BY BILL CORTEN, VMR RABY BAY
The three big things to consider when crossing a coastal bar are wind, swell, and tide.
For most trailer boats, a wind speed up to about 10 knots is very comfortable for fishing offshore, especially if it is a typical summer easterly.
In winter, the dominant breeze is from the south-west, making coastal bars more pleasant and fishing conditions more enjoyable.
After Christmas is typically the start of the swell season, and anyone considering crossing the bar should take into account swell height and its direction. A challenging day would be an easterly swell coming straight in on to the bar of around 1.5 metres or more. Swells travel at 12 knots around coastal bars and faster when they are off an intense weather system, so be wary on the bigger swell days.
An incoming tide is preferable as the sea is more passive when swells and tidal flow are travelling from the same direction. Higher in the tide cycle gives more depth under the boat and minimises risk.
Conversely, crossing a coastal bar on the outgoing tide is where incoming swells and the outgoing tide oppose each other, increasing the level of risk during crossing, particularly in a small boat.
Lifejackets are now compulsory when crossing all designated coastal bars in Queensland. Make sure yours is suited to the size and weight of the person wearing it and if inflatable, it is within its service date.
It is also a good idea to log on with VMR Raby Bay on VHF channel 83 before and after crossing. The radio room is open from 5:00am to 8:00pm every day.
Keeping the engine trimmed in and maintaining a low planing speed is a good approach heading out, aiming for the deepest water or the area of least surf break.
Don’t forget to mark some waypoints as a guide for the run home later.
Coming home, the engine should be slightly trimmed up. Aim for the safest entry point and maintain a speed slightly higher than the swell speed so you don’t get caught by a wave travelling behind.
Remember: if in doubt, don’t go out.
