14' tri-hull "skiff" too small for Potomac River waves?

[catfighter]

So I went sailing today with a friend of mine on the Potomac River at the National Harbor. The waves were pretty big, like maybe 18-20" it seemed.

I noticed that where we rented the sailboat they also rented out 15' Carolina Skiffs with 25hp motors. I asked them if those could be used on a day like today and the guy said they could "no problem."

My question is this: I have a 14' tri-hull "skiff"-type boat with a 15hp motor. I'm just wondering if I could have taken my boat there with "no problem."

My gut tells me it's a bad idea but if these guys (at the Belle Haven Marina) make a living renting them out and they don't see it as an issue, then maybe it's not as dangerous/stupid as I perceive it to be?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 14' tri-hull "skiff" too small for Potomac River waves?

The Carolina skiff hull is extremely safe. You cannot compare it to others hulls just by length. Design is far more important than length.

The ability of a boat to "handle" conditions is primarily the ability of the operator. A skilled and experienced captain can take his boat safely through waters that a newbie can't.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 14' tri-hull "skiff" too small for Potomac River waves?

The Carolina Skiff hull can be compared to a Whaler hull. It may beat you up in a chop, but it will certainly bring you back.....

 

[catfighter]

Re: 14' tri-hull "skiff" too small for Potomac River waves?

To compare my boat to a Carolina Skiff is probably not doing the Skiff justice.

Also, I agree with you regarding the skill of the operator; that's why I thought it was strange that they would allow anyone to take that boat out. I definitely wouldn't have felt comfortable out there in a boat that small and I own a boat that small!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 14' tri-hull "skiff" too small for Potomac River waves?

yours looks like the whaler design so it is probably safe, too. But a 15 might be straining to get you back against strong waves, current and wind.