Small boat handling
Hi GB,
All are great suggestions. I boat off the SE coast of Florida. During winter, the seas regularly run from 2 to 8 feet and higher in the gulf stream.
I try to keep to 2 - 4 as the max, not because the boat can't handle it, because the ride becomes too tiring. The boat can handle the pounding, but, everything else comes loose. I've tightened all the screws on the deck, CC rail, Bimini top, etc. after a rough ride in the ocean. The passangers don't appreciate it either. With rough seas, I take it slow. riding up the crest and over again at about 45 degrees (adjust for your comfort). Taking the seas head on will cause the boat to slap on the trough of the wave when you go over the crest.
Also, you may want to look for your local US Power Squadron group. They teach classes on seamanship and small boat handling. Cost for classes are minimal. Good folks there.
By all means, wear a PFD in that weather and attach the dead man switch to the PFD. If you go over, it kills the engine. You would not want to see the boat run away from you.
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Barry, AP
Aboard "SURPRISE"
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