Re: Enough with the...
Been wondering how much wind is too much. We're fairly new to boating. We bought a '92 Wellcraft Eclipse 216 a couple of years ago. We're in Western New York on Lake Erie's eastern basin. Still trying to learn the best wind direction and wind speed for boating. Last year we were in 4 - 5 foot waves and had a heck of a time controlling the boat. A few days later we were in similar conditions and actually did a lot better but it was still nerve wracking! Don't know how people do it in even rougher waters. Maybe we're just too old and cautious. We were out yesterday in 15+ mph winds from the SW and the lake was very smooth. We'll figure it out. Saw the terrible weather the Midwest has been going through. We feel for you.
I've got that same boat. I love my Eclipse!
We go out on Lake Winnebago which is pretty shallow (Max 20ft), so it gets a real short, sharp chop if the wind is from the wrong direction. In our case that's from the NNE. It has the length of the lake to build up.
15-25 from the SW, everythings good.
Same wind from the NNE makes for a nasty rough ride.
Using the trim tabs, just a little, to bring the bow down, usually helps smooth out the ride. Or at least keep you from getting slammed every other wave. They also help with directional control.
Frankly, I'll take 6-8's on Lake Michigan over 3-5's on Winnebago. They get spaced out alot more and are easier to ride up and over.
