Negotiating wash

[Lisilou]

Quick question: When you’re negotiating large wash, do you turn directly into it or do you aim to cross it at a slight angle?
I’ve got a 6 metre RIB & still getting to grips with the best (most comfortable) way to handle large wash.
It’s trial and error for me atm so just interested to hear others’ approach to handling.
L

[The Black Pig]

Hi


If you mean your own boats wash after slowing from speed I always turn away at a slight angle to avoid swamping the motor

Or if you are steaming into a breaking wave then 90 degrees is best so no bow to turn the boat

They’re other aspects but hope that will suffice

[Pikey Dave]

All depends on the size of the wash. If I’m passing behind another RIB, I’ll cross it at a shallow angle, all you get is a bit of a roll. If it’s a large vessel with a significant wash, I’ll turn into it. Just treat it like any other lump in the water.

[treerat]

Depends on the day, the speed, the shape of the wash, my crew and the weather.

If I'm out to play, it's a steep wash, the crew are ready and air is the idea then it's fast and 90 degrees.

If it's horrible, the crew are looking at other things, I don't want to bounce, then it's slow speed and angle over.

That said some days it can be a mixture of the two. Working out what you want to achieve as the outcome of the wash cross will dictate how you approach it.

[matt h]

Hit it as hard as feasible and aim for the biggest airtime!

[Lisilou]

Thanks chaps. This is for ferry wash & large mobo wash. Generally my only aim at this stage of my newbie ribbing is to get through it alive and with my back in tact!
I tend to turn directly into it and come on & off the throttle as needed. Still trying to perfect that one if I’m honest.
I’m getting better but atm, I avoid anything over a 3 (yeh I know...wooose! ☺️☺️
L

[Lisilou]

Originally Posted by matt h

Hit it as hard as feasible and aim for the biggest airtime!

Matt....noooooooooo!! 😱😱

[GuyC]

From the location I'm guessing the Red Jet or the car ferry (when it's not busy sinking yachts).

As everyone has said above. At an angle tends to work the best and you can modify the angle depending on size of wash, confidence etc.

You can always use your throttle to improve the situation. If you imagine you are trying to keep the boat at a level trim. As your bow meets the wave, throttle back so the bow drops slightly. As the bow goes over the crest and starts to drop increase the throttle to keep the bow up. It is all just practice.

[Lisilou]

Originally Posted by GuyC

From the location I'm guessing the Red Jet or the car ferry (when it's not busy sinking yachts).

As everyone has said above. At an angle tends to work the best and you can modify the angle depending on size of wash, confidence etc.

You can always use your throttle to improve the situation. If you imagine you are trying to keep the boat at a level trim. As your bow meets the wave, throttle back so the bow drops slightly. As the bow goes over the crest and starts to drop increase the throttle to keep the bow up. It is all just practice.

Hi Guy...sorry, should’ve said the Solent.
I find the short chop tricky to work a path through smoothly but I’m gradually getting more used to it & absolutely loving RIB life!
L

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Lisilou

Hi Guy...sorry, should’ve said the Solent.
I find the short chop tricky to work a path through smoothly but I’m gradually getting more used to it & absolutely loving RIB life!
L

Absolutely Nothing like time on the water to Hone the skills...if you're loving it now...just wait till you gain your confidence in the Rougher Stuff, and stretch you're legs!

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Lisilou

Matt....noooooooooo!! 😱😱

He did fly Helo's!

[Lisilou]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Absolutely Nothing like time on the water to Hone the skills...if you're loving it now...just wait till you gain your confidence in the Rougher Stuff, and stretch you're legs!

You’re so right!
It’s funny y’know...although we kept our previous mobo’s in all year round, we never really did any winter boating because ‘I don’t do cold’ but this is a different ball game altogether. The right warm gear & I couldn’t give a damn how cold it is. Brilliant fun & combine it with a cheap (ish) air bnb & you’ve got the perfect combination to go wherever you want.
Best thing we ever did this RIB lark.
L

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Best bet is to go out on your own or with a mate, rather than family and "play" in small waves. As you get more confident, play in bigger waves, get a few shocks, then get comfortable again...

It's all about experience, just like motorbikes or Cars on different surfaces. Enjoy the learning, you've never finished, but you will gain confidence in the norm.

[Lisilou]

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

Best bet is to go out on your own or with a mate, rather than family and "play" in small waves. As you get more confident, play in bigger waves, get a few shocks, then get comfortable again...

It's all about experience, just like motorbikes or Cars on different surfaces. Enjoy the learning, you've never finished, but you will gain confidence in the norm.

Good advice..thanks 👍🏻

[gtflash]

If the waves are coming at me. I always hit redfunels wake head on. Trim down of course and Turn toward it. If it’s very big and you don’t wanna slam, just slowdown 10mph maybe. If the wake has travelled and smoothed out, you may be able to let it roll under you beam on or 45degrees. My boat steers by the nose a little as it leans so I end up grappling the steering wheel and steering to level it up and it seeems harder work than it’s worth.

When the kids and baby arent on board, I generally trim down and keep the speed up and skip over it For my 8m that means faster than 25 mph atleast.

If your overtaking it. Do the same but trim up, the closer you are to the ferry the bumpier It is.... accelerate a little as you get to the bottom of the dip to lift the nose up the back of the wave the de accelerate a little at the top. Firmer grip of the wheel when following the waves. if you have a sharp bow boat.

[gtflash]

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