Draft definition

larryeddington · Post by **larryeddington** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 11:41 am

I am probably going to start a fight of varying opinionsl, but would like to know how Trojan states it.

My f28 has a draft of 3.5 feet, is that includes props and rudders, or is that just to bottom of keel. Either way do they account for loading or is the whole thin a best guess?

Allen Sr · Post by **Allen Sr** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 5:02 am

I think 3.5 feet is a bit much for an F28. My F36 is only 3 feet. But to answer your original question that includes props and rudders. It does not include loading because every one loads differently. Not the same amount of supplies,tools,spare parts,etc. I know when mine gets hauled and blocked for the winter, its blocked level and the keel is blocked approximately 10-12 inches off the ground at the rear most part of the keel and if you spin the props they just barely clear the ground. Hope this helps you out.

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:22 am

I agree, 3.5 sounds like a lot. I'll look up the factory specs when I get home.

Edit...... The f28 in 1979 has a listed draft of 24 inches.

larryeddington · Post by **larryeddington** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 7:24 pm

thanks guys, i have the specs but needed to know exactly what draft refers to. My memory may have failed will check on specs, light boat 7700 lbs. Thought I read 3.5 but old memory failes often.

Thx

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 7:31 pm

Lowest point , that would be the rudders or the props . I belve it is 28" also

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 8:33 pm

larryeddington wrote:thanks guys, i have the specs but needed to know exactly what draft refers to.

Thx

Like Paul said, the lowest point on on the boat, including props and rudders. The "draft" of a boat is always changing and is not a fixed measurement. Some items or actions that would change your draft include the amount of fuel and water onboard, if the boat is listing due to weather or loading, if the boat is in fresh water or salt water, if the boat is on a plane or not, or the amount of supplies and people onboard.

In the coast guard we also used a term called "operational draft" this was a fixed measurement that took everything above into account and would insure clearance. If your boat draws 24 inches I think a operational draft of 30 inches sounds about right.

I hope that helps

larryeddington · Post by **larryeddington** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:25 am

You are correct draft as advertised is 24 inches so using 30 should be okay. Wonder if Trojan used 60 gal water and 100 gallons of gas in their estimation of draft?

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:58 am

[quote="summer stormIf your boat draws 24 inches I think a operational draft of 30 inches sounds about right.[/quote]

... unless there is a rock or tree branch sitting on the bottom...

For safety, I want to always want to have at least 2-3 feet below my keel.