I have searched the forums but have not found any good advice on how to handle a pontoon boat in rough water. I have a 2275GCW with 2 elliptical pontoons and a 150 hp motor. This is my first pontoon boat - previously a sailor and fiberglass motor boat owner.
While out on the harbor a few weeks ago, we got caught in a wind/tide change that had both the wind and the tide rolling at us head first. We slowed down a lot and got lots of water over the bow and through the deck. We also got a dented playpen from the waves. I am wondering now if we should have sped up to stay more on top of the waves.
If anyone has suggestions on how to handle the boat better when conditions deteriorate I would love to hear them. Otherwise I am a little apprehensive now about venturing very far (more than a 30 minute ride or so) from home because I don't want to get caught again and feel like I can't control the boat properly.
Thanks for any suggestions or sharing of your experience!
Kathy
While out on the harbor a few weeks ago, we got caught in a wind/tide change that had both the wind and the tide rolling at us head first. We slowed down a lot and got lots of water over the bow and through the deck. We also got a dented playpen from the waves. I am wondering now if we should have sped up to stay more on top of the waves.
If anyone has suggestions on how to handle the boat better when conditions deteriorate I would love to hear them. Otherwise I am a little apprehensive now about venturing very far (more than a 30 minute ride or so) from home because I don't want to get caught again and feel like I can't control the boat properly.
Thanks for any suggestions or sharing of your experience!
Kathy