Quote:
Originally Posted by wendyg
Our first trip out on the lake this season was a bit scarey for me. I am definitely a "nervous nelly" as a general rule! The lake wasn't too busy but there was a fair amount of wind causing some good chop in the water. At one point we hit a wake, not sure of our speed, and my daughter was in control of the boat with my husband at her side. It felt like the boat was going to literally roll over on it's side into the water.  Not sure if we were running at too high of a speed for the conditions...my husband says we weren't. Bottom line is that this is our second season on the lake and we are new to boating in general. Look for tips on safe operation of the boat and dealing with wind and wake from other boats. We have a 24 ft bowrider with a big engine so there is no question that the boat can't handle the lake. I would like to feel relaxed and enjoy our time on the lake and not have the added fear factor of losing control of the vessel and ending a day badly. |
It sounds like you were running with the waves? Doing so at slower speeds will allow the bow to roll as the following waves pushes your transom. This can certainly result in the waves steering your boat, not you. If the waves aren't that large, you can find a comfortable speed, and travel directly with the waves. If your course means you must turn a bit, plan ahead, and gradually go further port or starboard. Some of the worst conditions occur when you are overtaking a boat producing a large wake. Plan ahead! I will usually chart a course that allows me to go through the wakes with bow higher, and gently past the next crest, not down into it. I trim up before this takes place. Always directly perpendicular to the wake. This way the boat's bow can ride through top of the wave, and hopefully, not get pushed around side to side as you explained. Go to slow, and you'll find your progress is slowed, and the following wave will push you around.
Getting caught in the trough of a boat wake is not much fun at all.