Driving the Boat in High Winds - Safety First!
by Martha Goodfellow 5/30/2018
- Before going out, check the predicted weather
- Observe the current conditions and check for weather updates (when possible)
- Wear your life jacket and make sure it is snugged up and safe
- Know the lake and how the wind direction and speed effects that lake (shallow lakes or lakes with long stretches of exposed waterway can be dangerous at 10 mph)
- Be sure “kill switch” is attached when running big motor
- Go SLOW
- Keep the Bow Raised! Trim your motor down (to help keep the bow up).
- Manage your throttle/speed for the conditions
- If possible, move to the bank that is protected from the wind
- Lock down your trolling motor
- Lock down your rods or clear the deck
- Wear your rain gear if you want to stay dry
- Hold on, sit with back against seat for support for rough hits. “Slumping over” does not give your back support. If you are the passenger, plant your feet firmly in front of you on the lower part of the console to help absorb the shock of hitting hard.
- If in a tournament, allow plenty of time to drive safely for the conditions or if you know strong winds are predicted, adjust your fishing locations accordingly
- Do not turn your boat sideways to the rough water
- If your engine stops, drop an anchor from the bow to combat drifting and swamping. Never drop anchor from the stern.
- “Zig Zag” (see “Running in the Trough)
- Head the bow of the boat into waves at a 45-degree angle. This will keep the boat in the most stable position
Running in the Trough http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/heavy2.htm
If your course dictates that you are running in the direction of the trough of waves (parallel to them) you must take extra caution. As your boat bounces up and down from trough to trough it may roll excessively and possibly dangerously.
In these conditions in a powerboat, it is best to change course and make a series of tacks, taking the wind and waves at a 45° angle, first broad on your bow and then broad on your quarter. This zig-zag course should leave your boat in the trough for only long enough to turn. You want to minimize the time that you are in the trough and broad side to the swell to prevent broaching.
BOAT CONTROL IN WINDY CONDITIONS http://unionsportsmen.org/boat-control-in-windy-conditions/
If driving directly into the wind, the boat will be going up and over each wave and then declining into the trough. This is when speed is crucial. Remember to adjust the speed of the boat so it gently goes over the top of each crest. As the boat descends into the trough, reduce the speed and keep the bow of the boat raised so that it will not be buried into the upcoming wave. Maintain a hand or foot on the throttle at all times and adjust the boat’s speed to each wave. As the waves grow bigger and steeper, quartering the waves might be a better option. By steering the boat so that it meets the waves at an angle rather than perpendicular, the rough motions will be avoided.
In the instances where you are traveling in the same direction as the waves, maintain enough speed to stay ahead of the crests. Waves often come in sets so use that to your advantage when preparing to enter and exit rough waters. In any direction, make sure to study the waves, check the balance of your boat and keep the bow up.
Consequences, tales to be aware of:
If your course dictates that you are running in the direction of the trough of waves (parallel to them) you must take extra caution. As your boat bounces up and down from trough to trough it may roll excessively and possibly dangerously.
In these conditions in a powerboat, it is best to change course and make a series of tacks, taking the wind and waves at a 45° angle, first broad on your bow and then broad on your quarter. This zig-zag course should leave your boat in the trough for only long enough to turn. You want to minimize the time that you are in the trough and broad side to the swell to prevent broaching.
BOAT CONTROL IN WINDY CONDITIONS http://unionsportsmen.org/boat-control-in-windy-conditions/
If driving directly into the wind, the boat will be going up and over each wave and then declining into the trough. This is when speed is crucial. Remember to adjust the speed of the boat so it gently goes over the top of each crest. As the boat descends into the trough, reduce the speed and keep the bow of the boat raised so that it will not be buried into the upcoming wave. Maintain a hand or foot on the throttle at all times and adjust the boat’s speed to each wave. As the waves grow bigger and steeper, quartering the waves might be a better option. By steering the boat so that it meets the waves at an angle rather than perpendicular, the rough motions will be avoided.
In the instances where you are traveling in the same direction as the waves, maintain enough speed to stay ahead of the crests. Waves often come in sets so use that to your advantage when preparing to enter and exit rough waters. In any direction, make sure to study the waves, check the balance of your boat and keep the bow up.
Consequences, tales to be aware of:
- Trolling motor not locked down, hit wave, trolling motor bounced out, got pulled into water. Drew several rods into the water with it… Lock your trolling motor down!
- Fishing in a protected cove and all is calm. Saw a change in the sky over the island… By the time boater decided to go in, the swells were dangerously huge! Remember, sometimes the storm is not in your view.
- Spearing a wave and filling the boat with water. Keep your bow up and go slow if conditions warrant it.
- Passenger suffered back damage. Think of your back, especially if you are the passenger. Think of back support. Sit upright with your back to your seat and hold on.
- It is the boater’s responsibility to handle the boat safely. Tournaments will blast off knowing upcoming weather conditions are subject to change.