I look at the wind patterns on the water, with the boats I’ve had in the past. You get the swell, then the chop, then the riffle between the chop. That’s when I go home. Usually tried to hang some but boat control is just stupid and inconsistent. A few small whitecaps could be tolerated but if it’s still building, it’s time to go before you can’t go. Now I have a low sided 16’ Jon boat and don’t think I’ll be going with what I just stated. I’ve been in enough sporty water to respect it and not push my luck. One of the upgrades I did on my new to me Jon was a layer of closed cell foam under the floor. Hope I never need it. Also put a bilge pump in. I chose an 1100 gph with a bigger hose than most use. I’ve been caught in a hard rain that left me standing in ankle deep water after just a few minutes. That was in a 16’ Lund and I didn’t have a bilge pump. Yet. My point is to think ahead as to what you consider your limits to be. I’ve been lucky…….
Creativity is just intelligence fooling around