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I am considering buying a used boat for fishing trips offshore but one that would be big enough to head out about 25-40 miles to the Channel Islands from Santa Barbara area (CA). I like the center console fishing boats but that probably wouldn’t be ideal for overnighters. Any advice would be great. I would like to be able to trailer this and keep it parked on the street.

I have a 26′ Express Cruiser that i use for trips beyond the Farallon Islands (28 miles) outside of SF Bay Area. It holds enough fuel to go out 180+ miles and I refuel down in Monterey for the return trip if needed. Boat sleeps 4, has everything like at home and has AC/Heater. Good stable vessel for fishing and cruising. I really like being able to be out of the elements and not being exposed like a center console. I’ve used this boat for Tuna, Salmon, Rock fish, Halibut, Sturgeon and a lot of other fishing.

I keep this boat on a trailer so I can tow it anywhere, even to lakes.

1. seattlesailor2000 Says:
   June 30th, 2010 at 12:10 am

   the previous owner of our 15′ hobie power skiff center console used to travel on it to the channel islands on a regular basis. as far as a recommended boat size there are several 19′ to 25′ center console boats that are capable of traveling to the channel islands in fair weather.

   for a lot more info on this subject suggest that you check out this site

   http://www.sportfishingmag.com/techniques/boatinghow-to/little-boats-on-the-big-sea-21436.html

   hope this helps
   References :
   old salt

2. Derrick S Says:
   June 30th, 2010 at 12:53 am

   I have a 26′ Express Cruiser that i use for trips beyond the Farallon Islands (28 miles) outside of SF Bay Area. It holds enough fuel to go out 180+ miles and I refuel down in Monterey for the return trip if needed. Boat sleeps 4, has everything like at home and has AC/Heater. Good stable vessel for fishing and cruising. I really like being able to be out of the elements and not being exposed like a center console. I’ve used this boat for Tuna, Salmon, Rock fish, Halibut, Sturgeon and a lot of other fishing.

   I keep this boat on a trailer so I can tow it anywhere, even to lakes.
   References :
   40+ yrs boating experience, Boating Safety Instructor, member of United States Power Squadron, owner of 60′ motor yacht and 26′ Express Cruiser

3. Tinpanallycat Says:
   June 30th, 2010 at 1:24 am

   A lot of sailboats in the 26 – 28 foot range have CIRCUMNAVIGATED the globe. If you can’t SAIL a boat and need a power boat, they you need a boat big enough to carry the fuel you need for whatever you want to do an big enough that it has a high enough free board to handle the seas if they get a bit rough
   References :