In-Depth

The Real Deal on Reporting Draft

- Jeff Cooke

I ENJOY FISHING THE FLATS and want to purchase a technical poling skiff. My dream is to stalk bonefish in shallow water with stealth and precision. I’ve been feverishly comparing various brands and models and making careful consideration of the manufacturer’s reported draft ratings. However, I am noticing a wide discrepancy among similar sized skiffs. I’m not too certain the published numbers are accurate. Is there a standard method for measuring a boat’s draft that is accepted industry wide?

Flats skiffs that float in a proverbial puddle are critical to one’s ability to safely and effectively access shallow water haunts where popular game fish flourish. Bare bones technical poling skiffs with minimal accessories can access treacherous shallows off limits to others.

While the draft of an outboard powered skiff is accurately measured from the deepest part of the hull to the boat’s waterline at rest, there are numerous factors that significantly alter a vessel’s ability to traverse stretches of skinny water. Because of the consequences, boat builders and operators want nothing more than to publish and have access to accurate draft ratings.