KK39 draft

[CarpeDiem.kk39]

Hi, we are new here. Just bought our boat and plan to bring her home, from Florida to Pickwick lake. The problem is that we will go through Florida Keys that are known of their shallow water. Is there a way to reduce a kadey-krogen 39 draft by a few inches by changing water and/or fuel capacity in the tanks? or in any other way?

 

[Spike]

If your draft is about 4.5 which I think is about right for that boat you shouldn't have any issue. If concerned do the outside via Hawk Channel and come under 7 Mile bridge below Vaca Key (Marathon) and then North toward Marco or Naples.

We've been all through the Keys with a 4.5 draft and never had an issue. Relax and enjoy the trip!

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard. Changing the fuel and water in the tanks probably won’t get you much since the boat is pretty heavily built to begin with.

 

[Pete Meisinger]

If an inch or so of draft means literally nothing. Draft is actually a non precise number. With tide, natural dredging and filling, load, etc. water depth vs draft is kind of a "close enough" science.

pete

 

[Blissboat]

We've been all through the Keys with a 4.5 draft and never had an issue. Relax and enjoy the trip!

Same experience here. I have been up and down the Keys and across Florida Bay several times, drawing 5' without difficulty. Sure, there are skinny patches. Just pay attention to the chart and stay in the channels or anchorages. Such beautiful cruising grounds.