New Member - First Question

[Perdido Bay]

Originally Posted by snort

Somebody's building a dock in 18 inches of water? Are they insane?

Perhaps... It's actually intended for small craft. We have a number of people in our townhome complex who have fishing boats that can handle those shallow depths. They are having to build it out 500' from the shore just to get to that depth - which will be the minimum at low tide.

[Perdido Bay]

Originally Posted by mcarling

The only thing I would consider would be if you can anchor somewhere in the bay and use a dinghy between the pier and your boat.

As a matter of fact, I've been giving that very idea some serious consideration. Just not really comfortable with the whole thing and will likely pursue other options.

[Davy J]

You might be able to consider a Catalina 22 or Catalina 25, with a swing keel and a kick-up rudder. My C25, occasionally, would sit on the bottom in extremely low winter tides.

[The Garbone]

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/boa/5363081963.html

All you need to start and learn the basics.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/supers...-kit--16572638

One of these to push yourself out far enough not to endanger your OB prop.

[roland stockham]

Multihull with dagger boards or a sharpie spring to mind but check the details for water, is it 18" min on the lowest tide? How much tidal rise do you get? So you may have a few feet at high water. May be that rather than extream shallow draft you want somthing that will comfortably dry out an sit on the bottom at low tide, always a plus for shallow water areas. Most boat other than skinny fin keel boats don't mind taking to the mud but what you want is something that stays upright. Multi-hull, twin keel or flat bottom, dagger boards or lifting keel.

[canyonbat]

Before you give up on the idea, take a look at a Seaward 26 RK. Draws 18 inches with keel up and is nicely set up for coastal cruising.

[Scaramanga F25]

Sandpiper Sharpie, 32 ft and only 20 inch draft.

[hamburking]

Use the shallow slip for your dinghy, and use a mooring ball further out in deeper water.

18" will barely float anything.

[boeing1]

agree, 18 inches does not sound correct, suggest recheck ,

[jdazey]

I think the OP has reached the right conclusion. The draft and beam restrictions are too severe to make this a good investment. There are boats that might be workable, but there are better options.

[Ribbit]

I think the HOA need to look into dredging to provide the necessary depth for flexibility.

I certainly wouldn't buy a 'berth' off them, unless they did (and had contracts for maintaining sufficient depth).

Sounds to me like certain HOA Officers are only concerned with what 'they' want, and seek to offload the expense onto other Home Owners.

When it is that sort of game, and that sort of person, the only way you win, is not to play.

Good look finding a suitable boat for your needs, and a suitable berth/trailer to go along with it.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by Perdido Bay

Perhaps... It's actually intended for small craft. We have a number of people in our townhome complex who have fishing boats that can handle those shallow depths. They are having to build it out 500' from the shore just to get to that depth - which will be the minimum at low tide.

Even most small power boats will struggle with 18".

Lots of people talking about 18-20" draft boats. We have 18" draft (probably closer to 20" in criusing load). While we will occasionally go into less than 36", it is very slow and with care under calm conditions. I wouldn't want it as a long term situation if there is any tide or even a strong wind from the wrong direction and you can't get in or out.

[Don C L]

I thought for sure Lizzy Belle would chime in on this one. Check out a boat like one of these!
LeeBoards.com where our goal is to educate the public about the value of leeboards and its history.
https://amovablebridge.files.wordpre...-martin-24.jpg

or a Sharpie as Scaramanga said:
Great Encouragement to Boatwrights: Sharpies

[The Garbone]

My understanding was 18" at low water. Should be ok for 24" but for a few hours a day. As for a multi, maybe a Hobi but having a cabin gets spendy and the slip seems abusive.

http://www.2hulls.com/tomcat_catamar...t97.html#Email

[Joel E Felt]

Welcome PB
Just slightly ahead of ya. Last summer found 25' Windrose(Laguna) swing keel. 18" no problem. Will use it Round great lakes until more proficient. Also easy travelling.
Welcome again, and go for it.

Joel E Felt