Rough Water

[mr geets]

Got a trip planned for next summer across a 50 mile lake. Haven't really been out in much rough water (2 foot waves most) Any experiences or suggestions in case rough water happens?

 

[The Woo Woo Kid]

Re: Rough Water

Got a trip planned for next summer across a 50 mile lake. Haven't really been out in much rough water (2 foot waves most) Any experiences or suggestions in case rough water happens?

2 toon or triple toon ?

I know you gotta be careful with large waves as they can come over the top of the bow, flooding the boat or even taking out the front fence from the impact. Someone on here awhile back wrote how just such a wave flooded his boat leaving a foot or more of water inside the playpen that took quite awhile to drain out. Naturally more waves could have put even more water inside the boat.

It's my experience that large waves can also cause a quick change of course direction which can toss passengers around or even out of the boat, that's bad juju on a big lake.

When the waves get big ALWAYS insist on lifejackets being worn for everybody.

 

[OK Toon]

Re: Rough Water

Does your playpen have spacers under it to lift it off the deck? That will help with draining the water off. Also, leave your front gate open so it doesn't get damaged when a big wave comes over the bow. What size motor do you have? On my 90hp with a 22' pontoon, I can trim it so the bow is up higher and I also go slower which also helps keep the bow up higher in the air. I though I could skip across the tops of some 4' waves -- but I was wrong. I came down the backside of one wave and took a big one over the front. That's when I learned to go slower and keep the bow up as high as possible.

 

[workerbee606]

Re: Rough Water

I did a 30 mile each way trip this summer but it was on a river so no waves just the wakes of ski boats here and there. Does this lake average two foot waves most of the time? I think you would be fine but it would take way longer in two foot seas in a pontoon, however if you have the time and your boat holds the gas for it why not, I realy enjoy long cruises, its an adventure !

 

[calamus]

Re: Rough Water

Im out on a lake in the middle of Nebraska and the wind blows here alot. We fish in waves of 2 feet several times a year once in awhile you get caught as a storm blows in and it feels like a scene from deadliest catch with 4'+ waves I always stick the bow right into the wind trim the motor to lift the bow and try to maintain a speed to keep you on top of the waves. Sometimes its easy others plan on getting a little wet! just hope that its not to cold or far to the nearest ramp or the shoreline where you can get out of the wind or wait it out.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Rough Water

One big thing is to leave the front door open. Steer into the wind. Get a good rear view mirror. Big boats can cause all kinds of problems.

 

[rocket rich]

Re: Rough Water

Don't do it if you are in doubt.. It's not worth a life!!!!!!