Riding out a storm...need suggestions

[Cliff from KC]

I have fished LOTW for a number of years but now that I bring my own boat I am looking for some good sound advice on riding out or seeking cover in a storm. I have a 17 foot deep-v Starcraft with a 90 merc. I am use to fishing man made lakes that usually have a number of marinas or private docks where I can seek shelter, especially from the lighting. The natural lakes in Canada and the surrounding area do not have as many places of refuge that one can get to quickly. What is the best way to handle a bad situation from becoming a disaster? Also, does anyone know a some good web sites that will provide some education for this would-be-sailor. Thanks and good fishing.

[Phil T.]

The worst place to be in a thinderstorm is in a boat. The second worst is under an isolated tree or on a golf course. So, pick an island with a bunch of trees and get out of that boat.

[Gunga Din]

Take the boating course at h t t p://boatsafe.com

If in big water and caught by an approaching storm away from a marina, move into a protected bay and wait it out.

[REW]

The posting is very good --
Any time that there is lightning -- get off the lake. If that is impossible -- get all antennas, rods and bodies as low as possible.

If you are in the middle of a large body of water, and it is impossible to get to shore before a storm hits -- that is without lightning -- it is often best to drift before the storm. Put out a drift sock, and tie it off the bow eye. this will keep the bow of the boat mostly pointed into the waves. Much better to take a wave off the nose than off the stern.
Keep the bow light by keeping passengers in the back of the boat. If the wind is blowing 40 mph, and you are drifting at 10mph -- then you are only getting hit with 30mph winds. Also, the boat can work with the waves, and ease itself over the waves -- rather than trying to fight the waves.

If, on the other hand -- you are nearing a rocky shore -- I pray that you have a "GOOD" anchor with about 200 feet of anchor rope.
Then tie the anchor off the bow eye -- drop the anchor and let out as much rope as possible. This will maximize the stretch of the rope, and also give the lowest angle of anchor rope to the bottom and will give the best holding power.
Again, keep most of the weight in the stern, and let the bow take the waves, and the anchor will keep things centered.

If you don't have an anchor and are getting hit with big waves, and are near a rocky shore -- it is better to drive your boat onto the shore and beach it and work out the ensuing damage with your insurance company -- rather than have your next of kin deal with the undertaker.

This is similar to a big storm that blew up on Mille Lacs last year during a tournement. Actually, there was a tornado or very very strong winds that came across the lake. All of the competititions got off the lake and at least a dozen, simply beached their boat on the north sands. After the wind went down, it took many of the competititors 5-10 folks and a tow boat to pull their boats back into the water. The 5-10 foot waves, totally beached the boat, and pushed many of them 5-15 feet up the shoreline. However, everyone escaped with no loss of life or significant injuries. Better to lose or damage a bit of property, than risk life and limb.

Big water -- big "good holding anchors" and at least 200 feet of anchor rope - go together.

Take care and be safe.

REW

[Time to Move]

Take a US Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Course.

Drop a properly sized anchor with chain up to 1/2 boat length and a rode that is 10 to 15 times the sum of the water depth and the distance from the bow eye to the water. Make sure the rode is nylon - it will stretch up to about 1/2 of its length. Twisted line stretches more than double braid.

Good Luck and stay safe!

[ANDYWW]

All the answers that you received awere good ones, but one that no one mentioned, and probably the most important-----PUT ON YOUR LIFE JACKET!

[fishin_fool]

Getting caught out on lake of the woods in a storm no matter what size boat you are driving is foolish. If you are fishing the south end of the lake where you do not have protection from the many Islands the best thing that you can do is know where the closest harbor is at all times and watch the weather and listen to the marine band weather channel. If the weather even looks remotly threatning it is a good Idea to head close to harbor. Storms can really move across Lake of the Woods fast. Growing up on the lake I have heard many tales and even saw first hand the fury of that lake. If you dont know all the harbors on the end of the lake that you are fishing then you probaly dont belong on it. Be safe not stupid!