Much more than 25 mph sustained on a cat and the chances of a bad or expensive day really seem to increase. This photo is what happened to a friends Hobie 18 when they got hit by a 50mph plus squall on Galveston Bay:



He described the boat cart wheeling across the water when he tried to right it. Everyone made it safely back to shore, but they are quite wary about heading out when it is stormy weather. It may be blowing "only" 25 on the beach - but once you get out onto less protected waters a squall can hit rapidly with no where to run or hide.

Chris.