6.4.3.3 Driving in rough seas

Never go out in rough seas, if you are uncertain whether the boat and those on board can cope. Follow these simple rules.

  • Be well prepared.

  • Remember to secure loose equipment.

  • Always have a sea anchor and other emergency equipment easily accessible.

  • Avoid breaking seas that can appear close to land and over shallows.

  • If there are significant waves, always reduce speed to guarantee the safety of the persons on board.

  • Use the trim tab to trim the bow down to reduce hull slamming in a head sea.

In a head sea

  • Adjust speed to suit the size of the waves.

  • Adjust the trim angle to the size of the waves. Avoid taking seas beam on.

In a following sea

Remember to keep the bow high in a following sea. Avoid crashing through waves, maintain low speed. If necessary, deploy the sea anchor to reduce speed.

Planing boats can be particularly exposed in rough following seas. The stern of the boat rises and the rudder does not answer, so the boat broaches while the bow cuts down into the sea.