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08-11-2014, 07:28
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 248
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What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
We are serious about an Amel Super Maramu, 53' LOA, a 6'-7" draft, 15'-1" beam, and a 65'-3" mast height. We'll be on the east coast, the Bahama's, and then down-island to the Caribbean. I'm more than a little concerned about limitations on anchoring, mooring, and the ability to tour the Bahama's.
We have a long list of good reasons for the boat selection, but the draft worries me.
I plan on getting a planing dinghy so we can anchor at some distance and visit some of the nicer spots in the Bahamas that are too shallow.
Any advice is appreciated.
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08-11-2014, 07:33
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 5,983
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
At 6'-7" that is not all that deep for a boat of this size, very good cruiser by the way.
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08-11-2014, 07:35
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#3
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cruiser
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
Nice boat and a proven world cruiser. Don't get too hung up on buying a boat to fit a specific location, because plans change.
We bought and outfit our boat for the North Eastern USA with ocean crossings in mind. But now after making a left turn instead of a right turn, we find ourselves very happy in the Mediterranean probably for many years. Who knows where your travels will lead you, the Bahamas might end up being one short stop.
If you do plan on spending lots of time in the Bahamas, a catamaran would be a better choice.
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08-11-2014, 07:49
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 248
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
I agree about plans changing. We're interested in doing a lot of traveling in it and have the option of an Atlantic crossing to visit the Med.
I just want to be sure we're not getting ourselves in a pinch where we are constantly told the boats too big for our moorings, the waters too shallow, etc.
How is the Med treating you? I've heard the bureacracy is tough, but people say that about everyplace.
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08-11-2014, 07:53
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Western Med
Boat: 52' Crealock Farrington staysail schooner
Posts: 81
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
That is a deep draft for the Bahamas. Ours is 6' + and we held our breath navagating them. But the Bahamas are the shallowest of all the Caribbean and they are doable. A good outboard and rib will be in order as you will often anchor way out. The ICW is another issue as the bridge clearance is 65' and it is shallow as well, but with a big boat its better to transit on the outside. less yahoos as well. If your gonna be a cruiser you will want to venture further and a deep keel will serve you well. If your plans are Fla and the Bahamas a smaller boat will be much easier and more appropriate. Best of luck and fair winds.
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08-11-2014, 07:59
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bellingham
Boat: Outbound 44
Posts: 9,319
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
The East Coast would be a bit restricted with you not being able to use the ICW in many places and bridge clearances. So you are going outside from the Chesapeake to the Bahamas. Not bad, unless the weather windows are bad that year. The Bahamas depends a lot on where you go. We draw 6'6" and had no issues in the Exumas, did OK in the Berrys. The Abacos were restrictive but still plenty doable.
__________________
Paul
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08-11-2014, 08:05
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 240
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
Well the ICW will be a challenge, both draught and mast height, that will exclude you from some super east coast destinations. Depth will leave you, at the very least, exposed in many anchorages. All very well having a fast dinghy but there will be times when you need to tuck the big boat well in. Deep draught will greatly limit your choices in the Bahamas.
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08-11-2014, 08:08
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#8
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cruiser
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
C.
The Med is beautiful. Contrary to what you read and hear from folks on these forums, the immigration and VAT issues are easy to deal with and don't create any problems which can't be solved. There are legal ways to stay for many years. Most of the countries bordering the Med encourage visitors like us and personnel at the marinas and government officials will go out of their way to help you.
If you have questions, please feel free to PM me anytime. Chuckr is over there in Tunisia right now, and probably won't mind answering your questions. He also has a long running thread on CF regarding Americans crossing over to Europe for extended stays.
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08-11-2014, 08:12
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 248
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
Could you give me a few examples of east coast anchorages that would be difficult with deep draft?
Thanks in advance,
Duane
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08-11-2014, 11:59
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bellingham
Boat: Outbound 44
Posts: 9,319
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
Quote:
Originally Posted by carlylelk
Could you give me a few examples of east coast anchorages that would be difficult with deep draft?
Thanks in advance,
Duane
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There are 10's of thousands of anchorages, thousands of miles of coast line, a dozen states and 2 countries. Maybe you could narrow the question down a bit.
__________________
Paul
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08-11-2014, 12:07
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Oregon
Boat: Seafarer36c
Posts: 5,563
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
There are at least 2 of those babies up the Rio Dulce and some people consider that area to have a shallow draft entrance.
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08-11-2014, 12:10
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#12
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Now on the Dark Side: Stink Potter.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Palm Coast, Florida
Boat: Sea Hunt 234 Ultra
Posts: 3,962
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
Quote:
. But the Bahamas are the shallowest of all the Caribbean and they are doable
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The Bahamas are not in The Caribbean, but rather in the North Atlantic...
__________________
Life is sexually transmitted
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08-11-2014, 14:02
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#13
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Between Caribbean and Canada
Boat: Murray 33-Chouette & Pape Steelmaid-44-Safara-both steel cutters
Posts: 8,492
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Guy
There are at least 2 of those babies up the Rio Dulce and some people consider that area to have a shallow draft entrance.
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Ah, thanks for that very specific info. I've been thinking of Rio Dulce but have been worried about out 6'6" draft. Super news.
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08-11-2014, 16:03
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#14
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Moderator
Join Date: May 2008
Location: cruising SW Pacific
Boat: Jon Sayer 1-off 46 ft fract rig sloop strip plank in W Red Cedar
Posts: 21,134
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
FWIW:
Folk stories about the evils of "deep draft" abound in many areas where there are some shoal areas. Moreton Bay in Queensland is one such place. When we were trying to sell our previous boat, a retired one-ton race design with 7'2" draft, many potential buyers told us that they loved the boat, but that one could not sail it in Moreton Bay because it was too deep draft, so they were passing on buying her. I would patiently explain that we had been sailing the boat in Moreton Bay off and on for a decade by then, and that it seemed that it was indeed possible. Not one of them seemed to grasp this fact, for the folk knowledge was too deeply ingrained in their minds.
So, take such stories with a grain of salt and a quick look at charts for the areas that you propose to cruise. You may find that the worries are all emotional, not factual in nature.
Oh... as to the disadvantages of a 6'7" draft?... the worst one is running aground in 6'6" of water!!
Hang in there with your Amel lust, for they are serious cruising vessels with a well earned reputation... if you like Mr Amel's somewhat offbeat ideas!
Cheers,
Jim
__________________
Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II, lying Port Cygnet Tasmania once again.
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09-11-2014, 08:22
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2
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Re: What are the disadvantages of a 6'-7" draft?
I have a Kelly Peterson 46 with a 6'7" draft and sail the Bahamas. It essentially presents no problem. Sure there are a few spots I can't access, but I can get to any of the places I want to go, sail across the flats, and sometimes I have to anchor a bit further out. As far as needing to anchor where it's not so protected, with a heavy blue water boat, it's never been a problem. I've sat out some blows in the 30+ knot range quite comfortably. On one occasion at Allens Cay, when I couldn't get inside, and that wasn't a draft issue but that the anchorage was crowded, we spent an unpleasant night anchored in the flats. Next morning we learned that it was quite the fire drill for those in the protected anchorage, with boats dragging, one ending up grounded, others fussing all night to re-anchor.
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