BigBendFishing.Net

Hello again everyone. It has been nearly a year since I last pestered you with my questions about fishing the big bend. Your replies made my previous trip an overwhelming success and belatedly, as promised, I will post a link to pics tomorrow evening.
Now to the question, I am looking at buying one of two boats this week. The main reason for the purchase is to have something to drag down to the coast and fish inshore in the ST. Marks, Bald Point, and Alligator Point areas. One of the boats is a 17' Ranger bass boat, the other is a some what older and cruder 1980 19' center console tri hull.
Last spring I went out on a boat rented from Shell Island Fish Camp as far as 3-4 miles from the light house at the end of St. Marks. The water was calm and a bass boat would have served admirably in those conditions.
How far out can you take a bass boat in the St. Marks area?
Does occasionally running a non saltwater motor in the salt hurt it?
Can a somewhat small tri hull extended fishing distances in those areas?

How far out can you take a bass boat in the St. Marks area?

well Wevans has been known to ferry folks from Cuba and back from Panacea ...you can carry it as far as you want too, depends on the conditions. If winds were predicted over 15 knots I wouldn't venture far because of the low transom on most bass boats.

Does occasionally running a non saltwater motor in the salt hurt it?

To me motor is a motor, some say saltwater, odds are it implies better corrosion resistance. As long as you wash her down and treat her right any motor will do.

Can a somewhat small tri hull extended fishing distances in those areas?

It depends on the conditions, I have a small tri hull with a 40 hp on it.

You need to know your boat, the weather and where you are....If you don't know the boat or where you are, take it easy and learn grasshopper If you don't know the weather for the day, find out, don't let weather stop you cause we all know they can be wrong, but be mindful of it. Happy sailing...

What Chalk said. Pick your days very carefully. If it is iffy, do not try it.

I started fishing in an old style 16' Fisher Marine aluminum, flat bottom, bass boat, with a 40 horse. I have advanced all the way to a 17', old style Key West. If the Ranger bass boat is less than 15 years old it has more dead rise than my "saltwater" boat. I've been 17 miles offshore in my boat.

I say all this to confirm the advice already given. And, I'll add, the amount of common sence you use is much more important than what size boat you have. Either boat will work if you use your head.

All my thoughts on the subject have already been said, except one last thought; I bought a new 350 Ranger in 1989 to fish tournaments with. I've fished tournaments where the waves were breaking over the bow and raining so hard you could barely see. The Rangers always seemed to be the first boats to make it back to the weigh-in safely.
I'd take the Ranger any day.

You've already heard from "some of the best" and it was all good stuff. Listen to it and apply it is the best advice I can give you. The only question I have left is the power. You didn't mention what each one had (unless I missed it). If either one is underpowered that could make a difference. Tri hulls are generally pretty heavy and take a bit more power to get up on plane. The power issue might make a difference in the choice. Good luck and don't say a way so long next time.

Wow, once again you have all proved yourselves as the most intelligent anglers on the web. I will never cease to be amazed at how helpful and freindly y'all our. Thank you sincerely for all the advise, each reply added a new dimension to my purchasing decision.
I am currently horse-trading prices on the afore said vessels, and I will keep you posted. extreme thanks are warranted