Needed: Mailbox plans for a shallow draft boat

[treasureldy]

I have a 60ft Carri-Craft that I would like to use for the 2011 season. My issue is that I would like to find plans for a mailbox that will not increase my draft substantially. I am current good at 3.5ft Does anyone have any suggestions or know of a design that might work. I have twin Yanmars. Thank you

[stevemc]

Mailboxes dont increase your draft, because they are out of the water when you are running. When you stop to blow, they are lowered into place. If they were in place, you would not move much .

[wwwtimmcp]

in that shallow of water you will be kicking alot of sand/mud/rocks/and trash into the water. I would use a vertical shaft motor like on a push lawnmower and fit it to a tube that could be lowered to the water or just below the surface. if you run the boats motors you will probably ruin them while the water intakes foul with all the crap. a posthole digger with a good sized prop I think would do the trick

[FISHEYE]

For that size of a boat i wouldnt recommend goin in shallow water with it on the 1715 fleet sites,even with a 3.5 foot draft.You would be better off working the deeper areas.Isnt that carri-craft a catamaran type of houseboat?

[rgecy]

If you plan on working shallow, I would say a deflector plate would be the best option without adding much to the draft. The blowers will add several feet when in the lowered position.

Robert

[Salvor6]

The blowers will add several feet when in the lowered position."

Not if they are made of aluminum.

[stevemc]

Not if they are made of aluminum.
? ? If they were made of steel, would they be deeper draft? It doesnt matter what they are made of. Your props are about the deepest part. Then you have the downward turn and straight down pipe. That will add a few feet onto it. 2-3-5 feet. And yes, a Carri-craft is a big houseboat like catamaran.

[mad4wrecks]

They are suggesting the weight of the blowers on the transom will increase the overall draft of the vessel. It might, but not much. If it is an issue, then you are in shallower water than you safely ought to be.

[treasureldy]

Thank you so much for all of the valuable input......I tend to lean toward working in deeper water with this boat.....and while it is strange to use this type of boat... it is all that we have for this season. I'd rather try something....than nothing. Thanks again