You write this chapter with an offshore boat. Outside, redundancy, range and a deck on which you can still work safely in the weather are what count. Deep-V, self-draining cockpit, high freeboards and a protective hardtop form the basis.
Application profile
- Territories: North Sea, Baltic Sea (open sections), Norway's Atlantic coast/fjords
- Target fish: Sea bass, cod, coalfish, ling, tusk, halibut
- Conditions: Swell & short, steep seas; wind shifts, fog, currents/tides - reliable boat & crew routine are a must
Why this type of boat?
Offshore boats combine range, reserves and redundancy. They are safer in waves, hold their course when drifting and offer a working area for heavy natural bait and jig rigs. If you want to use weather windows, you need: CE category at least C for significant waves/wind, protection (hardtop/bulkhead), freeboard and a self-draining cockpit. Storage space and organisation (emergency/tools/spare parts) are not optional, but mandatory. Offshore fishing is freedom with responsibility. The right boat provides protection, range and redundancy, modern technology extends your strike window, and clear routines turn a weather window into a safe fishing day. With planning, crew discipline and the right set-up, the big sea becomes the best fishing ground in the world.
Design & layout - what makes a good offshore fishing boat
- Hull/seakeeping behaviour: A pronounced deep-V in the bow, broadly supported stringers, dry, controlled diving into the counter wave and a stable position in the drift
- Deck & paths: Free, all-round gangways, robust handrails, non-slip flooring, clear passage from bow to stern. In addition, a high freeboard for working in the weather
- Protection & ergonomics: Hardtop or cab, at least one large centre console with windscreen; sufficient handholds at grab height
- Workstations: Stern work area (gimbal/butt pad, cutting board), stowage for long leaders/tackle boxes, optional livewell
- Service friendliness: Easily accessible bilge, double bilge pumps, clear 12/24 V electrics with labelled fuses, splash-proof connectors
- Salt water suitability: Anodes are mandatory, consistent freshwater rinsing, moulded connectors, shrink tubing at all cable transitions
Expert tip: "Go/No-Go in 5 steps"
- Weather (wave/period/visibility)
- Tides/current
- Crew fit (cold/nausea)
- Boat check (fuel/electrics/drains)
- Exit plan (alternative harbour/course ashore) Note: Big water needs big reserves - weather, propulsion, fuel and nerve reserves.
Offshore safety
- This equipment is mandatory: Automatic waistcoats with crotch strap, emergency light/whistle; DSC VHF (MMSI/ATIS programmed), distress signals, double steering and, depending on the season, thermal/dry suit for each crew member
- Crew roles & drills: Mayday scheme, man-overboard, fire/leak; using the kill switch The 4R formula for offshore fishing: Know the area, select the hull, plan redundancy, secure rescue.
Drive: Outboard - simple, robust, preferably redundant - single vs. twin:
- Single motorisation: Lighter, cheaper, less maintenance - sufficient with suitable dimensioning and a clean emergency set-up (spare starter & tools)
- Twin/double motorisation: Redundancy in the event of failure, better manoeuvrability in port and in drift; more weight and costs
Motor dimensioning: Take the licence, weight, typical crew and desired range into account. Maximum motorisation usually provides reserves (at a lower continuous speed), but is not a must.
Fuel management is more important: Separate lines/filters for twins, water separator, range planning with 30 per cent reserve as a "rule of thumb"
Technology: echo sounder, chart plotter - and new: bow engine offshore
- Navigation & Awareness: Large-format chart plotter, AIS reception, possibly also radar (helpful in fog and rain showers)
- Search for fish: Side/down imaging for finding structures, CHIRP for depth, for technology enthusiasts: live view (for confirmation/positioning)
- Bow motor in the offshore context: Bow motors are also increasingly being used far out, as extra-long shaft options are now available. The GPS anchor function enables finely controlled drifts and quiet positioning when vertical fishing and halibut hunting.
- Please note: Stable bow plate, separate LiFePO₄ bank (36 V), charge management and corrosion protection (salt!)
