Big wave boating technique

[paulspaddle]

So here's the scenario for the sake of interest and discussion. (thats my way of saying I'm not sure I know exactly what to do)

My boat is not big. 17 1/2" Glasstron Sierra. It has a moderate V-hull.

I'm on a big lake....very big lake, (Lake Winnipeg) at 9500 sq miles it is the 11 th largest fresh water lake in the world. It's fairly shallow with an average depth of 40 feet. This means that when the wind blows the waves kick up fast and furious.

I'm located in what is called 'the narrows' where the lake looks "pinched" separating the north and south basin and is only about 4 miles across.

A common activity is to venture down or up the shore into the south and north basins where there are fishing communities and lots of shore to explore. Also, crossing the 4 mile channel to explore the many many islands there.

When the wind is just right the waves from either basin come into the channel which can happen very fast and they can be big.

Say I got sloppy, didn't pay attention and got caught on the wrong side of the channel with big waves.

What would be the safest way to navigate from point A to point B when a straight line between the two is perpendicular to the waves? In this scenario the waves are uncomfortably large.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Big wave boating technique

I just took a quick look at your HUGE lake(looks like a great one to explore by the way) and I'm curious, are you referring to the bottlekneck near Mateson Island? Not sure you are since it looks more narrow than 4 miles across.

If so it seems like there are ample islands to use to block the wind, and even a nice bay on the south end that I'd zip into to moor and wait out some bad weather.

Just get into the "lee" of the island and use it as a shield...as long as there is sufficient depth for your 17' rig to get close to shore where it's calmer.

Good question, curious to see what others have to say as well

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Big wave boating technique

If I'm understanding this correctly, then you are trying to cross the channel with the waves directly on your beam. Is that correct?

If the conditions are just too rough, then don't chance it. (I think we would all probably make that choice.) However, if conditions are rough but passable, then you have a couple of choices: You could turn into the wind and keep it 30-40 degrees off of the bow and and ease across the channel at slow speed. This will be slow and bumpy, but possibly the safest. Alternatively, you could stay close to the shore and head up into the wind for a couple of miles. Then turn downwind, keeping the wind on the stern quarter, and cross (using a following sea). This would possibly be a little smoother, but could also be a little trickier and not quite as safe. Either way, you're the skipper and can probably judge what's best for your boat.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Big wave boating technique

Just re-read the post and realized I didn't answer the question

I'd say you would want to "tack" similar to how sailboats use a wind to go the desired direction in a constant direction of wind.

Head at a 45 degree angle to the wind...then at another 45 to the wind, alternating so you stay on the correct course.

Not the fastest way across, but helps keep the waves from blasting into you broadside.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Big wave boating technique

I just took a quick look at your HUGE lake(looks like a great one to explore by the way) and I'm curious, are you referring to the bottlekneck near Mateson Island? Not sure you are since it looks more narrow than 4 miles across.

If so it seems like there are ample islands to use to block the wind, and even a nice bay on the south end that I'd zip into to moor and wait out some bad weather.

Just get into the "lee" of the island and use it as a shield...as long as there is sufficient depth for your 17' rig to get close to shore where it's calmer.

Good question, curious to see what others have to say as well

By Matheson Island is exactly where I am...well done.

Actually it's less than 4 miles at the narrowest part.

You are correct, on my (west) side of the lake the shore provides lots of inlets and places to hide.

Let's say waiting out a storm is not an option. The other (east) side is uninhabited and we've simply gone for a joy ride, but have found ourselves 'caught' in changed weather.

We're talking the prairies here. Wind can blow for days. The east shore is largely exposed.

For the sake of keeping this focused lets just say staying and waiting is not an option.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Big wave boating technique

....and these options given are what I'm wondering about.

What's safer?

1. tacking at a 45 degree angle working your way across.
2. running directly up the shore then running with the waves at an angle.

I've run with larger waves before and it 'feels' weird. Unnerving seeing a wave off the transom rather than hitting it with the bow. One can feel almost 'dizzy' running with and sitting in the hollow between waves.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Big wave boating technique

As said earlier, It's hard to say without being there and running your boat.

Having said that, you described are pretty normal conditions where I boat except our ?narrow place? back to port is about 20 miles wide.

When it gets rough like that we run the troughs. It?s take a lot of throttle and timing but it beats the heck out of trying to beat your way through the stuff only to have the wave drop out from under you and bury your bow in the next wave.

The trick is stay turn into the wave as it starts to roll up beside you. It can be a bit harrowing to see a wave rolling up on your gunnel at eye level but it beats getting beat to death.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Big wave boating technique

Let's say waiting out a storm is not an option.

That comment caught my eye right away. Listen, waiting out a storm has to be an option. No matter how uncomfortable it may be, no matter how pressed for time you may be, you must allow for the possibility that you won't be coming home until conditions moderate.

You run a small boat on a big lake. I'd give serious thought to what I need to keep aboard, in order to wait it out in some degree of safety and comfort.

 

[Philster]

Re: Big wave boating technique

No matter the course, rolling over every wave, in rhythm, keeping the slamming down. Over the wave at angle, off the throttle nicely to keep from stuffing the bow into the water. Your throttle arm is likely to get tired faster than your steering arm, if you're doing things right. Someone should be your second set of eyes, looking for different waves, of different heights, and definitely of different frequency.

It's hard to picture everything. I can imagine scenarios where the waves are coming at you from 7 or 8 o'clock, and then easier scenarios where your course can be adjusted so that they are coming at you from 10 or 11 o'clock.

If you're are in an open bow boat, cover/close the bow if you have a cover for it.

Edit to add: I know times when we've pulled out covers for our boats and left the driver side open, to minimize the am't of water we'd take on.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Big wave boating technique

That comment caught my eye right away. Listen, waiting out a storm has to be an option. No matter how uncomfortable it may be, no matter how pressed for time you may be, you must allow for the possibility that you won't be coming home until conditions moderate.

You run a small boat on a big lake. I'd give serious thought to what I need to keep aboard, in order to wait it out in some degree of safety and comfort.

Oh dear....with all due respect this is where I didn't want this to go. YES of course that is an option, but my focus is to talk about boating running techniques. I'm not going to risk my life or the lives on board, that's not the topic.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Big wave boating technique

at angle, tach and watch the weather closer.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Big wave boating technique

No matter the course, rolling over every wave, in rhythm, keeping the slamming down. Over the wave at angle, off the throttle nicely to keep from stuffing the bow into the water. Your throttle arm is likely to get tired faster than your steering arm, if you're doing things right. Someone should be your second set of eyes, looking for different waves, of different heights, and definitely of different frequency.

It's hard to picture everything. I can imagine scenarios where the waves are coming at you from 7 or 8 o'clock, and then easier scenarios where your course can be adjusted so that they are coming at you from 10 or 11 o'clock.

If you're are in an open bow boat, cover/close the bow if you have a cover for it.

Edit to add: I know times when we've pulled out covers for our boats and left the driver side open, to minimize the am't of water we'd take on.

Thanks Philster. This thread confirms how I was thinking about it, but as I don't have a lot of experience so what I may have thought was 'logical' some salt might disagree for reasons I'd hadn't thought of.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Big wave boating technique

Is yours a bow rider? If so cover the bow with a cover made for your boat to deflect any water you may ship over the bow.
Go out and practice on a warm day with other boats standing by, so you will know what you boat does best.
If you must run questionable water, do this first: PFD's on each person, buckled. Cell phone off and in a ziplock (at least) and in your pocket--not on the dash or in a compartment. Light and whistle on at least one and prefereably all PFD's. Hand-held VHF, if you have one, clipped to you. Anchor out of its hatch, line attached to bow. Bailing bucket out and tied off. Kill switch lanyard atached to you. Verify bilge pump is working. Hatches closed tight. Crew fully instructed on all emergency protocol (#1: stay with the boat) and how to go get YOU if you get pitched over.

One of your greatest risks is that your motor will unexpectedly quit while you are in the bad stuff. This often occurs from your fuel tank being stirred up. You will want to drop your hook and go bow into the wave ASAP if this happens.

short-term float plan: If it's real bad but you are going for it, see if you can call someone on shore or in safe water to let them know you are crossing, and that you will call then when you get through. They can call for help if you don't. This is especially important if it's <2 hours before dark.

 

[tawood]

Re: Big wave boating technique

Good answer home cookin'...and here on the Great Lakes, "waiting it out" is always an option AFTER you make it to a nearby harbor, cove, etc...home cookin's advise will get you there if you had your head up your arse BEFORE you make it there!

 

[JoLin]

Re: Big wave boating technique

Oh dear....with all due respect this is where I didn't want this to go. YES of course that is an option, but my focus is to talk about boating running techniques. I'm not going to risk my life or the lives on board, that's not the topic.

Okay, I understand.

With so many new people coming to this board all the time, I felt compelled to say something. Unfortunately, your comment reflects what too many people actually think, until they either survive a frightening natural event, or become a statistic.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Big wave boating technique

Is yours a bow rider? If so cover the bow with a cover made for your boat to deflect any water you may ship over the bow.
Go out and practice on a warm day with other boats standing by, so you will know what you boat does best.
If you must run questionable water, do this first: PFD's on each person, buckled. Cell phone off and in a ziplock (at least) and in your pocket--not on the dash or in a compartment. Light and whistle on at least one and prefereably all PFD's. Hand-held VHF, if you have one, clipped to you. Anchor out of its hatch, line attached to bow. Bailing bucket out and tied off. Kill switch lanyard atached to you. Verify bilge pump is working. Hatches closed tight. Crew fully instructed on all emergency protocol (#1: stay with the boat) and how to go get YOU if you get pitched over.

One of your greatest risks is that your motor will unexpectedly quit while you are in the bad stuff. This often occurs from your fuel tank being stirred up. You will want to drop your hook and go bow into the wave ASAP if this happens.

short-term float plan: If it's real bad but you are going for it, see if you can call someone on shore or in safe water to let them know you are crossing, and that you will call then when you get through. They can call for help if you don't. This is especially important if it's <2 hours before dark.

Good advice here also. What is definitely worth noting is "prepare, prepare, prepare". I think in the moment one be anxious and forget to "put the cell phone in baggy in pocket" and leave it on the dash only remembering when they 'need' it again. Albeit somewhat of a mute point for me at the moment as there isn't cell coverage up there yet, but noteworthy none the less. Thanks.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Big wave boating technique

Okay, I understand.

With so many new people coming to this board all the time, I felt compelled to say something. Unfortunately, your comment reflects what too many people actually think, until they either survive a frightening natural event, or become a statistic.

No worries. You words are valid, just keeping it focused.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Big wave boating technique

....and these options given are what I'm wondering about.

What's safer?

1. tacking at a 45 degree angle working your way across.
2. running directly up the shore then running with the waves at an angle.

I've run with larger waves before and it 'feels' weird. Unnerving seeing a wave off the transom rather than hitting it with the bow. One can feel almost 'dizzy' running with and sitting in the hollow between waves.

The tacking method is only safer until the waves get larger than a certain height. With a 17" boat I'd say around 4-5ft. Any larger than this and water will be coming over the bow on every wave if you are heading into the wind. The problem will worsen as wind speeds increase and you get whitecaps.

When we encounter waves such as this, >4ft, we always use the method described by dingbat:

When it gets rough like that we run the troughs. It?s take a lot of throttle and timing but it beats the heck out of trying to beat your way through the stuff only to have the wave drop out from under you and bury your bow in the next wave.

The trick is stay turn into the wave as it starts to roll up beside you. It can be a bit harrowing to see a wave rolling up on your gunnel at eye level but it beats getting beat to death.

This is the safest and smoothest ride where you will get the least amount of water breaking over the bow. It also takes a lot of practice to get right. You need to know your boat, know how it is going to respond to the angles of the troughs and waves, know your motor and work the throttle to maintain your position and know where all your passengers are at all times.

This method can also be extreemly dangerous and if you make a mistake you will find yourself in a heap of trouble. That's why people don't take small boats out in 4ft+ waves!

As mentioned, always ensure you are ready with your safety and other precautions mentioned. And if you want to be able to safely make it home in very rough weather you need to get out in the boat a LOT and practice in moderate weather first.

Cheers and be safe!

Happy new year

 

[NYBo]

Re: Big wave boating technique

Lots of great advice here.

As noted, a lot depends on wave size. When quartering waves, trim your drive up so the bow rises a bit. That will help keep the bow above water. Don't overdo it. though. Most of the time, you'll also want to keep the speed just high enough to maintain headway and reduce pounding, but again, wave size dictates you strategy.

 

[642mx]

Re: Big wave boating technique

When it gets rough around here, I just trim down and keep the bow as high as I can (not quite on plane). Its a little rough on the boat and I have to stand up to see over the bow, but I haven't seen any conditions that my little Baja couldn't handle yet....