Well after all the responses I think I will be sticking to the lake (Macquarie) and the harbour (Newcastle) to build up some experience. I think my boat is probably suitable for just about that (my boat is in one of the other forum topics about "identifying this tinnie" - that was one of the reasons I wanted to have it identified so that I could find out what it was really designed for.....but it is yet to be positively identified). Since I got the motor secondhand, it will be good to build up a working history with it which might give me a sense of its reliability as well (40HP Tohatsu '99 - 50hrs use). I certainly look forward to being to head out to the open and will sit back when I can and watch to see how others get across the bar (Swansea). It would be good to go out with an experienced boatie in my old tinnie just to let me know what their thoughts are about its capability (and hopefully not to just tell me how bad it may be - got to start somewhere aye). Might post something on the newcastlefishing.com.au website to see if I can get some willing veteran to take it for a run (if anyone reading is local and think you might be one for it, let me know). The open waters might just have to wait till I get a bigger and newer boat though. Thanks again guys!
Oh, what transom height (or freeboard) do you guys, who do go out, have?
Caribe