Taking your boat out on the water is a relaxing way to spend a warm sunny afternoon. If you’re heading for coastal waters or narrow rivers, you’re bound to encounter shallow waters. Navigating your boat through shallow areas takes some skill and patience, but it can be done safely and expediently with practice. Here at RVs and Boats For Less in Pocatello, Idaho, we’ve got experienced staff who can answer all your boating questions. We’ve provided this list of tips on boating in shallow water to help make your excursion fun, safe, and rewarding.
Come Prepared
Firstly, if you’re new to boating, it wouldn’t hurt to take an introductory course in boating offered by the United States Coast Guard. These guys know what they’re doing and can teach you the basics quickly so you’re not caught off-guard when you’re out on the water.
Secondly, bring charts! Having charts of the depths you’re about to enter, whether plastic-coated prints or electronic versions, will help you plot a course around sandbars and other obstacles.
Thirdly, plan ahead. Check the weather forecasts to know what conditions to expect. Know when high and low tides will hit, and be aware that tide cycles can make certain areas much more shallow at times. Learn about the area where you’re going and ask around when you get there if you see other boaters who might know what areas you should avoid. Getting as much knowledge as you can while on land will help you when you need to act quickly on the water.
Watch The Depth
Know the draft of your boat before you head out into water. Draft is how high water comes up on the sides of your boat. You want to stay in water that’s deeper than the draft to ensure you don’t immediately run aground when you hit shallower water. Your boat has a planing hull which rests lower in the water than the rest of the boat, but when you pull it up to speed and are “on plane,” the draft of your boat changes, allowing you to navigate water that’s a little shallower than before. Don’t risk plowing into obstacles, though, by doing this to excess. It’s best to navigate slowly until you’re sure you’re not in danger of hitting the bottom.
Changes in the color of the water can alert you to places where it’s shallower. Brown or white water generally means the bottom is close to the surface, but clear, blue, or green water indicates significant depth. Also look for uneven surface areas and eddies swirling in the water, which are also marks of shallow water. Use charts as a guide and also keep an eye on soundings.
Behave Responsibly
This goes without saying when operating any type of vehicle, but the water can be a dangerous and unpredictable place. Everyone on board should be able to swim, and all passengers should wear an approved personal flotation device or life jacket. Minimize your alcohol consumption, especially if you’re piloting the boat, but even if you’re not and you fall overboard, alcohol decreases blood flow to your extremities, meaning hypothermia can set in faster. Keeping a sober head on your shoulders will help you stay alert and focused on navigation, too. Finally, give yourself lots of space around other boats, swimmers, and obstacles in the water.
Now that you’re armed with some knowledge of shallow boating practices, maybe you’re after a new pleasure craft to take out on an adventure. If you’re interested in seeing a wide selection of new and used boats, come down to RVs and Boats For Less today! Our dealership is located just north of Pocatello, Idaho. We happily serve customers from nearby Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, Idaho, as well as those across the state line in Lake City and Logan, Utah.
