IS 2.4M TOO DEEP FOR OPTIMUM CRUISABILITY

[heres hoping]

Hi guys and gals im a newby here so please be gentle just looking for some input into whats considered optimum for draught to access ports and coastal cruising grounds in particular moreton bay ...looking forward to your ideas

[Vasco]

Where are you cruising?

[heres hoping]

moreton bay queensland but would also like to know about Caribbeanand Bahamas

[Vasco]

8 feet is a bit much for the Bahamas. It can be done but carefully!! And you might have to skip some of the nicer spots.

[Jim Cate]

G'Day HH,

We've sailed in Moreton Bay for years with two boats, both of which drew 2.2 metres. There are some popular areas where this meant either no access or limited access. Places mostly in the Broadwater area... for instance the Canaipa channel is too shallow for transiting, the shoal area in the main channel south of Jacobs Well required (for many years prior to recent dredging) careful tidal timing and so on.

We seldom felt that this was a problem, but we are retired full time cruisers and don't have a schedule to follow,

As we have told so many: shallow draft yachts run aground too... just a bit closer to shore!

Cheers,

Jim

[heres hoping]

thanks guys for the input from what you say it may be a bit deep ...has anyone had any experience or heard of marskeel draught reducing keel bulbs apparently they can be used to reduce draught up to 24" don't know id want to go the whole hog but maybe to 6'6" might be a good thing but then its all a matter of at what cost since a dinghy and a good outboard doesn't take long to travel that extra distance from the shore

[heres hoping]

vasco is it soooo bad really in the Caribbean regarding relocation of property from ship to shore or it more a case of lock up properly and don't leave things lying around also read of shootings and assaults

[Zanshin]

Hoping - I've been cruising the Caribbean for years with a draft of 2.50m with little issues, but some places such as the Bahamas are no longer on my list.

The Caribbean is a big place with many islands / countries. Reading of a shooting in Trinidad doesn't really apply to Dominica. As with most places, the adage of "lock it or lose it" applies.

[zeehag]

OHMYGODDONTGOSAILINGYOUWILLBE ATTACKEDATGUNPOINT... get real. we are not sailing lost angeles or chicago----be wise and you will be safer.

[heres hoping]

jeez zeehag I suppose being an ozzie being shot or shot at isn't quite as normal as in the us of a so when another ozzie is killed then it makes a real impression.... but ill be sure to stay away from lost angeles and Chicago when sailing the usa

[Whaubner]

How did a question on boat draft become another gun topic? I think it may be time to stage a group intervention or therapy

I use to think 6 foot was about as far as you would want to go in New England. However, our current boat is 8 feet. Perhaps this means we anchor a little further out. So we upgraded the Dink and engine to ensure a dry quick trip to shore.

Personally I am very happy with the sailing performance of the deep keel, and don't mind the extra planning on the anchoring side.

[cruise]

PM sent