how shallow can I get
 

I know a 20' MA is not a flats boat or designed to get real 'skinny', but what are your experiences with how shallow they will run?

Re: how shallow can I get
 

I do a lot of plugging for stripers in shallow water and can run easily in 3 feet. If I want to go shallower then I tilt the outboard up deploy the trolling motor and can get into 2 feet without a problem....1.5 feet makes me nervous but I have been in it before.

strick

Re: how shallow can I get
 

Mine with a 200 merc will idle trimmed in 18", I do that alot down here, I was amazed - I usually look for 3' to get on plane

Re: how shallow can I get
 

I have a Porta-bracket on my 20SF with my 150 ETEC on it - I can idle over about 12 inches of water - kicking mud, but not digging. It's about the only thing I like about the Porta-bracket.

Re: how shallow can I get
 

If you have to ask, .....you need a flats boat.

Re: how shallow can I get
 

I can idle through 2' with the 25. With the drive all the way up, the prop is still below the waterline.


She's in about 4' of water in this pic

[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q.../craftkey2.jpg[/image]

Had to go through 2' of water to get in to this bay. Woke up next morning in 3' which made the narrows 1'. Had to wait for the wind to pick up to get out. Good thing it did but I would've stayed there for a few more days if it didn't :D

Re: how shallow can I get
 

Young guy, must be smart to buy a Seacraft trying to learn the "ropes" about boating. Seems like a good question to me.

Re: how shallow can I get
 

Running on plane when I had the old Merc V6 on the back, near WOT and about 50 mph, trimmed all the way up to the point of ventilation, I have run through known 16 inches of salt water in the Salt River with my 20' Seafari. Likewise, trying the same stunt half an hour later, when the river was lower by 2-3 inches saw me chip my skeg on that very same rock shelf.

At rest or idle, my hull currently draws a measured 14" in fresh water and 13" in salt water. So I figure I need 18" minimum depth.
(Remember that idling with the motor trimmed up produces downward thrust at the transom at the same time it produces forward thrust to the boat)

Re: how shallow can I get
 

That upsets me just a little to read. But not so much to do anything about it.lol