A surprise summer storm on a Sunday afternoon while relaxing at home is usually no big deal, some may even go as far as saying it's enjoyable. A pop-up storm on a Sunday afternoon while you're relaxing on your boat is a totally different story - things can get dicey very quickly. If you find yourself facing an adverse weather situation on the water, there are some steps you can take to increase the odds of making it through safely.
Awareness and a clear head will always be to your advantage. Worry less about your boat and more about yourself and your passengers. Modern boats are designed to withstand a heck of a beating and they are surprisingly stable when handled correctly in rough seas. In fact, most capsizing incidents are ultimately caused by pilot error, not structural failure of the boat.
If you find yourself in the path of a storm while out on the water, jot down your immediate location, reduce your speed and plot a course to the nearest marina or shoreline if possible. First and foremost, everyone on board should be wearing a life vest. Make sure your distress signals, such as flares, and life rafts (if applicable) are readily accessible and all onboard equipment is stowed or secured. Balancing the weight of equipment and passengers as evenly as possible will help with the stability and control of the boat - especially with smaller crafts. Head into the wind and approach the waves at a 45 degree angle to help reduce stress on the hull.
Your radio should be on channel 16 for Coast Guard weather advisories and updates. Listen for other boaters in the area that may need assistance or may be able to offer you help if necessary. Stay as low in the boat as possible and keep a keen eye on the waters around you and watch out for other boats and debris or obstructions in your path. Make sure that all doors, hatches, panels and any other openings are securely closed to help avoid taking on water.
Lightning is common during summer storms and there's no way to predict where it will strike. Some boats have a degree of lightning protection built-in through grounded bonding systems, or large copper plates below the waterline to ground the mast. Even with the added protection, it's best for passengers to be seated on the floor away from any electrical panels or ungrounded components. If you don't keep a stash of rubber-soled shoes on board, you should. Have enough pairs on hand to accommodate yourself and your passengers - it's just good planning.
Every boater knows that just because it's clear when you shove off doesn't mean it's going to stay that way. Even with a beautiful forecast it's important to remain vigilant while out on the water. Watch for thickening or darkening clouds, changes in the wind speed or direction and sudden drops in temperature. Those are all good indicators that the weather is about to change - and usually not for the better. The best option is always to get out of the water before a storm hits. When that's not possible do your best to follow the steps above and keep your wits about you and you have an excellent chance of getting your boat and it's passengers safely through the storm.
Awareness and a clear head will always be to your advantage. Worry less about your boat and more about yourself and your passengers. Modern boats are designed to withstand a heck of a beating and they are surprisingly stable when handled correctly in rough seas. In fact, most capsizing incidents are ultimately caused by pilot error, not structural failure of the boat.
If you find yourself in the path of a storm while out on the water, jot down your immediate location, reduce your speed and plot a course to the nearest marina or shoreline if possible. First and foremost, everyone on board should be wearing a life vest. Make sure your distress signals, such as flares, and life rafts (if applicable) are readily accessible and all onboard equipment is stowed or secured. Balancing the weight of equipment and passengers as evenly as possible will help with the stability and control of the boat - especially with smaller crafts. Head into the wind and approach the waves at a 45 degree angle to help reduce stress on the hull.
Your radio should be on channel 16 for Coast Guard weather advisories and updates. Listen for other boaters in the area that may need assistance or may be able to offer you help if necessary. Stay as low in the boat as possible and keep a keen eye on the waters around you and watch out for other boats and debris or obstructions in your path. Make sure that all doors, hatches, panels and any other openings are securely closed to help avoid taking on water.
Lightning is common during summer storms and there's no way to predict where it will strike. Some boats have a degree of lightning protection built-in through grounded bonding systems, or large copper plates below the waterline to ground the mast. Even with the added protection, it's best for passengers to be seated on the floor away from any electrical panels or ungrounded components. If you don't keep a stash of rubber-soled shoes on board, you should. Have enough pairs on hand to accommodate yourself and your passengers - it's just good planning.
Every boater knows that just because it's clear when you shove off doesn't mean it's going to stay that way. Even with a beautiful forecast it's important to remain vigilant while out on the water. Watch for thickening or darkening clouds, changes in the wind speed or direction and sudden drops in temperature. Those are all good indicators that the weather is about to change - and usually not for the better. The best option is always to get out of the water before a storm hits. When that's not possible do your best to follow the steps above and keep your wits about you and you have an excellent chance of getting your boat and it's passengers safely through the storm.
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