The draft of a yacht describes the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of the hull. It indicates how deeply a vessel sits in the water and how much depth is required to navigate safely. This measurement is essential for choosing routes, approaching harbors and entering shallow bays.
A yacht with a deep draft needs more water beneath the hull. This is typical for sailing yachts with a fixed keel or larger motor yachts. Catamarans and flat bottom boats usually have a much shallower draft, which allows them to explore coastal lagoons and anchor closer to shore.
There are two main forms of draft that captains consider:
The draft plays an important role in several situations on board:
A yacht that sits too deep risks touching the sea floor. This can cause damage to the hull, the propeller or the keel, which is why captains rely on charts, depth sounders and local knowledge to assess safe water depth.
Typical draft values differ between boat types:
The draft also influences how a yacht behaves at sea. A vessel with a deeper keel feels more stable in waves, while yachts with shallow draft offer more flexibility in sheltered or shallow regions.
For guests on board, understanding the concept of draft makes route decisions easier to follow. It explains why a captain avoids certain bays, why depth checks are essential and why some waters are off limits even when they appear calm and inviting.
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