Disagree. Your power is key...A solid hull and good power under 28 will do the job. I am planning to run for Tuna in the boat I am modifying...I should be on the water for about 15k and thats WITH a new powerplant @ 24' long...
Tuna is a pick your day fishery IMO. Not many will run out if the conditions are looking less than good. I think Birdsnest said it best, "if you can't do 20knots out, its not worth going" That far offshore though I'd make sure your ducks are in a row...there are very few second chances out there if **** goes to hell or the weather does not cooperate, you could be in serious, unreturnable trouble.
...my thoughts..
????? really
I would feel safe to in Kelly's boat but I would bet that its a lot more the 20kI know I'd feel safe enough on Last Chances podded twin zuki 26' Hourston!
????? really
Very well put especially the part about serious stuff and to have your **** together and that also means how to use all you safety gear and electronics and also how to get home with out them if the **** hits the fanI think you could probably get into just a hull and power for that much. It's all the other things that you need that make it add up quite quickly.
I usually think along these lines basically.
1) A good solid hull preferably with self bailing decks (something that is going to keep you afloat).
2) Power and fuel system (something that will get you there but most importantly get you back)
3) Safety equipment
4) Electronics
5) Fishing tackle (last because if you don't have all of the above you shouldn't be offshore fishing).
A 23 Hourston would be a good platform to work from. If the hull, stringers, transom, and tanks were sound.
It is up to you to have your boat in order and **** wrapped tight when heading that far offshore. I agree with Birdsnest that buddy boating is the ideal way to go and I wouldn't be thrilled either to have to tow someone if they hadn't done their due dilligence. In other words it's pretty serious stuff and you have no business being out there if your hull, motors, systems, and gear are not functioning 100%.
It helps for other in the fleet as well to know they are out with boats that will make it back and makes the day that more enjoyable. Birdsnest had his radio go on the fritz on the Labour day long weekend and we were all worried just about that little thing. So I hope you get what I mean.
Anyways some more food for thought.
Cheers,
John