Boating in swift Current/Rough Seas

[TommyD11730]

Hey Guys

Former boat owner looking to get back into the water. (not literally I hope)!

My Primary use for the boat will be short fishing trips inshore. I live in the NorthEast' and expect to use the boat on the South Shore of Long Island. Mostly Moriches Inlet/Bay.

My last boat I owned was a Starcraft 18' Center Console. It was a nice boat, easy to operate and a featherlight to tow. I think it was around 800lbs dry <hull only>.

So I wonder, how will a ultralight, so to speak work out in a challenging inlet? It's not so much the size of the boat, <were fishing it in a 15' McKee Craft currently> but it's light weight I'm worried about. I don't know the physics all that well but one would think a wave would move a lighter hull <of similar size> further then a heavier one.

Thoughts?

Tommy

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Boating in swift Current/Rough Seas

If two boats are of similar size and one is lighter than the other, I'd say the lighter one will perform better in all conditions. It will float higher and go faster than the heavier one if everything else is equal.

 

[TommyD11730]

Re: Boating in swift Current/Rough Seas

If broadsided by a wake, or wave do you feel the heavier boat will "hold it's ground" better then the lighter one?

My fear is a tin boat nearly half the weight <but similar size/shape> is going to take a beating vs a glass hull.

 

[arks]

Re: Boating in swift Current/Rough Seas

Concerning swells, waves and chop, heavy is always better.
The hull configuration also plays a big part as to how a boat cuts thru/over a wave. As a general rule, a deeper V will ride better thru waves than a shallow V or catherdral.

"If broadsided by a wake, or wave do you feel the heavier boat will "hold it's ground" better then the lighter one?"
Maybe, but in heavy conditions that situation should be avoided if at all possible. In this case, a deep V will rotate MORE than a shallow V unless it is making forward progress.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Boating in swift Current/Rough Seas

Assume the fiberglass boat is 1000 pounds heavier than the tin one (wild guess). I don't think the additional 1000 pounds will matter in rough seas when 5000 pounds of water hits it.

Generally you shouldn't be trying to fight or resist the sea. You should be trying to minimize it's impact on you and your boat. The fiberglass and tin boats should both be structurally sound.

(Keep in mind I am not an expert.)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boating in swift Current/Rough Seas

I've run aluminum and glass in choppy water of the chesapeake bay and eastern shore; to me the glass just feel more solid. And more weight is better for dealing with it--it's not about floating higher. I felt like the light boats got sudden stops on each wave instead of getting through them.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Boating in swift Current/Rough Seas

Hi, Tommy. I sent you a PM. Take a look.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Boating in swift Current/Rough Seas

There is replacement for displacement when it comes to ride quality in the rough. I can't think of a single situation where lighter is better when dealing with adverse condtions

If broadsided by a wake, or wave do you feel the heavier boat will "hold it's ground" better then the lighter one?"

A heavier boat will hold it's ground better under any condtion.

We do a lot of Striper fishing in the winter time. Do a lot of drifting and trolling just beyond the breakers on the outer bar. One slip up and your on the bar. Absolutly no place for the light weight, shallow deadrise boat.