Chesapeake Wimp

[kkid]

I have had a 40' trawler for 4 years and operate out of the Patuxent River. I want to cruise up and down the Chesapeake much more than I have, but I frequently find myself limited by undesirable weather. When NOAA reports "waves 2 feet" , my boating fun meter goes way down. It only takes 10 knots of wind to generate 2 ft waves on the bay, so uncomfortable seas are frequent. I don't know if I am just a wimp or if my boat just doesn't handle very well. Does anyone else suffer this dilemma?

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Chesapeake Wimp

Why are you afraid of 2' waves in a 40' boat? You probable have 4' of freeboard.

 

[arks]

Re: Chesapeake Wimp

I gotta say, that's a very honest first post! And you're not a wimp. In my experience most large cruisers can take a much bigger beating than its occupants would ever want to be part of. There's no shame in admtting discomfort- hey, most of us are out there to relax and enjoy the trip. I've discovered the best way to find smooth water around here is to time voyages so the tide and wind are moving in generally the same direction. Conditions with opposing forces can really whip the Bay up in a hurry. Also, early mornings and evenings will often have calmer conditions. Finally, sometimes you just have to wait out the weather. High pressure is the powerboaters friend, but the blowboaters can't wait for a low to show up and create a gale for a few days. To each his own, I guess!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Chesapeake Wimp

I take it you don?t like doing the Chesapeake waltz? You'd better learn all the steps if you want to spend any time at all on the Chessy.

I wouldn?t think you would even notice a 2? foot chop with a displacement hull Then again I guess it also depends on what you call comfortable.

As stated above run early and late in the day when the winds are down and try and time the direction of your travel with the tides. I?d much rather bunch my home into a head sea than wallow my way home in a following one.