Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

cjones4@hvc.rr.com

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 8, 2003
Messages
132
Hi. I'm stumped so decided to ask the experts here. I have an aluminum 18' Starcraft cuddy. I have been using a drift sock to slow my drift while fishing in windy conditions. Also have fairly strong tides. I have used it with the wind and tide in the same direction and in opposite directions. I was tying the sock off to a bow cleat which is slightly off center. The boat never turns with the bow directly into the wind and waves. Instead it turns sideways to wind and waves. I moved the line to the sock to the bow eye thinking that would help it move bow to into the waves but I got the same result... boat sideways to the wind and waves. For fishing this is a minor problem, but I always thought if I get caught in high seas without power and need to ride it out - the thing to to do would be to deploy the sock and ride bow to waves. Now I have no confidence this will work and could even be worse than not using it. I have also tried turning the outboard (not running) in all directions and raising the trim till it is out of the water - all with little or no effect. I am using a long parachute cord for the dump line and have tried varying lengths and tie off points - also with no effect. How do I get her bow to the waves and wind??
 

cribber

Lieutenant
Joined
May 29, 2008
Messages
1,338
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

This question got me and once I got my head wrapped around your problem I think I have a suggestion.

Instead of a single line to your drift sock from the bow, do you have two cleats or tie down points on either side of your bow at the front and use two ropes with your drift sock? This would triangulate your drift sock so you could adjust left/right drift by adjusting one line or the other to keep your bow pointed in the direction you need for changing conditions.

Just a thought...
 

Drowned Rat

Captain
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
3,070
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

The sock has to be large enough to overcome the set and drift of the wind and current on the boat's hull. If it isn't, the result is exactly what is happening to you. You may need a larger sock especially if the currents in your area are strong. Also if the wind is crossways to the set of the current or swells, you may never get your bow into the waves.
 

HAV2FISH

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 24, 2008
Messages
519
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

I have a piece of rope that i have loops tied into. I fasten each end of this rope to the cleats on the side of my boat. I then clip my drift sock onto this rope. Then depending on the wind and current and how i want the boat to drift i use the different loops. The more loops you tie into the rope the more adjustment you have.
 

cjones4@hvc.rr.com

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 8, 2003
Messages
132
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

Thanks for the good replies. I do have a bow cleat on each side. I was thinking I would try that. But the four web straps from the corners of the sock come to a common point ... so would 2 lines have any effect?? Or would the shortest one be taught and the longer side be loose?

As to the loops tied into the line... is that on a single line or one to each side so you can adjust?
 

cranksbait

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
39
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

It almost sounds like you are attaching the sock directly to your boat? You are not getting full effect that way. I use a 4 foot climbing sling attached to mine. Gets the sock out a bit and it gets down.

I have a 17 foot Lund side console. Depending on where on the boat I attach I can get the desired angle no matter the wind or current.
 

Randybeall

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 2, 2008
Messages
319
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

There are times when the wind and current will make it not possible. I have best luck with two drift socks, you can change which way your drifting fairly easily with two by selecting which cleats you use.
 

HAV2FISH

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 24, 2008
Messages
519
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

As to the loops tied into the line... is that on a single line or one to each side so you can adjust?


The line i use is about 18ft. long and i have loops tied into it about every 6" or so apart. If i want the boat to drift strait bow to stern i just hook each end of the rope to my back two cleats one on each side of the boat. It then trails behind the boat and motor with drift sock attached to the center loop. If i want the boat to drift sideways i hook each end of the rope to the cleats on one side of the boat. I then make my adjustments depending on wind and current by using the loops. The more loops you put into the rope the more adjustment you have and you can adjust the length of the rope depending on the length of your boat.
 

David Greer

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 7, 2006
Messages
219
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

how much line are you putting out? The more the better usually.
you mentioned current--remember, the sock moves with the current first; resists wind second. Wind and current same direction: little or no effect.
Also depends on how high your boat floats: is the boat more of a sail or a keel? My flat 19' Carolina Skiff draws 4" so it is all sail.
 

jennis9

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 22, 2008
Messages
396
Re: Using drift sock - how to get bow to waves?

IMO--- using two bags may be the trick. WE tried it with one on our 21' and it was frustrating.

I have attached a pic of one of our local charters and how he attaches the bags - one on each side. He has a great nightfishing/inline boards/bags/trolling page - it you want the address - send me a PM.

The second line will also help you when you decide to make a turn - -- you can lift the bag out so you can maneuver and then drop it back in once you have adjusted your course. Leaving it only clipped to the bow cleat makes that a little tougher.

Guys around here also use a pair of 5gal buckets in the same way.

PS - Hav2 - nice tips.
 

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