01-02-2025 REELLIFE DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 31
next wave could cause your
boat to broach.
Broaching is where the
wave behind you lifts your
stern enough that you lose
directional control and
possibly roll your boat.
Running in the trough is
kind of a combination of
running into an oncoming
sea and running with
a following sea. You’re
constantly managing the
throttle and the wheel
while looking for breaking
waves. You want to let the
breaking wave pass by just
in front of your boat. You
may have to throttle up
to turn the boat and take
a wave just off center of
head-on, then realign with
the trough.
A key to successfully
navigating heavy seas is
to know your boat and not
be afraid to change plans
if you need to change
your destination for safe
harbors. Most people don’t
file a float plan anymore
but it is a great idea to let
someone on shore know
what your general plans are
for the day. If you get into
heavy weather, designate
someone to communicate
your changing plans. As a
skipper, you need to focus
on managing the boat, not
yapping it up on the phone
or texting. On that note,
keep a tidy ship. Things
rolling around the cabin,
or sliding around the deck
can be both distracting and
dangerous.
The safest way to manage
heavy seas is to enjoy them
through the windshield
of your tow vehicle. If you
do get stuck having to run
in unfriendly conditions,
keep cool and rely on your
preparations. Become one
with the sea, you can’t
change the conditions
but you can understand
their impact on your vessel
and plan accordingly. As a
skipper, at the end of the
day, you are responsible
for making sure your
passengers make it home
to spin man verses the sea
tales. Be the legend!
