Best way to cross an oncoming wake from a LARGE boat

[metalwizard]

Re: Best way to cross an oncoming wake from a LARGE boat

20ft boat on plane passing a 35-40ft boat on plane, or almost on plane. Big boat has a very narrow but very tall wake. Little boat could fly over the first peak, but the second and third will be a problem. Slamming of the bow occurs, and the kids start crying.....lol. This is a scenario I would like to avoid. I drop speed down or raise speed up to the point where the boat as about to plane, but not quite. Seems to range in speed something over 10mph and less than 16 MPH, but varies. The bow goes UP, the stern is down, and now I'm creating a rather deep wake too. The bow glides over the wakes and the folks sitting in the back barely feel it. Am I on the right track, or way off? Is there a better/ different way to do this without having to slow down so much?

I'm one of those new boat guys you talk about... how are you getting it off plane? with the throttle alone or trimming the nose up?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Best way to cross an oncoming wake from a LARGE boat

throttle down. But be mindful that this can cause the bow to dip so you have to time it--if you dip at the face of the wave, you ship water over the bow. One technique is to drop off the plane before you get to the wave, then accelerate into the wave to raise your bow as you go over it.
Again, it's all about practice and knowing your boat.
If you are stuck with one of those boats that don't shed water below the gunwale, or it has a dropped-down bow, you have to be extra careful. That sporty design is not good on water.

 

[metalwizard]

Re: Best way to cross an oncoming wake from a LARGE boat

throttle down. But be mindful that this can cause the bow to dip so you have to time it--if you dip at the face of the wave, you ship water over the bow. One technique is to drop off the plane before you get to the wave, then accelerate into the wave to raise your bow as you go over it.
Again, it's all about practice and knowing your boat.
If you are stuck with one of those boats that don't shed water below the gunwale, or it has a dropped-down bow, you have to be extra careful. That sporty design is not good on water.

I was following you until the last sentence.... Gunwhale? it's an older arrowglass tri hull.. does that help LOL

 

[metalwizard]

Re: Best way to cross an oncoming wake from a LARGE boat

Looked it up.. now I know what the Gunwales is... see learned something ne already