Boats and Coastal Cruising By Capt. Douglas Malat

Taking your boat and running the coast where on oneother hazards. Running offshore in a straight line to get
side is the ocean and the other side is land is definitelyto your destination can save you time. Sometimes
an extraordinary feeling. You don't get the samerunning the coast you can slow up and enjoy the
feeling when you're in a big bay or sound where youpleasures of trolling for fish, some of the big game fish
can see the coast line on one side and just watercome in pretty close to shore and one of this monster
around you. The feel of the boat and yourself definitelyfish is definitely a thrill to reel in and it breaks up your
are affected both visually and physically when you aretime as you cruise the coast.
in the ocean. It seems at times when you're running a 
softer, more rhythmic feeling, whereas in a bay orIt feels good taking your boat and doing a coastal run,
sound it seems to feel a little choppier and not thatbecause when you get to your destination some
smooth rhythmic feel. It also feels like your props arepeople might ask what route you took and saying
taking a bigger bite out of the water, maybe becausecoastal always gives you that nice accomplished
there's more water around and under you. It's true, butfeeling. You also never know what you'll see as you
that sounds silly. But there is a definite difference whenand your boat run the coast…maybe a pair of
running the coast on the ocean.whales?...Maybe a school of tuna? These are some of
 the wonders that are out there, but one of the best
When looking at the coastline as it goes by you canthings as your boat is cutting through the water is the
visualize how it must have looked to those sailors fromcolors…the spray off your bow seems whiter, the
years past. Even when they first discovered this landsea seems to turn a different color blue with hints of
and all the different coasts, what were their thoughtsother colors as the sea floor deepens or gets
and feelings? That is some of the mystique in coastalshallower. These runs you will remember and enjoy
cruising. Some like to take their boat and run inshore, itfor a long time.
gives more protection from weather and possibly