Good Depth keel for Barnegat Bay

bkupmstr · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

I finally sold the Iwrin with the 3 1/2 ft draft that I only sailed on Barnegat Bay. Now I'm looking for the next boat to do a little more sailing with baut still mostly on the Barnegat.

What would folks recommend as the Deepest draft for Barnegt bay?

Barnegat is at its deepest 12 ft but there's mostly under 6
Thanks
Jim

Freesail99 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

I've sailed on Barnegat Bay and the most draft I would feel safe with is 4.5. I think 4 foot would be better.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2008

Go with a keel-centerboard design... that'll give you the best of both worlds..

Or go multihull.

GaryHLucas · #4 (**permalink**) 03-21-2009

I sailed Barnegat with a Hunter 27 drawing 3 feet about 25 years ago, and sledom touched bottom. My Etap 26 draws 5' 3" and is MUCH more accurate than the depth sounder! I finally gave up and just retracted the keel to about 4 feet and left it there. Fortunately the keel travels straight up, and while she heels more the trim barely changes.

Gary H. Lucas

7Psych · #5 (**permalink**) 03-21-2009

I draw 4', but have a centerboard keel that will drop to 8' with the board down. Can't put the board down below 4'6". Best is a centerboard/keel design or you will have no-where to sail. I live on Barnegat Bay.