Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.
Dude<br />To start with check the marine weather Forcast and file a float plan. Learn the NORMAL weather patterns in the area you boat in. Here in Northern California Pacific Ocean, normal summer weather, Foggy in AM with winds 5 to 15mph about 1400 Fog lifts and wind comes up to 15 to 40 till after dark. Also learn to read the clouds and weather. I find best way to find conditions before head out is to check weather service and listen to wave guage reports. When the Coast Guard does their marine information broadcast always follow to 22 and listen, they will give a weather update and reports of harzardous seas, Small Craft, Gail, or Storm Warnings. Listen to the VHF radio and if everyone is saying it not that bad once you get out then it is bad, if there complaining about a sea lion getting their salmon or how are you doing up there then it ok.<br /><br />In the Ocean we put on Life Jackets as soon as leave the dock, that why got lots of life jackets so everyone can find one that feels good. Here the summer water temps are 54 degrees and even good swimmers may not do well when hit that cold water.<br /><br />Ok if you get caught out and it gets nasty get all gear put away. Have a bucket tied on to boat ready for bailing. You need to know the area you are boating in. If you have to cross shallow water on the way in know that waves will be steeper and likely to break in that area. Also waves coming in on a EBB tide will get steeper and break early. Check the current weather in your location, sometimes can go around a thunder storm. <br /><br />If you think you can make it in ok then head in. When the waves get big first thing to do is slow down. Running into the sea trim the bow down and take waves on a angle up to 45 degrees, but each boat a little different. When you need to change course wait for a good wave and change between waves. If you are having trouble call the Coast Guard and advise of your position and situation. Have them set up a watch where they will check on your progress. Should you take on water Turn on Bilge pump and have someone bail, Call Coast Guard and if you think in real danger put out a MAYDAY, This is you Marine 911. If get no response try a cell phone if you have one. At this point just want to keep bow into sea until you get all the water out. Just enough power to steer, but may need to add power with each big swell.<br />If your headed in with a following sea then raise any trim tabs and trim motor out but not so far that motor will cavitate between waves. Again takes waves off the aft corners up to 45 degrees. If you can make enough speed to stay with the swell (about 20) then stay on the back side of the swell but near the top where you can see. Do not go over the swell.<br /><br />If it too rough to head in best bet is a good Sea Anchor and put out enough line to keep anchor about 2 swell away. Use a good nylon line the more streach the better. If being blown into shallow water or shore then set a regular anchor and put out all the line you have. If anchore dragging or think anchor line may break then run a motor to take the pressure off but line must remain tight. Again call coast guard and advise of your situation and set up a watch.
<br /><br />2. Turn off the music and pay attention to the weather. Leave when you see it, not when it arrives. (Sorry 'bout that. I've been reading too many posts on another forum about what sort of music to play when fishing. 
