spend the night (or multiple nights) at the Coral Marina & Hotel in Ensenada.

The big problem is the Mexican Policia. If they see a nice newer Shamrock being towed by some newer looking truck, they automatically see dollar signs and pull you over for some made up charge to abstract money from your wallet (i.e. bribe). Lame.....