Best method for choppy conditions?

[hemi2nv]

My local lake is largest on the south end and the wind is usually out of the south during the summer but most of the boat ramps are on the northern half of the lake. Since the lake is usually choppy on windy days you either have to go all the way south to find smooth water or like most you go a little further north and tuck in behind a major hwy crossing. This area offers good tubing, sking, and wakeboarding but the problem is over crowding on the weekends. Is there a good method for getting thru the chop quickly that I have not found? I usually just trim down and motor along at 20mph to cut out the bouncing but was wondering what others do in boats the size of the 185 and 195 sport. I always see these larger 24' range boats just flying thru the choppy conditions and wonder did I buy to small of a boat? Right now I just could not see spending $25,000 on a used 24' range boat as a starter but now I think we maybe looking at new boats next spring...lol

 

[FYN409]

Sounds like you are doing the right thing, sometimes you can make the ride a bit better by adjusting the angle you are approaching the chop at (assuming it is coming from the same direction). But, this is the one area that bigger is better..... I started out with a 16' runabout and worked my way up to my 26'. Each time we stepped up to a larger boat, the better the ride got. We are looking forward to the next jump and hopefully and even better ride. :grin:

 

[springer3]

There is no substitute for size and weight when the water is choppy. A deep-V hull works better than a standard or flat bottom.

I noticed a huge improvement in ride when I went from a 20.5 ft Seville to my current 215 EC (21.5 ft). The 215 EC is about 800 lb heavier due to the cabin, bigger motor, and stronger/stiffer hull. I think the V in the hull is a bit deeper.

If you can make 20 MPH in choppy conditions and still have your fillings, your boat is riding pretty well.

 

[out-n-aboat]

My local lake is largest on the south end and the wind is usually out of the south during the summer but most of the boat ramps are on the northern half of the lake. Since the lake is usually choppy on windy days you either have to go all the way south to find smooth water or like most you go a little further north and tuck in behind a major hwy crossing. This area offers good tubing, sking, and wakeboarding but the problem is over crowding on the weekends. Is there a good method for getting thru the chop quickly that I have not found? I usually just trim down and motor along at 20mph to cut out the bouncing but was wondering what others do in boats the size of the 185 and 195 sport. I always see these larger 24' range boats just flying thru the choppy conditions and wonder did I buy to small of a boat? Right now I just could not see spending $25,000 on a used 24' range boat as a starter but now I think we maybe looking at new boats next spring...lol

A lot of us here solved the problem by buying a bigger boat.

 

[funkypunnk]

My 21 foot 87 Sorrento handles Lake Michigan chop pretty well as long as it stays below 2 feet. When the chop gets to 3 feet or higher I become a throttle jockey constantly adjusting to ride the fine line between going as slow as possible and keeping it on plane. I also stand up so I can "read" the water/chop and I will actually shut down the throttle on the down side of a really large wave/chop to avoid slamming the hull down. As soon as I ride down the wave I throttle up and I can usually do this while still keeping it on plane.

Hope this helps

 

[highslice]

A lot of us here solved the problem by buying a bigger boat.

Yes, a bigger boat goes a long way to solving the problem.

If you have trim tabs, extend them to keep the bow down to cut through the waves. If not. just keep doing what you are doing and try to take the chop at a 45 degree angle.

 

[Dave S]

The difference between my 210SD and my 240SD was pretty dramatic. The 240SD handled the chop real well.........even better than my current 260DA. :wow:

 

[george2064]

If you approach the waves at 45 degree angle is the best (not always possible)

 

[Mac549]

Hydraulic Trim Tabs, the only way to go. It took me several years to get around to installing a set on my 200 BR. The difference was unbelievable. :smt021

 

[magster65]

I find that different water conditions require different actions. I don't think there is a best way i.m.h.o. (i.e. waves being rollers vs. chop or both).
In windy conditions; most often I leave the bow high and putt to keep the spray off but if that is still getting us wet I put her up on the step (planing) and experiment with the drive angle / tabs. Note that if you're just dealing with a chop, going faster makes the ride much smoother.
My buddies 35' Nordic / 2 x HP 500s rides eerily smooth in a 5' chop at 90 mph.