Can you please tell me what are tolerable winds off Hatteras? I'm planning on fishing there (27 Ft Powercat) this Friday and Saturday 4/4 and 4/5 (yes spending the night out on the big blue!!).

The only problem with that forecast is that it is a week out. The wind report can change 5 times in one day much less a week out. If it is 10mph your good to go. I wouldn't go out once the forecast hits 15knots plus because it gets rough quick, stacked rough. A south wind can make the inlet a bear on an outgoing tide, so watch the tides as well. If its your 1st trip out of there my advice is to follow a few boats out.

Just a snap shot of NOAA for next week>>> I hope the winds start calming down after Wed. We always check NOAA first for quick snap shot then we start checking bouy data for true wind direction, wave height and periodicty. I linked the bouy data for NC/VA, you want to look at diamond shoals bouys for Hatteras.... We are looking at that weekend as well, but weather changes every hour as Volunteer said.... We've pushed the limits before and prayed to the man upstairs to get out the "washing machine" which that area can be this time of the year. Pick your days and choose them wisely.

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/maps/NorthCarolina.shtml

HATTERAS CANYON TO CAPE FEAR OUT

SUN NIGHT
E WINDS 20 TO 25 KT BECOMING SE. SEAS BECOMING 8 TO
13 FT...HIGHEST S.

MON
SE WINDS 15 TO 20 KT BECOMING S. SEAS 6 TO 9 FT.

TUE
S TO SW WINDS 15 TO 20 KT. SEAS 5 TO 8 FT.

WED
WINDS SHIFTING TO NE 20 TO 25 KT. SEAS BUILDING TO 7 TO
10 FT...HIGHEST SW.

I don't think it would be wise to spend the night off Hatteras this time of year. The weather is literally changing by the hour. If you are going overnight I'd wait till you had a 2-3 day period of 5 to 10kt which would be in late May or June. Its bad enough this time of year in the daylight. Whatever you do be safe.

OH Yea overnight in HI in the spring time. WHAT are you thinking. These guys are correct the wind changes by the hour in Hatteras. Its only a 20 mile run, why spend the night? and rember if they say its blowing 20kt it feels like 25 - 30kt. Tons of current. Ok did I say current wait till it hits you with a light 20ky breeze. WOW Its not the north sea but good luck.

My criteria for overnighting offshore, and this is just me for my 29 foot Hydrasport, is winds 10 knots or less the entire night. I usually drift and once it gets over 10, it gets uncomfortable. Once it goes over 15 (on the drift), it gets dangerous. And generally I like to see all the different forecasts agreeing with each other vice picking the one I like the most. Now HI is even worse on any North wind due to the stream. I'm looking at the 8 day model forecasts and I don't see a weather window for even a daytime run anywhere, VA or NC. This weather sucks.

Good advice from all. This time of year, or anytime for that matter, its hard to predict this far out what the winds will be. Plan on going, but make your call to fish 4/4 on 4/3. Be safe and good luck!!

Do some serious about the "North Wall" and it's affects on instant changes to weather patterns and the hazards to boaters. Tight Lines

"Huge Swells and Squalls!!" I hear ya and Thanks for the feedback. I'm trying to make reservations at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center to spend the night for this coming Thursay and Friday 3/3 and 3/4. If OI fishing center doesn't have room, any suggestions on a marina?

Pirate's Cove...its in the sound past the OI Fishing Center. If not there try Shallowbag Bay...across the sound from PC.

Thanks "skinnys-kid". I will definately try Pirate's Cove. Will be calling them in am.