Best Angle for large waves

[daninPA]

Yesterday we spent a splendid day out on the northern Chesapeake Bay. We left APG, motored out to the main channel near Turkey POint, then headed to Havre de Grace where we tied up for a bit so we could walk into town for some Bomboy homemade ice cream (very very good!).

But everyone else had the same idea, so the shallow waters were a constant maze of wakes of varying periods and intensity. Most weren't even noticed, but it's apparent that the CDory absolutely shrugs off anything at a 45 degree angle. A steeper angle results in a lift and plop. A shallower angle causes rolling.

We were never in any danger or even uncomfortable, but it was good practice for the likely eventuality of being caught out when it's getting a bit rolly...

Any thoughts? Also, any suggestions on handling following seas?

 

[thataway]

"cracking off" as it is termed in sailboats is advisable. Just like a sailboat does not do well going into wind and waves, nor does another other boat--including the C Dory,

You probably could do a little better than 45*. What you are looking for is the "vector made good" toward your goal. You want to balance any slamming or uncomfortable ride, with the goal of getting to your destination...For going into waves, slow down, and bring the bow down, using both trim tabs and Permatirm on the motor to get the best ride.

The C Dory does very well going off wind and waves. You need to keep the bow high. If the bow is left down, then a broach is possible--as well as "Bow Steering"

 

[daninPA]

Yes! All excellent points.

I learned about the Bow Up v. down a couple of months ago when I turn back and had following seas with Permatrim set to pitch the bow down -- which helped in the chop I was running into but gave me an uncomfortable moment when I felt like the boat was being pushed from behind in a way contrary to what I was steering.

Lesson learned!

 

[designbug]

I have a CD25 so it may be slightly different but I have spent a lot of time out on the Chesapeake. I find taking big waves at a slight angle and slowing down a little works well. As other have said, bow up in following seas - it's kind of like body surfing - these boats handle it well.

My suggestion is just keep practicing and be prepared for anything. Conditions on the Bay can change quickly.

 

[daninPA]

I have a CD25 so it may be slightly different but I have spent a lot of time out on the Chesapeake. I find taking big waves at a slight angle and slowing down a little works well. As other have said, bow up in following seas - it's kind of like body surfing - these boats handle it well.

My suggestion is just keep practicing and be prepared for anything. Conditions on the Bay can change quickly.

Indeed! And the difference between various parts is remarkable. On Sunday the wind was from the North, with steady waves against the marina (made docking a bit more challenging). Waves out in the main channel were more regular, but the more protected area around HdG had lots of short choppy wakes from a dozen directions like a large lake.

 

[T.R. Bauer]

You guys don't own the market on chop - it's everywhere! And some people go too slow in it. Anyway....if you're got a following sea, neutral trim is really nice combined with the correct speed - and you can scoot along faster than you think. Otherwise, as others have noted, with the sharp entry these boats have, you will get some bow steer going down waves and into the next if you trim the bow down too aggressively and go too fast. Broaching is possible as others have noted, but you likely will have the living crap scared out of you before that happens and you'll fix it.

 

[daninPA]

You guys don't own the market on chop - it's everywhere! And some people go too slow in it. Anyway....if you're got a following sea, neutral trim is really nice combined with the correct speed - and you can scoot along faster than you think. Otherwise, as others have noted, with the sharp entry these boats have, you will get some bow steer going down waves and into the next if you trim the bow down too aggressively and go too fast. Broaching is possible as others have noted, but you likely will have the living crap scared out of you before that happens and you'll fix it.

Interesting -- so the "sharp entry" is why the bow heads where it wills when the boat is pushed from behind?

 

[Hunkydory]

You guys don't own the market on chop - it's everywhere! And some people go too slow in it. Anyway....if you're got a following sea, neutral trim is really nice combined with the correct speed - and you can scoot along faster than you think. Otherwise, as others have noted, with the sharp entry these boats have, you will get some bow steer going down waves and into the next if you trim the bow down too aggressively and go too fast. Broaching is possible as others have noted, but you likely will have the living crap scared out of you before that happens and you'll fix it.

Interesting -- so the "sharp entry" is why the bow heads where it wills when the boat is pushed from behind?

In some very rough seas, I’ve yet to have the boat head where it wills unless improperly trimmed. It is just the reverse, the CD22 handles following seas extremely well & other than in very extreme conditions, I find a comfortable speed as T.R. suggest & rarely have to change much in steering or throttle except when steep waves are coming from the stern quarter or more to the side when desired course makes this necessary. Of course in very large possibly breaking seas, then good throttle control & steering will be a must.

Jay

 

[T.R. Bauer]

You guys don't own the market on chop - it's everywhere! And some people go too slow in it. Anyway....if you're got a following sea, neutral trim is really nice combined with the correct speed - and you can scoot along faster than you think. Otherwise, as others have noted, with the sharp entry these boats have, you will get some bow steer going down waves and into the next if you trim the bow down too aggressively and go too fast. Broaching is possible as others have noted, but you likely will have the living crap scared out of you before that happens and you'll fix it.

Interesting -- so the "sharp entry" is why the bow heads where it wills when the boat is pushed from behind?

Yes - in my experience it is only if you are going too fast or the trim is too aggressive. And, it will happen taking seas head on if you are pushing the hull with aggressive trim and too much speed, but most people don't do this as they value their kidneys.

 

[daninPA]

You guys don't own the market on chop - it's everywhere! And some people go too slow in it. Anyway....if you're got a following sea, neutral trim is really nice combined with the correct speed - and you can scoot along faster than you think. Otherwise, as others have noted, with the sharp entry these boats have, you will get some bow steer going down waves and into the next if you trim the bow down too aggressively and go too fast. Broaching is possible as others have noted, but you likely will have the living crap scared out of you before that happens and you'll fix it.

Interesting -- so the "sharp entry" is why the bow heads where it wills when the boat is pushed from behind?

Yes - in my experience it is only if you are going too fast or the trim is too aggressive. And, it will happen taking seas head on if you are pushing the hull with aggressive trim and too much speed, but most people don't do this as they value their kidneys.

Makes sense. The only time I experienced the "Where is this thing going?!?" moment was after turning downwind and not retrimming (yeah, duh).

15 knots or so seems to be about the tolerable max in any type of chop.