How shallow do you consider too shallow?

[BrAinZ]

Being a paranoid type of guy, I tend to steer well clear of any potentially shallow areas.

Quite fancy a trip up some of the rivers along the Solent, but figure that I'm going to have to get a little less scared about going into shallower waters.

I suppose the depth shown from the sounder is from the bottom of the boat, so technically a sounder depth of a few feet would be adequate.

So I was wondering, what sort of depth do you guys consider "too shallow" ?

[codprawn]

Depends what the bottom is like - if it's sand or mud no probs - rocks are another story.

Shallow is the norm where I am - an oar or paddle is a great way of feeling your way around. My depth guage reads zero when I am still afloat - just!!!

[chewy]

On some sounders you can put an offset in so the depth shown is below the skeg.
I don't mind taking the boat in so I can jump over the side and stand up. You'll build up confidence with time.

[badbaws]

Check a chart first, or get local knowledge

[SeaSkills]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Depends what the bottom is like - if it's sand or mud no probs - rocks are another story.

On the other hand, sand and mud can get stirred up and sucked up with the cooling water, so a different set of problems

[m chappelow]

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

On the other hand, sand and mud can get stirred up and sucked up with the cooling water, so a different set of problems

yes,,, sand and grit makes lovelly grinding paste,,,,makes the inside of the water pump look like new, lol,

[badbaws]

You say the Solent.. where do you mean as is quite a size.. I have been a long way up quite a few shallow areas in RIBs and never had a problem personally, but just check tides in Ashlett creek and don't watch the mill pond level instead of the sea water level as you may get stuck!!

[Polwart]

"Acceptable depth" is surely related to speed, and to whether the tide is flooding or ebbing?

[BrAinZ]

Thanks for the posts so far.

So what depth on your gauge would make your concerned?

10ft, 6ft, 3ft ?

[codprawn]

Depends on the charts - if it is a nice flat area then about 8ft - you need to slow down quite a bit as it gets shallower. It all boils down to local knowledge.