How Much Wind is too Much for Boating?

It depends on your boat and your skill level. Vessels less than 25 feet need to head for shore if winds start approaching the 10 miles per hour mark unless they are constructed and equipped for such weather.

Johnboats, dinghies, skiffs, and even larger powerboats can find themselves in trouble if a wave height reaches 18 inches. When waves reach that height, they can swamp or capsize your boat, and neither is a pleasant experience.

Suppose the water is cold or you are out of sight of land and other boaters. In that case, it can be an exceedingly dangerous experience.

One of the most significant factors of safe boating is knowing when it is safe to go boating and when it is not. The following is information that can aid you in determining whether a day will be suitable for boating or not.

How much wind is unsafe for boating?

There is a system in place that helps keep boaters safe. If followed, it will allow you to get off the water before it becomes too dangerous to be there or have the foreknowledge to stay home.

Whether a day is too windy depends on your boat, your skill, and the reason you are going boating. For example, if you are sailing, a brisk 20-knot wind may work great if you want to drive a 50-foot sailboat across the ocean.

However, that same 20 miles per hour wind may knock a smaller sailboat down, tossing its crew into the water, making for a dangerous situation, even in calm conditions.

How much wind is unsafe for boating depends on you, your boat, and your crew. However, if the small craft flag is flying because the winds have reached a sustained 25 plus miles per hour, it is probably best to stay at the dock, no matter the size of your boat.

Marine weather statements

They are issued to advise boaters of current and future weather conditions that can threaten small boats when necessary. In addition, marine weather statements warn of coming weather that has not yet reached a warning or advisory level. These statements are often made when coastal conditions become foggy and there are high winds and tides.

Small craft exercise caution

Marine weather statements will indicate a small craft advisory when sustained winds reach the 17 – 23 mile per hour range.

Small craft advisory

Small craft warnings are announced when sustained winds reach 24 to 38 miles per hour (21 to 33 knots). The notification can also be broadcast if waves are occurring or are expected to occur seven feet in height.

Special marine warning

Special marine warnings are issued when wind conditions reach intermittent gusts of 39 miles per hour and over the water. These warnings generally come from weather conditions caused by thunderstorms. They are also issued when waterspouts have been sighted over water.

Storm warning

Issued once wind speeds reach 55 miles per hour, storm warnings indicate weather generated from a non-tropical storm weather condition.

Gale warning

Gale warnings come out when wind speeds hit 37 miles per hour and are associated with non-tropical storm events. If your boat is less than 40 feet in length, you should be off the water long before the wind hits this velocity.

After gales, you reach tropical storm and hurricane wind levels, and anyone with an ounce of sanity will run the other way during one of these events. Boating will be the last thing on their minds.

However, knowing where to find weather reports and making sure you check the forecast before heading out on the water is the best boating practice. This habit could not only save you from a bad day on the water, but it could also save your life.

What is a strong wind warning for boating?

Wind speeds above 15 miles per hour can make boating uncomfortable, especially if the wind speed is accompanied by choppy water. In addition, the combination of wave and wind motion could necessitate breaking out the seasick medication for those not accustomed to spending time on boats.

Even the saltiest sailors get seasick, though, and an active ocean is a recipe for motion sickness. Boating can become rough and less than enjoyable when the wind and waves act against you. The threat of a seasick crew is the best argument for watching the weather and making your boating outings on fair days instead of those that are foul.

How much wind is too much for fishing?

It depends on the kind of fishing you are doing, your boat, and your experience. For example, a 20-knot wind won’t affect a sizeable offshore powerboat noticeably. However, if you are fishing in a 15-foot skiff, a 20-knot wind can make for rough boating and lousy fishing. Unless your boat is built for heavy water, which some smaller boats are, pleasure boats under the length of 25 feet should head for the dock if the wind reaches ten miles per hour or more.

Of course, the speed of the wind doesn’t always dictate the size of the waves, and open water like the Atlantic or Pacific ocean can have high waves even when the wind is not high. In these conditions, smaller boats will have difficulty navigating big rolling waves.

Larger boats will do fine when big waves are rolling in, but it can get very messy in a hurry if the wind does come up. A confused sea state stirred by wind and water is dangerous for small boats and can even be hard to navigate.

Check the local weather before going boating.

It is easy to put safety aside when you’re all hyped up for a day on the water. However, observing best practices will keep you from boating when the weather is not suitable for a day on the water.

Before you go, check your local weather report to be sure it will be a lovely day. Then, after you know, you can go, check your boat’s safety equipment, and be sure it is in order.

Keep your boating outings safe.

Before you go boating in your boat or a rental boat from Boatsetter, checking the weather conditions beforehand will ensure a fun-filled day on the water.

We can’t always predict the weather. However, we can prepare for it and be as aware of storms on the horizon as is possible. You can also ensure your boat is equipped with the proper safety equipment and perform an inspection before leaving the dock.

Suppose you have a problem with your boat while on the water, be sure to have the local Sea Tow number handy. Even on the best of days, boat motors, like the weather, can be uncooperative.