How to Drive a Boat Through a Wake at 45 Degrees

A boat's wake is best crossed at a 45-degree angle.

Crossing another boat's wake can prove an unsettling experience -- or a very rough ride -- unless you use a technique that sailors have found helpful for many years. Instead of turning and crossing the other boat's wake at a right angle, change the angle at which you cross to one that's about 45 degrees. With some simple arithmetic, a glance at your compass and a peek to see on which side of your boat the wake is moving through the water, you can avoid feeling as if your boat is on a roller coaster.

Instructions

1. Note your current heading, either on your compass or on your GPS. Note whether the wake you wish to cross is to the left or the right of your boat.

2. Subtract 45 degrees from the heading if the wake is to the left of the boat. Reduce your speed to 10 knots or less. Turn left to this heading to cross a wake to the left of the boat.

3. Add 45 degrees to the heading if the wake is to the right of the boat. Reduce your speed to 10 knots or less. Turn right to this heading to cross a wake to the right of the boat.

4. Resume your original speed, once you cross the wake.

Tips & Warnings

• As you become familiar with making the turn, you'll be able to estimate the 45-degree angle; making an estimate like this, as well as estimating the speed at which to cross the wake, is called using your "seaman's eye."