What should you do if the bow of the boat will hit and possibly bury?

When the bow of the boat is at risk of hitting and possibly burying in the water, the best action is to throttle back and match wave speed. This approach stabilizes the boat as it approaches the wave, allowing it to ride over the waves instead of plowing into them. By reducing speed, you decrease the impact force and help prevent the bow from burying into the ocean, which can lead to dangerous situations including swamping or capsizing.

Matching wave speed aligns the vessel's movement with the natural rhythm of the waves, enhancing control and minimizing the risk of nose-diving. In contrast, throttling up could exacerbate the situation by increasing the likelihood of the bow digging into the water, while turning the boat sideways to the waves may lead to loss of control and increased risk of capsizing. Making sharp turns further destabilizes the boat and can introduce a risk of tipping, especially in rough conditions.

By throttling back and matching wave speed, the operator maintains better control and ensures a safer navigation experience.