reduce speed and head into the waves at 45 degree angle

REDUCE SPEED AND HEAD INTO THE WAVES AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE PROFESSIONAL

Conversely, low water could make hazardous some areas through which you’d normally travel worry-free. High water might render launches difficult, or cover obstacles that would normally be high, dry and visible. Think of your charts-paper or electronic-as a snapshot taken at one moment of features such as depths and obstacles. And whether it’s weather or climate that renders your favorite waters lower or higher than normal, don’t neglect its impact on your safety. Weather over a long period helps determine climate. The closer together, the steeper waves are-and often the more troublesome to boaters. Less often reported is steepness: the ratio between the wave height and the distance (or time) between crests. Boaters quickly learn that when a wave height range is forecast-say, 2- to 4-footers-there’s a very practical difference between the two extremes: hope for the smaller but be prepared for the larger! And remember that waves can quickly grow larger in storms. How are waves measured?Ī wave’s height is the distance between the bottom of its trough and the top of its crest. Weather forecasts often include predictions of wave heights. Online weather apps, such as Weather Underground, offer detailed forecasts as well as real-time and time-lapse radar and satellite imagery.

The National Weather Service website will connect you with the NOAA forecasts and other weather information, including a glossary of weather terms.

REDUCE SPEED AND HEAD INTO THE WAVES AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE PROFESSIONAL

Learn More in Hurricane Preparation for Boaters Official Marine Weather Forecastsīegin with professional forecasts-television or radio predictions, or detailed broadcasts such as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio marine forecasts. If the engine fails, deploy a sea anchor (or bucket if there’s no sea anchor aboard) from the bow.Seat passengers on the bottom of the boat, near the centerline.

Head boat into waves at a 45-degree angle.

If possible, head for nearest safe-to-approach shore.

Make sure everyone on board is wearing their life jacket.

Reduce speed to the minimum that allows continued headway.

If caught in severe weather, the Coast Guard advises:

Heavy AM radio static, which can indicate nearby thunderstorm activity.

Increasing wind or a sudden change in wind direction.

Dark, threatening clouds, especially to the west/southwest.

Puffy, vertically rising clouds getting higher.

Signs of bad weather approaching for boaters: Coast Guard, in its “A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats,” offers these clues to an approaching weather change, which usually brings the most challenging conditions. Weather for Boaters: What to Watch Out For Meanwhile, count on the experts, play it conservatively, and enjoy boating.īest Boating Apps: Navigation, Fishing, Weather & More You’ll learn as you go, and can even take a class in person or online. Don’t worry if you don’t know everything about weather. We blend an honest assessment of those factors with information and our experience, and, if the mix is in our favor, launch or cast off. We know that no two boats are exactly alike, no two captains equally skilled, no two hours afloat spent in precisely the same weather setting. We consider both official weather and safety information, and our own observations and experiences. And so, we balance our thirst for adventure with a healthy dollop of caution. But keeping a “weather eye”-watching for storms, waves, winds, cold and heat-helps keep the fun safe. Enjoying the ever-changing environment is among boating’s lures. When it comes to safe boating and weather, we seek balance.

Reduce speed and head into the waves at 45 degree angle