weather limits for a 17' Whaler on the middle Chesapeake

[SkyBlueWaters]

Hi, I am about to move to southcentral PA and am looking forward to to putting my 1972 17' Whaler w/ 88 hp Johnson SPL into action on the mid and lower bay in pursuit of breaking fish. As it is between a 2 to 3 hour drive to where I am targeting (Eastern shore side) I don't want to go all that way just to stay in the back creeks because of the weather. I understand that a northwind can cause a pretty troublesome chop on the open bay. I was looking for your weather experiences to help make that Go, No Go decison.

Thanks.