Big Swells

[BrianS.]

I have a 98 Larson 235 (23 footer). Anyone have a max recommended Swell size that this boat can handle? I was considering a trip this Sat but it seems the swells are going to be rather high, about 9 ft.

 

[noelm]

Re: Big Swells

not too sure that boat size relates to seakeeping qualities, take for example a small life raft that is deployed after a huge ship is disabled during a storm, it has more to do with your ability and the engine keeping going plus a whole range of stuff.

 

[JB]

Re: Big Swells

When in doubt, stay ashore. 9' are more dangerous for a 24' than a 17'.

 

[Triton II]

Re: Big Swells

There's a really good explanation of boat size versus wave height at this web address:<br /><br /> http://www.waterways.nsw.gov.au/windwave.html <br /><br />I agree with JB that 9' is stay ashore time.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Big Swells

There's a really good explanation of boat size versus wave height at this web address

Would be nice if it was in feet. I don't like yards or parts of yards meters or metres.<br /><br />Basically I have a 5.3 yard(meter) vessel and can be happy with a .8 yard(meter) wave height. <br /><br />To me it is easier to say the boat is 17 feet and the wave height of 2.6 ft is max before there are any real issues ie: water over the deck and reduced speed.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Big Swells

9 feet... stay docked. We lost 3 people here this weekend on an 18 footer with 3 feet waves.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Big Swells

I do not know your boat or experience but I can tell you about my 21 foot closed bow boat.<br /><br />It about more than wave height. First a closed bow boat and self bailing boats are safer than open bow boats.<br /><br />My 21 foot closed bow boat we do not launch if the seas are over 8 feet or less than 8 seconds. Instead we do something else that day. We have been out in building seas that were 9 feet every 7 seconds and had a dry safe ride back in but it was no fun comming in I had one person just watching for big breaker astern. Had the sea on the port quarter and was no problem.<br /><br />I belive you could go out is 12 foot seas if swells were 20 seconds apart. This would only happen witha storm way out to sea and calm condintion near shore.<br /><br />Another very important factor is water you must cross getting back into port. If you have to cross shallow water the swells will peek up and then break. Also with a incomming sea and wind and a outgoing current waves will get steeper and more dangerous.<br /><br />One condition I really do not like is a confused sea where the swells are moving one way and the wind waves are going a different directon.<br /><br />Lucky for us here in the USA most Coast Areas have wave rider buoys. One I use here in Northern California Is 11 miles outside of Bodega Bay. There is another out side of San Francisco. These give you all the information you could want. I will include a link and capture current condition. <br /><br />They will give you the Swell height and time apart, direction. Also the wave height. The steepness of the swell. Lots of other info. <br /><br />Bottom line start out in good low swell conditions and make notes. Over a short time you will know what your boat and Crew can do. I personaly suggest two power sources with enough power to steer the boat in the worst condition. Also a big sea anchor just in case all power fails and you have to ride out a storm. Also a good regular anchor with lots of line to keep you off the rocks is drifting to shore and no power.<br /><br /><br /> http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46013 <br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Wind Direction (WDIR): NW ( 320 deg true ) <br /> Wind Speed (WSPD): 15.5 kts <br /> Wind Gust (GST): 19.4 kts <br /> Wave Height (WVHT): 7.5 ft <br /> Dominant Wave Period (DPD): 12 sec <br /> Average Period (APD): 7.8 sec <br /> Atmospheric Pressure (PRES): 30.16 in <br /> Pressure Tendency (PTDY): -0.03 in ( Falling ) <br /> Air Temperature (ATMP): 54.5 °F <br /> Water Temperature (WTMP): 55.2 °F <br /> Combined plot of Wind Speed, Gust, and Air Pressure <br />Continuous Winds TIME<br />(PDT) WDIR WSPD <br />9:50 pm NW ( 316 deg ) 15.3 kts <br />9:40 pm NW ( 310 deg ) 14.0 kts <br />9:30 pm NW ( 308 deg ) 12.2 kts <br />9:20 pm NW ( 306 deg ) 12.6 kts <br />9:10 pm NW ( 307 deg ) 13.2 kts <br />9:00 pm WNW ( 297 deg ) 14.0 kts <br /> <br /> <br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Detailed Wave Summary <br />for 46013 as of <br />(10:00 pm PDT on 05/24/2006)<br />0500 GMT on 05/25/2006: These wave data are displayed in rounded times.<br /><br /> Significant Wave Height (H0): 7.5 ft <br /> Swell Height (SwH): 7.2 ft <br /> Swell Period (SwP): 12.1 sec <br /> Wind Wave Height (WWH): 2.3 ft <br /> Wind Wave Period (WWP): 2.9 sec <br /> Wave Steepness (STEEPNESS): SWELL <br /> Average Wave Period (AVP): 7.8 sec <br />Previous observations MM DD TIME<br />(PDT) H0<br />ft SwH<br />ft SwP<br />sec SwD WWH<br />ft WWP<br />sec WWD STEEPNESS AVP<br />sec <br />05 24 9:00 pm 7.2 6.9 12.9 N/A 2.6 6.2 N/A SWELL 7.8 <br />05 24 8:00 pm 6.9 6.6 12.1 N/A 2.0 5.6 N/A SWELL 7.9 <br />05 24 7:00 pm 7.5 7.2 12.9 N/A 1.6 4.2 N/A SWELL 8.6 <br />05 24 6:00 pm 8.5 8.5 10.0 N/A 1.0 4.0 N/A AVERAGE 8.8 <br />05 24 5:00 pm 7.5 7.5 12.9 N/A 1.0 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.5 <br />05 24 4:00 pm 8.2 8.2 12.9 N/A 1.0 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.7 <br />05 24 3:00 pm 7.9 7.9 13.8 N/A 1.0 3.0 N/A SWELL 8.9 <br />05 24 2:00 pm 8.2 8.2 12.9 N/A 1.0 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.9 <br />05 24 1:00 pm 6.9 6.9 13.8 N/A 1.3 4.0 N/A SWELL 8.3 <br />05 24 12:00 pm 7.5 7.2 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.6 N/A SWELL 8.6 <br />05 24 11:00 am 8.9 8.5 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.7 N/A SWELL 8.9 <br />05 24 10:00 am 9.8 9.8 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.8 N/A SWELL 9.5 <br />05 24 9:00 am 9.5 9.5 12.9 N/A 1.3 4.0 N/A SWELL 9.5 <br />05 24 8:00 am 7.9 7.9 12.1 N/A 1.3 3.6 N/A SWELL 8.7 <br />05 24 7:00 am 7.5 7.2 12.1 N/A 1.3 3.3 N/A SWELL 8.4 <br />05 24 6:00 am 8.5 8.5 12.1 N/A 1.0 3.1 N/A SWELL 9.1 <br />05 24 5:00 am 7.5 7.5 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.5 <br />05 24 4:00 am 7.2 6.9 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.7 N/A SWELL 8.2 <br />05 24 3:00 am 7.9 7.5 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.4 N/A SWELL 8.1 <br />05 24 2:00 am 8.2 7.9 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.5 <br />05 24 1:00 am 7.2 6.9 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.6 N/A SWELL 7.7 <br />05 24 12:00 am 7.9 7.5 13.8 N/A 1.6 3.8 N/A SWELL 7.7 <br />05 23 11:00 pm 7.2 6.9 13.8 N/A 2.0 3.8 N/A SWELL 7.3 <br />05 23 10:00 pm 7.5 7.2 12.9 N/A 1.6 3.8 N/A SWELL 7.1 <br /><br />Plot of wave energy versus frequency (and period)<br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Description of Measurements

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Big Swells

Originally posted by Boatist:<br /> I do not know your boat or experience but I can tell you about my 21 foot closed bow boat.<br /><br />It about more than wave height. First a closed bow boat and self bailing boats are safer than open bow boats.<br /><br />My 21 foot closed bow boat we do not launch if the seas are over 8 feet or less than 8 seconds. Instead we do something else that day. We have been out in building seas that were 9 feet every 7 seconds and had a dry safe ride back in but it was no fun comming in I had one person just watching for big breaker astern. Had the sea on the port quarter and was no problem.<br /><br />I belive you could go out is 12 foot seas if swells were 20 seconds apart. This would only happen witha storm way out to sea and calm condintion near shore.<br /><br />Another very important factor is water you must cross getting back into port. If you have to cross shallow water the swells will peek up and then break. Also with a incomming sea and wind and a outgoing current waves will get steeper and more dangerous.<br /><br />One condition I really do not like is a confused sea where the swells are moving one way and the wind waves are going a different directon.<br /><br />Lucky for us here in the USA most Coast Areas have wave rider buoys. One I use here in Northern California Is 11 miles outside of Bodega Bay. There is another out side of San Francisco. These give you all the information you could want. I will include a link and capture current condition. <br /><br />They will give you the Swell height and time apart, direction. Also the wave height. The steepness of the swell. Lots of other info. <br /><br />Bottom line start out in good low swell conditions and make notes. Over a short time you will know what your boat and Crew can do. I personaly suggest two power sources with enough power to steer the boat in the worst condition. Also a big sea anchor just in case all power fails and you have to ride out a storm. Also a good regular anchor with lots of line to keep you off the rocks is drifting to shore and no power.<br /><br /><br /> http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46013 <br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Conditions at 46013 as of<br />(9:50 pm PDT on 05/24/2006)<br />0450 GMT on 05/25/2006: Unit of Measure: EnglishMetric Time Zone: Station Local TimeGreenwich Mean Time [GMT]British Summer Time [GMT+1]Eastern Greenland [GMT-1]Azores [GMT-2]Western Greenland [GMT-3]Atlantic Standard [GMT-4]US/Eastern StandardUS/Central StandardUS/Mountain StandardUS/Pacific StandardAlaska Standard [GMT-9]Hawaii-Aleutian Standard [GMT-10]Samoa Standard [GMT-11]International Date Line West [GMT-12]Western European [GMT+0]Central European [GMT+1]Eastern European [GMT+2]Moscow [GMT+3]USSR Zone 3 [GMT+4]USSR Zone 4 [GMT+5]USSR Zone 5 [GMT+6]USSR Zone 6 [GMT+7]China Coast [GMT+8]Japan Standard [GMT+9]Guam Standard [GMT+10]GMT+11International Date Line East [GMT+12] <br />Click on the graph icon in the table below to see a time series plot of the last five days of that observation.<br /> <br /> Wind Direction (WDIR): NW ( 320 deg true ) <br /> Wind Speed (WSPD): 15.5 kts <br /> Wind Gust (GST): 19.4 kts <br /> Wave Height (WVHT): 7.5 ft <br /> Dominant Wave Period (DPD): 12 sec <br /> Average Period (APD): 7.8 sec <br /> Atmospheric Pressure (PRES): 30.16 in <br /> Pressure Tendency (PTDY): -0.03 in ( Falling ) <br /> Air Temperature (ATMP): 54.5 °F <br /> Water Temperature (WTMP): 55.2 °F <br /> Combined plot of Wind Speed, Gust, and Air Pressure <br />Continuous Winds TIME<br />(PDT) WDIR WSPD <br />9:50 pm NW ( 316 deg ) 15.3 kts <br />9:40 pm NW ( 310 deg ) 14.0 kts <br />9:30 pm NW ( 308 deg ) 12.2 kts <br />9:20 pm NW ( 306 deg ) 12.6 kts <br />9:10 pm NW ( 307 deg ) 13.2 kts <br />9:00 pm WNW ( 297 deg ) 14.0 kts <br /> <br />Previous observations MM DD TIME<br />(PDT) WDIR WSPD<br />kts GST<br />kts WVHT<br />ft DPD<br />sec APD<br />sec MWD PRES<br />in PTDY<br />in ATMP<br />°F WTMP<br />°F DEWP<br />°F SAL VIS<br />mi TIDE<br />ft <br />05 24 8:50 pm WNW 15.5 17.5 7.2 13 7.8 - 30.16 -0.05 53.8 55.6 - - - - <br />05 24 7:50 pm WNW 11.7 13.6 6.9 12 7.9 - 30.17 -0.04 54.3 55.8 - - - - <br />05 24 6:50 pm NW 9.7 13.6 7.5 13 8.6 - 30.19 -0.03 55.6 56.5 - - - - <br />05 24 5:50 pm WNW 7.8 11.7 8.5 10 8.8 - 30.21 -0.03 56.5 56.5 - - - - <br />05 24 4:50 pm W 5.8 7.8 7.5 13 8.5 - 30.21 -0.03 56.5 56.8 - - - - <br />05 24 3:50 pm WSW 5.8 7.8 8.2 13 8.7 - 30.23 -0.02 57.0 56.7 - - - - <br />05 24 2:50 pm WSW 5.8 5.8 7.9 14 8.9 - 30.24 -0.01 57.2 57.2 - - - - <br />05 24 1:50 pm SW 3.9 5.8 8.2 13 8.9 - 30.24 +0.00 56.7 56.1 - - - - <br />05 24 12:50 pm SSW 3.9 5.8 6.9 14 8.3 - 30.24 +0.01 57.2 55.8 - - - - <br />05 24 11:50 am S 1.9 3.9 7.5 13 8.6 - 30.25 +0.03 56.5 55.6 - - - - <br />05 24 10:50 am S 1.9 3.9 8.9 13 8.9 - 30.24 +0.03 56.5 54.9 - - - - <br />05 24 9:50 am E 1.9 5.8 9.8 13 9.5 - 30.24 +0.04 55.6 54.5 - - - - <br />05 24 8:50 am S 1.9 5.8 9.5 13 9.5 - 30.22 +0.04 55.0 54.1 - - - - <br />05 24 7:50 am NE 1.9 3.9 7.9 12 8.7 - 30.22 +0.04 54.7 54.0 - - - - <br />05 24 6:50 am ENE 1.9 1.9 7.5 12 8.4 - 30.19 +0.03 54.7 53.8 - - - - <br />05 24 5:50 am SW 3.9 3.9 8.5 12 9.1 - 30.18 +0.02 55.0 53.8 - - - - <br />05 24 4:50 am SW 3.9 5.8 7.5 13 8.5 - 30.17 +0.02 55.0 53.8 - - - - <br />05 24 3:50 am SW 3.9 5.8 7.2 13 8.2 - 30.17 +0.01 55.2 53.8 - - - - <br />05 24 2:50 am S 3.9 5.8 7.9 13 8.1 - 30.16 +0.00 55.4 54.0 - - - - <br />05 24 1:50 am S 7.8 7.8 8.2 13 8.5 - 30.15 +0.00 55.4 54.0 - - - - <br />05 24 12:50 am SSE 7.8 9.7 7.2 13 7.7 - 30.15 +0.00 55.8 54.0 - - - - <br />05 23 11:50 pm SSE 7.8 11.7 7.9 14 7.7 - 30.15 +0.01 55.8 54.0 - - - - <br />05 23 10:50 pm SE 9.7 11.7 7.2 14 7.3 - 30.16 +0.01 55.9 54.0 - - - - <br />05 23 9:50 pm SE 7.8 9.7 7.5 13 7.1 - 30.15 +0.01 55.6 54.0 - - - - <br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Detailed Wave Summary <br />for 46013 as of <br />(10:00 pm PDT on 05/24/2006)<br />0500 GMT on 05/25/2006: These wave data are displayed in rounded times.<br /><br /> Unit of Measure: EnglishMetric Time Zone: Station Local TimeGreenwich Mean Time [GMT]British Summer Time [GMT+1]Eastern Greenland [GMT-1]Azores [GMT-2]Western Greenland [GMT-3]Atlantic Standard [GMT-4]US/Eastern StandardUS/Central StandardUS/Mountain StandardUS/Pacific StandardAlaska Standard [GMT-9]Hawaii-Aleutian Standard [GMT-10]Samoa Standard [GMT-11]International Date Line West [GMT-12]Western European [GMT+0]Central European [GMT+1]Eastern European [GMT+2]Moscow [GMT+3]USSR Zone 3 [GMT+4]USSR Zone 4 [GMT+5]USSR Zone 5 [GMT+6]USSR Zone 6 [GMT+7]China Coast [GMT+8]Japan Standard [GMT+9]Guam Standard [GMT+10]GMT+11International Date Line East [GMT+12] <br />Click on the graph icon in the table below to see a time series plot of the last five days of that observation.<br /> <br /> Significant Wave Height (H0): 7.5 ft <br /> Swell Height (SwH): 7.2 ft <br /> Swell Period (SwP): 12.1 sec <br /> Wind Wave Height (WWH): 2.3 ft <br /> Wind Wave Period (WWP): 2.9 sec <br /> Wave Steepness (STEEPNESS): SWELL <br /> Average Wave Period (AVP): 7.8 sec <br />Previous observations MM DD TIME<br />(PDT) H0<br />ft SwH<br />ft SwP<br />sec SwD WWH<br />ft WWP<br />sec WWD STEEPNESS AVP<br />sec <br />05 24 9:00 pm 7.2 6.9 12.9 N/A 2.6 6.2 N/A SWELL 7.8 <br />05 24 8:00 pm 6.9 6.6 12.1 N/A 2.0 5.6 N/A SWELL 7.9 <br />05 24 7:00 pm 7.5 7.2 12.9 N/A 1.6 4.2 N/A SWELL 8.6 <br />05 24 6:00 pm 8.5 8.5 10.0 N/A 1.0 4.0 N/A AVERAGE 8.8 <br />05 24 5:00 pm 7.5 7.5 12.9 N/A 1.0 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.5 <br />05 24 4:00 pm 8.2 8.2 12.9 N/A 1.0 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.7 <br />05 24 3:00 pm 7.9 7.9 13.8 N/A 1.0 3.0 N/A SWELL 8.9 <br />05 24 2:00 pm 8.2 8.2 12.9 N/A 1.0 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.9 <br />05 24 1:00 pm 6.9 6.9 13.8 N/A 1.3 4.0 N/A SWELL 8.3 <br />05 24 12:00 pm 7.5 7.2 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.6 N/A SWELL 8.6 <br />05 24 11:00 am 8.9 8.5 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.7 N/A SWELL 8.9 <br />05 24 10:00 am 9.8 9.8 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.8 N/A SWELL 9.5 <br />05 24 9:00 am 9.5 9.5 12.9 N/A 1.3 4.0 N/A SWELL 9.5 <br />05 24 8:00 am 7.9 7.9 12.1 N/A 1.3 3.6 N/A SWELL 8.7 <br />05 24 7:00 am 7.5 7.2 12.1 N/A 1.3 3.3 N/A SWELL 8.4 <br />05 24 6:00 am 8.5 8.5 12.1 N/A 1.0 3.1 N/A SWELL 9.1 <br />05 24 5:00 am 7.5 7.5 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.5 <br />05 24 4:00 am 7.2 6.9 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.7 N/A SWELL 8.2 <br />05 24 3:00 am 7.9 7.5 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.4 N/A SWELL 8.1 <br />05 24 2:00 am 8.2 7.9 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.8 N/A SWELL 8.5 <br />05 24 1:00 am 7.2 6.9 12.9 N/A 1.3 3.6 N/A SWELL 7.7 <br />05 24 12:00 am 7.9 7.5 13.8 N/A 1.6 3.8 N/A SWELL 7.7 <br />05 23 11:00 pm 7.2 6.9 13.8 N/A 2.0 3.8 N/A SWELL 7.3 <br />05 23 10:00 pm 7.5 7.2 12.9 N/A 1.6 3.8 N/A SWELL 7.1 <br /><br />Plot of wave energy versus frequency (and period)<br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Description of Measurements

Volumes of info there......... and probalby very good info. One striking statement is the size of the swell and how far apart they are rolling.....truly a bench mark we all need to pay attention to.<br /><br />Give me a 40 foot crest and 100 feet apart, it would be great for 10 min's then boring.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Big Swells

Great info, thanks a ton for the replies all.<br /><br />This is the forcast for my planned Catalina Trip, so I think we'll go find a Lake instead.<br /><br />

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Big Swells

Wave height is not the only factor, actually vave period is more important. 3 foot waves 3 seconds apart are worse than 9 foot waves 12 seconds apart. Wave period determines the steepness of the wave which is more important than just the height.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Big Swells

Right now it's at 6 ft at 8 secs.<br /><br />STATION: 46025 Catalina . Latest Report . 6:50am May / 25 / 2006 <br />Hour Wave Ht. Swell Ht. Wave Per. Swell Dir. Wind Seas Wind Speed Gust Air Temp. Sea Temp. <br />6:50am 6.2 ft 5.9 ft 8 sec - 2.0 ft NNW 8.0 kt 8.0 kt 64ºF 64ºF <br />5:50am 6.2 ft 4.3 ft 8 sec - 4.6 ft NNW 13 kt 15 kt 63ºF 65ºF <br />4:50am 6.2 ft 5.9 ft 7 sec - 2.0 ft N 4.0 kt 8.0 kt 63ºF 65ºF <br />3:50am 6.6 ft 6.2 ft 8 sec - 2.0 ft SSW 4.0 kt 6.0 kt 63ºF 65ºF <br />2:50am 6.2 ft 5.9 ft 7 sec - 2.0 ft WNW 6.0 kt 8.0 kt 63ºF 65ºF <br />1:50am 5.9 ft 5.6 ft 7 sec - 2.0 ft NNW 2.0 kt 6.0 kt 64ºF 65º<br /><br />Looks like on Sat it will be 9ft at 8-9 secs.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Big Swells

As stated previously, wave height and vessel length are only two of MANY factors to consider. I commend you for you willingness to ask others for their advice and your decision to make alternate plans.<br /><br />Have you considered joining a local boating organization to learn more about passage planning?

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Big Swells

Not too many local places near me for that. I think the closest is about 2 hours away.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Big Swells

Isn't there a difference between waves and swells? Brians seems to be talking about swells

 

[Pony]

Re: Big Swells

Originally posted by JB:<br /> When in doubt, stay ashore. 9' are more dangerous for a 24' than a 17'.

If you are talking waves sure.........<br /><br />Swells can be thought of as a fairly regular (though not continual) wave signal existing in the midst of strong noise (i.e., normal waves and chop) Basically swells are generated from some distiance away. They are seperate from a wave. A 9ft swell over enough time is barely noticeable......but a 9ft wave will likely cause some damage. Like others have said the frequency combined with the height that is key.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Big Swells

9' waves will sink your boat,,, 9' swells will get ya sea sick.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Big Swells

Ya, and sea sick many people did get. I asked on my favorite Scuba site how the swells were and everyone that did go (on big boats) said it was horrible and everyone was throwing up.<br /><br />Glad I stayed home.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Big Swells

You know, all this is totally humbling. We live in our little cove of activity and think not about others. I have deliberately moved to a 1000 acre lake to stay away from the big waves and then this thread pops up from the Pacific Ocean, no less, and boy did I get humble quick; like a bunny.<br /><br />Geez, the last time we were in 12' seas was off the Florida Keys (East coast) in a charter and everyone was pukin and the head was all the way forward, and puke was lined from the aft fishing compartment to the head.......babes and guys,,,,,,,bad, bad. Will never do that again.<br /><br />Mark

 

[calwldlif]

Re: Big Swells

I get the impression you have not<br />been to Cata before?<br />I 've read many posts from people concerned<br />about the crossing.<br />There seems to be two schools of thought.<br />Never go<br />Whats a little water between friends?<br />I personelly have crossed many times<br />in a 17.5 ft open bow to 33 ft trawler.<br />My main craft is 19.5 ft runabout i/o<br />closed bow. I've crossed in glass water<br />conditions, and in 12+ swells. only difference was time.<br />Crossing any water at the wrong angles and speed<br />will definately ruin your day.<br />I would never promote boating in conditions<br />someone is not used to, on the other hand<br />a captan needs to experience the sublties<br />water can throw at him/her.<br />Only you know/should know what your boats<br />limits are. Never be afraid of the water,<br />but you had better respect it.<br />If it the rough ride that stops you fine,<br />if its the fear, learn to get past it,<br />take seamanship classes and learn the water.<br />you will be amazed how piloting can open the<br />world of water up to you.<br />Wild "its gonna hurt" Life

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Big Swells

With 20 previous years of boating it was not until I got hit by a late summer front on the Gulf of Mexico with steady 55 knot winds and 10 to 12 foot seas for almost two hours did I really gain confidence in my boat handling abilities. Experience is the hardest but best teacher.