[Quilla]

This is a mystery! While 8 foot seas are pretty stout, a 20 footer should be able to withstand it - and must have since they found the boat in an upright position. I can't help but think about the terror warning de jour a week or so ago about scuba divers.

[Poohbah]

If any of them went into the water, hypothermia would bag them in nothing flat. The California Current comes down the Pacific Coast direct from the Gulf of Alaska, and that water is C-O-L-D.

[MarMema]

I've been out off Westport in waves that high and would not even consider it in a 20 footer. There are some nasty crossings out there. It's not pretty.

[John H K]

While 8 foot seas are pretty stout, a 20 footer should be able to withstand it

Eight foot seas are ENORMOUS.

Maybe us East Coasters are wusses but going out in 8 foot seas in a 20 footer would be considered absolute crack-smoking lunacy here...wouldn't even be remotely dreamed of by anyone with a shred of responsibility.