13ft boat at sea??

[Andyjb]

Thanks for all your input folks, I think it would be wise to keep it out of the sea unless the weather is absolutely perfect. It's the fact it's quite low in the water even with only 2 in does worry me. With less than a foot to the water level a decent wave will be in.
Maybe next year I'll look for something else more suitable.
There are old fishing cobbles that are open boats but I think they are much deeper and maybe have more distance between the sea and top of the boat.

 

[BruceK]

you've nailed it on the head. Freeboard. Take a look and it becomes plainly obvious.











etc etc

 

[Andyjb]

Freeboard, can you explain further on this. I can see the difference visually.

 

[BruceK]

Height from water to top of boat. Sea going fast fisher boats have a relatively high freeboard

 

[Andyjb]

So I've got approx 8inch freeboard at the lowest part of the boat where the engine sits, and maybe 12 inch at the bow.
I'd add a photo but can't figure it out!

 

[Andyjb]

Also how do you know what the freeboard height is if it's not in water?

 

[BruceK]

So I've got approx 8inch freeboard at the lowest part of the boat where the engine sits, and maybe 12 inch at the bow.
I'd add a photo but can't figure it out!

Your boat has a splashwell. Measure not where the motor is but the bulkhead in front of the motor.

As for freeboard vs draft when the boat is out of water is pretty clear tbh. If nothing else look at the boot top line