Chilling read and boat shopping

LIforrelaxin · 06-06-2012, 12:06 PM

The bottom line is you have to be comfortable in your boat. I myself only have a 18' boat. And very rarely to I feel unsafe. And normally when I do it is because a storm is coming on, and really has nothing to do with how the boat is handling the conditions, but rather the want and desire to get docked before the darn storm hits.

The biggest thing in the boating world as far as dealing with rough waters, however isn't boat size. It is knowing how to maneuver your boat. Through the rough water. And realizing that sometimes slower is better.

In my estimation the only thing a bigger boats gets you, on the lake, is the ability to be less cautious when the waves kick up.

As for taking water into the cockpit of a bowrider, well a good bow cover does indeed help in rough water. But once again understanding your boat, weight distribution, and how you chose to navigate through the chop has a lot to do with this......

gtxrider · 06-06-2012, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

The bottom line is you have to be comfortable in your boat. I myself only have a 18' boat. And very rarely to I feel unsafe. And normally when I do it is because a storm is coming on, and really has nothing to do with how the boat is handling the conditions, but rather the want and desire to get docked before the darn storm hits.

The biggest thing in the boating world as far as dealing with rough waters, however isn't boat size. It is knowing how to maneuver your boat. Through the rough water. And realizing that sometimes slower is better.

In my estimation the only thing a bigger boats gets you, on the lake, is the ability to be less cautious when the waves kick up.

As for taking water into the cockpit of a bowrider, well a good bow cover does indeed help in rough water. But once again understanding your boat, weight distribution, and how you chose to navigate through the chop has a lot to do with this......

Exactly. There is a handle next to the driver that is used to change speed. Some use it as an on/off switch. I have found. Using the steering wheel to change the angle of attack also is helpful.

Back in the old days if someone had a 21 footer on the lake it was a big boat. Now it seems anything smaller than the Mount is unsafe.

Belmont Resident · 06-06-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtxrider

Exactly. There is a handle next to the driver that is used to change speed. Some use it as an on/off switch. I have found. Using the steering wheel to change the angle of attack also is helpful.

Back in the old days if someone had a 21 footer on the lake it was a big boat. Now it seems anything smaller than the Mount is unsafe.

Maybe not so much unsafe as comfortable, I’ve found the bigger the boat the less it is effected by the wind and the waves. But I agree a little common sense and knowing how to operate in the conditions you are in go a long way.
I believe many a boater doesn’t know how to actually read the water.
I started in a 17 and could safely navigate the lake in most conditions but would I ever want to go back down to a smaller boat, absolutely not.

bajalongislander · 06-06-2012, 06:30 PM

we boat in a 2002 baja islander 23 and have had no problems at all

8gv · 06-06-2012, 09:42 PM

At 18', mine is one of the smallest boats on the lake. Situational awareness comes into play when piloting any boat. Reading the wakes in a very confused sea can be daunting. The px sometimes wonder why I'll change direction or slow way down several times as we zigzag toward our destination. They are oblivious to the slamming and inundation that is avoided.

With a smaller boat, comfort dictates where and when you go. The two advantages of an 18 footer are:

I can dock for lunch in the smallest of spaces while others endlessly hover.

It fits in my garage for winter storage.

ThePlut · 06-07-2012, 07:33 AM

I'm on my third Cobalt Bowrider. The first was a 20, then a 24, now a 27. I've never felt unsafe in any of them, I've never taken more than spray over the bow. I've been out in all kinds of conditions, including the 24 in some of the heaviest ever, with a full load of adults and children on board. It was slow going that day, but again, nothing more than spray driving by wind, no substantial water. I think it largely has to do with the guy driving the boat, knowing how to do it properly and understanding the capabilities of the boat.

I upgraded from 20 - 24 as a result of opportunity, and the desire for more physical space onboard. 24 to 27 was the result of an unbelieveable deal. The 24 was a great size boat for the lake, I still miss it sometimes.

Good luck!

06-06-2012, 12:06 PM	#1
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,918 Thanks: 1,049 Thanked 900 Times in 530 Posts	The bottom line is you have to be comfortable in your boat. I myself only have a 18' boat. And very rarely to I feel unsafe. And normally when I do it is because a storm is coming on, and really has nothing to do with how the boat is handling the conditions, but rather the want and desire to get docked before the darn storm hits. The biggest thing in the boating world as far as dealing with rough waters, however isn't boat size. It is knowing how to maneuver your boat. Through the rough water. And realizing that sometimes slower is better. In my estimation the only thing a bigger boats gets you, on the lake, is the ability to be less cautious when the waves kick up. As for taking water into the cockpit of a bowrider, well a good bow cover does indeed help in rough water. But once again understanding your boat, weight distribution, and how you chose to navigate through the chop has a lot to do with this...... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

06-06-2012, 09:42 PM	#5
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,127 Thanks: 64 Thanked 753 Times in 487 Posts	Comfort and safety... At 18', mine is one of the smallest boats on the lake. Situational awareness comes into play when piloting any boat. Reading the wakes in a very confused sea can be daunting. The px sometimes wonder why I'll change direction or slow way down several times as we zigzag toward our destination. They are oblivious to the slamming and inundation that is avoided. With a smaller boat, comfort dictates where and when you go. The two advantages of an 18 footer are: I can dock for lunch in the smallest of spaces while others endlessly hover. It fits in my garage for winter storage.

06-07-2012, 07:33 AM	#6
ThePlut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 150 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	Bowriders I'm on my third Cobalt Bowrider. The first was a 20, then a 24, now a 27. I've never felt unsafe in any of them, I've never taken more than spray over the bow. I've been out in all kinds of conditions, including the 24 in some of the heaviest ever, with a full load of adults and children on board. It was slow going that day, but again, nothing more than spray driving by wind, no substantial water. I think it largely has to do with the guy driving the boat, knowing how to do it properly and understanding the capabilities of the boat. I upgraded from 20 - 24 as a result of opportunity, and the desire for more physical space onboard. 24 to 27 was the result of an unbelieveable deal. The 24 was a great size boat for the lake, I still miss it sometimes. Good luck!

06-06-2012, 06:30 PM	#4
bajalongislander Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	we boat in a 2002 baja islander 23 and have had no problems at all