Boating in rough water conditions

[Wildlifedesigner]

I just took my 16 foot Bass Tracker Deep V out to the Bay for some fishing. Way to much fun never to do again. Some say I am out of my mind for taking it in the bay, some just say be carefull. I am just going to be careful. I have boating experience in the delta which can have some rough water, but have some real general questions and want to hear some opinions about boating in rough water. <br />How does a boat capsize? does it take alot? <br />opinions on which swells / conditions to avoid?, <br />We did get soaking wet from all the water spraying us does that mean the water was just to rough for the boat to handle? <br />Should I drop the pitch on the prop for more power, better holeshot?,<br /> on big wakes would you rather hit them head on or at an angle? slow med. or fast<br />Any more opinions? Post away.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Boating in rough water conditions

Funny old double-post going on here!<br /><br />You're gonna get a lot of opinions on all this, Wildlife. <br /><br />We boat in salt, and around our islands the sea varies according to wind direction, from one bay to the next. So every time we're out, we usually hit rough water somewhere. My own thoughts are these:<br /><br />Capsizing usually happens when you're beam on to the rollers. Frequency and type of rollers make the difference, as does the shape and load of the boat. Don't ride beam on. <br /><br />When crossing another boat's wake, especially a big gin palace going fast (they seem to make a much shorter, steeper wake than most other craft!) I use one of two techniques, depending on the prevailing seas and my load at the time. I either throttle right back and cross it at right angles, or I swing along with it, keep speed up, and angle across it.<br /><br />Conditions to avoid? Any that get you feeling unsafe. Any that start bringing green water into the boat. Spray is not an indicator. Some boats give a 'wet' ride, some don't.<br /><br />Ask around locally and get plenty of opinions. Never be brave - always boat with caution. And listen to the guys here - many of them have a huge wealth of experience.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Boating in rough water conditions

Wear a PFD. Don't assume that other boats see you. Let us know when you go out the Gate

 

[Solittle]

Re: Boating in rough water conditions

If you even think it may be a bit rough for you slow down. Keep the bow high to avoid stuffing it into a wave. Holeshot is not an issue in rough water as you should not be on a plane. In a 16'er do not attempt to go into or out of a cut unless you have someone with local knowledge who has done it before.<br /><br />Did I say slow down.<br /><br />P.S. The best advice is to keep it on the trailer in rough water. Read about the drownings in the newspaper. I have.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Boating in rough water conditions

I had a scare my first season boating. I was 3rd in a three boat convoy heading up the lake at about half throttle. I decided to get out of line and come up along side our companion boater. I cut back the trottle a bit and, after checking to see I was clear to turn, cut out to port on about a 45 degree angle of the number 2's wake. No problem. The problem I encountered was I when I turned back to starboard and caught the number 1 boats wake. I caught it and felt the boat start so side-slip as she rode the wak. Not a big wake but enough you could feel the lurch and scare the passengers. I honestly thought for a second we were going over then I turned her hard to port (much like turning into a skid with a car) and the bow stuffed a enough to cuse lots of spray. Real rookie mistake! One that I have learned from.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[AJ168]

Re: Boating in rough water conditions

They say that wakes are supposed to be taken at a 45 degree angle. And that seems to be the best, as the boat won't pound. And don't hit them too fast, at least untill you know how the boat will take it. Don't worry about spray, some boats will just get you really wet, even in a little chop. (mine being one of them)<br />If you start to get nervous, just slow way down, almost to an idle, just enough to maintain control.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Boating in rough water conditions

Usually, a swell has to at least equal the width of the boat in height to cause a capsize, but it does depend on load distribution, center of gravity, etc. <br /><br />Jeff, that sidelip deal used to cause a tense spincter reaction (TSR) in me until I got used to how it felt, and how to throttle through it. Every 4th of July, we watch the fireworks out on the lake, and when it is done, you have countless boats all going in the same direction. The water gets really confused, and the swells get quite tall. It feels like the stern is getting sucked down into the water. I learned to just cruise at about 23-25 mph, same as the other boats, and it cruises through. Slowing down makes it worse, going to fast makes it even less fun.<br /><br />I was fishing today, and the water was so flat that I did not see the giant wake swells from a large express cruiser I had just passed going in the opposite direction. By the time I saw the first swell, it was too late. Even though I was only going about 23 mph, I rode up that first swell, caught complete air (the prop lost contact with the water, as well as the rest of the boat). I landed on the top of the next swell, the prop caught, and I basically skipped across the tops of the swells. Kinda fun, kinda trou soiling.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Boating in rough water conditions

Welcome to boating. Now I suggest you attend a boating safety class, either US Power Squadron or USCG Aux. You're asking the right questions, but there is more to it. The classes or either free (USPS) or very low cost (USCG Aux).

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Boating in rough water conditions

A lot of the problems with boating in rough water conditions only arise when the enging dies. This is when you lose control of the situation and Mother Nature takes over. This is the point where you find out if you were pushing the limits of your boat. <br /><br />Boating is not always fun.<br />Sometimes its,......well,.....stupid<br /><br />Im not sayin "your" stupid, I am just saying that EVERY boat/yacht/ship has its limits and to push those limits is, at least, irresponsible, to your passangers and/or crew.