Trevor Miller wrote:
Thanks for the reply...could I get a better definition of "rough"?

-trevor

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Trevor Miller wrote:
I just got a 2004 Searay Sundeck 200 and have been breaking it in on
local
lakes. Been planning a trip to the beach for August and am planning on
bringing it along. (Lewis, Delaware) I've gotten a radio on board and
am
planning (and learning) the required charts.

21' / 8'4" / 3500 dry weight / 220hp inboard

http://www.searay.com/Brochure_Photos/34819_splash.jpg

I'd like to be able to cruise down to Ocean City MD (30 miles)...what do
folks think about making this trip in my boat?

-trevor




Start checking the ocean weather reports in that area, call a few
marinss, and plan your trip carefully. Stay in sight of land, a mile or
two offshore, leave early in the morning, and don't go out if it is
rough or predicted to be rough. The boat certainly is big enough to go
out in the ocean if you are cautious.



Well...

It's kind of relative, and there are many conditions that produce what I
would call rough water. I don't mind ocean swells much, but if there are
breakers on top of them, I'm concerned. Two to three foot waves with
peaks close together...that's pretty rough water for most boaters, but
two to three foot tall waves out on the ocean, with the peaks widely
spaced...most ocean boaters wouldn't blink an eye over such conditions.

If there is spray in the air, you don't want to be out on the ocean in a
20' boat. And sometimes near shore and especially in and on the edges of
inlets, you get seas moving in several directions, propelled by tides,
current and wind.

Make sure you have a good chart aboard so if you have to duck in
somewhere, you can find some shelter. Do you have a GPS?