One of the more common conversations I have with folks goes something like this.

"I want a boat that can handle rugged weather. It must easily handle long ocean passages. Yes, It has to be a good performer. Even more, however, It must be safe when the going gets rough. Safety is one area where I definitely won’t compromise. Etc. Etc. Etc. … Oh by the way, the boat can’t be more than six foot draft."

Unfortunately we have gotten into a mind set where boats get longer and get wider. Rarely do they get proportionately deeper. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with shallow draft boats. Clearly they offer many advantages navigating the coast and negotiating innumerable anchorages. That same shoal draft, however, is NEVER an advantage on long ocean passages "when the going really gets rough".

Years ago we were drawing 56 foot boats with 6 foot draft. Now it is not uncommon to find the same requirement for vessels well over 100 foot long. This however, seriously limits a designer’s ability to optimize the boat in terms of roll, stability, performance, and more. Pick the draft you must have for the cruising you want. Realize though, that each dimension of a vessel is there for a reason. Shoal draft affects more than just your anchorage of choice.