Is 20 mph Too Windy for Boating?
As an experienced sailor, I know first-hand the importance of understanding wind speed and how it affects your boating experience. Although there is no exact answer to this question, I will provide an in-depth explanation about wind speed and how it can be safely navigated for an enjoyable boating experience.
Wind Speed Basics
Wind is caused by differences in air pressure, which cause air to move from high pressure areas to low pressure areas creating wind speed and direction, measured in miles per hour (mph). The Beaufort scale is a popular system used to measure wind speeds ranging from 0 to 12, with 0 being calm winds and 12 being hurricane force winds of 74 mph or more. The scale goes as follows (in mph): 0-1, 2-3, 4-7, 8-12, 13-18 , 19-24 and 25+ mph respectively for each category on the scale.
Safety First
When it comes to safety on the water, there are certain conditions that should be avoided at all costs, these include strong wind warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). These warnings are issued when wind speed exceeds 15 mph, as excessive wind can create dangerous conditions on the water that could lead to capsizing or other forms of danger for those on board a boat.
Wind Speed and Boating Comfort
Wind speeds between 4 – 7 mph are considered ideal for boating activities such as fishing, sailing or pleasure cruising due to the relatively smooth waters created by these speeds, slightly higher winds of 11 – 18 mph can still be enjoyable but may create choppy waters depending on the size of your vessel and other factors such as waves or tides in the area you are boating in.
Wind Speed and Boating Conditions
Wind speeds above 18 mph can begin to create adverse conditions such as large waves that make navigation more difficult or even dangerous, these higher winds also create turbulence in the air which can cause vessels to rock back and forth more drastically than usual, this can be especially uncomfortable for passengers who may suffer from sea sickness or motion sickness in general due to these movements created by strong winds.
Adverse Conditions
Wind speeds above 24 mph create extreme adverse conditions that should be avoided even if you are an experienced sailor, these conditions include high swells and extremely choppy waters making navigation nearly impossible due to their unpredictability coupled with powerful winds that can easily overwhelm smaller vessels, it is highly recommended that all boaters stay off the water during these times for safety reasons.
Understanding Strong Wind Warnings
A strong wind warning is issued by NWS when winds reach 15+ mph, this warning serves as an alert for those on the water that they should exercise caution while traveling due to possible dangerous conditions caused by excessive winds, this warning also serves as an advisory that those who have not yet left their dock should wait until weather conditions have improved before venturing out onto the waterway they plan on using.
What Is a Strong Wind Warning?
A strong wind warning is issued when sustained winds reach 15+mph throughout any given region, this warning serves as a reminder for those who are already out on the water that they should take extra care when navigating their vessel during these times due to possible hazardous conditions caused by excessive winds, it also serves as an advisory for those still at their docks not yet venturing out onto the waterways they plan on using until weather conditions have improved significantly enough so doing so would be safe for them and their fellow passengers/crew members aboard their vessel(s).
When Is a Strong Wind Warning Issued?
Strong wind warnings are typically issued when sustained winds reach 15+ mph throughout any given region regardless of whether or not there is any precipitation present at all, this warning serves as an early alert system so boaters can take precautions while out on their vessel(s) or hold off venturing out until weather conditions have improved significantly enough so doing so would be safe for them and their fellow passengers/crew members aboard their vessel(s).
What To Do During a Strong Wind Warning?
When a strong wind warning has been issued it is recommended that all boaters take extra care while navigating their vessel(s) during these times due to possible hazardous conditions caused by excessive winds, if you have not yet left your dock it would be wise wait until weather conditions have improved significantly enough so doing so would be safe for you and your fellow passengers/crew members aboard your vessel(s), if you are already out on the waterway make sure you use caution when navigating in order stay safe during this time period of increased risk associated with higher than normal sustained winds throughout any given region regardless of whether or not there is any precipitation present at all .
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how different wind speeds affect your boating experience is essential before heading out onto any body of water, although there isn’t one exact answer about whether 20mph is too much wind for boating, understanding what strong wind warnings mean and being aware of what kind of adverse effects excessive winds can have will help keep yourself and others safe while enjoying time spent out on the open waters!
