A 7'9" Keel

Benny · Sep 16, 2009

Get a dingui, you'll need it.

Ross · Sep 16, 2009

The advantage of a shallow draft keel is that it allows you to get stuck closer to shore.
Quote:" Hal Roth" about 1995 when I was talking to him.

Don S/V ILLusion · Sep 16, 2009

If the ice caps melt as predicted, you'll be fine in 140 years.

BobM · Sep 16, 2009

It will certainly make the ICW and Caribbean more interesting!

Hermit Scott · Sep 16, 2009

There is no way I would want a boat with a draft that deep. I wish mine was less than 4'. It's 5'3" now. I may wash it in hot water and see if it shrinks.

RichH · Sep 16, 2009

That draft will exclude you from most of the Bahamas, totally exclude you from almost all the ICW in NC/SC/GA and a good bit of FL, exclude you from many of the less than class A inlets along the east coast. A 6 ft. draft can sometimes be a 'struggle' in those areas, 7'9" draft will be a real problem and will require very long dinghy rides, fewer to few secure/protected anchoring places; and, simply waiting around a lot for high tide to occur to travel safely, etc.

higgs · Sep 16, 2009

A boat with that much draft is always a problem. If you are a die hard racer doing the buoys and the deep water, it will be a great boat. If you are cruising don't even consider it.

sand sailor · Sep 16, 2009

you could cut 3' off and lay it flat then you have a winged keel

John Howitt · Sep 16, 2009

Get good insurance.

tommays · Sep 17, 2009

I sail out of a deep area on a 7' draft boat and while we dont find the bottom we have to really carefull

seadaddler · Sep 17, 2009

????????

Why.

Ron20324 · Sep 17, 2009

Ducati said:
Looking to possibly purchase a race cruiser that has a keel that is 7'9". Am I asking for trouble where ever I travel. (Up and down the US East Coast/Carribean)? Thanks

Oh, go ahead and buy it. The ICW needs to be plowed anyway.

dserrell · Sep 17, 2009