Tips for surviving bad weather

[crazy4h2o]

All of suddenly wind picks up and generally calm lake becomes rough with bigger (relatively) waves (2-3 feet) coming in from all directions... what are the best strategies for dealing with this. I don't think the boat would tip over on waves like this (would it?) but just trying to get ideas what to do to not freak out my passengers too much. Do I just speed up and try to jump the waves head on?

Until now I have been riding on smaller lakes but want to take the boat today onto Lake Ontario, and I know waves can be even rougher there.

I have 2011 Speedster 150.

thx

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[Scott0321]

We had a similar situation about three weeks ago. Classic summer storm popped up and took us by surprise mid lake. The wind was whippin and the waves were 2-3 with some 4's mixed in for fun. Too late to for a run to shore and nowhere near a safe harbor to hunker down.

Best thing to do is to point you bow into the wind and go slow. It's unlikely the boat would tip. You will take on some water. We had it coming over on all sides from all directions. Quite the experience. Didn't want to freak the family out so I quietly snugged up my life jacket and made sure the DESS was connected for worse-case scenario. Not much else you can do if you're caught like that. Some toss the anchor out, again bow to the wind and ride it out.

I'd be interested to get some other tips as well.

 

[byebye]

Lake Ontario is where I boat in my 155hp Sportster.

Before I go out;

- I pay attention to the wave height from the buoy nearest to me (available on the internet, the Ajax one is closest to me). Basically I don't go out if the waves are > 1 foot.

- I also watch the weather forecast for the threat of storms and pay attention to the forecasted wind direction. A wind from the North is good in that the waves don't build up across the Lake (I am at the north end of the Lake in the GTA). Of course this also means you would be blown out into the Lake in the event of engine failure etc).

I've also installed a VHF radio & learned how to use it. One day I pestered people on several channels (not the emergency ones) until someone acknowledged they could actually hear me.

I also bring a cell phone, and I'm in the midst of installing a second battery (a deep-cycle for my electronics, but also to supplement the starter battery if it runs low for any reason.

At the first sign of trouble, head for the harbour. Bear in mind there are FEW places to hide on Lake Ontario. If too late to make harbour, in my experience it's best to keep the bow pointed towards the waves, but on an angle. I've not had to do this in my jetboat though, not 100% sure the same would apply. The fronts are pretty low on these boats. Do not speed up, go slow

Basically I don't f around, safety is paramount. Still - you gotta live your life & enjoy it. :hurray: