Opinions on a new Mako boat

Big Mak

For a little more perspective;  I fished worldwide commercially in the deep blue for swordfish and tunas on trips ranging from two weeks to 40 days.  I've worked outside in honest 40 to 50 ft (maybe even more) seas in various parts of the world and 12 to 15 in the gulf. I've certainly ridden out worse in winter storms and the edges of tropical cyclones when it was too rough to fish, and I can tell you, I'm not so sure I didn't get beat up worse in the GoM slop than I did on places like the Grand Banks, North Pacific, or the South Atlantic regions.

The seas are indeed different in each area, as crkr23 pointed out. Be mindful out there and don't be a hero.  Watch the dam wind and clouds.  You should make it a habit to reference the compass, sky, and wind constantly.  I've lost good, experienced friends on bigger boats because they took unnecessary risks. The reasons for this risks don't matter to their surviving families now.  Don't be that guy.  BTW, file a plan or at least tell someone what,  where, and when. Stick with the plan.  Make sure you're checking your safety gear and keeping it updated (not pencil whipping it), and know how to use it. Those are your safety tips for the day.