Stupid but true

[stunod]

Hi,<br />A few weeks ago I decided to do some ocean fishing and exited via "THE INLET" This "INLET" is moriches,LI,Ny and is very rough at times. Many people have died there in the past. There are a few ways to avoid these 6-8' Rough waves in moriches but on this particular morning I couldn't find one. Before I knew it, it was too late to turn back and I was forced to go through the 6-8' rips. <br /><br />My boat is a 21 'cuddy and most of the water that came crashing on to it, washed back off. I was getting flashbacks of the movie "The Perfect storm"<br />My girlfriend was screaming, my friend was praying and I had ten fingers imbedded into the steering wheel. We finally got thru it only to find out that the ocean had 4-5 ' swells out there. <br /><br />Strangely enough, 3 hours later the ocean calmed down and we had a great fishing day.<br /><br />Question: At what point do boaters say to themselves..." 4-5' chop today?..forget...I'm staying home. 3-4 chop Hmm? I'll go<br /><br />Thanks for listening,<br />Lou

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Stupid but true

Been there, only in an 18' canoe in two footers! Scaaaaary!

 

[MGuckin]

Re: Stupid but true

I am very surprised they did not have small craft warnings out. I grew up on Long Island Sound in Old Saybrook area in CT. It seemed warnings were out whenever the water was anything but flat.<br />The sound is full of rips.<br />Try going thru the "Race".<br />At least you made it ok and now know what your boat handle.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: Stupid but true

It's true that your boat can handle more than you. You have to find your own comfort zone and make that the limit. When you go out and play in the big pond things can and do change rapidly so watch the weather closely...very closely. Give your self plenty of time to get back to a protected area and make sure to use the rule of 1/3s...1/3 out..1/3 reserve...1/3 back.