Been on Lake Erie for over 60 years, currently run a 16' aluminum side consol....am I comfortable ??? YES, because I pay attention and do my research !! Never go out if forecast is over two feet or any chance of being over two feet. Also watch wind direction and how strong, forcasts have been wrong many times. You have to know how to make your own forecast, based on wind strength and direction. In all my years, I have never saw three or four footers just come out of nowhere !!! Easy to look up wind forecasts before going out !! Any time I have been caught in sticky situations it has been my own poor judgement, waited to long to make my move to go in. As I get older, I am getting smarter !! Looking further ahead in my planning and am willing to try another day when things look better !!