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

[Bobby D.]

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]

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]

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]

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

1. Hope you are in a Boston whaler. <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.