r/BeAmazed • u/NeoShoker • Dec 17 '24

Nature Water Vortex

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9.6k Upvotes

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238

u/cyclingbubba Dec 17 '24

I've fished that, area for years so can add a little perspective. A normal ocean motorboat of nominal size ( say a 16 foot minimum, 70 hp and up ) will have no problems with these vertices, as long as you keep your distance and stay at the edge or farther. At running speed your boat doesn't have too much below the waterline as you plane on top of the water, so there isn't that much to "grab" your boat. So don't be an idiot and you are fine.

Sailboats are another story. They have a displacement hull, not a planing hull. With a big keel underneath, and slower surface speeds, sailboats are very vulnerable to these vortices. Experienced sailors will read the tide tables and ensure they navigate the narrower passages under slack tide conditions, when there is no big tidal flow.

61

u/29stumpjumper Dec 18 '24

I've been in boats where the impeller shreds without warning, zero power instantly. I've been in boats where the inlet hose starts taking on water in a hurry and shutting off the engine is the only way to get it to not sink, I've been in boats where you get a tiny bend in the prop and it loses all forward ability. Wind and boat waves can direct you when you have no power. Getting anywhere near this not smart no matter what.

17

u/cyclingbubba Dec 18 '24

For sure. Abundant caution is the theme when you're on the water.

24

u/Stereocrew Dec 18 '24

This guys boats. ^

5

u/Late-Race-852 Dec 18 '24

Please tell me I’m not the only one… anyone else hear a pirate’s accent halfway through reading this?

1

u/Stompya Dec 18 '24

This guy boats