Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Boat Turns Stern to Wind/Waves

Posted by ClevelandBill on 09/20/16 - 5:35 PM
#1

My boat is a 2015 150 Super Sport. In a breeze, the boat turns stern to wind, stern to waves. In the back of this boat, the water is really, really close to coming over the transom, which is low for the motor mounting area.

My theory is the boat is taller in front, catches more wind.

Also, my motor is in the water ... not trimmed up ... does this make a difference?

More importantly, I wanna know why I haven't been swamped from behind yet!! I watch and watch and worry and nothing comes over that transom.

I'm on Lake Erie, and rather prudent about weather. Usually not out in much over two feet.

Tell me a story ... is this normal ... good ... etc?

Posted by blaster on 09/21/16 - 4:16 AM
#2

Do you have a Bimini top? Is it up when this happens? I know my little Dauntless 15 blows around when the Bimini catches the wind.

You could use a makeshift sea anchor from a bucket or small sturdy bag. Tie it off the front cleat, and the drag will keep you straight.

Posted by ClevelandBill on 09/21/16 - 4:48 AM
#3

Great question about the Bimini. But it happens with top up or down. This is the new hull design, which underneath is standard normal Whaler, but they added a lot of structure in the front, much higher than the classic 15.

I like the sea anchor idea, I'm trying to slowly drift over a drop off in Lake Erie, where I keep catching fish.

Posted by fitz73222 on 09/21/16 - 6:10 AM
#4

Typically all boats will drift with the stern into the wind with the engine down. Nothing to do with your hull. If you tilt the engine up, it will probably drift somewhat sideways depending on deadrise. You can make a poormans drift anchor with a 5 gallon bucket tied to your bow cleat with about 15 -20 feet of rope with the engine tilted up to get your bow to come around into the wind.

Posted by Reel Easy on 09/21/16 - 6:11 AM
#5

Bill: Not sure about your posted question but noticed you live in Bay Village. Might you be near Sam Shepherd's home? Reason I ask is I lived in Orrville as a child when Bobby Knight was in high school. My father and Sam became good friends as they would cover for each other when one was on vacation. Just curious.

Posted by ClevelandBill on 09/21/16 - 12:02 PM
#6

I am a short walk from the Shepherds' former home. It has long since been demolished, and returned to peaceful and productive use as a rich man's home ...

The old hospital has become the centerpiece of an extremely high-end condominium development. If you map it, it is on Lake Road east of Clague Road, and slightly west of the Rocky River border.

From the lake, all these homes and condos are just amazing. Even I think we need to tax the rich when I see just how rich the rich really are!

Posted by porthole2 on 10/05/16 - 7:19 AM
#7

Your bow is going to catch the wind and tend to turn you stern to the sea.
You can use the 5 gallon bucket or invest in one of the small sea anchors, which are easier to retrieve and store.

Try turning outboard the next time you are out. On smaller boats you can sometimes change your drift angle by swinging the outboard.