Also look at where on the lake you are fishing, many areas offer some protection from the wind, I fish from 16' aluminum boat and can safely do 2 footer forecast where I fish. The waves wont actually be that tall due to partial blickage by land mass even a couple miles out. Get a map of the shore line and you will see how it staggers in and out where some wind protection is availiable. Getting a good forecast is another issue already mentioned. Before I head out, I try to get a forecast from at least three sources, then based on wind speed and direction, I know how rough it will be in the area I will be fishing. Been on Erie for over 55 years, experience makes a big difference !!