Bay Craft Bone Skiff 162
Designed for anglers who want ample storage and fishing room in an easy-store, shallow-water boat, Bay Crafts Bone Skiff measures only 18.6 feet in length on a trailer with a swing-away tongue to fit easily in most garages. The boats 6-foot, 7.9-inch beam makes it one of the most stable fishing platforms in the industry, and its features include diamond nonskid throughout, all-composite construction, under-gunwale rod storage, self-bailing cockpit, and more.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Fully Custom And Versatile Arrangements
The 21 Swamp Shark CC boasts a versatile arrangement that may be customized to suit unique requirements and owner tastes, with unique features available for fishing, bowfishing, hunting, or other uses. The vessel shown here was configured in a basic and rugged no-nonsense layout built to withstand a lifetime of hard use with minimal maintenance requirements. Various T-tops and Bimini tops are available to provide protection from the elements. Rod racks, rod holders, gun lockers, and integrated coolers are all available. Like all Metal Sharks, each 21 Swamp Shark is 100% digitally designed and may be customized to suit the unique requirements of the operator.
Tips For Driving A Boat In Shallow Water
- If the water is at least 8 feet deep, a surf gate will work well to refine the wake quality by directing water movement into the wake zone.
- However, if youre expecting to ride in anything under 8 feet deep, disassemble or disable your surf gate. It will dig even further into the water, increasing the draft of your boat, and will make underwater collisions more likely.
- Distribute your ballast weight evenly across the boat vs focusing on just one rear corner. More even distribution of the weight so as to sink the entire boat.
- Keep an eye on the depth meter. Once you hit 6 feet, the wake will likely lose power and your rider will lose momentum. Depth in natural bodies of water can change faster than expected.
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Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67
One of the more luxurious catamarans out there with a shallow draft is none other than the Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67. This boat is roughly 70 feet long and has a draft of fewer than six feet.
There are plenty of options available for sailors that want the best of everything when it comes to cruising, living aboard, and exploring shallow waters. The amount of room is enough for large groups and you would not have to worry about âroughingâ it.
If you are looking for a larger boat to host parties or enjoy the space, this catamaran has everything you could ask for. The prices start at around $1,200,000 for slightly older models.
% Digitally Designed And Built To Mil
Each Metal Shark Swamp Shark offering is the result of 100% digital design. The process begins with Metal Sharks in-house team of over 60 naval architects and marine engineers, who model every single component of a Swamp Shark vessel using the latest parametric modeling software. Details as minute as the threads on each fastener are included in the digital design, allowing the boat to be fully realized in 3D prior to construction. Cut files are nested and transmitted digitally to CNC routers, which then cut each and every aluminum component to exacting standards. Highly trained welders then assemble each boat, turning plates of aluminum into durable, long lasting works of high performance art. Quality Assurance procedures honed in concert with US Navy and Coast Guard inspectors assure consistent quality output. The result is a repeatable design that may be consistently produced, assuring that each Metal Shark hull will perform exactly as intended.
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Boating Tips On Shallow Water
There are a few considerations to take if this is your first experience boating in shallow waters.
Its a good idea to practice listing when you purchase a new boat. Turning causes the boat to tilt either to the left or right, and this is known as listing. Make sweeping practice rotations back and forth in an S pattern to practice listing. This will assist you in becoming proficient at driving to the side and moving on and off course.
The next step is to understand the tides. Never be caught off guard by a tide schedule. A tide change of up to several feet occurs in several coastal areas.
Another important point to remember when boating in shallow water is to keep an eye on your speed. Stay on plane if you know the water is deep, and youll have a clear path back to the channel. Maintaining your speed is essential for escaping when the boat is on plane.
Inspect the soundings. You can use the soundings information to determine the depths of any waters you are passing through.
Wind ripples signify the shift from deep to shallow water, so keep an eye out for them. Watercolor should also be checked because it reveals factors that may interfere with your preferred sailing experience.
Trim the engine if you find yourself in too shallow water, as this will allow your boat to float away.
These are just some of the crucial pointers to remember while getting started with shallow water boating.
Reasons Why A Pontoon Is The Best Shallow Water Boat
Below are eight reasons for believing that a pontoon boat is the best shallow water boat on the market.
They have an ultra shallow draft
Pontoon boats are known for their very shallow draft. With its flat bottom hull that sits above the water on buoyant pontoons there is very little chance of the hull snagging on anything below the waterline.
While a traditional v-hull vessel, like a bass or speedboat boat for instance, can run into trouble in shallow waters, with potential damage to the the hull, pontoon boats have no such worries.
Because the pontoons, or tubes, are extremely buoyant they tend to sit on the water rather than in the water. This means that only a very small part of the boat is actually in the water. Hence pontoon boats can navigate very shallow bodies of water where other boat types would struggle or be unable to traverse. As many inland waters are shallow, or have very shallow areas, this means pontoon boats have become a very popular recreational boat for inland water use.
Even large recreational pontoon boats need not worry about navigating shallow water.
However, when executing shallow water maneuvers in a pontoon boat care should be taken with inboard engines which could be damaged if the boat runs aground. Likewise jet engines can suck up silt and debris from the waterbed in very shallow waters. These precautions are less important on boats with an outboard motor as outboards can be trimmed up readily when entering very shallow water.
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Boston Whaler 240 Vantage
Boston Whaler 240 Vantage
Boston Whaler calls its versatile 240 Vantage the Swiss Army knife of boating, based on its smart features and options for fishing, cruising, beaching, water sports and entertaining. A convertible ports-ide lounge adjusts to provide a variety of seating configurations, while theres a head and sink concealed in the boats stylish port-side console. The extra-wide bow provides further seating options, with room to spare. Upgrades including an integrated hard top and a glass helm allow buyers to personalize this boat exactly as they wish, making this one of the most versatile boats for families on our list.
The Quality Youd Expect From An Industry Leader
Metal Shark is no fly-by-night operation. A leading defense contractor and supplier of boats for the U.S. Armed Forces, Metal Shark designs, builds, and delivers nearly 200 boats per year. From its three shipbuilding facilities in Alabama and Louisiana USA, Metal Shark employs over 500 American workers who produce aluminum and steel vessels up to 300 in length for military, law enforcement, fire rescue, and commercial operators worldwide. Metal Shark builds each boat to military-spec standards, and from wiring to welds, the superlative quality of a Metal Shark vessel is evident throughout. Metal Shark possesses not only the knowledge to design and build boats capable of withstanding years of use and abuse, but the company has the strength and the financial backbone to weather the economy. With a multi-year backlog of fleet contracts worth multiple millions of dollars, customers can count on Metal Shark to be there with unmatched warranty service and technical support. We invite you to contact us to begin the process of building your very own Metal Shark powered by Swamp Shark.
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What Is The Minimum Draft On A Boat
Technically speaking, there isnt a minimum draft that is required on a boat.
However, Ive yet to see a boat with a draft under a few inches.
In fact, once you put a person into a boat, even the best of drafts will get deeper.
Also, one has to consider that a boat will sit deeper into the water if there is more weight on top of it. This means that any time you bring friends or even gear along with you, youll add to the draft of your boat.
Since fishing with friends is half the fun of boating for most people, it doesnt always make sense to chase the shallowest drafts.
Flats Boats Versus Flatboats
Flats boats have nothing to do with the old flatboats , also called broadhorns, which were rectangular, flat-bottomed transport carriers or cargo boats used for shipping freight on inland waterways across the United States in the 1800s. Steamboats, railroads and trucking eventually made flatboats nearly obsolete.
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From Sport Boats To Pontoons These Boats Are Sure To Please
Trying to find the best boats for families can be a challenge, as the industry is chock full of different models to suit different needs. To help you on your way, weve put together a list of 10 of our favorites.
Boating is all about family time and making memories on the water. But with a market full of hard-core fishing boats and tournament-level wakeboard rigs, it can be tough finding versatile family boats that can do it all. Here are 10 of the best boats for families.
Lead photo by YanLev/Shutterstock.com
Recommended Surf Boat For Shallow Water: Malibu Wakesetter Vlx
The Malibu Wakesetter VLX is a great option if youre looking for a quality wake boat that can drive in shallow water .
Its a V-drive with a 27 draft, weighing in at 4200 lbs without added capacity. Its a dedicated wake boat capable of producing a decent quality wake.
As discussed, V-drives can get low under water, increasing the risk of hitting obstacles below the surface. The Wakesetters relatively low draft for its size, however, makes it a good compromise for shallow-ish water while still offering a good wake at 10+ depths.
The VLX features Malibus sport-specific Diamond Wake Plus hull: the rear of the boat lifts up when at planing speed, whereas most wake boats prioritize weighing the stern down.
This creates a softer and flatter wake. While ideal for skiers, it can easily be ridden by wakeboarders as well in shallow-ish waters.
When not riding in really shallow water, adding in weighted ballast tanks significantly increases the size of the wake for wakesurfing.
In short, the VLX may ne the closest you get to the best of both worlds, offering safety in relatively shallow water with a decent wake, and a potentially solid surf wave in deeper waters when set up right.
Also see the best Malibu boat for wake and surf
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Flat Deck Flats Boats
Flat deck flats skiffs are flats boats that have a continuous deck from the bow back to the stern with no recessed cockpit. The reason for this uninterrupted deck is to provide the maximum amount of casting platform possible on a small vessel. It also lives the boat uncluttered by design, with nothing to trip on or get lines snagged on. These boats are designed with the hardcore backcountry anglers in mind.
Lowe Roughneck 1660 Aluminum Skiff
When it comes to finding the best fishing boats for under $10,000, the Lowe Roughneck 1660 grabbed our attention it brags a $82.66 monthly payment in stock form with a 9.9 hp outboard and a trailer. That equates to a sticker price of $8,750 with $500 down, which is pretty dang affordable for a brand new fishing boat. Plus, the camo finish means this little machine can do double-duty as a hunting boat, come waterfowl season. Wait a sec – is a 9.9 horse outboard really enough to push this sled? You can plan on planning and running at 16 to 18 mph alone and cruising at more like 15 or 16 mph with another person aboard. Three husky guys and gear may pull that down to 12 or 14 mph. But heres a shocker: you can upgrade to a 20 horsepower outboard and still make it in under the $10,000 cap! Editor’s Update: Since the publication of this article the base price for the 1660 has gone up to $10,625, however, a 25 horsepower engine now comes standard. A smaller Roughneck 1546 with a 9.9 horsepower engine currently starts at $7,898.
Visit Lowe Boats to learn more.
Another aluminum rig you may want to check out is the Lund WC 16.
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Shallow Water Boats By Type
If you already know which type of boat you need and only want a run-down of the best boats for shallow water read this article. If you are unsure about which specific shallow water boat is best suited to you please read on.
The thing that makes a boat fit for use in shallow water is its shallow draft. A shallow draft boat sits very close to the surface of the water making them extremely stable in calm waters and giving them the capability of navigating waters that are extremely shallow exactly opposite to the v-hull, deep draft boats that are used for turbulent waters and the ocean.
If you do not understand the difference between shallow draft and deep draft we would advise you to quickly read this short overview of draft so you can better understand what makes a good shallow water boat good.
Types of shallow water boats
Before we can narrow down exactly which boat is the best fit for you it is a good idea to look at the different types of shallow water boats available.
Although there are a large range of shallow water boats , we will assume that you are interested in a personal utility or recreational vessel and therefore we will exclude watercraft such as large industrial barges, sailing dorys and gondolas etc.
The type of shallow water boat that will suit your personal use will fall into one of the following categories:
Jon boat
A Jon boat is a cheap, versatile, utility boat that is perfect for use in extremely shallow waters.
Canoe
Kayak
Skiff
Yellowfin 24 Carbon Elite
Brand new to Yellowfins stable is the Carbon Elite version of the companys popular 24-foot bay boat. The unique carbon-fiber weave was specifically engineered for this hull. By combining 100 percent vinylester resin and resin infusion, Yellowfin reduced the weight of its original bay boat by 25 percent, resulting in shallower draft, better outboard fuel economy and a faster top end, the company says.
Yellowfin owner Wylie Nagler says formulas can be used to calculate draft, but Yellowfin prefers to float the boat and bottom it out .
If the hull is a good design, and the center of gravity is correct, then the weight shouldnt really matter, Nagler says. We experience the same ride with our standard bay-boat hull. We pick up speed with the lighter hull.
The Carbon Elite does cost more because of the materials. But customers asked for this version, and Yellowfin opted to push the technology envelope.
To make this vessel float any shallower would mean making the bottom of the hull flatter to displace the weight of this bigger platform , Nagler says. However, then it would not run everywhere a bay boat can run, as far as rough conditions are concerned. So then its really no longer a true bay boat.
Yellowfin 24 Carbon Elite Specifications
LOA: 24 ft. 10 in.BEAM: 8 ft. 6 in.DRAFT: 12 in.
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Top Boats For Shallow Water
Backcountry anglers, light-tackle casters, and flats fisherman need boats that can balance on shallow water, and they need to choose between bay boats and flatboats. The latter kind features a minimal draft, aft, and forward bow-mounted electric trolling motor. Every boat differs in shape and size, and some are stockier than others, and while weight and size offer more rough-water abilities and ranges, they result in tougher pooling and a deeper draft.
The lightest and smallest versions, also called flat skiffs, float in water thats only ankle-deep. However, they can take a beating and survive high ways of water that you might experience on choppy days. These traits make flatboats a better choice in the skinniest waters.
Lets look at the top five boats best for shallow waters:
1. 2021 Hewes 21 Redfisher
The 2021 Hewes 21 Redfisher offers you accessibility to shallow water and can ride in open waters. An improvement from its last model, the boat now has a vacuum-assisted VARIS resin infusion system with a power rating of 350-hp. One of the best things about this boat is that it can handle six people, whereas traditional shallow water boats carry a maximum of 3 to 4 people.
2. Beavertail 17 BT Strike
3. 2021 Yellowfin 17 Skiff and 17 CE
4. Sterling TR7
5. 2021 Dolphin 17 Super Skiff Pro
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How To Choose The Best Bay Boats Buyers Guide
Bay boats are arguably the most versatile watercraft in existence. Whether you need a boat for fishing inshore/offshore or for family use, a bay boat checks all the boxes.
Picking the right one is, therefore, one of the most important decisions youll face. Weve outlined the most important factors to consider when choosing the best bay boats.
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