Deep draft in Caribbean?

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by PortClydeMe

If the Mayan is an example, then choices in keels is a lot like choices in life. New opportunities arise and normally hazardous situations become more inviting when you are "adjustable".

I like the adaptable aspect of a centerboard or similar solution, but of course they do come with their own set of potential maintenance issues.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by sy_gilana

Everything is a compromise. Offshore deep draft is nice.
We draw 8'6" and have been all over the Caribbean, Bahamas and even into the ICW for a few miles.
You can live with it and it has pros and cons.

And from the perspective of shoal draft, my previous monohull drew about 5.5', switching to a cat that drew about 3.3' opened up a lot of navigation and anchorage options.

In fact, when we first met the crew of Gilana they were standing on the bottom next to us at anchor in the San Blas. ;-)

Gilana, with her deep draft and massive weight, would certainly out perform my cat bashing to weather offshore, but that shoal draft sure is nice when selecting an anchorage.

In the end, its all about your intended use and related compromises.

[PortClydeMe]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

And from the perspective of shoal draft, my previous monohull drew about 5.5', switching to a cat that drew about 3.3' opened up a lot of navigation and anchorage options.

For my needs, 10" doesn't present any noteworthy restrictions. I can live with it.

Ex-David Crosby's schooner 'Mayan': 4'2"
Your cat: 3'4"

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by PortClydeMe

For my needs, 10" doesn't present any noteworthy restrictions. I can live with it.

Ex-David Crosby's schooner 'Mayan': 4'2"
Your cat: 3'4"

4'2" is certainly a very useable draft, shoal for a mono, but it also has a center board I assume given the dual draft quoted. Good compromise I think....shoal draft monos are an abomination in heavier weather.

[PortClydeMe]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

4'2" is certainly a very useable draft, shoal for a mono, but it also has a center board I assume given the dual draft quoted. Good compromise I think....shoal draft monos are an abomination in heavier weather.

Agreed! I wouldn't want a shoal-draft mono in heavy weather.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AhFiePczT8

Then again, in a pinch you can always do what Robert Manry did in Tinkerbelle, his 13.5' 'Old Town' (Maine) 'Whitecap' and just set a sea anchor and go to sleep down below with no radar and no AIS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8TODW-evYA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfYsdENdzdk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tz9FocEUIg