Big waves

radioinahole

Hello everyone, I was wondering about the easiest/smoothest way going over big waves by cruisers, barges, etc. I have a 2001 Rinker Captiva 212. I'm still kind of new to boating, I don't know if I should go fast and try to jump them or go slow. I don't hammer down or anything, I usually go about 20 mph or so. I've heard I need to just head straight into them and Ive also heard going at a 45 degree angle. Thanks!

jme097

Lmao do not try to jump them. Or atleast I don't advise against it. I have a 280 and I take big waves/wakes at a 45. I am sure others have a perference. 

JC290

45 degree angle

LaRea

On a really big wake, if you go straight into it, you risk stuffing the bow into the water when you're "surfing" down the backside of the first wave and then you hit the next one.  A 45-degree angle is usually safest and most comfortable.

Black_Diamond

Here is what can happen when you wake jump

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/08/03/4-hospitalized-after-boating-accident-in-lake-st-clair/

Handymans342

I just watched a video where a huge tanker is taking 40 foot waves head on. 

MarkB

Do not hit them head on, that will point your nose (bow) down as you hit the next wave, and can bring in water, plus makes things unecessarily uncomfortable. 

Hit them at a 45 degree angle going slow enough that you don't jump out of the water. You don't have to go at a crawling speed, you can probably hit them at like 8 mph or more if you go on a 45, depends on your boat and how comfortable you are.

nhsd

I would slow down pretty far (off plane) and hit them at an oblique angle of at least 45 degrees. As the cruiser wakes are usually formed in a V, the angle is easy just slowing down while continuing to go down or up river. However as barge wakes are often large rolling waves going directly behind the barge, doing the angle forces you across the river out of you normal path and you have to be careful not to get trapped in the trough. Better to try to stay on one side or the other with the barges or big paddle wheels and not cross their rolling wake until it goes down a little bit if possible.

andyd

Lots of good info on rough water handling here:

http://www.docksidereports.com/rough_water_seamanship_1.htm

Andy