Big Wave Boating

Very difficult indeed. On lake Michigan there is only one way to get on top with waves that high. I go close to shore in the troughs and run in behind the pier opposite the wind direction, get on top and then run like hell past the pier straight into them. The bigger trick is stopping. Once you have had enough you are way out in big water and the second you come off the throttle you stuff. Wet ride every time. NK

.......ONCE!

Waves and swells are two different things. Waves have much greater face height. People measure the face and/or the back. You just need to be specific when talking about how high the swells are and how far spaced out. Stacked together=easier to stay on top. far apart makes for launch ramps. And the big problem is the hole you drop into on the back side.

It averages 4-6's where I live and it's not fun to boat in. Just depends on how much you want to beat the sh!t out of your stuff!

We're talking waves here, not swells.
Otherwise give me 2-3ft waves on top of 8ft swells for a nice ride anyday in a 41 apache.

I was out in true 2-3ft waves w/ 5ft+ swells in my 24pantera... and the wife was not happy running at 35mph. When you got inbetween the swells and couldn't see over them, she got nervous.
If i was w/o her, 50mph would have been a good time.
and incase you are wondering... the swells were coming at the starboard beam, and the waves from that rear corner.

Watch the 2002 APBA Cape Cod Race.

JCPERF, yeah the big box on the back keeps waves from rolling up the engine hatch to an inch below the seat tops when I am trolling offshore. That is what the waves used to do, then drop down the edges of the hatch into the bilge. The box stops that from happening now, it is great!

I was in a bad storm off Block Island and we were doing about 20 MPH with the waves trying to roll over the back of the boat. Without the box, I think we would have sunk. Also great for getting on and off the boat in Nantucket, Palm Beach and Kismet <gg> to high fixed docks.

Offshore w... you can only run fast in big waves if they are closely spaced. I believe you are thinking of swells, and alot depends on how far apart they are. You are wrong to think a Sonic can't take big waves, as it is one of THE strongest boats out there. Push on the hull side of your boat, if you have one, and see what happens. The F boats will bend in, but you will break your hand on a Sonic before it will move.

Thats the funniest thing Ive read in awhile! I wouldnt ask my worst enemy to do that!