Handling rough seas

[JimmySea]

Hi all, Ive got a 15 foot fletcher arrowflyte speed boat with a merc 70hp outboard, moored off the east coast of england in scarborough harbour. <br /><br />Im new to boating, it is my first boat and i am still very inexperienced, especially with larger waves. If i am out when there is a swell, is it best to approach the waves head on (90degrees) three quaters on or drive past them parrelel. I was originally told to approach head on (by fresh water sailers) but was told by an experienced sea yaughts man to approah either at a three quater angle to them or parralel to them. However on a boat my size could parralel not capsize you?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Handling rough seas

woops

 

[Triton II]

Re: Handling rough seas

Jimmy, in a 15 footer I wouldn't be out there at all if it's more than four foot waves. Sailboats can handle bigger waves because they have a big blade in the water to offset the forces of the wind on their sails so they are far less prone to being toppled over by big swells. However, if you do get stuck when it gets big, try taking the swells at about 20 degrees offset rather than directly head on. This will slow down the path of the wave under the boat and allow the bow to ride up over the wave a little better. Do not be tempted to run parallel - you'll get rolled! When turning around in big seas, wait until there's a big gap and turn the shortest way (i.e if you're offset by 20 degrees to the right into the waves, keep turning to the right when you want to turn around) then chase the last wave you went over and sit on its backside until you get into a harbour. Running with waves is more dangerous than running into them, so even if you think you are OK going into them, consider how much harder it is to run back into shore! Experience will help, but start off being very wimpish and if you're not sure - don't go! There's a really good guide to small craft safety at:<br /><br /> http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/sbh.html

 

[txswinner]

Re: Handling rough seas

Into or out of always quarter the waves. And Triton's advice on turning is excellant as well. Good luck but lots of practice will be better.