Subject: Wind and swells on the beam ?
Was out on my boat Sunday afternoon. On the outward cruise waters were calm with little wind about. I cruised north for some 10 miles or so and decided to return to capture a nice sunset on my way back to my marina.
About 3 miles out from my marina the wind on my starboard side picked up severely with nasty quick periodic swells on the starboard beam as well. The ride became very uncomfortable.
I decided to zig-zag to lessen the nasty rolling. First I aimed the boat at 45º to the wind and the swells for maybe a mile and then turned to port to have the wind and swells somewhat astern of me. I continued zig-zagging in this manner until I got close to my marina's entrance and then deployed my fenders and headed in with the boat heaving and surfing on the swells and strong wind astern. I had to slow down as best I could with a fair amount of engine reversing as I entered the marina's entrance. :roll:
I mention this zig-zagging under these conditions as some people are more apt to take a straight line to their destination for expediency without regards for smoothing out the ride for passengers.
IMO having wind and swells on the beam are quite likely the worst and most uncomfortable sea conditions for our RT boats.
Zig-zagging may well consume twice as much time getting somewhere but will be a lot less strain at the helm regardless of using 'holding a heading' with auto pilot and a lot more comfortable for all on board.
Was out on my boat Sunday afternoon. On the outward cruise waters were calm with little wind about. I cruised north for some 10 miles or so and decided to return to capture a nice sunset on my way back to my marina.
About 3 miles out from my marina the wind on my starboard side picked up severely with nasty quick periodic swells on the starboard beam as well. The ride became very uncomfortable.
I decided to zig-zag to lessen the nasty rolling. First I aimed the boat at 45º to the wind and the swells for maybe a mile and then turned to port to have the wind and swells somewhat astern of me. I continued zig-zagging in this manner until I got close to my marina's entrance and then deployed my fenders and headed in with the boat heaving and surfing on the swells and strong wind astern. I had to slow down as best I could with a fair amount of engine reversing as I entered the marina's entrance. :roll:
I mention this zig-zagging under these conditions as some people are more apt to take a straight line to their destination for expediency without regards for smoothing out the ride for passengers.
IMO having wind and swells on the beam are quite likely the worst and most uncomfortable sea conditions for our RT boats.
Zig-zagging may well consume twice as much time getting somewhere but will be a lot less strain at the helm regardless of using 'holding a heading' with auto pilot and a lot more comfortable for all on board.