New to boating, safety question?

[AirbusAngler]

Ok probably a really noob question, and a commons sense type thing, but as you all know boats are expensive and this being my first boat I am extra careful while learning handling and operation of a vessel. So if you have any other helpful informational tips please share below! (like which hole to plug with the drain plug  don't worry i figured that one out, but to my surprise its no where in the manual or anywhere else lol. And the drain plug fits perfect into the other 3 holes in the transom)

 

My question is regarding wind. I have a 2018 Bass Tracker 175txw, 17'7" in length with a 60hp merc and a 80b thrust MKFortrex. Being new to this whole boat thing what are some of your personal safety levels with regards to wind? On my home lake lewisville, winds can whip up into the 30s and get some legit white caps forming on the main body. But this is more of a broad question for all you experienced boaters, what are some techniques you use for boating during the wind? What are "no go" wind conditions for you? What would be a good recommendation for a new boater still learning the handling characteristics of his vessel? Bear in mind not "trolling motor control," I actually do have experience with that and I feel my fortrex can really manhandle the aluminum hull around quite nicely and hold a spot when I want to, but I'm talking more about when i have to access the main lake body to get back to the ramp or move spots etc..or even worse get caught in an east Texas storm. 

 

like always, thanks again for your input! 

 

[Fishing Rhino]

I have only one suggestion.  Take a boat operators course.  It will teach you boat handling, safety procedures,  etc.  Some states require a license to operate a boat.  What you learn will help you avoid trouble on the water.

[tkunk]

Wave size matters more than wind. 30 MPH winds on a small lake are a minor nuisance, but they're deadly on big water.

 

Never fish if there's any possibility of a storm. Winds can go from 0 to 60 MPH in less than a minute, and waves will react accordingly. There's no way you can land your boat without beaching it in conditions like that. Where I fish, people try tying up to something, and it ends up killing them.

 

Every boat is different, so it's hard to give advice. But be very conservative when you're trying to learn what you and your boat can handle. For example, don't fish in 4-footers if you're not 100% confident that you can manage 3-footers. Never take chances.

 

[moguy1973]

I have a 2008 model of your boat and I've had it out in 20mph winds on a large reservoir where the wind was blowing the same direction as the lake and it was no fun.  Going with the waves was downright dangerous as it was pretty much jumping the waves at anything much over a no wake speed.  If you have a passenger they better be wearing wet weather gear or they will be wet and miserable.  Into the wind isn't as bad since you are more or less hitting the waves head on and cutting through them but it will pound your body to a pulp.  I wouldn't have gone out in those conditions other than I knew if I got out of the main body of the lake the arms would be calm enough to fish. 

 

Being that it's aluminum doesn't really matter either though.  I've been out in a 21' Ranger z521 before in 18-20mph winds on a wide open lake and that wasn't fun either.  Just get to know your limits with the boat.  If it were me, I wouldn't be out on a lake in 30mph winds in a Tracker.

[J Francho]

This blew me off Lake Ontario and the usually protected Port Bay 

 

 

[NHBull]

There is no substitute for experience and wind or curr are usually the biggest challenges.

start with a good weather app, don’t feel that you have to run from point A to B.  Be crea and use islands and protected areas as your friends. Try to use 90 degree angles when possible.

look at YouTube for videos, there are a few

[PECo]

You’ll be able to tell when you shouldn’t be out on the water. 

[clark9312]

I'd say most boaters have been out in conditions where they knew they messed up. I did it once I'm February, the water was barely 50 degrees and I was by myself. I'm bad to not wear a life jacket but this day I refused to take mine off. I had phone out of my pocket and was prepared to get knocked in. It was a dumb move but i was catching fish and couldn't talk myself into leaving. 

[WRB]

On October 27, 2017 at 8:34 AM, NHBull said:

There is no substitute for experience and wind or curr are usually the biggest challenges.

start with a good weather app, don’t feel that you have to run from point A to B.  Be crea and use islands and protected areas as your friends. Try to use 90 degree angles when possible.

look at YouTube for videos, there are a few

I don't think you met broadside to the waves, 45 degrees into or down wind is safer. 

Every lake is different regarding wind velocity and direction. Always error on caution, slow down and return safe. We call small white caps "pop corn", generally safe, larger white caps when the "sheep are out of the barn", not safe.

Tom

[AirbusAngler]

Great thanks guys this was the kind of info I was looking for. Definitely staying on the more conservative/safe side of things especially being new. And yeah life jackets and kill switch are a must for me.

[slonezp]

Know your boat. Learn how to vary the throttle for conditions. A straight line may not be the safest or driest ride and zig zagging may be in order.

Boat wakes on a busy lake pose a problem of a different sort, as do barges. They are potentially more dangerous as the wakes can be unpredictable. If you're following another boat riding in its wake leaving the wake takes some practice, especially when slowing down may not be an option, because you may have a boat following in your wake. Avoid barge and wake boat wakes if at all possible.  

[NHBull]

5 hours ago, WRB said:

I don't think you met broadside to the waves, 45 degrees into or down wind is safer. 

Every lake is different regarding wind velocity and direction. Always error on caution, slow down and return safe. We call small white caps "pop corn", generally safe, larger white caps when the "sheep are out of the barn", not safe.

Tom

Correct, and thanks for making thanks clear

[Catt]

Always! Wear floatation device when the big motor is started!

 

Always!! Wear your kill switch!!

 

Never let pride get your way, I'll beach a boat & get out in a heartbeat if necessary!!!

 

For most anglers being underpowered means slow holeshots & topend speeds.

 

For this dumb Cajun it's about poor throttle response & bow lift in rough water. Learn what your motor is capable of at 1/4 throttle & punch, 1/2 throttle & punch, or 3/4 throttle & punch.

 

Run from lightening! Fear it completely!

Edited October 29, 2017 by Catt
Operator error

[PECo]

On 10/29/2017 at 7:59 AM, Catt said:

Always! Wear floatation device when the big motor is started

Always wear flotation device when aboard!

[Russ E]

4 hours ago, PECo said:

Always wear flotation device when aboard!

this  ^^^. 

with elevated bass boat decks there is nothing to grab if you stumble.

I wear an auto inflate vest, whenever I am in the boat.

[gim]

On ‎10‎/‎28‎/‎2017 at 7:15 PM, slonezp said:

Boat wakes on a busy lake pose a problem of a different sort

The ones that those wake surfing boats make create massive rogue waves that damage shorelines.

[BrianSnat]

An 18 foot boat should handle fairly large waves, depending on the hull design.  I've been through some pretty big waves in 25+ MPH winds in my 14 footer and piloting it carefully made for a wet ride but we never feared for our safety. But the bottom line is do you want to fish in those conditions? Once the wind starts to top about 15 MPH,  fishing is no longer fun for me in a small boat. Heck, it's not even fun in my buddy's 26 footer.