Our local Coastguard have always said, learn two weather apps, learn how they work and tick to them. I use Metvuw to get an over view and Swellmap Shelf break boating guide for my Manukau west coast adventures. My limits are 0.7m chop and 1.5m swell at the shelf break - not that I ever go there but it's only when I've broken my own rules when using those parameters when I've had real issues.  Like 3 weeks ago. We got absolutely hammered. Swell was down but that 1.0m chop was close to being unbearable. Of course I factor in tide sizes and rising or falling wind/chop/swell as well as wind & swell direction & boat loading - which is why only two of us went last time. Lots of variables to consider but bar crossings are extreme. Don't do those just yet

Great stuff Rick. Good to see you are out there doing it.

Can you access your anchor without climbing round to the bow?

thanks Keith! Yes, can access the anchor by reaching over the windscreen and dropping over side. Found it easy enough to retrieve by hand. So far, loving the boat. It was a bit choppier yesterday than the first time out, but handled it fine.