What Makes For A Good Day On The Boat?

Here in New England, we only have a limited number of days to enjoy boating. So, what makes for a good day on the boat? Perhaps the most important factor is the weather. A good day out on the water is defined differently than a good day on shore

We should look or listen for a Small Craft Advisory.  What is the definition ?

"SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY: An advisory issued by coastal and Great Lakes Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) for areas included in the Coastal Waters Forecast or Nearshore Marine Forecast (NSH) products. Thresholds governing the issuance of small craft advisories are specific to geographic areas. A Small Craft Advisory may also be issued when sea or lake ice exists that could be hazardous to small boats. There is no precise definition of a small craft. Any vessel that may be adversely affected by Small Craft Advisory criteria should be considered a small craft. Other considerations include the experience of the vessel operator, and the type, overall size, and sea worthiness of the vessel. There is no legal definition of "small craft". The Small Craft Advisory is an advisory in Coastal Waters and Nearshore forecasts for sustained winds, frequent gusts, or sea/wave conditions, exceeding defined thresholds specific to geographic areas. A Small Craft Advisory may also be issued when sea or lake ice exists that could be hazardous to small boats. "

Do you have a 'small craft'?  Here again, we can look at the definitions from the mandatory navigation lights.  The first change in the mandatory navigation light requirements is when a boat length is 2 meters, or 39.4 feet or greater.   If your boat is  less that 39.4 feet in lenght (don't cheat by including a swim platform or bow pulpit)., you definitely have a small craft  { ; D } You get the idea, most of us do indeed have a small craft. 

So the first lesson for a good day for taking your boat away from the dock might be to match the wind and seas to the size of your boat and your boating experience.

Remember, if your boat is a pleasure craft, keep boating a pleasure by operating safely!