How big of waves can my boat handle?

alwhite00

alwhite00

Active Member
May 31, 2010
1,809
Michigan
Boat Info
1997 250 Sundancer
Engines
5.7 EFI/ BIII
Hello:

I have a 86 Sevillle MC 21' with a Merc 260/Alpha 1 and am curious how big of waves this thing can handle. I am new to boating last year so I only have 1 full season under my belt. Family loves it and am just curious what the boat can handle.

Any tips for running in rough water? How about crossing a wake, What's the reccomended course?

Thanks

LK

Here is a pic of the boat.

DSCF8870.jpg
 
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45 Degrees, I guess I was thinking 90 - that's not right? Is the 45 degree for wakes or waves? I have had it in 3 footers before and it was OK but it jerks you around, Lets you know who is in charge.

LK
 
dpvandy01 said:
It also depends on the frequency. As well as the direction of travel in relation to the origination of the waves. (did that make sense?)
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What is the "biggest" sea, or should I say wave..lol have you had your 280 in?
 
I've had my 268 in 6-8s. Its a few feet shorter and a foot narrower than your 280 and she did just fine. Granted it was on Lake Michigan, which can be worse than the ocean. Simply put...the boat will be able to handle more than your passengers....although I was amazed at how well the admiral and the dog did on the trip!

Would I venture out again in 6-8s? Only if we were headed back to our home port and its clearing up. No reason to head out for the day in conditions like that!
 
sfergson727 said:
Back to the question at hand, a 45 degree angle makes for a less steep climb to the top of the wave. Once you break the crest, you can adjust your course to head down it and line up for the next wave. The problem with straight into the waves is the period between the waves is shorter, thus your boat has less time to recover between waves.
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Great points Steve. A lot of books tell you to do this but fail to mention any rationale for doing so. You summed it up well, and it makes sense. And it works!

In my little 175, I've had to "tack" across the waves in this manner to make it home somewhat comfortably while my passengers hung on. And we're just talkin' 2 footers in that boat. My new 280DA doesn't even notice those waves now. :smt001
 
I brought my 24 foot cruiser home in 4'+ seas after a weekend cruise, about a 15 mile trip. The boat handled it fine, I was a bit shaky and in need of a scotch but we made it to our marina just fine. My wife never said a word the entire trip. But when she got on the dock she told me she was never riding in that f***ing boat again :wow: and a bunch of other choice words :smt013. Then as she finished her rant she said I needed to buy a bigger boat if I ever wanted her to go boating again. :wow: ..... :grin:

sferg is right, your boat will handle more than you and more importantly your family will be comfortable in.
 
One reason for taking the waves at a 45 degree angle is if you get caught in a short (period) steep wave (at 90 degrees) you are more likely to bury the bow (and potentially lift the transom (stern) out of the water, where you would loose all power/momentum/steering ability, albeit for a short time). Especially hazardous on those narrow east/west harbor entrance channels in Michigan. And yes, I have stuffed the bow of the 380 coming out of South Haven (and yes I needed an adult beverage after that expierience!). But as others have said - the boat will handle more that you can (had a 22' cuddy that was in 6-8' slop and while is wasn't fun, I learned what to do real quick) - Lake Michigan can be very unforgiving!
 
Great advice-F8 and be there-Ansil Adams
 
Thank you for all the advise and the explanation on the 45 degree tacking, Now it makes sense.

I appreceiate it.

LK
 
We didn't make it to South Haven last year (did Grand Haven, Saugatuck & and New Buffalo this year). Those fixed docks are a pain if you get a sudden increase/decrease in winds as the water levels can vary and be unpredictable. I thought I was going to put the boat on the wall and I was motoring at nearly 2800 rpm as the waves were cresting 4' over the wall - and as you know there is no room to abort once you are commited.
 
A rule of thumb is 1/3 of your boat length is what your boat can reasonably handle. Obviously, with seamanship, you can take more but the math is against you. Think a boat a boat balanced on a wave 50% of the length. The boat can go down at a 45% angle. So on a 30' boat will take 10' waves. It is the period of the waves that counts though. I have been out in 12' swells in my 30' and had a gentle ride. I've been in 10' dicey and 6' horrible.
 
andyr said:
A rule of thumb is 1/3 of your boat length is what your boat can reasonably handle..
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Exactly. Last week I was caught out in a 6.5 meter bow-rider in 2 meter short-wavelength swells. Sitting at the helm you had to look up to see the crest of the next wave. The USCG rating for that boat is 2-meter waves, but I can tell you that it is seamanship and good luck that keeps such a boat upright in those conditions, not the USCG rating Lose the engine or get it wrong and it goes very bad very quickly.
 
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