Boating In Rough Conditions
The best-laid plans often go to waste. This saying applies in many situations, including when you’re out on your boat on what was supposed to be a lovely, sunny day. The water can start to churn and the clouds can roll in before you know what’s happening and you can find yourself cruising through some pretty choppy waters.
Knowing how to safely navigate in rough conditions and how to prevent yourself from getting caught in a squall will keep you safe and prevent damage from occurring to your vessel. Mark's Leisure Time Marine, with locations in Conesus and Canandaigua, is proud to be your local boat dealer. To help you navigate those choppy waters safely, we’ve provided this handy guide to boating in rough conditions.
Look at the Forecast
Before you take your boat to the harbor, you should make sure that you know what the weather is going to do that day. You might have checked the forecast a few days ago while planning the day’s trip, but weather is changeable, so conditions may have worsened in that time. Know what to expect before you go so that you can determine if it’s safe to venture out or whether you should cancel or delay your trip.
When you’re out on the water, pay attention to your surroundings so that you notice if the sky starts to turn grey or the winds pick up unexpectedly. These early signs can let you weigh anchor and head to shore before the weather turns worse. You can also use a phone app to keep tabs on the radar for the area you’re in, or invest in a transmitter radio that can update you on current conditions.
Slow Down & Turn on the Lights
If you do find yourself starting to rock and bob, slow your speed down as much as you can. You might want to high-tail it to shore, but if the water’s already choppy, then the time for a quick exit has already passed. Reducing your speed should help to reduce strain on your boat’s hull and prevent it from becoming damaged. Try to position your boat at a 45° angle to the chop so that you can lessen the impact further.
You should also turn on your boat’s navigational lights, because choppy waters typically come with fog, rain, wind and other visibility-lowering conditions. Turning on the lights ensures that you can see and be seen. Have your passengers keep watch of the water around you to alert you to any unseen obstacles or other boats.
Equip The Right Safety Gear
You should always wear a life jacket, also known as a personal flotation device or PFD, when aboard your vessel. Even if you’re a pro swimmer, you never know when you could be flung into the water and discombobulated. Or you might hit your head on something and lose consciousness. A PFD will help to keep your head above the water until you can be rescued.
Every passenger on your boat should also wear a PFD and you should have a throwable one to pull in people who fall overboard. Make sure that all your PFDs are approved by the United States Coast Guard.
Aside from a life jacket, having sturdy waterproof boots and a rain-proof poncho will help to keep you somewhat dry in wet weather, while layers of clothes can help to keep you warm. Keep a change of clothes in a dry bag so that you can remove wet clothing and prevent hypothermia.
Ride It Out
Sometimes, all you can do is wait for conditions to improve. This is sometimes the safest course of action, so don’t be ashamed to try it! Angle your bow towards the swells and oncoming winds to reduce impact, and take shelter in your cabin until the storm blows over.
These tips should help you to stay safe out there even when things look dicey! Looking for a sturdy craft that can handle some chop? Visit us at one of our New York locations in Conesus or Canandaigua to take a look at our full selection of new and used boats for sale. We also offer boat storage options if you’re interested in finding a secure place to stash your boat during the off-season. Mark’s Leisure Time Marine proudly serves the city of Rochester, New York.