How To Handle The Wind While Boating
Boating is an exciting and challenging experience, and it requires a lot of know-how. You may or may not be surprised to learn that, even without a sail, wind plays a huge role in how your boat handles in the water. We here at L&M Marine want to make sure you stay safe and in control out on the water, so we’ve put together some tips for understanding and handling the wind. If you want to know more, or you’re looking for a boat to try these with, contact our store in Stapleton, Alabama, today!
Predicting The Wind
One of the easiest ways in the modern age to predict the weather is, of course, a weather forecast. Weather apps and radio stations can keep you up to date for the most part, but you’ll also want to check things out for yourself. One way is with a barometer, which can track air pressure and indicate whether bad weather is on the way. Another is to simply use your own senses!
For instance, if you feel the wind shift in a clockwise direction, that indicates good weather is coming, but counterclockwise shifts mean a storm is approaching. One way to check this is to stand with the wind to your back and look up. If the higher clouds are moving left to right, bad weather’s coming. If they’re moving right to left, the weather’s improving. If they’re moving towards or away from you, the weather is stable as is.
If you see and hear a thunderstorm, counting between the flash of lightning and the peal of thunder can also help. If the number you can count to on the second strike is larger than the first, the storm is moving away.
Knowing The Wind
You should also know and understand wind classifications so that you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
- Light wind means 1-15 mph
- Moderate wind is 16-25 mph
- Heavy wind is 26-38 mph
- Gale-force winds are 39-54 mph
- Storm winds are 55-73
Different boat styles are better equipped to handle high winds than others, largely because of the choppy waters wind can generate. Flat-bottomed boats, for instance, can’t really handle anything above a light wind. Modified and deep-V hulls have a deeper and more stable presence in the water, so they can handle moderate winds easily enough. Strong winds and higher are difficult conditions for most boats.
If you’re on your boat and there’s a storm, put your back to the wind and point left to find the storm’s center. Chart a course to avoid the storm if at all possible.
We hope these tips help you stay safe! If you have any questions, or you want to see the new and used boats we have for sale, contact us at L&M Marine. We proudly serve the people of Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida—let us serve you today!