Northwest Reel Life Jan-Feb 2024 Volume 4 Issue 4 - Flipbook - Page 29
If the forecast includes a
freezing spray advisory,
leave your boat on the
trailer. Even with a forced
air defrost system you will
not be able to keep the
windows clear of ice. In
addition to the resulting
reduced visibility, moving
around on a rocking icecovered deck is close to
impossible and flat-out
dangerous.
When you first realize that
you’ll be running in heavy
water, have everybody
onboard put their PFDs
on. If practical, lower your
center of gravity. Keep
someone on watch, but
have the rest of your
passengers sit on the floor.
Weight distribution can be
critical in how your boat
handles big water.
Running in heavy seas
is a mental challenge at
best. You’re managing the
impact of the wave you’re
on while reading the seas
at least 3 waves ahead of
you. Don’t panic and plan
your actions. Focus on the
seas while keeping your
passengers calm.
When running into a head
sea, in general, you want
to approach a wave just
off of head-on. If the crest
is breaking, you want the
bow just behind the break
and adjust the throttle as
