- Oct 4, 2006
- 2,335
- Boat Info
- 2003 280DA and 1995 Sea Ray 175
- Engines
- Twin 4.3l and 3.0l, all w/ AlphaI GenII drives
So we've been looking for a new boat for what seems like forever. And at the same time, we've been working towards getting the permits to build our own pier at our home that we've lived in for the last five years. After 18 months, I now have the state permit in my hand!
Only issue was that we were limited by how long the pier could be, and we're tucked away in the corner of this big river. So at the end of our pier, 175 feet outward, the water is about 4-1/2 feet at normal high tide, about 3-1/2 at low tide; I've had a stick out there with tick marks on it for over a year to constantly track it.
When looking at boats we'd like to upgrade to (ie: 260DA), I'm always concerned with the draft. For the 270DA, pre-1998, the draft is listed as 36" - stern drive down, 23" - stern drive up. In 1999, the draft was now listed as 43" - stern drive down, 23" up. I noticed they added a 1,000lbs to the weight.
But I assume these measurements are best case, dry-weight numbers. What I'd like to know is what happens when I fill it up with fuel, water, gear, etc. Then what happens when I add 8 people?? Has anyone ever noticed the difference in their draft when loaded, or measured the difference than what is listed?
I know we'll be cutting it close, especially at low tide. And I'd hate to be restricted to when we can leave and when we need to be back home by!
Oh, and we'll also have a lift that will take up 8" off the bottom... :smt009
Thanks,
Tom
Only issue was that we were limited by how long the pier could be, and we're tucked away in the corner of this big river. So at the end of our pier, 175 feet outward, the water is about 4-1/2 feet at normal high tide, about 3-1/2 at low tide; I've had a stick out there with tick marks on it for over a year to constantly track it.
When looking at boats we'd like to upgrade to (ie: 260DA), I'm always concerned with the draft. For the 270DA, pre-1998, the draft is listed as 36" - stern drive down, 23" - stern drive up. In 1999, the draft was now listed as 43" - stern drive down, 23" up. I noticed they added a 1,000lbs to the weight.
But I assume these measurements are best case, dry-weight numbers. What I'd like to know is what happens when I fill it up with fuel, water, gear, etc. Then what happens when I add 8 people?? Has anyone ever noticed the difference in their draft when loaded, or measured the difference than what is listed?
I know we'll be cutting it close, especially at low tide. And I'd hate to be restricted to when we can leave and when we need to be back home by!
Oh, and we'll also have a lift that will take up 8" off the bottom... :smt009
Thanks,
Tom