Need Help using the ocean
 

Hey all... new to the offshore world.. just got a 34 w 525s... and got some questions about the ocean...
1. What is too big of a swell to travel in
2. Do you head straight into the wave
3. what if your traveling south and the waves are comming at you from the side..
4. is there a training class in So Cal that can get me all the answers needed for safe ocean boating..
I know these must be stupid questions to the expercined boater.. but if safer to know now.. instead of it being too late.. thanks all

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

I know it sounds retarded but go take the US Coast Guard operators course, it's only like 80 dollars and you will learn alot about basic seamanship.

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

No safety question is a dumb question. I actually commend you for your interest of safe boating. :drink:
I think you would have to go by the capabilities of your boat and get used to it before you run (hard) in rough water. I try to drive at the comfort level of the person least comfortable in the boat. Good luck

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Stupid would be going out there and creating stories that we will read about on the news. Spend time in calm water and slowly conquer rough water. Safety courses are a must and usually get you a 10-20% discount on ins. too.

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Semper fi has words of wisdom listen to them and you will not error!!!!!!


oh and take the course worth its weight in gold!!!!!

after 25 yrs havnt seen it all but seen alot still learning

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Go on the SCOPE site and ask for help. Maybe someone will meet you at the harbor and give you a few pointers. Then run with a group for awhile. Lakes and Ocean are night and day! Just take things slow, and remember that when you think you've got it all figured out... the ocean will show you who's boss.

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Thanks for all your help... i am going to look into a boating class... AS I have been in lakes and rivers for some 20 + yrs... 1st time with a bigger boat... and last thing i want is too get sucked up by a rouge wave...

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

I would hate to be hit by a rouge wave.
The blue and green ones are bad enough.

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Even worse would be a huge rogue rouge wave. :D

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Welcome to OSO, Riverdude. :cool:

Tres Martin has put together a great program for training in Offshore Performance boats. Check it out:
http://www.performanceboatschool.com/

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Nice to see your back to your old self.....
I bet you get a headache everytime you sitdown! :eek: (smartazz :D )

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Stopped watching the news.

BTW... welcome to OSO Riverdude.

I agree with all the advice you have been given. Good stuff.

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

I agree... take Tres class.

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

This may sound dumb, but remember to allow for the tide and current when docking. You don't want your boat bouncing off of the pillars(if tide comes in), or hanging from the lines(if tide goes out). Most lake boaters are not used to this. Welcome to the board :D

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

When I moved up from jetboats to my 29' Offshore boat, I had an experienced offshore boater/racer go out with me for the day and show me the ropes. This despite my 7 years working offshore in all kinds of commercial vesssels.

Obviously boater education course and navigation basics are very important, but having someone show you what your boat can and can not handle is important too.

Enjoy,

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

What boat did you get? Keep an eye on the SCOPE message board for impromptu lunch runs, etc and show up for a few of them. You will be able to run with a group and also there are a lot of people who can give you pointers.

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

LOL!!!! :D

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

I bought a 34 Kachina Drone.. with twin 525s, XR Drives, Full hydrolic to the helm, mercury k planes

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Join SCOPE at www.scopeinfo.com and come run with us...lots of great knowlwdge there

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Check the message board often on the SCOPE site for last minute run's etc!

Re: Need Help using the ocean
 

Not Dumb at all.....It's one of the most important things to learn when transitioning from lakes. I can't count how many times I've seen boats hanging from docks - some even taking docks with them or sinking boats completely.