What will happen to a 45ft. boat being hit by a 50 ft. wave ...... Not
much if the wave isnt steep as the boat will simply lift over the wave.
The *steepness* of the wave is important; and, It all depends o n the
posiition of the boat vs. the oncoming wave, with being broadside to
the wave and steepness of the wave (and whether its breaking or not.)
that is thw worst case. Breaking waves (the tops of the waves sliding
down the front of the wave in a big 'show' of air filled foam are the
'nasties' that break boats. If the boat is moving, the expertise of the
helmsman (able to dodge breaking waves by steering around them, etc. is
vitally important as is the 'stability' or sea-worthniness of the boat.
A 50 foot wave is no big deal if it isnt a 'steep wave'. An
approximate 25-30 ft. wave if steep enough can easily roll a 45ft boat
- depends on if its broadside, etc.

The inbuilt stabilty is the factor of how a boat survives adverse
waves; a lightweight broad beam boat will tend to be vastly more
unstable than a heavy, deep, narrow boat ... the lightweight boat
having sometimes the advantage of being able to sail away from bad
weather faster than a heavy boat.

When the sea state is dangerous there are techniques that can be used
to survive --- such as using a parachute anchor and holding the bow
about 45 degrees to the oncoming waves. The boat will 'slip' slightly
backwards and the turbulance of the slip on the surface will cause the
waves to 'break' before they hit the boat, etc.

Its not the height of the waves but the steepness of the waves and
especially if the wave is so steep that the top of wave is 'breaking'
that is so dangerous.

hope this helps.


. net,
wrote:

I saw the news earlier this week about the 591' ship
Explorer with 681 college students on board getting
hit by a 50' wave.

What will happen if a 45' sailboat gets hit by the
same wave ?

Does it make a difference which way the boat is facing
when it gets hit by a wave this big ? If it does then
which way is the best way ?

I was told that a good boat can correct itself even if
a big wave turns it upside down. So can you just strap
yourself to your bed and go to sleep ?

Are the windows likely to break and let the water in
so that the boat can sink after getting hit many times ?

What else do you think can happen ?

Thanks for your help.