How-To

Boat strategy for rough water

Elite Series pro Randy Howell takes extra precautions with his Triton 21X when he knows he'll be boating on rough waters.

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<p> Elite Series pro Randy Howell has a strategy for prepping his wrapped 21X Triton with 250-hp Mercury for boating in rough waters. </p>
Elite Series pro Randy Howell has a strategy for prepping his wrapped 21X Triton with 250-hp Mercury for boating in rough waters. 
<p> In rough water conditions, Randy switches to a 5-blade prop. It enables him to plane out at lower RPMs and keep the nose down at lower speeds.</p>
In rough water conditions, Randy switches to a 5-blade prop. It enables him to plane out at lower RPMs and keep the nose down at lower speeds.
<p> The most important thing is to cushion the back hatch of the boat; it takes the most pressure from waves. Randy uses foam padding in between all the battery cases.</p>
The most important thing is to cushion the back hatch of the boat; it takes the most pressure from waves. Randy uses foam padding in between all the battery cases.
<p> It’s also important to make sure all of the bolts are tightened down around the jackplate. Rough water can rattle loose nuts and bolts and cause serious problems.</p>
It’s also important to make sure all of the bolts are tightened down around the jackplate. Rough water can rattle loose nuts and bolts and cause serious problems.
Most MotorGuide trolling motors come standard as shown, but Randy has utilized a RAM mount to secure it in big waves.
Most MotorGuide trolling motors come standard as shown, but Randy has utilized a RAM mount to secure it in big waves.
<p> Here is the assembled RAM Mount on the MotorGuide trolling motor; it greatly reduces shock and stress on the head and shaft of the trolling motor. </p>
Here is the assembled RAM Mount on the MotorGuide trolling motor; it greatly reduces shock and stress on the head and shaft of the trolling motor. 
Most anglers run so that the front part of the hull will take the beating; securing the head can help minimize damage to the overall trolling motor.
Most anglers run so that the front part of the hull will take the beating; securing the head can help minimize damage to the overall trolling motor.
In the early days of bass tournaments, rough water would often pop trolling motor heads and brackets since they take the brunt of the force of rough waves.
In the early days of bass tournaments, rough water would often pop trolling motor heads and brackets since they take the brunt of the force of rough waves.
He also utilizes a wire with a rubber coating in place of the standard rope as his handle for the trolling motor.
He also utilizes a wire with a rubber coating in place of the standard rope as his handle for the trolling motor.
The racks are in the back for the butt of the rods; in the front of the rod box are individual tubes for the rods to slide into.
The racks are in the back for the butt of the rods; in the front of the rod box are individual tubes for the rods to slide into.
Tube socks are also a useful tool that slide onto each individual rod. They keep lines and baits from tangling.
Tube socks are also a useful tool that slide onto each individual rod. They keep lines and baits from tangling.
Howell never drives without a SAVE PHACE but they really come into use when boating in rough water. 
Howell never drives without a SAVE PHACE but they really come into use when boating in rough water. 
Triton boats come equipped with handles on the passenger side of the boat so you’re able to hold the adjustable strap to keep you from bouncing out of the seat in rough water.
Triton boats come equipped with handles on the passenger side of the boat so you’re able to hold the adjustable strap to keep you from bouncing out of the seat in rough water.
Every long trip needs an unobstructed view of the GPS; it needs to be placed high enough to allow for plenty of leg room.
Every long trip needs an unobstructed view of the GPS; it needs to be placed high enough to allow for plenty of leg room.
A full picture of all the opened rod boxes.
A full picture of all the opened rod boxes.
Howell wraps his tackleboxes in towels to give them a cushion on the bumpy ride and offset any damage to his boxes.
Howell wraps his tackleboxes in towels to give them a cushion on the bumpy ride and offset any damage to his boxes.
Power-Poles are mounted onto the hydraulic jackplate for a stable position.
Power-Poles are mounted onto the hydraulic jackplate for a stable position.

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