The Right Draft for the Keys

[Sue & Larry]

I just moved to NW Florida but my 1972 CT41 is still in California. It is paid for and I've done a lot of upgrading; still it is a relatively slow boat and it has a six-foot draft.  Is this too much for cruising in the Keys and the Bahamas? K. Fleming Sue and Larry respond: Draft is also relative. Our new boat Serengeti sports a draft of six feet, six inches, and we definitely plan to cruise the Keys and the Bahamas. Our observation when sailing our last boat (with an actual five-foot, 11-inch draft) was that six-foot, six-inch is a maximum draft to allow us into these areas. Yes, there are some places you won't be able to go, but that's life and there are certainly lots of places you can go. With regards to speed, don't worry what we think. We're ex-racers! Are you happy with the sailing characteristics of your boat? You say you love it, it’s paid for and you've already done a lot of upgrades. Sounds like you've already done all the hard stuff. Now it's time to enjoy it. Best Regards, Sue & Larry