290ec - real world draft

MiamiAG

Anyone have a good, real world reading of draft (drive down) on a 290ec?

Thanks!

Handymans342

3 feet

reneechris14

Agree 3ft

MiamiAG

Thanks. So really, when I'm looking at the chart plotter, I have to stay deeper than 4 feet.

zaverin1

Depth sounder babe
not chart 
chart changes year to year

rasbury

Chart is a ruff guide.. I would guess around Miami shoals change daily....my rule on the coast is unless I know otherwise if I'm not in a marked channel, idle speed until I know better. I'm not going to be on plane with 4' of water....unless I have a lot of money.

Handymans342

Depends where your transducer is located. I would say no less than 3 feet would be a good rule for you

MiamiAG

Thanks, guys. 

rasbury

Only problem with 3' is it can change to 2'....it's not like driving down a maintained road and things can change quickly....might be an old RV sumerged or something....

Handymans342

rasbury said:

Only problem with 3' is it can change to 2'....it's not like driving down a maintained road and things can change quickly....might be an old RV sumerged or something....

You are correct Ras! An old RV with a Ford Chasis. RLMAO

MarkB

MiamiAG said:

Thanks. So really, when I'm looking at the chart plotter, I have to stay deeper than 4 feet.

Theoretically yes, but GPS location may not be accurate, and charts may not be up to date, so I'd never go by that. I wouldn't be in less than 10 ft of water without a sonar, lol.  Sonar at 3 ft is obviously more than safe, assuming your sonar is actually below the water line.

MiamiAG

Thanks. I do have sonar and use it split view with the chartplotter. I can attest that 3 feet is too close for comfort in the FL Keys. It can go from 3 to 1.5 within 5 feet.

My question was tied around actual draft so that I would have a good estimate when I'm out on the water. I haven't measured it myself.

Thanks everyone.