Is it possible to sail to isle of man in 15ft fishing boat from preston?

Question

I have a 15ft fishing boat with a 50 hp engine and am intending to sail to the isle of man from preston, does anyone know of anyone who has done this and how long it took.

Answer 1

Don't worry about the ifs and buts mate. Just go for it, you know it makes sense.

Answer 2

anything is possible - a young teenager sailed solo across the atlantic not too long ago.
Before you go, ensure the following:
Your engine is serviced and has over twice the fuel you expect to use
You have a basic tool kit in case something comes loose
you have enough food and water for at least 3 or 4 days - especially water!
you have warm and waterproof clothing - possibly even a sleeping bag
You have the means of attracting attention - a vhf radio and flares would be perfect otherwise a mobile and a torch with spare batteries
You check the predicted state of tide and weather for the time of the trip
You have a compass (if it gets dark youll be buggered without it)
You inform someone trustworthy about your plans and give them the information on who to call (the coast guard) if you dont get in touch within a certain period of time.
You have a bailer and if possible some means of plugging a hole if one appears
Take a fellow nutter with you - if you get tired someone needs to stay awake to make sure a merchant ship etc does not run you down

Other than that - have fun on your adventure - only be aware that the irish sea can go from being flat and serene to the 7th level of hell in a short space of time!

Answer 3

Everything is possible! Out of experience I am telling you that most of the time I only caught mackerel and I really got tired of that fish! Water is a real problem and I wouldn't really toy with that idea. Do you know how it feels not having a shower for 10 days, the salt is becoming itchy all over your body and your head is the worst! Pirates usually attack cargo boats in the Malacca Strait but there are a lot of attacks recently in the Red Sea on sailing yachts. You should always be well informed about weather and before you do this, you must study navigation and always respect the sea!

Answer 4

Whoa whoa whoa. The boat could possibly physically make the trip, if, all stuff like weather etc was in your favour.
My worry is, if you have to ask then it might be that you do not have the experience to attempt it.
Seriously, it is an extremely dangerous thing to attempt without the neccessary equipment and knowledge.
Don't be angry with me, get some lessons, I did, then the world is literally yours for the sailing .
Skill and experience is worth an absolute fortune.
Take care.

Answer 5

If a sea gets up and there's fog rescue radar may not paint a 15 footer.
How good a navigator are you?
How good a sailor?, Mechanic?
How much 'local knowlege of the port do you have?
You're betting kinda high stakes on it.

Answer 6

Just take all the saftey gear mentioned below, If there is ant room for you and you don't exceed the weight limit for the boat---go for it.

Ignore that marine warning last week that a few WWII era surface contact mines hd broken loose from mooring cables and may pose a danger to shipping....The Royal Navy says " they Think" they found them all.

Bilge pump or bailer: Although federal regulations do not require dewatering devices-a bucket or other bailer on unpowered boats or electric bilge pumps on boats with engines-they are required by some state laws. Required or not, these items are recommended for safe boating. In Canada, even the smallest boat must have at least a bailer on hand.

Compass: Desirable on almost any boat, for boat emergency and regular use, a compass and plotting instruments are recommended for piloting purposes.
Electronic equipment: VHF radio is the basic piece of electronic safety equipment used in receiving weather reports and Coast Guard warnings, as well as in transmitting requests for assistance. Other operational safety items include electronic depth sounders, fuel vapor detectors and navigational equipment such a loran, GPS and radar.

EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon):
This automatic radio transmitter should be carried on any boat operating offshore.

First-aid kit: An essential item of safety equipment. The kit should be accompanied by a first-aid manual and supplemented by one or more first-aid courses.

Flashlight or searchlight: A searchlight- installed on larger craft, hand-held on smaller boats-serves both as a night piloting aid and as an emergency signaling device. A multicell flashlight or electric lantern can serve these functions, although sometimes less effectively

Life rafts: For everyone who cruises or fishes offshore, a rigid or inflatable life raft should be considered mandatory. Standards for life rafts-size, capacity ratings, seaworthiness conventions, and are adapted for the U.S. by the USCG.

Sound signaling devices: The Navigation Rules require sound signals to be made under certain circumstances, including the meeting, crossing and overtaking situations that are described in the Rules. All vessels, including recreational vessels, are required to sound fog signals during periods of reduced visibility; therefore, you must have some means of making an efficient sound signal. In an emergency for example you can use any loud noise to attract attention: If you have a loud hailer, use it, or make a megaphone from a rolled up chart, or bang on a metal pot. Vessels 12 meters or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle for marine use and a bell.

Spare parts and tools: The list of tools and spare parts to be carried aboard is best developed by skippers for their own boats. Depending on the type of boat, how it is normally used, and the capabilities of the crew, the list may include items such as simple tools, plugs, cloth screws, nails, wire, tape and other objects for making emergency repairs at sea; spare bulbs for the navigation lights and various mechanical and electrical spare parts.

Visual distress signals: Most boats- and all boats operating in open waters- must be equipped with visual distress signals, classified by the USCG for day use only, night use only or combined day-and night use. Each device must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible and certified by the manufacturer as complying with USCG requirements.

Answer 7

Which Preston ? there`s lots, eg there is a Preston near Canterbury !

Answer 8

It should be easy, so long has you plan the trip well and take all the necessary safe guards.

Answer 9

Yes I know someone who tried this or should I say I used to know him!!!

Answer 10

Why go in that when the ferries are running,Safer at least.