There are many reasons why you might want to take your boat out in shallow water. Maybe you’re chasing after some fish that like to hang out near the shore, or you just want to enjoy a calm day on the water without worrying about waves. No matter your reason, knowing how shallow your boat can safely go is important.
“How Shallow Can My Boat Go?”: It Depends on the Boat
For anyone who’s been boating for any length of time, you know there are always obstacles in the water that can damage your boat. You have to know a lot about the depth of your boat at its deepest section, which is usually the middle of the boat. Here’s what you need to know.
You have to know the dimensions of the boat from the edge of the side of the boat going straight down to where the bottom-most edge sits in the water. If you have fourteen inches from the side edge of the boat to the very bottom, about four inches of the boat will extend out of and above the water and the rest is the amount of boat that extends down into the water. That which extends into the water is how much boat bottom you have until it may graze the mud or sand bars in shallow water.
What is Draft?
Draft is simply the distance between the waterline and the lowest point of your boat. The draft of a vessel depends on many factors, but the two most important are the boat’s weight and its designed hull shape.
The draft of a boat is the minimum depth of water it needs in order to float without running aground. The draft is affected by the weight and size of the boat and any cargo or passengers it’s carrying. For example, a large fishing boat will have a deeper draft than a small rowboat because it weighs more and is larger in size. Likewise, a boat that’s carrying a lot of cargo will have a deeper draft than an empty boat.
The draft can also be affected by the type of bottom your boat is sitting on. For example, a sand bottom will give your boat more support than a mud bottom. This is because sand is denser than mud, so it won’t give way under the weight of your boat as easily. This means that your boat can sit in shallower water on a sand bottom than it could on a mud bottom.
Most people believe that as long as they see their boat float, they are in good shape but that is not always true. Just because your boat floats does not mean it will not hit something and get damaged. The best way to determine how much draft your boat has is by measuring from the lowest point on your hull to where it meets the waterline. This will give you an accurate measurement of your draft and help ensure your boating trips are safe and fun!
Know Your Boats
When it comes to boating, there are all sorts of different options available. But not all boats are created equal—some are better suited for shallow water boating than others. So, how do you choose the right boat for the job? In this blog post, we’ll give you a few pointers.
The first step is understanding what kind of vessel will work best in shallow water conditions. For example, a pirogue, which is a flat-bottomed, lightweight boat, is specifically designed for shallow water boating. On the other hand, speed boats with large outboard motors tend to be too big and heavy to navigate through shallow waters easily.
Once you’ve considered the type of boat that will work best, it’s time to consider your budget. Shallow water boats can range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. So, it’s important to set a budget before beginning your search.
Finally, it’s worth considering what you’ll use your boat for. If you’re planning on doing a lot of fishing, then you’ll want to ensure that your boat has enough storage space for all your gear. On the other hand, if you’re primarily interested in enjoying the scenery, then comfort should be your top priority.
Paddling Versus Outboard Motor
When it comes to propelling your boat, you have two main options: paddling or an outboard motor. Both have their own set of pros and cons, which we’ll explore in this blog post. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Paddling
The great thing about paddling is that it’s free, you don’t have to worry about buying or maintaining an engine. Paddling is also a great way to get some exercise while you’re enjoying time on the water. And, since there’s no engine to worry about, you can take your boat anywhere, even in shallow water or areas where motors are not allowed.
Of course, paddling also has its downsides. For one thing, it can be tiring, especially if you’re paddling against the wind or current. And, if you’re not used to it, paddling can also be quite hard on your shoulders and arms. If you plan to do a lot of paddling, be sure to stretch before heading out and take breaks often to avoid fatigue.
Outboard Motor
Using an outboard motor in shallow waters can be dangerous because of the risk of damaging the propeller on rocks or other obstacles. It’s also important to be aware of the environmental impact of using an outboard motor in shallower waters.
Excess noise and exhaust fumes can disturb wildlife and other boaters who are enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. In addition, outboarding can churn up sediment from the bottom of the body of water, which can have a negative impact on water quality.
Hull Shape Matters
A boat’s hull shape – or profile – has a big impact on its draft. A flat-bottomed boat will have a shallower draft than one with a deep V-shaped hull because there is less of the hull in the water. This is why boats like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are able to get into much shallower water than powerboats or sailboats.
Weight Plays a Role Too
All boats have what’s called “hull displacement”, which refers to the amount of water displaced by the hull when it’s floating at rest. This is generally equal to the weight of the boat itself. So, a heavier boat will have a greater draft than a lighter one because it will displace more water.
Testing the Depths of the Shallow Water
When fishing or hunting in shallow water, it’s important to know just how deep the water is before venturing in. After all, the last thing you want is to get your boat stuck in the mud! That’s where a depth stick comes in handy.
Also known as a poke pole, a depth stick is simply a long pole that can be used to gauge the depth of the water and judge the ability of the boat to safely pass through without getting stuck. But how exactly do you use these devices?
Using a poke pole is actually pretty simple. Just hold the pole in front of you and lower it into the water until it hits the bottom. The number that hits the water first is the depth of the shallowest part of the waterway.
Once you have that number, you can determine if your boat will be able to safely pass through by checking the draft rating. The draft rating is usually located on the stern (back) of the boat and indicates how deep of water your boat needs in order to float safely.
If the depth of water is equal to or greater than your boat’s draft rating, then you’re good to go! However, if the depth is less than your boat’s draft rating, then you’ll need to either find a different route or take extra precautions before proceeding.
Trial and Error Is Not the Best Way to Go
Everyone makes mistakes. It’s a part of life. But some mistakes are better left untouched. For example, learning how far you can drive your car on an empty tank of gas. Or testing out shallow waters with your boat. These are not situations where you want to be trial and error-ing things.
It is better to be safe than sorry. This is true for many things in life but is especially important when it comes to boats and shallow water. It is much easier—and cheaper—to avoid getting stuck in shallow water than it is to get unstuck.
In Conclusion
So, how shallow can your boat go? It depends on a few factors, including the weight and size of your boat, any cargo or passengers it’s carrying, and the type of bottom it’s sitting on. In general, though, you should be able to safely take your boat into waters that are at least 2-3 feet deep. Of course, always use your best judgment and keep an eye on the depth finder just to be safe!
