What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

Bobby D.

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 10, 2003
Messages
129
This may not be the right thread for this forum but most of the participants use this location. I attended a Power Squadron class and they didn't talk about "what to do if you are caught in a storm". Most of my fishing activities will be close to shore (1 to 10 miles) summers only . Some thoughts are: put on PFD's, do I drop anchor, head into the wind,<br />go like hell towards the closest shore - irregardless of the waves direction, call for help. Second senerio - same weather condition but the motor dies. I think this would be a great learning lesson to our group.
 

Tinkerer

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 15, 2003
Messages
760
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

Problem with going for shore is that waves get worse the nearer you get to it.<br /><br />Following seas are more dangerous than heading into them. If it's real bad you run risk of broaching and maybe capsizing, or being pooped and swamped and foundering.<br /><br />Really depends on how bad the conditions you're trying to avoid are compared with the risks in running for shore, and how long it's likely to last. <br /><br />If motor dies you have to anchor and ride it out with bow into the wind, as long as waves are coming from that direction. You need plenty of anchor rope out to avoid having the bow pulled under by a wave. If too deep for a ground anchor, put out sea anchor to keep bow into wind. If you can't anchor, and especially if it's a confused sea with possibility of rogue waves,dress warm, put on your PFD, put out a mayday, fire up your EPIRB if you've got one, light/fire flares if anyone can see you, and then drop to your knees and start praying.
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

Well Dude 10 miles can be a very long way. The best way is not to get caught in a storm by being vigilant while you are out. Most storms can be outrun if you see them coming.<br /><br />Having said that we know that getting caught can and does happen. You should get a weather forecast before you leave. I say that because if you get the storm that came from nowhere you can generally assume that it will be small and won't last long. That does not mean that it will not be nasty though.<br /><br />In any case before it hits pull in all fishing lines, secure all that you can and check to see if your radio works and monitor the active chanel (I assume that you would not go 10 miles off shore without a working radio). You will want to keep the bow pointed into the wind and waves. I would pull up your anchor if it is out so that if the waves get real high that they will not go over the bow. If you can get going most would try to meet the waves at around a 45 degree angle. Keep all crew and pax as low as possible even if they have to sit on the floor with their PFDs on. Know where your bailing devices are and run the bilge pump (need to check its operation before you leave home or the marina) from time to time if you appear to be taking on water. Worst case is if your motor won't start - then you want to throw out a sea anchor or anything else that you can attach to the bow to keep it pointed into the wind and waves.<br /><br />Prayer also helps.<br /><br />I boat in South Florida (30 years)so been there and done that.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

1. Hope you are in a Boston whaler. :D <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. :) )<br /><br />3. The PFDs should be on already.<br /><br />Moving to the Boats Questions Forum.
 

RJS

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 14, 2002
Messages
211
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

The biggest mistake that boaters make is underestimating the power of the sea. I truly get worried when I hear that certain boat types are immune to the sea. This gives boaters a false sense of security. Look at the forcast before you leave and watch the horizen like a hawk. Run in before trouble starts.
 

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
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.
 

miloman

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 3, 2002
Messages
1,181
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

great post I got caught this summer on Lake Erie in 7 foot waves. Did all that was mentioned. I would be careful because at a 45 angle you might have the boat turned on you and have the next wave chrash into the back of your boat.
 

magster65

Commander
Joined
Sep 1, 2002
Messages
2,573
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

Exactly. Worst for me has been 7' seas in a 26'. It was ugly but running into the waves on a slight angle worked better than on a 45. As miloman said, when we crested the wave the wind tried to turn us. We got caught because we didn't listen to the marine forecast and thought the dark clouds coming our way were just rain. A hard lesson learned but a good lesson none the less!
 

6MISFITZ

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
290
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

The safety of your and family and guests is well worth a vhf radio be it fixed or portable. (Some portable vhf radios will plug into a 12 volt cigarette lighter too which if your boat doesn't have one can be puchased at alot of automotive stores for very little money and are easy to install). <br />Any alerts issued will be broadcast long before you see the weather on top of you. Then if the boat doesn't start for any reason - you can call for help before you or your passengers get scared by a storm.<br /><br />I always check the marine forecast BEFORE any trip out and then monitor the vhf every 30 casts or so as the Lake Erie can and does change quickly. A float plan is strongly recomended too!<br /><br />I Always keep an emergency kit with tools and rain ponchos even though I have full canvas along with life jackets for everyone on board.<br /><br />Last but not least NEVER go out if there is a chance of LIGHTNING.<br /><br />Mike.
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

i wrote before.. i was in my buddies aluminum crabbin' boat one early morning an a storm 'bum rushed' us.. to busy crabbin' to look up to see it up our backsides .. bolts of lightenin' everwhere <br />i was so scared.. i just balled up the best i could an hunkered down..<br />i just knew any second an it was 'all she wrote' for me.. never claimed to be a saint..<br /><br />i was so scared i didn't pray.. cause i didn't want to draw attention to myself..
 

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

I agree with most here that 45 degree angle is too much when heading into sea. On my 21 foot Aluminum we use closer to 15 to 20 degrees into the swell. We go out is 7 foot seas every 9 sec all the time. We do not launch if more than 8 feet or less than 8 seconds, instead go to the beach or site seeing. When out and seas reach 9 feet or less than 8 seconds we head in. When head in if really bad go about another 3 miles to a much deeper area to cross the shallow water then turn behind a small island and on into the harbor.<br /><br />When out and it get bad and you head in if you have to go into the swell may take you 5 times as long to get in so do not wait too long. Important to watch the swells and look several swells ahead. Can almost always steer around the worst breaker or steepest wave.<br /><br />When going with the swell I think more danger but much quicker. Here need extra eyes and lots of skill needed. Since swells coming from behind or on a quater need to see what is coming. Also need to watch ahead for other boats. I always ride the back side of swell but high enough to see over. Speeds with 9 foot swells 19-23 mph. Very important to keep one hand on the throttle and maintain your position near top of swell with out going over. If you go over very likely will surf down the face of wave and burry bow in next swell then broach or pitch pole. Either way will join the perfect storm crew. While near the top of the swell usually very smooth and can move left or right along the wave very easy. If wave should start to break wave will slow way down and you must come to a near stop but as soon as wave flaten out need to go like hell as swell behind you likely will do same thing. Can be kind of fun but really need to pay attention. See any kelp ahead then have to turn as can not risk a fouled prop. If have to turn back into swell will go form 20 miles per hour to 5 or less. Always try to get in before get any big breaker. Since it is rough out here all summer we get lots of practice.
 

6MISFITZ

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
290
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

You are a BRAVE SOLE Boatist!<br /><br />Do you carry a Epirb (spelling unknown) with you in case of emergency?<br /><br />Mike.
 

mellowyellow

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 8, 2002
Messages
5,327
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

don't be stupid enough to get caught in one and<br />you won't have to worry! :p <br />my routine:<br />check USCG marine forcast before I leave.<br />keep an eye on the horizon.<br />VHF tuned to NOWA weather channel.<br />this is assuming I'm gonne be far from shore in<br />an area that can be dangerous.<br />error on the side of safety always!<br />storms on Lakes Erie and Ontario can blow up real<br />fast and can create a scary situation. sometimes<br />better to head home and fish another day.<br />safe boating,<br />M.Y.
 

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: What do I do if I'm caught in an unexpected storm.

Mike FitzPatrick<br />Not brave but experienced. When first got my boat went out with no radio, Loran C, GPS, Depth Finder, second motor, or sea anchore. Today would would not go with out all that stuff. I still not been able to find funds for a EPIRB (Emergency Position Idicating Radio Beacon) or a Radar. We go same place all the time and know what out boat can do. Take no chances. We will not go to Cordell Banks 26 miles offshore unless a very nice day. If rough in the AM will not head south where have to head into the swell all the way back. If Swell in 7 foot every 9 seconds size will stay within about 5 Miles of saftey. We always check forcast before going out, Listen to the NOAA Wave Guage 12 miles out. When coast guard does it marine information brocast we alway follow to 22 and listen. Our radio switches to Weather if NOAA puts out a weather alert. We watch the weather when can, after the fog lifts. <br /><br />We got caught one time with a supprise, and we were all very scare. Very nice morning, seas 4 foot, no small craft or weather warning. We headed north to a fovorite fishing spot about 25 miles North Northwest. Fishing was slow but fish nice size. Notice some clouds to the south as storm approched could see lighting way out to sea and soon enough it was near us and between us and port. We were only about 3 miles off shore so headed to a cove near shore with a 1000 foot hill hoping it would take any lighting hit. After about ten minutes there both antenna started making this real loud frying sound and I thought we were doomed. I tried to set loran to a return route and got knocked on my ass when touched Loran C. Started to rain very hard could see maybe 1/8 mile so we headed back, but antenna still frying just not as bad. Turns out it was a Hurican, turn to tropocal depression. When got back to camp safe talking to other boater same all over the area. Rained about 4 inches and never could get boat dry after washing, tent leaked but today just a fond memory.
 
Top