How much of a beating can a boat take?

[F14CRAZY]

I've been wondering this for a while...

I would think that surely, there has to be a limit on how bad conditions can be before you have to start worrying about stress cracks, breaking stringers and engine mounts, etc...? I know this will vary from boat to boat but say my 19' Capri...do I have to worry about structural damage if I'm having to navigate 4' swells for a few hours? I don't intend on boating during bad weather but will this kind of hull hold up if I have to be out during a Great Lakes storm? (all considering the stringers aren't rotten)

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: How much of a beating can a boat take?

I think your boat would break apart if you tried to plane out across those, but just making headway up and down them wouldn't become an issue at all.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: How much of a beating can a boat take?

I think your boat would break apart if you tried to plane out across those, but just making headway up and down them wouldn't become an issue at all.

heh I forgot to acknowledge that the pilot would have the most control over any possible damage...just "rolling" over waves at a minimum planing speed would indeed be different than slamming the throttle down on the way up...