06-08-2017, 07:37 PM
This is a good question, a good one for any body of water.
1st, a ski boat is not a good description to go by. The freeboard of the boat would be more useful.
2nd, your personal experience and skill is not mentioned. I have over 50 years of boating experience, from inland ponds (started as a child at Kolab south of Cedar City) to the Gulf of Mexico. I bet that my skills are better then most, but not some, so experience makes a huge difference.
3rd, Utah Lake is a shallow lake, and as a result the lake will wave up faster and higher then a deep lake, so in this regard, the question would have been better asked "how high can the waves be will a 9 MPH wind at UL".
As mentioned, the wind can come from different directions because UL is so big, but I don't believe that wind makes a bad day.
Depending on the body of water, I prefer to fish with a wind. Wind breaks up the water surface reducing light penetration. Wind moves plankton around, stirs up mud in clear lakes, starts baitfish movement, etc., all creating some of the best fishing conditions.
But, getting back to your question, it all depends on your experience. Until recently I used a modified deep V Lund style boat, 18', with a 90 horse motor, and I would not be afraid of UL with a 20 MPH wind. I would not do it because it would be uncomfortable, but I would be safe. Did I mention I have lots of experience.
It all depends, it all depends.
[fishin]
[signature]
1st, a ski boat is not a good description to go by. The freeboard of the boat would be more useful.
2nd, your personal experience and skill is not mentioned. I have over 50 years of boating experience, from inland ponds (started as a child at Kolab south of Cedar City) to the Gulf of Mexico. I bet that my skills are better then most, but not some, so experience makes a huge difference.
3rd, Utah Lake is a shallow lake, and as a result the lake will wave up faster and higher then a deep lake, so in this regard, the question would have been better asked "how high can the waves be will a 9 MPH wind at UL".
As mentioned, the wind can come from different directions because UL is so big, but I don't believe that wind makes a bad day.
Depending on the body of water, I prefer to fish with a wind. Wind breaks up the water surface reducing light penetration. Wind moves plankton around, stirs up mud in clear lakes, starts baitfish movement, etc., all creating some of the best fishing conditions.
But, getting back to your question, it all depends on your experience. Until recently I used a modified deep V Lund style boat, 18', with a 90 horse motor, and I would not be afraid of UL with a 20 MPH wind. I would not do it because it would be uncomfortable, but I would be safe. Did I mention I have lots of experience.
It all depends, it all depends.
[fishin]
[signature]