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the Virtues of Shallow Draft

Discussion in 'General Sailing Discussion' started by brian eiland, Jul 2, 2014.

  1. brian eiland

    brian eiland Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2004
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    2,952
    Location:
    St Augustine, Fl and Thailand
    Sail mag recently posting this short story of 'shallow draft' cruising
    Sail-camping on a Hobie 16 | Sail Magazine


    On another occassion I did the same with a Louisiane 37 catamaran that drew 19 inches of water with the CB's up and the rudders kicked up.

    Come to think of it I took that same Louisiane 37 down along the backside of the outer islands of Cape Hatteras, NC (there were times we were pulling the boat along while walking the shallows....what a great trip that was). I'm sure there are not many boats of that size that have ever made that trip.
  2. brian eiland

    brian eiland Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2004
    Messages:
    2,952
    Location:
    St Augustine, Fl and Thailand
    ....and from another posting I made on this forum

    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/123583-post41.html

  3. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Feb 29, 2008
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    Location:
    Miami, FL
    It all depends on where you cruise. If the Florida keys, if you can keep the draft at 4' you can enjoy the bayside of the keys and some pretty nice spots. Along most of the east coast, up to Long Island, you won't have to worry about shoaling, tides, etc...

    Same in the Bahamas. 4' opens many areas you can't go with a 6' draft.