Drifting shallow and getting up shallow go hand in hand. You must be
able to drift in shallow water before you should even think about getting
up. One tip is to start your boat going forward to load your tunnel then
turn the steering wheel and increase RPM. Some say turn right, some say
left. I say do what works for your boat. If the water is deep enough you
should be able to get up in half a circle.
Running Too Shallow
There
are two things that will help put an end to shallow water boats. People
that run without clear clean water in their prop wash, and those that dig
their boat out of shallow water with pure horsepower. Boats that run with
mud in their prop wash or dig their way out on takeoffs are scarring the
bottom and destroying sea grass.
One way to judge water depth is how much of the crab traps are visible.
A little darker or greener water is a good indicator of deeper water. While
running your boat if a mud trail is visible in the prop wash, move to deeper
water. Chances are the water is too shallow to hold fish anyway. Try drifting
or poling out to an area where your boat will jump up quickly and do minimal
damage to the bottom.
Staying Dry in Rough Water
There
are several ways to run your flat bottom boat to stay dry. On one occasion
during a hard blowing southeast wind a friend wanted to cross to the leeward
side of the bay. He was concerned about the rough wet ride across the bay.
Taking a line changing from a quarter into and a quarter with the waves
I was able to cross the bay very comfortably and dry. This takes a little
experience but is well worth the time and effort to learn. It took a few
minutes longer but we stayed dry. Learn what angles of attack your boat
likes and use it to your advantage.
Getting Trim
A jack plate
allows you to raise and lower the engine vertically. At the dock the engine
can be lowered to help with control. Raising the engine vertically lets
the boat run shallower. It can also be lowered while running choppy water
to increase the angle of trim to help raise the bow. By raising the engine,
fuel efficiency and speed will increase. Raising the engine to high when
not necessary, will decrease speed and fuel efficiency. Find the sweet spot
for your particular set up.
Running Smart
Once during
a duck hunting trip we were caught in Power Lake near Port O'Connor, Texas
by a norther. Running the windward side of the bay near the shoreline we
stayed dry and safe. Crossing the channel of the Matagorda Island State
Park, a deep-v boat came out of the harbor and headed straight across the
bay. Miles later, reaching Fisherman's Cut near the ramp, the deep-v was
only a hundred yards in front of us. I'm glad I was not on that ride!
Run Shallow, Run Cautious
Be
aware of other boats and fishermen while running the shoreline. If you see
a boat anchored locate the people fishing and avoid them. If they are wading
out and fishing away from the shore it should not be a problem to run between
them and the shore. Above all you should give them a wide berth! Any doubt
swing out and go around. Be courteous!
Finding the Sweet Spot
My
friend Dale and I left Charlie's (between POC and Seadrift) and headed for
South Pass during a strong north east wind. After running out far enough
that South Pass was directly down wind we turned. Dale kept saying we were
running too fast. After finding the sweet spot the boat started lying softly
on the next wave. Dale and I settled back for a nice dry ride running at
optimal speed.
Try different speeds, trim, and angle of attack while operating your
boat. The same trim, angle of attack, and speed may not give you the same
ride an hour later. As your experience grows finding the sweet spot will
take less time.
There's much to learn to properly, and responsibly, operate a flats boat,
because there will be many different conditions and situations one will
encounter over time. Lessons can come at you fast in shallow water. Just
remember to always use common sense, courtesy and caution.
Forest Canion is owner of Marine Service - manufacturer
of Flatlander Boats, including the popular Chiquita flats boat. Marine Service
is located in Port Lavaca, Texas. www.flatlanderboats.com. 361-552-4975
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