Newbie, P-15, and 'monster' wakes

Posted By: P-15 'Mercy'
Date: 5/11/08 10:15a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

I was wondering how those of you with a P-15 have handled situations when you are motoring and get hit with a monster wake. How has the boat handled? Are the wakes very big in your area? I sail in east/central Florida (Treasure Coast) and the region, including south florida, has a bad reputation for large 30-50'+ fishing boats and cruisers not slowing down on the Intercoastal and smaller open fishing boats capsize. Any pointers on how to handle the P-15 when a monster wake approaches? Any experiences you would like to relate as to the seaworthiness on coastal waters when the P-15 gets hit by the largest wakes, especially in a narrower Intercoastal channel where waves can get amplified? Any tips or encouragement about how the P-15 handles in your experience would be appreciated. I took my first big wake (not a monster) on the Intercoastal and was a bit rattled by the experience, especially as the wake pushed me towards the shore where the centerboard banged against the shallower depth. The tiller didn't really respond as the wake was evidently more powerful than the motor. The wave hit from behind, at about a 45 degree angle opposite from the wakes direction. I didn't have time to turn the boat all the way into the wake and I knew it shouldn't take the wave on the side so was able to at least turn the boat 45 degrees away from the wake.....and then had a pretty scary surfing experience! Any input for a new boater/sailor?