Shallow Draft boat suggestion

[Bill P.]

I currently have a Catalina 270 which I think is the perfect size for my use of bay and costal cruising - trouble is, although with the wingkeel it only drafts 3.7 feet, I am still dragging bottom coming in and out of our bayou. I hope to get a dredging permit perhaps but just in case, any suggestion on a boat that has the room/accomodations of this boat but with a shallower draft/lifting keel?? Used prices up to around $35k is about my max. Looking forward to hearing your suggestion!!Bill

 

[Francis]

Shallow draft

Yes, I have a suggestion. I have a Mac26X. It is great for shallow water.It has a centerboard that you can swing up all the way and then have a draft of 9", or you can swing it down and have a draft of 5'6". There is plenty of room in the inside. It has a high freeboard.That does kind of make it a little more easy to be pushed around in the wind though when you are trying to trailer it with a strong current or side wind. But all in all, it's a good boat.

 

[Just Kidding, Frank]

You did say sailboat, right?

Not sure if the Mac counts.

 

[David Foster]

Juneau 32

Our friends have a Juneau 32 with a centerboard mounted in a lead keel. I think it draws 18 inches with the board up. He got the boat for less than $20,000. It's a good boat, which was raced in PHRF before he bought it, and has very nice accomodations.DavidLady Lillie(a '77 h27 that draws 3.25 feet)

 

[Rick Webb]

A Keg of Beer...

and a shrimp boat, but don't give them the beer until after they have made the trip in and out of the bayou a dozen times or so. They will cut a great channel for you.

 

[Jacj Kosten]

shallow draft

I had an O'Day 25 with a heel/centerboard. It draws about 24in. with the board up and about 5' with the board down. This boat sails quite well with the exception of "crabbing" more than you would like it to. I now have a Pearson 27 with a wing keel and I love it!Jack Kosten

 

[nick maggio]

260

Look at the hunter 260