This is more a question based on curiosity than necessity, although the
answer might influence my decision on a boat somewhat.

I've read numerous books that indicate a deeper draft for a boat makes it
more seaworthy.

I've also read that sailing the Bahamas or the Florida keys works out
better with a shoal draft boat.

So, I'm wondering the extent of this restriction. Is it reasonable to
visit the Bahamas with a deep (say 6 foot) draft small boat, or is the
water so shallow as to make this inadvisable? What about the Florida
keys? In general, for coastal cruising, is a shoal draft boat
preferable?

Thanks,



--
Kenneth P. Turvey

"Kenneth P. Turvey" wrote:

This is more a question based on curiosity than necessity, although the
answer might influence my decision on a boat somewhat.

I've read numerous books that indicate a deeper draft for a boat makes it
more seaworthy.

I've also read that sailing the Bahamas or the Florida keys works out
better with a shoal draft boat.

So, I'm wondering the extent of this restriction. Is it reasonable to
visit the Bahamas with a deep (say 6 foot) draft small boat, or is the
water so shallow as to make this inadvisable? What about the Florida
keys? In general, for coastal cruising, is a shoal draft boat
preferable?

Thanks,

--
Kenneth P. Turvey

Kenneth,

I have sailed exensively in both the Florida Keys and the Bahamas on a boat
with a 4 foot (loaded) draft.

The limitations with the Florida Keys were always in Florida Bay, which is
about half of the cruising grounds there. The Intracoastal was always very
touchy
down to Spanish Channel, were it now ends. Haven't sailed there for many
years,
but I imagine things have not changed much. You can squeak by in many places,

if you watch the tides. I always would go in the touchy places on a low tide
going
up, so that if I ran aground I would have a better chance of getting off. The
so-
called back country of the lower Keys on the Florida Bay side is interesting,
as is
the south and west coast of Florida. You would have problems exploring much
of that area with a six foot draft. If you stay on the ocean side, you should
not have
any problems, but your cruising options are limited. Same holds true for the
Bahamas, depending on the cruising area you choose. There were several
anchorages I just squeaked by with my four foot draft. Even crossing the
banks
east of Nassua to the Exumas, for example, could require more careful
navigation
to avoid coral heads. Many anchorages are also tight for a six footer, but
you can
possibly manage, if you take advantage of the 3 foot tides.

Sure, a deeper draft boat will be safer for cruising, but one has to watch
the
weather. That, plus good seamanship should get you through most
difficulties.
Winter cruising in these areas can be rough. Be prepared to be harbor locked

at that time of the year, until the winds die down. I covered most of the
Bahamas
from north to south and much of south Florida in my 22 foot Westerly
sailboat.
I watched my weather, but the few times I got caught out in open water in
rough
weather, my boat got me through it. These are great cruising areas. Be
sure to
stock up for the Bahamas, as everything is expensive and in short supply in
the
outer islands. I saw boats in the Bahamas with little balast, like swing
keels. They
obviously had to be very careful in picking their sailing days.

Sherwin

"Kenneth P. Turvey" wrote...
I've read numerous books that indicate a deeper draft for a boat makes it
more seaworthy.

I've also read that sailing the Bahamas or the Florida keys works out
better with a shoal draft boat.

So, I'm wondering the extent of this restriction. Is it reasonable to
visit the Bahamas with a deep (say 6 foot) draft small boat, or is the
water so shallow as to make this inadvisable? What about the Florida
keys? In general, for coastal cruising, is a shoal draft boat
preferable?

Many people have cruised those areas with deeper draft boats, but you'll be
able to get into a LOT more places with a shallow draft. 4 feet would be
ideal, though 5 feet would work for some people.

Also a consideration, a winged keel with a broad bottom will keep you out
of spots where a fin or shallow full/Scheel keel will be able to "plow"
through sand. I was kept out of a phenomenal anchorage south of Eluthera
because of this problem...

Draft is only 1 component of seaworthiness. A shallow draft in and of
itself should not be a problem in the Bahamas and Keys. Choose the whole
boat wisely!