BASIC POWERBOATING. SAFETY & RESCUE FOR SAILING INSTRUCTORS 43 HEAVY WEATHER MANEUVERING


Smaller outboards are usually designed for use in relatively sheltered waters. If caught unexpectedly in bad weather or rough seas, position people and equipment as low and as close to the center of the boat as possible. Don’t let water accumulate in the cockpit or bilge. A cockpit half full of water in severe sea conditions is a recipe for trouble.


Keep in mind that you want to work your boat through the waves while always maintaining control and minimizing stress on the boat. Avoid slamming into waves or falling off their backsides by making adjustments in direction and throttle, to anticipate and react to changing wave conditions. Remember, one hand on the wheel and one hand on the throttle.


Running Against Wind and Waves


As waves increase in size, it is usually better not to pound straight into them, but to cross them at an angle to produce an easier ride for the boat and its occupants. This angle will vary from 10 degrees to 45 degrees, depending on the size of the waves. Often waves seem to come in a recurring pattern with a couple of smaller ones followed by a larger one, then a couple of smaller ones followed by a larger one, etc. Sometimes, it is just a matter of slowing down a little to let the boat ride over the large wave. Other times, you may have to increase your angle to the large wave and slow down. Once it passes, you can go back to your previous direction and throttle setting.


Wave crest WIND & WAVES


Wave crest


WIND


If your destination is directly upwind in heavy seas, you can “tack” (zig-zag) across waves for a smoother ride.


Wave crest


Wave crest


Backside


Front side Bow buries in backside of wave.


Table of Contents


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