My 36'
ketch draws 4.5' and I have gone aground four times. Once was while waiting at a drawbridge on the
ICW north of
Fort Lauderdale. I had to wait for the tide to
lift me off. Another time I had to be towed by BoatUS and I was right next to the channel marker!
Most of my sailing is on the
Gulf of Mexico side of
Florida but I wouldn't consider over 5' draft. Even with 4.5' I bump often including in the marina where I am familiar with the layout.
7.5' would be very limiting for this area.
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