Click for Westport Click for Westport Click for Mulder Click for Ocean Alexander Click for Perko

Typical clearance and draft of 40-50 ft motor yacht?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by bloodyhornet, Feb 13, 2022.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. bloodyhornet, Feb 13, 2022
    #1
    bloodyhornet

    bloodyhornet New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2022
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    USA
    I currently have a 28' cabin cruiser and love it. I'm looking into buying a liveaboard motor yacht in the next year or two. I have a ton of research left to do but I really like the ones I've seen on YouTube in the ~45ft range with aft cabins.

    One requirement I have for my boat is that I can get it from the ocean to my hometown. The lowest bridge clearance on the route is 17' and the minimum draft is 6'.

    How much will this limit my choices? It seems like the 6' draft is doable for most but I can't really find a good guide for typical bridge clearances on motor yachts of this size. Any advice or thoughts?
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2022
  2. olderboater, Feb 14, 2022
    #2
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2013
    Messages:
    7,130
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    6' draft is not an issue in that size boat, although I'd ask is 6' the design of the canal or river to your hometown or the low water including shoaling. But most boats in that range will come in at 5' or less.

    As to air draft, most flybridge models will have a problem with 17'. Now some do have or can be modified to have folding arches so they could be lowered and clear. Standard most bridges are in the area of 19-20'. Even the shortest often have electronics on top that make their air draft more. You'll have to be very diligent in getting specific drawings from builders.
  3. Pascal, Feb 14, 2022
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,546
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    It really depends on the boat, which ones are you looking at?

    17’ air draft shouldn’t be a problem depending on exact boat. Some may have a bimini too which can easily be folded down to get under a bridge. Others may have a low profile arch and clear. Finally a fixed arch could be hinged so it can be lowered.

    My older 53 Hatteras draws 4’ and has an draft of 16’ with an easily folded bimini

    In any case, double check the specs and don’t trust brokers listing information
  4. bloodyhornet, Feb 14, 2022
    #4
    bloodyhornet

    bloodyhornet New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2022
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    USA
    Thanks for the thoughts! So far it sounds like "totally doable with some forethought" so that's great to know. I should have mentioned that the canal system is dredged and pretty well documented. I found that they recommend 5' draft for the whole system, leaning toward 4' to be super safe, but the minimum draft in the sections I plan to go seem to document 6' as the minimum. As you both mentioned, it seems like many yachts of this size may even have <4' draft so I'm sure that won't be a problem.

    As for the bridges, I also should have mentioned that I really only plan to take the route twice per year - once to come back home in the spring and once to leave in the late fall. So the fact I may need to take down some equipment, electronics or fold a bimini / arch twice per year isn't so bad.

    Any more advice is certainly welcome, I will be attending the Miami boat show this week so looking forward to getting to see some boats and come up with more questions for you all :)