Seamanship in adverse conditions

peterb · #1 07-17-2008, 03:41 PM

I agree that you have to be mindful. However, I would much rather be riding the waves than going into them.

Blue197320 · #2 07-17-2008, 07:44 PM

what size seas are you refferring to? like 2-4 or more like 4-6? usually anything over 3-5 and i wont go out in my 20cc.

JohnB · #3 07-17-2008, 09:26 PM

Wave period has more to do with it than height.
3' on 3 sec, especially if it gets rolling, or standing up in the stream is pretty ugly. 4' on 10 seconds, no big deal.

Bushwacker · #4 07-17-2008, 10:01 PM

Amen brother! The wave period indicates distance between wave crests, which is more critical than height. A 10 kt wind out of any northern quadrant can create steep breaking seas in the gulf stream real quick, like 6-8' high and 20-30'apart! By comparison, 20 kts from SE is a piece of cake - maybe 8-10' swells, but much longer period, maybe 100' apart!

nos3665 · #5 07-17-2008, 10:58 PM

Try diving and coming back up in 10-12ft Steep seas makes the boat ride in just fine. Gotta love North Carolina coast.

JohnB · #6 07-18-2008, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Try diving and coming back up in 10-12ft Steep seas makes the boat ride in just fine. Gotta love North Carolina coast.

I don't leave the boat until it either slips under the waves, or is on the trailer

Fr. Frank · #7 07-18-2008, 10:21 AM

Quote:

I don't leave the boat until it either slips under the waves, or is on the trailer

Then you've missed the incredible sight of coming up from 100 feet down and seeing that wonderful SeaCraft hull waiting for you above; knowing that you've got a SeaCraft to get you home from the sea.