First time on Florida's Open Water, Chop Scared the Crap Outta Me!

[FLBulldogger]

Been down in here on the SunCoast for 10 yrs now and boating since then. We have gone out of Desoto but mainly out of Palmetto, BUT our rule of thumb is to watch the NWS forecast then dive further down to this FORECAST. We do not venture out with winds forecast above 15 or sea state above light chop, as mentioned above without trim tabs its going to be rough and can be scary. Also one of the best things you can invest in is a VHF radio, with a WX alert and monitor it while out. The weather here changes fast and can be dangerous if you are not constantly montoring and being aware of the situation. Kudos to you for being wise enough to turn around and get to safety. I can't tell you the number of times we started out and then turned around at the mouth of the Manatee and Tampa Bay!

 

[Toby]

Send it... I havent been down there in long time.

In fact last time I was living st home. We were trying to outrun a storm... we ended up just dealing with it.

Windy and sail flow I think are 2 other good apps that show wind direction/gust/wave weight/tide

We have had good luck with those apps as well. With vhf, etc. Especially during afternoon storm season. Our over/under is normally 3pm on Sundays to head back before the sea breeze storms line up in summer. Works out time wise to get the boats pulled, cleaned, and put away. Have to constantly monitor it out here though.

 

[Liveto99]

 

[isitsummeryet]

Thank you everyone with their inputs! I will be watching the weather on those apps like a hawk.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

You know how big the skyway bridge is, well here is a storm rolling in fast, it happens a lot here, I was out 16 miles in a 19 foot boat in a worse one that that with only a compass and a Loran to get me back ONCE !!! It cured me of venturing that far off shore in that small of a boat.
But that was 35 years ago, Florida has RUINED the recreational fishing to the point that I quit fishing several years ago.

So no need to go out there now.

 

[isitsummeryet]

Ok last question I promise, does anyone know where I can get the Trim Tabs installed in Sarasota/Bradenton/Clearwater/Tampa area? I am doing the group buy thing with ALC controller but no way I am drilling into the underside of the boat. I am brand new here (less than a week old) so I don't know much. I googled around but didn't come up with anything solid.

 

[FX195]

It's a smoother ride if one uses the Kingfish Boat Ramp or Coquina Beach (currently closed) on Anna Maria.

 

[isitsummeryet]

I know it sucks all boat ramps are closed in Manatee County!

 

[Dean P]

Ok last question I promise, does anyone know where I can get the Trim Tabs installed in Sarasota/Bradenton/Clearwater/Tampa area? I am doing the group buy thing with ALC controller but no way I am drilling into the underside of the boat. I am brand new here (less than a week old) so I don't know much. I googled around but didn't come up with anything solid.

I would call Cycle Springs in Clearwater (ask for Brandon) or Barney's in St Pete.

 

[isitsummeryet]

Thank you so much!

 

[M6cabriolet]

When I picked up my boat in FL and went for a test drive there was a small craft warning. 4 to 7 ft seas. Here is a video....I was only doing 10mph and the video doesn't do it justice but it was really rough. I was super impressed with how it handled though in that kind of chop. It wasn't unsafe but it just was not pleasurable lol.

 

[isitsummeryet]

@M6cabriolet wow man your poor wife and kid getting thrown around on those waves lol. Brave family you guys are! I am chicken shit and won't go out in those conditions.

 

[M6cabriolet]

@M6cabriolet wow man your poor wife and kid getting thrown around on those waves lol. Brave family you guys are! I am chicken shit and won't go out in those conditions.

I didn't last long out there lol

 

[4x15mph]

i have a similar boat and keep boating to 2' max which means some waves will hit 3'. I also watch the wind since that usually correlates to the waves so 15mph or less is best. I boat in the bay though and what you are in is expert water.... Just watch the weather and I think it sounds like you are new to boating which is part of it. It will get more comfortable and it is even more comfortable when you don't have people on board that arent used to it. My son and I enjoy the rough conditions so long as we can jump and slam a bit which gives me a better feel for what it is capable of.

Like taking a car to the track and pushing it... everyone should do that.