The Great Lakes make their own weather. Short, steep chop builds fast, the water runs cold most of the year, and a wind that's harmless off one shore is dangerous off another. These plain-English guides explain how to read the conditions — and the numbers on every shouldiboat.com spot page — so you can make a good call before you tow the boat.
Knots, wave height, wave period and gusts — what each number really tells you about the ride.
How the verdict is built, why it's a "right now" call, and how boat size changes it.
Cold shock, the 1-10-1 rule, and why Great Lakes water temperature can matter more than the air.
Why the same wind speed is flat one day and a beating the next — and how to spot a lee shore.
SCAs, Special Marine Warnings and Gale Warnings — the thresholds and what to do about each.
What's legally required, what's merely smart, and the cold-water extras the Great Lakes demand.
A pre-trip and float-plan checklist that takes five minutes and can save your day.
These guides are general education, not official forecasts or navigation advice. Conditions on the water change fast — always check the official NWS marine forecasts, file a float plan, wear your life jacket, and use your own judgment.