Captain, would you STAY or GO with this forecast?

I was going to state the same fact as Frank W. has. 3-5, does not mean there won't be some 6 to 10ft waves. Without looking at a chart, I am not sure about the route you are taking, but I would not head the 20nms to Block Island from Montauk with 3-5 and 20kt winds forecasted. Add tide against wind and this could get real ugly real fast. I would be ok, my boat would be ok, but I assure you my wife, kids and dog would be done with boating after a trip like that!
 
Me alone, you betcha. With my admiral, not worth the abuse I would get.
 
Turtlesboat said:
I would poke my head out and see what it's like, if it sucks, maybe head to green point for the night. 20mph wind is not going to be a comfortable ride, but if the swells are wide, might not be too bad.
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This is exactly what I would do, besides keeping very close look at the forcast for the wind and waves hight. 20MPH wind is not as big of a deal as the frequency of the waves. I've been out in small craft advisory in my 240DA. I don't remember the wind speed but the waves were 4-5' occasional 6'-7', but the were not close together. I was able to catch a wave and ride it confortably keeping the boat on plane. She handled very well, but this trip was without the admiral. I totally agree that making sure your crew is confortable is the key. It's much better to cancel and approach at better times vs. scaring admiral and have bigger issues. So, if admiral is in agreement to go out and see how it is out there with plan on turning back if it's not comfortable, then it's a plan. Also, as I recall, small craft advisory is for boats under 30', so this doesn't necessarly mean you must stay at the dock. Building your experience with some more challenging conditions also needed but not unless you and the crew are comfortable to do it in these conditions.
 
Ditto what Frank said. Someone once told me boats don't run on " Love & sunshine" to which I replied, " Mine Does!" :grin:
 
Thanks everyone - we are heading out this morning, will take it one step at a time, and if we feel it's not doable, will turn back. Thanks again, and have a great holiday weekend!!!!
 
ziekman@cox.net said:
Thanks everyone - we are heading out this morning, will take it one step at a time, and if we feel it's not doable, will turn back. Thanks again, and have a great holiday weekend!!!!
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That's the spirit! Don't forget to dig them spurs in, cowboy! Make her buck! Feel sorry for the wife though.
 
Hello all - I'm glad to report that we made it back and forth with no issues whatsoever. The actual seas on the Block Island sound at the time we crossed were 4 footers, but the vessel and crew handled with grace. It was a beautiful trip, and thanks to all of your suggestions and input, I really think it made going an easy decision. Thanks very much!
 
Way to go captain! I'm really glad it worked out for you guys. I'm sure that besides having a great time you and your crew gained some new and positive experience. That's how we all gain the knowladge of the sea and our boats.

Give us some more details about the trip. How strong was the wind, what was the frequency of the waves, how fast were you going and what RPMs, etc.

We love pictures, so if you have some please share.
 
Alex F said:
Way to go captain! I'm really glad it worked out for you guys. I'm sure that besides having a great time you and your crew gained some new and positive experience. That's how we all gain the knowladge of the sea and our boats.

Give us some more details about the trip. How strong was the wind, what was the frequency of the waves, how fast were you going and what RPMs, etc.

We love pictures, so if you have some please share.
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Yes, it was a great time and a very positive experience. The water was very manageable, with a little bit of a challenge outside of the Watch Hill passage and jusst outside of Block Island. Seas in the Block Island sound were 4 foot, not very steep, but with a wind on our port beam it was pushing us off course some. We were doing about 20 mph, at 2900 or so RPM. I can't wait for our next challenge!!!
 
Glad it worked out.
With an "iffy" forecast I'll usually decide "go"... you can always turn around and head back to port (been there and done that many times).

There's nothing worse than being at home later saying to yourself " I should have..."
 
Why are so many admirals fair weather boaters (or at least you'd think that after reading these posts)?

If we stayed in everytime they called for weather, we would have missed many of the most beautiful days we've enjoyed on the water.

Glad your weekend turned out just fine!
 
I totally agree with Mike. If I was going strictly by the forecast I'd be spending 40-50% of the time at the dock. The key is to know your limits and limits of your crew and always have a plan B, just in case (it always helps if you have plan C). However, depending on the destination there isn't always an option "let's turn around and go back", b/c the weather can worsen while you're in mid point of your jerney. So, ones again know what your crew and your boat can handle and plan accordingly.
 
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