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Woodsy · 09-26-2012, 10:56 AM

You didnt say from where you left or your ultimate destination. However, in a small boat like that, in rough water, your best bet is to head towards the Lee side of the nearest shoreline to mimimize your exposure to the wind and waves. The longer the wind runs across open water the bigger the waves will be. Islands block the wind and wave action quite a bit as does the shoreline especially on Winni with a NW wind. .

For example:

If you leave Alton bay with a destination of Meredith on a day with a strong NW wind as you described, the best course of action would be to run down the shoreline, and avoid the Broads completely.

If you are coming from Wolfeboro with a destination of Meredith, the best course would be to cut across the Broads to the East end of Rattlesnake then follow the shoreline. It will be rough cutting across, but once you get to Rattlesnake it should calm down some.

Sometimes the shortest route is not always the safest or most comfortable. Its not usually advisable to drive a small boat straight into the wind and waves... Quartering, and then heading to a lee shoreline is usually safer. That is taking the waves at an approximate 45 degree angle to your bow.

Check out this link.... http://www.docksidereports.com/rough...amanship_1.htm

Woodsy

09-26-2012, 10:56 AM	#4
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,949 Thanks: 80 Thanked 969 Times in 432 Posts	Use the Islands.... You didnt say from where you left or your ultimate destination. However, in a small boat like that, in rough water, your best bet is to head towards the Lee side of the nearest shoreline to mimimize your exposure to the wind and waves. The longer the wind runs across open water the bigger the waves will be. Islands block the wind and wave action quite a bit as does the shoreline especially on Winni with a NW wind. . For example: If you leave Alton bay with a destination of Meredith on a day with a strong NW wind as you described, the best course of action would be to run down the shoreline, and avoid the Broads completely. If you are coming from Wolfeboro with a destination of Meredith, the best course would be to cut across the Broads to the East end of Rattlesnake then follow the shoreline. It will be rough cutting across, but once you get to Rattlesnake it should calm down some. Sometimes the shortest route is not always the safest or most comfortable. Its not usually advisable to drive a small boat straight into the wind and waves... Quartering, and then heading to a lee shoreline is usually safer. That is taking the waves at an approximate 45 degree angle to your bow. Check out this link.... http://www.docksidereports.com/rough...amanship_1.htm Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.