Navigating Shallow Water

Sometimes, you want to cruise around the shallow part of the bay. Maybe you seek a certain type of fish that lurks close to shore. Maybe you want to better understand how to cross the shallow wateron your way to the larger depths. Whatever your motivation, you’ll see more success if you understand the nuances of taking your boat across shallow water. We put together the following guide to help you steer your boat in these circumstances. If you need any parts replacement or service before your next excursion, visit L&M Marine. We proudly serve those in Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

Preparation

A successful boating trip starts with the proper planning. First, make sure you know how to operate your boat! There are several boating courses put on by the United States Coast Guard. They’ll give you pro tips and everything you need to know for a safe voyage.

Second, make sure you know how to read the depths of the water. This’ll help you know how to adjust your approach accordingly. Use plastic-coated prints or electronic versions of depth charts for the body of water you are conquering. They will help you navigate the water alongside obstacles like sandbars.

Third, make sure you know the weather forecast. If there is a hint of a storm, stay home! Your boat isn’t built to handle the rough conditions of a storm. Look into the tide cycles as these will affect the depths of the water.

Watch the Depth

As you cruise around, stay aware of your draft. This is how high water comes to the sides of your boat. Always stay in water that is deeper than you draft. Otherwise you can run aground when you reach shallower water. Your boat does have a planing hull. It sits lower in the water than the rest of your boat. When you pull it up to speed, your boat’s draft shifts. This helps you push through slightly shallower water than you could before. But be cautious of any obstacles while you do this. Go slow and be sure you are in the clear.

Another key thing to note is the color of the water. When the coloring suddenly changes, it can indicate a change in water depth. Water that is brown or white tends to indicate the bottom is close to the surface. Other indicators of shallow water are uneven surface areas and eddies. Water that is clear, blue, or green suggests that the bottom is far down below. Use these clues alongside your charts to stay informed of the water’s depths.

Drive Responsibly

Operating a boat is similar to operating a car in that you need to stay responsible. If you are steering the boat, stay sober. You want a clear head to handle any unexpected situations. Anyone who steps aboard the boat should know how to swim and should be wearing a well-fitting life jacket. As you drive, leave plenty of space between you and other boats.

We hope you found our guide helpful! Remember you can always come to L&M Marine for more information or to ask questions. If you are looking to buy, we offer a range of new and used boats in a variety of makes and models. It’s easy to find the right one for your budget and lifestyle! If you own a boat already, don’t forget about our service and parts replacement department. We can get your boat running like new! We proudly serve those in Mobile, Theodore, and Stapleton, Alabama as well as Pensacola, Florida and Biloxi, Michigan.