Beaufort scale

its a bit of a how long is a piece of string Q it seems...
because you have to? because you enjoy it? on a 20ft, on a 40ft on a 60ft?
personally on a 43ft f/b, I'm not at all happy with over f5 and tbh I'd like to be out and about with f1-f2 only :rolleyes:

V.
 
It’s probably best to go here ...

Inshore waters and strong winds

Pick your region and then go by the sea state as opposed to the wind strength.
I’m in the solent and a F5 from the north is nothing, have it from the SW and you’ll not want to go out . Especially on an ebbing spring tide.
 
Every trip is different and every area is different but in general I would want the wind behind me if possible, a force 4 against the tide can get lumpy, a 5 or 6 with tide and wind behind can get exciting but manageable. Every trip different and also depends on boat and crew.
 
In a 5.5m boat it's not going to be much, and definitely not if the wind is in the wrong direction! (unless it's a 5.5m rib or similar?)
 
The boat is very small. You really want to be in sheltered waters. As above wind is just one part of the equation. Waves and wave / wind direction being just as important.

for that size as a novice. F1/2? F3 probably ok But you need sheltered waters.
I have an 18m boat and anything over a f4 is fine but you have to slow down and it becomes very lumpy.
 
I've been out I some horrendous sea states because it was work.

As said its not just the wind strength, there are other factors that make a difference.

If for leisure why chance it or be uncomfortable?

W.
 
Our boat is 5.75m and obviously prefer lower windspeed the better. We go out for leisure in anything up to 12-13mph. Any more than that and the missus‘ back hurts when cruising, and the boat swings around quite a bit under anchor.
That’s in Poole harbour.
 
I have an 18m boat and am disinclined to go out in anything more than a F4. Not that the boat can’t handle it but because it’s uncomfortable, particularly at anchor.
 
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