View Single Post
Old 09-12-2007, 10:47 AM   #112
jrc
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NH
Posts: 2,689
Thanks: 33
Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts
Default

In a self-bailing boat, the deck is above the waterline and scuppers allow water to escape the boat. So a big wave over the bow will somewhat quickly leave the boat. Many bow riders are not self bailing, a big wave will slosh around as Dave R describes, eventually running into the bilge, where the bilge pump will pump it overboard. This takes time, during that time you may get another wave. Eventually you may not be able to keep up.

I've been out on the broads in big water in a bowrider, it is not fun. Keeping the canvas cover may help. The best approach is to avoid taking a wave over the bow. That means working very hard at the helm or staying home.

I post without any knowledge of the actual accident and do not suggest that this post relates to the actual events.
jrc is offline   Reply With Quote