[DaveDaDude]

Ok- we got a little wet yesterday going thru a good size wake. I cleared the first wave of the wake fine but not the second. I did not swamp the boat but had a ton of spray over the bow. So the only thing I can figure is that I was going a bit to slow to clear the second wave. Just wondering what the best way to handle this type of situation in the future.

I don't want to be a U-boat commander.

 

[spacelord]

probably depends on your boat size.
Over time I have learned to judge them pretty well, and slow down if they look big and spaced badly. I usually hit them at an angle.

 

[damn yankee]

Trim you outdrive in and point the pointy end of your boat directly at the waves. If it's bigger than you wanna take on plane, just slow down and ride it out. Another alternative that can be fun is to hit the wave on an angle like Spacelord said, but hit it at an angle and speed so that you can "ride the wave". If you slip off of the crest, you'll gently fall off the back or slide down the front. It takes a bit of practice, but that's the fun of it.

 

[spacelord]

it definately takes practice, but you learn quick. Once in a while, even in a 27 footer I get some nice spray if I hit a big wake wrong.
Most wake I find it best to hit them a little bit off of perpendicular.

 

[DaveDaDude]

Yup- I did take the wake straight on and in retrospect probably too slow. On our 24 ft'r the bow was just starting to come down off the first wave and hit the second wave. I figure less than 6 ft between the waves. It seemed most of the water went over the boat instead of in it.

Thanks for the insight!

 

[ThreeCrabs]

QUOTE(damn yankee @ Jul 19 2004, 09:58 PM)point the pointy end of your boat directly at the waves.

sorry, DY~got ya on that one!!!

 

[555]

I concur with much of the above. Approach at an obliquity and watch your speed.

 

[Aquaholic]

depending on the size of your boat, the best way ive found is to take the wake on a 45 angle then turn hard to the opposite way the wake came from. On my boat that sends a nice splash to the back deck where my friends are sitting

 

[DaveDaDude]

Yeah - I think I got that part down real well! I can do it on my boat or a friends.

 

[wildbill]

Aim right at it and split it in half .

 

[zquix]

I just hate when i get those drunks in the speed boats racing not looking where they are going making big wake all around me when im just trying to relax and drive slow..

 

[SKUZA]

The 45 degree approach sounds the best. You'll learn by experience. On second thought, trim it all the way up, nail the throttles, and head into em at a 90 degree angle!