Don't Get Your Boat Rocked in a Thunderstorm

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you ran into a thunderstorm while out boating? We don’t know when it will happen, where it will happen, or how long it will last. Thunderstorms can be extremely unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared. Surdyke Yamaha, the Lake of the Ozark’s best watercraft dealer wants you to stay safe if you run into a thunderstorm while out on the boat. We have put together a list of tips to keep in mind in case you get stuck in an unfortunate weather scenario. 


Boaters should never venture out if thunderstorms are a possibility – thunderstorms are one of the more common dangers to boaters because they can develop so quickly. If you are out on the water and you notice storms that are approaching, you should return to land or shelter as soon as possible. If you are unable to return to land, you should stay inside the cabin and avoid any metal or electrical devices. If your boat does not have a cabin, try to stay as low as possible.

Monitor the forecast – this is crucial to boating safely because the weather can change quickly. This could leave boaters in a bad situation, especially if they aren’t properly prepared. Download a weather app on your phone and set up alerts in your area. This way, you will be notified when a potential thunderstorm is headed your way. 

Top free weather apps:
1. Weather Underground
2. RainAware 
3. The Weather Channel
4. NOAA Weather Radar

Make your boating plans known – make sure someone knows that you are out boating and where you are headed to. This way, in case a storm rolls in and you are unable to return, someone will know where you are. You can also download an app that provides you with your GPS coordinates which you can then send them. 

Here are a few like:
1. My GPS Coordinates
2. GPS Tracks
3. GPS & Maps: Track Coordinates, Compass + Waypoints 

Be prepared before you leave the dock – knowing how to dock a boat or perform a close-quarters maneuver near the shore can be extremely difficult, especially if the wind is blowing. If necessary, take a boating safety course. You should also have a firm grasp on how to read weather.

Make sure you have the proper equipment –

 Life Jackets -  the U.S. Coast Guard requires that all recreational vehicles must carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket per person on board. Regardless of the weather, it’s always important to wear a life jacket.

Proper Communication Equipment – a VH-FM radio is an important thing to have on your boat. Yes, a cell phone is good too, but those are unreliable and you might not have service in some areas.

Backup Power Source – this is always a great idea to keep on board. You never know when you may need it.

Extra food and water – you should always keep extra water and nonperishable food on board in case of emergencies, or just in case you get hungry.

Key Indicators of Changing Weather 
  • A sudden drop in temperature
  • Increasing wind or sudden change in wind direction
  • Flat clouds getting lower and thicker
  • Heavy static on your AM radio - this can be a sign of nearby thunderstorms
If You Get Caught in a Storm
  • Reduce your speed - keep enough power to make headway
  • Head the boat at a 45-degree angle into the waves
  • Make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket
  • Turn on your running lights
  • Keep the bilges free of water
  • If absolutely necessary, anchor the boat 

      Operating a boat in a thunderstorm is completely different than operating a boat in sunny and 80-degree weather. Hopefully with these tips and a boating safety course, you will be prepared in case you ever run into a thunderstorm when you are out boating. At Lake of the Ozark’s best watercraft dealer, we want to make sure you always have a great time when you’re out on the lake. Visit us at Surdyke Yamaha and let us help you get out on the water! 

Connect with Surdyke Yamaha on...

Highway Store Location        Marina Store Location         Surdyke's Port 20
5863 Osage Beach Parkway       1660 Yamaha Drive                 5395 Spruce Lane
Osage Beach, MO 65065            Osage Beach, MO 65065         Osage Beach, MO 65065
(573) 348-6575                         (573) 348-9283                      (573) 348-3178
Location: Osage Beach, MO, 65065, USA

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