Three to Six
The other day, while at the fuel dock, I asked the attendant what the sea conditions were and he stated, “rough, 3-6’ steep waves”. Not exactly thrilled with this news, I asked the guy next to me at the dock what he knew, and he stated “it’s very rough, I just took one over the bow and decided to come back in”. Now, I had a problem. I felt the need to rendezvous with another boater that morning, but didn’t want to risk sinking in the process. I have a seaworthy small boat and a bunch of experience at the helm, but it was worth considering the options before making the go/no go decision. In the end, I went out, carefully, and basically from marker to marker with a retreat plan in my back pocket. As the voyage went on, I was able to find some sheltered water and proceed safely, but it was a bit of an initial gamble. This time of year, the swells and chop pick up, while the number of boaters available to lend assistance sharply declines. Each boating situation is unique, and there aren’t any hard and fast rules. However, I suggest that when you become aware of potentially difficult sea conditions, you consider your options more carefully than you might earlier in the season. In most cases, there will be another boating day, and you want to be around to enjoy it.
