Boats and Coastal Cruising By Capt. Douglas Malat

Taking your boat and running the coast where on one side is the ocean and the other side is land is definitely an extraordinary feeling. You don’t get the same feeling when you’re in a big bay or sound where you can see the coast line on one side and just water around you. The feel of the boat and yourself definitely are affected both visually and physically when you are in the ocean. It seems at times when you’re running a softer, more rhythmic feeling, whereas in a bay or sound it seems to feel a little choppier and not that smooth rhythmic feel. It also feels like your props are taking a bigger bite out of the water, maybe because there’s more water around and under you. It’s true, but that sounds silly. But there is a definite difference when running the coast on the ocean.

 When looking at the coastline as it goes by you can visualize how it must have looked to those sailors from years past. Even when they first discovered this land and all the different coasts, what were their thoughts and feelings? That is some of the mystique in coastal cruising. Some like to take their boat and run inshore, it gives more protection from weather and possibly other hazards. Running offshore in a straight line to get to your destination can save you time. Sometimes running the coast you can slow up and enjoy the pleasures of trolling for fish, some of the big game fish come in pretty close to shore and one of this monster fish is definitely a thrill to reel in and it breaks up your time as you cruise the coast.

It feels good taking your boat and doing a coastal run, because when you get to your destination some people might ask what route you took and saying coastal always gives you that nice accomplished feeling. You also never know what you’ll see as you and your boat run the coast…maybe a pair of whales?...Maybe a school of tuna? These are some of the wonders that are out there, but one of the best things as your boat is cutting through the water is the colors…the spray off your bow seems whiter, the sea seems to turn a different color blue with hints of other colors as the sea floor deepens or gets shallower. These runs you will remember and enjoy for a long time.