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When out on the water in a speed boat, it's not just a matter of controlling speed, you also need to have good boating skills. Even the best of boats won't overcome the lack of knowledge and skills in turbulent weather. Boats that are designed for rough water operation will perform better, but they do not negate the demand for a skilled operator.

Controlling Speed

In a power boat, you have an advantage that you don't have in a simple sailboat That is the ability to control your boat speed relative to the wave speed. Controlling speed controls the effect waves will have on a boat.

Hull design has a lot to do with how different boats handle under different conditions. The vast majority of boats sold today are designed for comfort and convenience, not rough water performance. Since different boats respond differently under different conditions it is up to the operator to learn how to handle each situation. If you go out on the water often enough, eventually you are going to encounter a storm. The good news is that very severe storms normally require certain favorable conditions that will be somewhat predictable. Your first and best defense against a thunder storm is to check the weather before you leave. No matter how much boating experience you have, boating is not fun in a thunderstorm.

When you do get caught in a storm, your most immediate problems will be the loss of visibility and high winds. How you react to weather conditions and what you should do depends mainly on the size of your boat and the body of water you are on. No one can tell you exactly what the correct response is because every situation is different. The most important thing is to avoid panic. Don't make rash decisions. Make sure all passengers are equipped with life jackets and try to keep everyone calm.

If you are a novice at boating it is recommended that you follow these guidelines:

1. Never rely solely on GPS electronic maps for your knowledge of the waters you navigate.

2. You should have paper charts of the areas that you intend to navigate, including your local area. Take time to read charts and study them.

3. Be knowledgeable about tidal flows and currents, their direction and velocity. Know the places that should be avoided.

4. When encountering rough water, take time to be observant of what is happening around you. Use this opportunity to practice and learn boat handling skills.