Wave Wisdom

[RProffer]

Over the years there have been several discussions about how well a Ranger or Cutwater boat can handle certain sea conditions. And, there have been a few discussions about how to handle a sea condition. BoatUS just came out with a nice article about how to handle various conditions http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2014/june/wave-wisdom.asp. I found it to be a very informative article.

At the very end of the article, it says there is no substitute for experience. That is very true. Every boat handles differently under different conditions. One thing I have done to gain experience is to take my boat out in forecast-ed heavy seas. I am lucky in that I have a perfect area to do the practice. Where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake bay, usually the Patuxent River will be relatively calm compared to the Chesapeake Bay. I can go back and forth across that imaginary line and go from rough seas to calmer seas. This is a good way to learn how to cut into a wave. Try it at different angles. I like to cut into most waves at about 45 degrees. In really big seas, I have to take the wave at closer to 90 degrees. And you can learn how to surf a wave in a following sea condition. (A "following sea" is where the waves are coming up from behind) That is tricky and takes practice. Every wave can be different, but with practice, you can learn how to adjust your speed with each wave.

I hope you enjoyed the article. Fair winds and following seas.

 

[berniefiedler]

I too enjoyed this article. last summer on Lake Michigan, my wife and I ended up in bigger waves then we would have normally been out in. I can't tell you how tall they were, but my R27 took a few seconds to climb to the top of each one and when we were in the trough, the tops were definitely above our roof. The only real trouble I had was when I would reach the top of each wave. I believe that the rudder would be out of the water for a little while before I would slide down the back of the wave. At that point,( the top) I would lose steerage and was always concerned that the boat could slip sideways and I would end up sideways in the trough. I don't think in this case I would want to approach the waves at anything but a 90 degree angle. Any alternative suggestions? I've always wondered if there was anything I could have done differently.

 

[pugtug613]

On our first trip out, this year, we were in 25 knots of wind with a 3 ft. chop in the bay. I have over 25 years on the water, mostly with sail boats. A sail boat cuts thru the water very nicely and is a different animal. The main thing I did correctly was find the right speed. I was at 12 knots and backed off to 7 knots. I settled in at 9 knots. I was able to time the chop better at that speed. I also tried to hit the waves at 90 degrees. It got a little scary when I had to turn into the marina. I had to be broad side to the waves for a short time and then into a following sea. I slowed down to 5 knots and kept a sharp eye on the waves. Once in the entrance of the marina, all was right with the world. I was very impressed with the R27, although I have limited experience on power vessels. I wouldn't have gone out that day, but we had to get home. You know, life gets in the way!
Chester

 

[TonyM]

Hi All,
I find that when I am in a chop That I bring the bow up with Trim Tabs a little and lower my speed.
In Big water like going across the Columbia River Bar you have to really pay attention and work the throttle :shock: .
Smooth Sailing 🙂