How Much Draft?

[Cheetie]

I''m considering buying a boat with 6''9" of draft (42LOA). Most of my sailing experience is in S.CA where there is plenty of deep water everywhere. I plan on cruising to Mexico and perhaps to the Caribbean and East Coast US Chesapeake Bay.

Question: How much will this draft limit my cruising options? (No jokes please, I already know that I won''t be able to anchor in 5 feet of water!) How big a difference does 6-12 inches draft make for anchoring?

Could anyone share a perspective from either point of view (shallow and deep draft)?

Thanks

C.

[Jeff_H]

On the Chesapeake, seven feet is generally considered a practical maximum but at 7 feet of draft there are a lot of places that you can''t get into. I cruised for years with 5''-6" without problem and I am currently cruising with 6''4 or so and it is OK. Probably the shallowest venue that I cruised was the west coast of Florida where 5 feet was a bit tough at times.

Jeff

[halyardz]

You will really have some limitations in FLA and Bahamas with the draft. I''ve only had limited sailing experience around LA and San
Diego so you are a much better judge on that area.What are your alternative boats?