Wave height...??

Wave period is way more important than wave height IMHO, at least until you get over 10'. I like to see at least 2 seconds over the wave height, i.e. 6' 8 seconds apart is a big gentle rollercoster, where as 4' every 3 seconds will knock your fillings lose.

This one was recommended by friend. Have not used it yet, but looks promising, and it is free..

www.windyty.com

Ditto +1. If you run the LI sound you know what a short wave period can do to your dental work, even if its only 2 feet high but tide and wind are opposing.

No Snow?
The Gods are angry, you have been bad...

I took these videos this past weekend on a short trip down the Columbia River from the Tri Cities to Umatilla, OR. These were shot as we approached the Wallula Gap area and the last one after we had passed the Gap.









Any comments on my "guesstimates" of wave height?

Im all about period, not so much wave height. 4-5' waves under 6 seconds is not comfortable for us... On the other hand, we have gone out after large storms have passed through and seen 8-10' waves every 15 seconds or so.. a nice easy up and down. Sure, they are big, but you don't feel a thing.

The period length has to be longer than the waves are high. 4' every 4 seconds is a pain, 4' every 7 seconds, thats better... So mathematically, when Wave Height (X) = Period ( 1.75(X) ) things start to be more comfortable for my taste.

i do not understand the wave period.......if I was hanging on the Lake Worth Inlet offshore buoy for dear life and the waves were 3ft most reports state a wave period of 5 0r 6 sec. to catch your breath..... every time I went by,in waves of 2-4 feet,it seemed to me a wave hit the buoy every 2 -3 seconds..

Don't believe what you hear on forecasts. Get your info from the buoys. Dial A Buoy, and I think these days there maybe other sources. Unfortunately the closest reporting buoy to Lake Worth that I know of is Ft. Pierce Station 41114, but it should help.
BTW, 3' in 5 seconds would be borderline uncomfortable. I like MINIMUM of 2 seconds over the height of the waves, i.e. 2' 4 seconds (5 or 6 seconds all the better), 4' 6 seconds MINIMUM, etc. for comfort.

The offshore buoy in Lake Worth is very close to the inlet, so it might be entirely possible that the period was only 2-3 seconds because it could have been influenced by the tide in the inlet. The longer the period, the further it is between waves, so 2-4' with a 10 second period would be a swell that you barely notice, just a verrrrrrry slow up (like in an elevator) and a verrrry slow back down.

Rough and uncomfortable in a boat your size, but not terrible/scary. A normal 5' wave. Direction you're going has a lot to do with it, if you were going directly into it, you're slowing down from cruise, if you've got it off the beam or stern, probably able to maintain cruise speed.

I was about to reply that where you are I'd call that a normal day.

When talking about wave height, wave period, wind and current / water depth, the size of the boat also matters. The LWL of the boat has to match the typical waves of your area. If the LWL is not compatible with the typical wave pattern, even smaller waves can make the ride uncomfortable.



Next thing is, wheather the boat is equipped for those waves / seastate and crew / guests are prepared, when the boat starts rocking. If you look at this 46 ft American sailboat on one of its regular ocean crossings. Pretty good seastate for a "little" sailboat but they are prepared and the boat is perfectly equipped for blue water cruising. And all necessary safety measures are taken for the crew. Thats the way it looks, when pros go to sea.

Just a few details for the blow boaters among us. Semi-cardanic radar and Nav-antenna mount, isolated aft stay for SSB radio (weather reports), tow generator (convertible to a wind generator). This American couple lives 10 month a year on its boat and travels all the seven seas.

I would appreciate some advice. I plan on leaving Lighthouse Point Inlet Florida on April 17 in the AM for a trip to Bimini. I have a 64 foot motoryacht capable of doing 30 Knots. I will have onboard a Captain. I also plan on having onboard my wife and two Grandkids. It is a short trip over the Easter weekend. I know it is too early to have an accurate weather forecast. But, looking at Buoyweather it says 3 foot seas average with 4 foot peaks at 5 seconds. Wind is from the Northeast. Could someone provide an opinion on what kind of ride this could be and more importantly with that kind of sea is it safe. Thanks

What is the boat? Brand, model?

It is a Lazzara 64 with twin IPS 1200. It has humphreys active ride and a Seakeeper gyro (gyro not much help when under way).