O C Diver
Guru
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2010
- Messages
- 12,895
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Slow Hand
- Vessel Make
- Cherubini Independence 45
Sorry, not even remotely the same thing. Transiting the coast offshore has you a couple of days at most from safe harbor. With good radio communication equipment, medical emergency evacuation time is measured in hours. Getting a commercial tow if you become disabled is a real option. Weather forecasting options are many 10 times better. In short, when transiting the along the coast you have many options. Crossing the ocean leaves you with few options when Mr. Murphy shows up.I have only run from New England to the Carib non stop a few times , but the ocean is the ocean, far less dangers than inshore .
Sure bad weather is a common fear & PIA , but once the style of using the vessel for the weather conditions is found its only time spent that might be uncomfortable , a good warm, dry sea berth and a good book takes care of most of it.
In sailboats the self steering gear is probably the difference between an enjoyable passage and a whole bunch of work.
The autopilot is one key to ocean motoring , clean fuel probably the prime key.
Few diesels simply disintegrate if the have been run a few hundred hours and are monitored for water/oil etc.
The ocean work I have done was comfortable with a crew of 3 , using 3 on, 6,off for watch standing.
Assuming a crews competent with along shore traveling the transition to offshore ocean work is not a big deal.
The vessel will need suitable scantlings, storm ports? enough fuel and other storage , but books will cover other folks experiences enough to be aware of the requirements.
Its just not that big a deal , after the first storm and week of travel you will know if its for you.
Ted