Draft - Know it. Use it.

Now that we know what draft is, lets determine how to use it in the safe operation of your boat.  For this example, lets assume that the draft of a given boat is 3 feet. That means that the distance from the waterline to the lowest part of the boat under the water is 3 feet.

Now, that does not mean that a boat with a draft of 3 feet can be operated in only 3 feet of water.  If this were the case, the boat would be dragging on the bottom and doing damage to itself.  This also doesn't mean that the boat should be operated in 3 feet and 2 inches of water.  When operating in shallow water, often called "skinny" water, it is important to remember that in almost no case is the bottom of the water body flat.  There are always going to obstructions such as rocks that you won't be able to see.

All captain will have their own opinion on how close the draft and the water depth can be.  In my opinion, I never like to operate in any water less than a foot and a half greater than my draft.  So, in this example, I would not operate this boat in any water shallower than 4.5 feet.  This extra space gives you a margin for error and space to spare should a wave come through and dip your boat deeper into the water.

Speaking of the waves, up next, taking waves into consideration when looking at how shallow you can run your boat.