Boating in Rough Conditions

Not every boat trip is smooth sailing. Sometimes, choppy waters off the coast or high winds on your favorite Maine lake can cause challenging boating conditions. Having some strategies to cope with boating in rough conditions can help you keep yourself and your passengers safe so that you make it back to shore in one piece. Here’s what to do.

Check the Weather First

Sometimes, avoidance is the best strategy. Looking at the local weather forecast before you take your boat out on the water can spare you from ending up in a heavy storm or high winds. It’s a good idea to keep tabs on the weather while you’re out on the water, too, especially if you’re boating off the Atlantic Coast, as conditions can change quickly and you may find that you need to head to shore sooner than intended.

Go Slow & Turn On Your Lights

Using your boat’s lights will help you to be more visible to other crafts out on the water. Make sure you don’t have any burnt-out bulbs and keep spares handy so you can replace bulbs as needed. Also, keep your speed slower than you would usually go, especially if you’re going through fog, since you won’t be able to react to obstacles as quickly with limited visibility.

Come on down to see us at our Maine dealership in Naples to check out our fantastic selection of new and used boats for sale. New England Water Sports proudly serves our customers around Long Lake and Sebago Lake.