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DeviantM · 06-08-2016, 20:47

ok stupid question here...I always just thought I understood what this term meant but now that we just signed a contract for a 36ft catalina with a 5ft 10" draft my husband says wont that be even deeper draft once loaded down? sooo is max draft inclusive of being loaded down? or do we have other calculations to do? Thank you!

**HappyMdRSailor** · 06-08-2016, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeviantM

ok stupid question here...I always just thought I understood what this term meant but now that we just signed a contract for a 36ft catalina with a 5ft 10" draft my husband says wont that be even deeper draft once loaded down? sooo is max draft inclusive of being loaded down? or do we have other calculations to do? Thank you!

Hiya DeviantM !

CONGRATS on the new boat !!!! You're going to love her I'm sure...

We're talking less than inches here, so there really isn't an issue... BUT... As far as I know... and I have often been... er... not exactly right? Your listed draft should be at recommended loaded capacity...

DeviantM · 06-08-2016, 21:49

Thank you! I feel a little better

We hope so, she is our first boat and we have abouuutttt 4 hours sailing time lol

**roverhi** · 06-08-2016, 23:36

Don't know what the advertised draft Is based on but assume it's a bare boat with fuel water and basic equipment. FWIW our Westsail 32 fully loaded with provisions for at least 6 months, spare fuel and water in Gerry jugs, 3 anchors, 230' of 3/8" chain and everything we accumulated for our living needs, was 6" down on the molded in waterline. On my current boat with a much lighter but still extensive loading, have raised the waterline 2".

DeviantM · 07-08-2016, 08:04

Thank you Roverhi, Is that how you tell then is with the waterline? Thats what we were thinking but werent sure.

barnakiel · 07-08-2016, 09:08

I have seen a couple of boats where data was quoted at half load.

Half load is the load half way between empty (light load) and fully laden, NOT with tanks half full, etc.

I think there is no standard for that, just follow what the manufacturer says on their website.

b.

edsailing · 07-08-2016, 09:11

I don't understand what your concern is. Inches don't normally matter as prudent sailors will keep a reasonable depth under the keel. Weather conditions can cause big differences in depth of the sea. Relax and enjoy your new boat!

**Dockhead** · 07-08-2016, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by edsailing

I don't understand what your concern is. Inches don't normally matter as prudent sailors will keep a reasonable depth under the keel... .

So you've never taken your boat anywhere with only inches to spare? Lucky guy. . .

Sent from my D6633 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

edsailing · 07-08-2016, 09:30

Oh yes, I've been where inches matter, but prudence and experience need to be involved. The OP is not experienced and I would not suggest working to tight tolerances in that instance.

DeviantM · 07-08-2016, 12:30

Thank you Barnakiel

edsailing, thank you for your reply. I will say its not that we are planning to run ANYWHERE with only inches to spare but experience does require knowledge and as we are still in the process of buying this boat we wanted to be sure we understood all of its description/data. Never hurts to err on the side of caution

**Jim Cate** · 07-08-2016, 13:29

The practical difference in a few inches of draft is that you run aground a few seconds and a few feet sooner!

And FWIW, there are often discrepancies between mfg's stated draft (and displacement) and what is delivered from the shed. The only way to really know your draft is to measure it yourself, and then note variations from loading.

Jim

MarkJ · 07-08-2016, 14:07

Inches don't matter.
Call your draft 6 foot or 2 meters and don't go shallower than 8 foot in flat water, 10 feet in esturys and 15 feet in a flat ocean.

But the best advice you have been given is dont worry about it, just go out and enjoy your new boat!

Mark

SteveInMD · 07-08-2016, 14:25

I don't think you have additional calculations to do because the only way to know for sure is to load the boat up and measure the actual draft.

I've always been curious if a depth sounder reads the same on soft mud, sand, and rock, or will it read a few inches different for different bottom conditions. If the answer is that it may read differently, then knowing your draft down to the inch is probably less important.