I don't know a lot about Kentucky lake but can speak for boating in rough water. Especially here along the Ohio river in the long straight sections that wind can really make it dangerous. I fish out of a 16.5' Nitro so it's even more important to be careful. Got crossways in big roller a few years ago downriver & come a few inches of getting a lot of water in the boat with me. Put the fear in me that day for the 1st time in a long time. Fishing is not worth getting injured or killed.