5'4" Draft on '93 Morgan 38

[ppink3]

I just purchased a 1993 Morgan with a wing keel that has a 5'4"
draft (specs origninally said it should be 5'2" according to the
former owner who bought it new, even though current specs show
5' even). I live in South Florida and will be sailing in Biscayne
Bay and the Florida Keys and am concerned about the draft. I
would be interested in hearing from anyone with local knowledge
of the area or anyone who has considered modifying the keel to
reduce the draft. I realize that this is probably the only
location other than the Bahamas where one would be conderned
about this problem. I certainly do not want to cause major damage
to the boat's excellent sailing ability.

 

[aurora2]

Why are you concerned with 2-4 inches? If you are in those minimal depths, you are risking your vessel.

 

[captrob]

<div>Jim,Down here on the Pamlico the water is shallow and the bottom is usually soft mud. It makes for slow sailing with your keel in the mud but not necesserly a hazzard. However, living with 5'4" ain't too bad. Life & boats are a compromise.Fairwinds and Rum Drinks,Vic C.
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[aurora2]

I still don't understand the great difference between 5ft and 5ft 3-4in. If you are concerned with depth perhaps a cat or powerboat is the answer. It is difficult to find a sailboat that sails well with less than 5ft. of draught.

 

[captrob]

<div>Jim,We are really on the same page. Five foot is just a "magic" number and in reality not a big deal. All boats are a compromise and this is a small one. Just remember the old saying, "When your draft exceeds the depth of water you are aground."Finding a boat with shallow draft that sails well and is sea worthy we might have to argue about: Morgan 34, Morgan 38, Tartan 34, Tartan 37, Hinkley B-40 - all 4 feet and a little bit and great sailing boats.Come sail the Pamlico some time - beautiful skinny water and not many boats.Fairwinds & Rum Drinks,Vic C.
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[ppink3]

Appreciate the responses. Would love to have a little less draft to worry about, but this boat is clearly worth this minor sacrifice. The situation is South Florida and the Keys is unique. The marina that I'm going to keep the boat at advertises one of the deepest controlling depths at 4.9' with 5.5' at the docks. Almost all the others within 20 miles are not as good and this one is only 8 miles from my home. I calculated that this will only keep me from coming or going for two 1 hr. periods each 24 hours. I can live with that. Again thanks for the comments.