The draft or draught of a ship is a determined depth of the vessel below the waterline, measured vertically to its hull's lowest—its propellers, or keel, or other reference point. [1] Draft varies according to the loaded condition of the ship.

Dec 10, 2023 · Before you can shop for a new boat like a pro, of course, you’ll have to know what draft is on a boat, and why it matters. After reading this guide, you will understand exactly why the draft is so important — and what to think about as you hunt for the boat of your dreams.

Draft is a concern to boat owners who often operate in shallow water, which could be the entrance to a harbor or dock when the tide is out, or a channel from a home dock to open water. Anglers who fish in shallows or flats want a boat specifically designed to draw as little water as possible.

Oct 25, 2024 · The term “draught” refers to the depth of water that a ship needs in order to float. In other words, it is the measurement from the waterline to the bottom of the hull. The keel is the lowest point of the ship’s hull, and the waterline is the line where the water meets the ship’s hull.

Shallow draft and deep draft refer to the depth of the lowest part of a boat. A shallow draft boat has a bottom that lies not far below the waterline and is usually flat with no keel. Deep draft refers to a boat with a bottom that lies much further below the waterline.

Sep 19, 2022 · The draft or draught is nothing but the linear measure of the amount of sinkage or submergence of the hull in the water. Read this article to know everything about the draft lines of a vessel.

May 18, 2023 · Boat draft, in essence, refers to the measurement of how deep a vessel’s hull extends below the waterline. In other words, it portrays the minimum depth of water needed for the boat to float without touching the bottom.

Apr 16, 2023 · Draft marks are numbers placed in a vertical line towards the forward and aft of a vessel. They gauge the distance (draft) between the waterline and the lowest point on the ship’s hull, which fluctuates depending on cargo loading.

Jan 16, 2025 · In maritime terminology, "draft" refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of a ship's hull (keel). It is a critical measurement for sailors and maritime professionals as it determines the minimum depth of water a ship or boat can safely navigate without running aground.

Draft is a fundamental aspect of sailing, influencing both performance and navigational safety. For racers, precise sail draft control can mean the difference between winning and losing, while for cruisers, understanding hull draft is essential for safe and enjoyable navigation in …