Hi all,

spank new to boating (Wellington harbour and thereabouts), hence the question.
How to determine (apart from watching out of the window, and coastguard/VHF forecasts...) when it is safe to go out (on a 5m fiberglass cruiser) by using Metservice boating forecasts?

Of course I do get the color coding (aim for green, with orange still possible just not too comfy, avoid red), but how about the details???

Example: For a fishing trip, what would be ok (i.e. not dangerous...) values for Swell Height, Sea Height, Chop?

Also look for issues relating to Wind against Tide ! Some areas can really get up when this goes down.

I also use the Nowcasting text service ( which gives me real Time wind Info ) and  which when used in conjunction with the main 3 forecasting services as I see them.... MetView, Swellmap and then Metservice gives me a pretty darn good outlook on whats happening today and then as the week progresses.

The posts in a recent thread "swellmap" in the Briny Bar, could be useful.

DeKay wrote: Wind is the main thing to look at. You want the least wind possible. Ideally 5 knot variable winds or up to 10 knots. 15 knots is manageable but getting rough. 20 Knots or above is no place for a 5m boat.

Have a look on the web cams www.surf.co.nz (Lyall Bay, Breaker Bay, Titahi Bay) or the excellent Plimmerton boating club website www.plimmertonboatingclub.org.nz to see what the swell is doing. In Welly's if it is no good on one coast you can usually get out on the other. Remember boating is meant to be fun - if it is not fun for yourself and/or your crew it is probably too rough to be out there. There is always another day...

Thanks everybody for the excellent replies! I had already booked a VHF operator and Day Skipper/Harbourmaster course with Coastguard, got them in the mail today :)
As for the wind against tide, please correct me if I am wrong in this example for Wellington (harbour entrance roughly oriented N-S): incoming tide and southerlies = smoother seas/less chop, and the same for outgoing tide and northerlies. Rougher conditions for opposite combinations (i.e., outgoing and southerlies, or ingoing and northerlies.

Thanks again,
Peppe

Welcome PeppeNZ. Nothing beats studying the local weather, it's forecasts, and spending time on the water to get a handle on Wellingtons conditions, but it does take time to come to grips with it. If your fishing the harbour look for 5 to 10 knots to be comfortable in a 5m boat. If your launching at seaview (I see you listed as being in lower hutt) you can sneak across petone foreshore and down Ngauranga side if the northerly rises. Wellingtons Southerly tends to abate into great evening fishing conditions, if the forecast has it at 5kn raising to 10kn in late morning early avo.
The southerly swell can reach up to the south end of Ward island, but increases nearer the harbour entrence due to the water pushing up into the shallower and narrow entrence. The swell tends to effect the eastern coastline more so than the seatoun side.
A lot depends on the type of boat you have as well. You will find that a 5m fibreglass boat will handle the steep Wellington chop far better than a small tinny that's built lightly, keepin in mind that some of the newer Ali boats can be built like a brick **** house. Spend plenty of time getting to know your boat and how it handles in all conditions.
Most importantly, have all the safety gear, and don't get blazay if heading out. the worst things happen at sea when it's least expected. And always check over your rig before hitting the water (battery, VHF, etc)
The recent tragedy in the harbour happened 50m from shore in flat calm conditions, and should serve a a reminder to all the dangers of boating.

BUT, with all that in mind, get out there and enjoy it

And keep an eye out for us local forum members, most are happy to pass on a bit of knowledge. And as DeKay said, keep an eye on the Wellington boat fishing thread.