Navigate large wake in a small boat?

[wgoodhoofd]

Our boat is 17.5' long, and when we take it through the canals and lakes in Southern Ontario, we come across very large wakes generated by very large boats.

What is the best way to safely cross a wake that is extremely large in a boat that is smaller? Off plane and the front end nosedives, too fast and the boat flies.

 

[scjmc]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

Slow down to lowest planing speed and take it head on.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

stay on plane but slow down and take it at a 45 degree angle is what Iwas told.

woosterken

 

[dgopetactical]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

Hello,
As a basic boating rule, it's best to approach wakes by having your boat on a 45-degee angle to the wake.

It's generally easier to hit small- and moderately- sized wakes while on plane, but not accelerating.
As you approach a moderate wake, back off the throttle a little. This will cause your bow to rise on a steeper angle. The hull will then cut through the wake more easily.
Wake waves tend to travel in groups of three peaks. As your boast passes over the final peak, begin to accelerate again. This will lower your bow so that you are again cleanly on plane.
When crossing large wakes, get off plane. I know this is a pain and a waste of gas. However, wakes can be so big you that can damage or swamp your boat. Large wakes can also slam your passengers around.
When you see a large wake, slow down, get off plane and leave your boat in forward gear at idle speed (this allows you to maintain some steering control.)
Denny

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

take a safe boating course, there are several ways, for different conditions. you have to know what is best for your boat.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

There is no "best" way that will work for every situation. However, it is probably best to keep you bow high and approach at an angle.

 

[capt sam]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

coming or going? coming, I slow way down on a large wake and put the bow into it at a 45 degree angle. going I pass at least a hundred feet back on plane as long as the wake isn't too big.

 

[dontask]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

If your asking a question like this you probably have not learned that trimming the drive unit properly is also very important in how the boat will handle taking on these wakes. Also, don't expect to be ready for the real world after attending a Safe Boating course, its only one of the steps it sounds like you need. Good luck

 

[Mark42]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

Most members suggested approaching at 45* angle. Good reference, and you need to practice and find what works best for your craft. Generally speaking, the larger the wake (or roller waves) the smaller the angle of attack can be, making the wave from a up/down event (like at 90) to a long ride up one side and down the other, and speed does not need to be dropped much. But you need to know your craft, because to small an angle and the boat can be swamped over the side, especially if the wave starts to break. I find that in my 14' runabout and 16' Cuddy, a 30* attack works well on rollers as large as 6 feet.

 

[dave11]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

Does anyone know what would be the difference in crossing big wakes in a deep V vs a semi-planing hull?

 

[Arnoldsw]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

I experience these large wakes in the St John's river north of Orlando all of the time. I have a 19 foot bowrider and I find it is best to take them at slow speed, bow up, off of the plane, and at about a 45 degree angle. As you become more familiar with the wakes and the distance you are from the creation of the wake and the orientation of the river, you will find that you will be able to take some wakes (smaller and older ones) on a more parallel course to the wake and still at a decent speed and on a plane.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

From my recollection of a boater safety course taken, you should approach the wake at a 45* angle. I have a 14' flat-bottom aluminum and a 17.5' v-hull fiberglass. At 45*, each vessel reacts differently. So, yes, 45* is not the one-size fits all approach. The bigger the wake, the slower I approach it, down to idling speed; but never parallel or perpendicular to the way for fear of broaching or pitch-polling the boat. I've taken on water before, and with a 45* approach. Lesson learned, move passengers aft while traversing the wake to keep the bow light. MHO

 

[Mark42]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

Does anyone know what would be the difference in crossing big wakes in a deep V vs a semi-planing hull?

My MFG is a planing hull, and the Bayliner is deep V. The Bayliner is about 2 feet longer than the MFG, and it does handle the waves better because it can cut through some waves where the MFG would have to ride over them. The MFG has to slow down more, but I don't notice much difference in the angle of attack on a big wave.

 

[Sliver]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

All good advice and I can't offer more on the subject. However I see a lot of * instead of the degree sign. I know it's not on the keyboard!!! Here is a trick though for getting it from my CAD work. Hold the alt key down and then type the numbers 0176 then release the alt key. There it is!!!

 

[allinmygarage]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

Holy crap Sliver that worked. I like the tip of the day. I love shortcuts and quick keys.

I wish it was easier to remember though. 55?F here in MN

 

[skargo]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

Orrrr, just use the character map under system tools


??????????

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

All good advice and I can't offer more on the subject. However I see a lot of * instead of the degree sign. I know it's not on the keyboard!!! Here is a trick though for getting it from my CAD work. Hold the alt key down and then type the numbers 0176 then release the alt key. There it is!!!

doesnt work on my computer with the top row of numbers and if i use the saide panel of numbers on the keyboard i get sent to the HP website!!!!!

strange stuff....what operating system do you guys have

besides the asteris* is easier than anything offered and we all undertsand it ha ha

bob

 

[Sliver]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

For me XP Pro SP 3 and I guess I never tried it on the top row, doesn't work but the 10 key side is fine. Yeah.. strange stuff.

 

[AquaCruz]

Re: Navigate large wake in a small boat?

I kindly refer you to a quote from one of the greatest movies of all time....


"We're gonna need a bigger boat!"