You will almost certainly
encounter a host of different water conditions in your boat,
each with its own peculiarities.
All these conditions have a varying effect on the safe speed
you can maintain and affect the way you trim and steer.
Head Seas
The waves are coming directly toward your bow (front).
Slicing through the waves is an option, providing they are
not huge. Adjust your speed to avoid waves breaking over the
bow. When crossing the wake created by another boat, always
try to move with the bow at an acute angle to the wave formation.
Following Seas
The waves are behind and following you.
The boat will seem to be nose heavy. Vary the throttle constantly
to keep the nose up. The build-up of a wave at the stern will
give the effect of surfing, and can adversely affect the steering
capabilities. Try to keep at right angles to it and ride the
crest and back of the wave. Don't get ahead of the wave or
it may swamp you. If you do have to turn, do it while in the
trough between waves - and do it quickly.
Beam Seas
The wave formation is coming from your side or 'beam'.
Glide up each wave, moving from wave trough to wave trough
gently at a 45 degree angle. Then slide down the other side,
maintaining the same angle. Slow down so that the boat does
not become airborne.
Should you get caught in a larger sea than anticipated, re-adjust
the weight in the boat to stabilise it. Put heavy things on
the floor, securely stowed, keeping the centre of gravity
as low as possible. Get your crew to sit on the floor of the
boat.
If in doubt about the conditions, slow down. Come off the
plane and try to keep the bow (front) from dipping. If you
have bilge pumps fitted, make sure they work. Otherwise, have
a securely fastened bailer handy just in case.
If you take in a lot of water, try to keep the boat moving.
Once you stop it can be difficult to get going again.
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