Make sure that your comfortable in making a long haul before you do, I know you want to go out and fish for game fish, but remember you have a boat thats relatively new to you and you need to learn the boats (and your) capabilities before making the big trip. I know your thinking its only 12 miles but, Phelps cant swim that far. Safety first, always. Sorry to preach but it is very important as all the guys/gals here will tell you, take advice from Fred he was in the same boat- no pun- last year.