Is the area in the jetties and just outside the jetties more rough than further out? Tried to head out the other day and it appeared to get rougher the further I went. Wonder if it would have eased up some or not? Figured I better play it safe and smart and turn around!!
There are some areas inside and around the jetty and harbor entrance that get really snotty with a strong tide and an opposing wind. Just exiting the jetty can get mixed up as well; again because of the current. There’s no shame in turning around. Even the best marine forecast is just a best guess as even a slight shift in wind can have dramatic effects.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
its almost always snotty at the entrance to the harbor but definitely gets better as you get further out.
The first mile or two after the jetties is often a confused/choppy area and may not give any indicator of the actual seas further out. It is a combination of different currents, wind, and shallow water. As the water gets deeper the choppy stuff often gets replaced by swells that are spaced further apart and easier to drive over. However, often the seas are better from five miles past the jetty to about 20 miles out and then start getting worse again. You can never tell for sure till you are actually there. I would not base a go/no-go solely on the first mile after the jetty though. Slow down for the first couple of miles and see what happens. Agree with hairball. Wind seems to be the biggest factor, 15 or less usually doable, above that take heed. Also beware of forecasted increasing wind. Wave height does matter, but period is much more important. Wind driven chop can be the worst in a small boat(less than 25ft).
