Any experienced boater can attest that a sunny day on the water can turn rough in an instant. That’s why knowing how to drive a boat in rough water is a skill every boater should have.
We recommend that you avoid venturing into the water when there’s bad weather on the way. And even if the forecast calls for calm seas, check the weather conditions before you go.
Of course, traveling through choppy waves is sometimes inevitable. That’s why our Discover Boating team has put together a step-by-step guide for boating in rough water. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know!
Your Guide to Boating in Rough Water
If you’re a newer member of the nautical community, we recommend staying on dry land whenever rough water is predicted. But of course, sometimes you don’t have a choice. When that happens, follow these guidelines to keep yourself and your passengers safe:
1. Check Weather Conditions
Regardless of what it looks like outside, you should always check the weather before you go. And if heavy winds are forecasted, we recommend saving the sailing excursion for another day. Additionally, keep an eye out for severe weather alerts and advisories.
2. Prepare the Boat for Navigating Rough Waters
Before you set sail, confirm that all your equipment is functioning as it should (maybe even check twice!) This includes checking the engine, bilge pump, guidance lights, and other safety features.
You should also familiarize yourself with your boat’s hull, as its shape affects how it handles waves and choppy water. In addition, we recommend traveling with as little on-board weight as possible. Leave unnecessary items in the car or at the dock and pack only the essentials. This keeps your boat light and maneuverable.
And if you do bring something valuable on board, make sure to store it in a dry bag. (You’ll thank us later.)
3. Prioritize Safety
For boaters, safety always comes first! Ensure you have properly fitting life jackets for everyone on board and ample safety equipment. Additionally, ask your passengers to remain seated while the boat is in motion. And if you need to move about the cabin, do so carefully.
Furthermore, you should avoid sailing solo in rough water. An extra set of eyes will help you spot obstacles in the water, and boating with company is much more fun!
Read Next: Life Jackets, Vests & PFDs: How to Choose the Right Fit
4. Reduce Speed
If you’re out on the water and the seas suddenly get rough, slow down! As you can probably imagine, the faster you travel, the harder it is to control your boat.
If you aren’t sure how fast you should go, adjust your speed to the size and frequency of the waves. If you drive too slowly, your boat might get stuck in the troughs. And if you travel too quickly, you can lose control of your vessel and capsize. (Neither is a good option – trust us!) Essentially, you should opt for a speed that allows you to ride the waves comfortably while staying stable.
Note that choppy waters hide debris and unexpected hazards. Stay alert and watch for sudden big waves (or other boats) heading your way.
5. Stay on Top of Waves
The key to navigating a boat in rough waters is to stay on top of the waves instead of running straight through them. Essentially, this protects your boat from taking the force of the waves, keeping it stable.
To stay on top of the waves, reduce your speed and position your boat at a 45-degree angle towards the waves. That way, you hit them head-on. Additionally, keep your boat’s bow high either by trimming your outboard motor or using the trim tabs.
Another thing to avoid is making sudden maneuvers in rough water, as they increase your risk of capsizing. Instead, change direction slowly and steadily.
6. Secure Belongings
When the water is choppy, you’ll want to stow or tie down all chairs, coolers, and fishing gear. And we recommend keeping as many of your belongings as possible in the closed compartments. That way, you keep flip-flops, sunscreen, and sunglasses from flying away and damaging your boat or its passengers.
7. Stay Calm
Understanding how to navigate a boat through rough seas can be challenging. However, staying calm and collected is vital. If you feel overwhelmed and have to be on the water, we recommend dropping anchor and riding it out. Do your best to find a safe harbor or cove and wait for the storm to pass.
Your Boating Experts
Wondering how to navigate a boat in rough seas? We hope that today’s article gave you the answer. As experts in the boating industry, our team equips boaters with the necessary resources to make the most of their nautical adventures. Visit our boating blog for more guides like this one.
