high seas/large waves/big water/heavy chop

Out yesterday in some moderately strong winds and what I'd call large choppy waves. The wave's frequency seemed to be about 8'. Amplitude about 3'.

The boat was falling off each wave, with the rigging popping, and boom flopping, which seemed bad for the boat. (And made dining a challenge)

Is there a limit to size waves you want to encounter on a 16? I enjoy the big rolling swells that the boat can climb and slide down.
Is the boat designed to handle this abuse, so I can just ignore how awful it feels?
Is there a way to limit the bouncing effect? Hanging on the trap, or a hand or foot on the boom seems to help. Any other ideas?

I've searched the forum as best I could, and couldn't find this topic. Sorry if its been discussed elsewhere.

thanks a lot
frank

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frank pichel, H16 Veribold, #71146

The standing rigging on the 16 is designed to handle the shock loads that you experienced. However materials do fatigue after so many cycles and should be replaced periodically. The frequency that you sail in these types of conditions and the age of the rigging will determine how often you should replace with new. As far as the boom slapping from side to side, your main sheet system and/or traveler can handle it no problem, just make sure your shackles/pins etc. are securely fastened.

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

Uh, try dining in a restaurant maybe? Seriously though, if you have a fairly new boat you're probably okay. These are really sturdy products. Just about everything on my twenty-eight year old boat has been replaced so its in pretty good shape. Still, my number one rule is not to take her out in a small craft advisory. Nothing lasts forever.