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-   -   Rate the rough water? (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/240705-rate-rough-water.html)

Brad Zastrow 10-13-2010 10:00 AM


Originally Posted by Back4More (Post 3229390)
We call that "Flat" on Lake Mich.

Exactly what I thought. Nice flat day on Lake Michigan. Those are 1-2's at best.

VtSteve 10-13-2010 11:24 AM

Lots of different measurements. If you measure the back of the wave, it's generally thought to be more accurate for surfing conditions because you'd be measuring the wave, not the swell as it grows in shallower water. Interestingly, this method is somewhat larger than 1/2 of the face height (Crest to Trough).

Most of the world seems to use 2/3rds the height. Different for inland waterways than the ocean as well. Generally speaking, if the wave face on the lake is 4', then there are 4 footers. I think the NWS takes the face height average of two thirds of the highest waves.

Being out in the ocean on three to fives can be significantly different than Champlain, or the Great Lakes. The period is much shorter (usually) on inland lakes, and while your boat in in the trough, the crest of the next wave can be headed for the top of your bow. If they're close enough together, larger boats can effectively ride the top for a ways if consistent enough.

We've had some very windy days on Champlain now since mid-August, so I got to see a lot of how NOAA measures them. 2-3s are pretty irritating and painful for my little 22'. 3-4's mean I shouldn't have gone out, pay attention. One day I was doing the cross lake journey, it started out as 2-3's, built up to 4-5's. That meant I could be SOL. Thankfully, they were close enough that I didn't have to ride them down. But they were large enough that I couldn't go into the straight following sea, the bow would have stuffed on many of the larger ones.

My guess from the picture was 1-2. But pictures rarely show the proper perspective


Then you can see whacked out waves like these :eek:

Teahupoo

SHAWNA 10-13-2010 11:42 AM


Originally Posted by Back4More (Post 3229390)
We call that "Flat" on Lake Mich.

That's what I was thinking. Actually, I'd call them "foot-and-a-halfers"!

SS930 10-13-2010 12:00 PM

Looks like 1-2, but pics can be very deceiving!

Stormrider 10-13-2010 12:29 PM


Originally Posted by redlinecat (Post 3229425)
First pic is rough for me running 80 to 100mph. Could very well be, but that was not the question.

For your 13 foot whaler it would have been sunk if you made it thru the cut. lol Impossible... really.

Heres a wave crushing 13' cat.
http://i54.tinypic.com/118io2q.jpg

1985 13ft whaler, 28evinrude, 7ft waves. Every one a big breaking whitecap. No other boats outside of E.R. Inlet (Atlantic), except for a tug. Followed him back in the inlet at 5mph. Prayed the whole way in.

DMAX 10-13-2010 04:56 PM

1 Attachment(s)
How big are these? Lake Winni in Sept "09"

DMAX 10-13-2010 05:01 PM

1 Attachment(s)
another

seafordguy 10-13-2010 06:02 PM


Originally Posted by t500hps (Post 3229306)
I got in a long arguement on THT .

My God - how a year changes things. Last year you were pounding waves in a nice Formula 382 - now you're passing time by picking fights on a fishing boat website. Queer......:evilb::evilb::evilb:

ActiveThunder 10-13-2010 06:05 PM


Originally Posted by DMAX (Post 3229744)
How big are these? Lake Winni in Sept "09"

A better question is how big are those rocks you people have just under the water level? :drink:

Comanche3Six 10-13-2010 06:06 PM

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