POINTER94
Vice Admiral
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2003
- Messages
- 5,031
Re: New at boating: Are 20 mph winds excessive to boat in?
Tough to answer that question. Depends on the size, depth, and shape of the lake in conjunction with the direction the wind is out of. <br /><br />Handling near the dock with be a neat challenge for you. It will give you an idea about your drift and windage. Try to stay out of reverse as it is difficult for most boats to steer due to their design and the paddlewheel effect of a prop in reverse creates a delayed reaction and in some cases the opposite of what you expect. <br /><br />Winds can have different effects on different lakes. Talk to the locals as they know which direction creates the most havoc. Know your safety spots. If you don't know if you can make her back you should know were to go. 20mph is a stiff breeze, but in most cases as long as it hasn't been blowing long you should be fine. A 20ft boat won't want to see much more than a 4ft sea. Try to take larger seas on the bow quarters. Not straight on if possible. Hull designs vary. Try to manage your engine trim to maintain an optimum bow attitude for your conditions.<br /><br />Just some thoughts.
Tough to answer that question. Depends on the size, depth, and shape of the lake in conjunction with the direction the wind is out of. <br /><br />Handling near the dock with be a neat challenge for you. It will give you an idea about your drift and windage. Try to stay out of reverse as it is difficult for most boats to steer due to their design and the paddlewheel effect of a prop in reverse creates a delayed reaction and in some cases the opposite of what you expect. <br /><br />Winds can have different effects on different lakes. Talk to the locals as they know which direction creates the most havoc. Know your safety spots. If you don't know if you can make her back you should know were to go. 20mph is a stiff breeze, but in most cases as long as it hasn't been blowing long you should be fine. A 20ft boat won't want to see much more than a 4ft sea. Try to take larger seas on the bow quarters. Not straight on if possible. Hull designs vary. Try to manage your engine trim to maintain an optimum bow attitude for your conditions.<br /><br />Just some thoughts.
, but I will remember it as the greatest lightning show I have EVER seen.