"Trevor Miller" wrote in message servers.com...
Thought it be good to followup to all my first-time ocean questions with the
results which were less than stellar. I have a 21' Searay Openbow
(Sundeck) - 2004 which went through it's break-in period on lakes without
any issues. The first ocean trip was a planned run on either side of high
tide from Rosevelt Inlet at Lewes, DE to OC, MD and back the next day.
Forcasted conditions were cloudy with 2-4 ft seas day 1 and sunny with 1-2
ft seas for day 2 (return trip next day) plus clear weather out for the next
2 days.

About half an hour out off Rehobeth Beach the engine computer gave me a very
loud alarm on the electrical system and about 5 minutes later (about enough
time to decide to turn back) shut off the engine.
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All things considered, you might have been fortunate with the early
shutdown. 2 to 4 foot seas are a lot for a 21 ft open bow boat to
handle, and things could have gotten worse very quickly with some
thunderstorm activity.

Your experience also highlights another fact of boating life. Things
that work well in calm water frequently get shaken down a bit in rough
conditions. This applies to just about everything - electrical,
mechanical, fuel systems, etc. Another reality check to consider is
that 2 to 4 feet IS a relatively calm day on the open ocean.