Just how much till she breaks

[Bob M]

I've been caught in a few "rough seas" situations. I just slow down, quarter the waves, and keep the bow basically into the wind in squalls. Other than a few decavitation "roars", I came through unscathed.

I do not purposely go out in rough seas that would be described as six foot waves or more. If I'm caught in it, that's another story. My former boat (300 Weekender) and I have been through some situations I would not want to repeat. We made it just fine. I have no doubt that my 320 Sundancer would perform just as well.

Cruising in really rough waters is not fun. It can be a rush when you look back at it, but it shouldn't be considered as a normal part of cruising in your boat. Boats are a rather expensive investment. Why test it to the point that you may cause damage. No one wins if you wreck your boat.

 

[Four Suns]

decavitation "roars"

Is that like losing your head in rough seas?

 

[hack4alivin]

Many years ago I was out in 5 to 7 foot seas in an 1988 30ft Sundancer. I took a few hits that caused the boat to land on a bad angle. When I got to the marina we discovered that bulkhead wall under the dashboard cracked.

The bottom line is that the boat should be able to take some of these hits, but it it not designed to do it on a regular basis. Screws will loosen up, engines will move out of alignment etc etc. If you want a boat that is designed for that kind of a beating on a regular basis, you need to buy a quality brand speedboat that was designed to take that kind of punishment. Don't expect to find microwaves, coffee makers, TV's and vacuflush toilets installed on it though.

If you need to travel through those waters, put your trim tabs all the way down and slow down so your boat isn't getting slammed.

We have been out in rough water several times and of course slowing down is the first thing I do. But, I did not think about putting the trim tabs all the way down. Good idea, I learned something new today. Thanks!:thumbsup:

 

[gueretma]

Thanks for everyone's input. Beeing new to boats its hard to get that "feeling". Im sure it will come in time.

 

[Asureyez]

No two boats handle the same and even the same boat design in the very same sea conditions will handle differently due to load and weight distribution. Learn your boats performance capabilites and antics and polish your seamanship skills. The differecne between knowledge and experience is you can't get this out of a book, you have to get out there and apply your knowledge and you'll get experience.

 

[Yaraes]

I had the same boat and it could definitely take some rough seas. But due to the skinny 8 foot beam it was all over the place when the wind and waves came up. The gell coat on the radar arch on mine started to crack a bit at the base and it was apparently from the stress of the waves.