Would like some opinions on whether or not 5'7" of draft is considered too much for many harbors or anchoring sites on the northern Chesapeake?
Is 5'7" too much draft for sailing the northern Chesapeake?
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Re: Is 5'7" too much draft for sailing the northern Chesapea
The probable most common sailboat draft/depth for usage in the Northern Chesapeake is 5'10" to 6 ft.
Draft/depth really doesnt matter there as with deeper draft you just run aground a bit further from the beach etc. than others with shoal drafts that run aground a wee bit closer to the beach, etc. Besides, there's only 3 'rocks' on the whole damn bay and you can usually 'screw yourself out' of the mud/sand with little effort. "Hard' groundings on the Chesapeake are a rarity.
The probable most common sailboat draft/depth for usage in the Northern Chesapeake is 5'10" to 6 ft.
Draft/depth really doesnt matter there as with deeper draft you just run aground a bit further from the beach etc. than others with shoal drafts that run aground a wee bit closer to the beach, etc. Besides, there's only 3 'rocks' on the whole damn bay and you can usually 'screw yourself out' of the mud/sand with little effort. "Hard' groundings on the Chesapeake are a rarity.
Our draft is 5' 5" and we cruise parts of the northern Chesapeake, so far Herring Bay and around the Choptank and its creeks. When we got this boat, I worried a little about the draft, as it was 7 inches more than our last one, which was as deep as I thought we should ever have. But really, it's not a problem. Certainly it's no big deal in terms of anchoring in most places. But we do have to be careful going through some specific spots, like approaching Knapps Narrows from the west, or using the shortcut across the Herring Bay bar. We won't do the Narrows within 2 hours of low tide, after seeing 6" under the keel one hour off low tide.
So our boat isn't the ultimate gunkholer, but we mostly day sail anyway and appreciate the windward performance of the deeper keel.
So our boat isn't the ultimate gunkholer, but we mostly day sail anyway and appreciate the windward performance of the deeper keel.
Re: Is 5'7" too much draft for sailing the northern Chesapea
OK, thanks everyone !! 5'7" not a deal breaker than.
OK, thanks everyone !! 5'7" not a deal breaker than.
Re: Is 5'7" too much draft for sailing the northern Chesapea
I'm also at 5' 9". I don't seem to have a problem finding 7' or more of water.
I'm also at 5' 9". I don't seem to have a problem finding 7' or more of water.
We have 5'0" draft and have run aground in Kent Narrows & Knapps Narrows. We were able to get off using bow thruster (left then right then left then right) plus full reverse. With this experience I would not want a boat with more than 5' draft. That said, you can do OK with 5'7" if you watch your depth gauge and charts carefully. Just be aware there will be some places you can't go where others may get through. For example, you will have to go around Bloody Point rather than take the shortcut through Kent Narrows. Regardless, get a good survey, & above all else, get the Admiral enthusiastic.
Wow. I had the same experience in the Magothy after letting a friend take the helm. I also used the bow thruster. I was so happy with the fact I didn't need a tow.
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