how deep a draft for gulf cruising?

[benbow3]

What is the maximum draft you would suggest for costal cruising in the gulf? Thanks.

[captintommy]

The Gulf is not for cruising! The Gulf is only for crossing to other destinations.

[orion1]

Our only experience is the northern Gulf Coast where we have cruised since 1973, from N.O. to Destin, Fl. 5' 1" is our draft at this time. We do fine but would not want to opt for more.

The Gulf Coast is a fine cruising area in spring, summer and fall. We do the Gulf Islands and Fl. panhandle. Not much protection on the hook in winter from the North or WNW.

[forsailbyowner]

I spent many years at gulf coast cruising from tampa down. Theres a lot of shallow water, I have a morgan that was made specifically for cruising these waters it has a standard draft of 3'11". There are some areas to get into with deep draft,but it really limits your prospects. Between cedar Key and Tarpon springs 6' is out of the question.Below that there are quite a few passes that will accomodate 6'+ depths. The largest waves other than hurricane conditions Ive heard of in the Gulf are 16' Ive weathered many a storm during my annual tortugas trip in a 23' sloop with a swing keel.

[George Raffa]

6 feet max if you want to use the inter coastal waterway. Anchoring out in some places can be an issue even with less than 6 feet during low tides. Gook Luck.

[s/v Beth]

I just have to ask fsbo- what type of 23 footer did you brave the ocean to Dry Tortugas? Did you ever have any problems with being overpowered by the waves and wind?

[Maren]

Originally Posted by benbow3

What is the maximum draft you would suggest for costal cruising in the gulf? Thanks.

I think there is a bit of confusion here. Are you talking about the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Coast of Florida, Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf ... which one?

[Cadence]

Benbow3,

I know it wasn't the question entirely. Ft. Myers to Key West is good water 12 ft. min. a mile or two off shore. The Gulf is like a big shallow lake. It can kick up to 10-12fts quick.

I'd buy some charts.

[AnchorageGuy]

Where in the Gulf and which Gulf? In the middle, along the coast, in Floriduh, Alabama, Texas?

[benbow3]

Thanks all for your responses. Sounds like the consensus is that 5' is about the max.

[D.D.]

Guess benbow3 got his answer?? I'm confused as well. However, I AM interested in the Flordia Gulf Draft. We are planning to move to Burnt Store with our boat and want to cruise extensivly. Plan on hopping around Flordia, maybe to the Carribbean.

[Photodonn]

I cruise all over the west coast of Florida and my 4ft. keel has plenty of room to roam.

[forsailbyowner]

You may consider the morgan Outislander, They were built expressly for cruising these waters. Burnt store is top notch, Weve stopped there a few times while cruising in
charlotte harbor. If that is home port would definately recommend shoal draft, lot of shallow water around there. Allows much more flexibility for gunkholing. I met the Author Randy Wayne White while visiting Cabbage key, Interesting gent.Wrote some worthwhile reads with plots that centered around the area.