Navigating Shallow Water

You’re not always going to be boating in the deep depths of the ocean. Sometimes you want to catch some fish that swim close to shore along the riverbanks. In this case, you’ll need to know some shallow water boating tips! Luckily for you, at Portland Marine & Electronics, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for some advice on taking your craft out into shallow waters. Give us a call at our Clackamas, Oregon location if you’re interested in buying a new vessel. We are proud to serve Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon too!

Preparation

There are a few things you can do before you hit the river. Of course, make sure you know how to properly operate your boat! Next, you need to know how to read water depth. This will allow you to adjust your approach when you encounter shallow water. You can pull out plastic prints of depth charts or simply use the electronic version. This will help you avoid sandbars and small islands that may be right beneath the surface. Don’t forget to check the tide charts too.

Oregon weather is known for being temperamental, so make sure you check the forecast before you hit the river. Heavy rains, high winds, hail, and lighting are too dangerous to handle, so cancel your trip if you see any of that in the forecast. 

Watch the Depth

When it comes to boating in shallow water, you want to make sure you are aware of your craft’s draft, or how high the water comes up the sides of your vessel. You want to stay in water that is deeper than your vehicle’s draft. If you cruise into water that is shallower than this, you will probably run into the riverbank or shoreline.

Keep in mind that your craft has a planing hull that will sit lower in the river to shift your boat’s draft when you reach higher speeds. Stay alert and take things slow. One way to successfully plane in shallow water is to go into it at a turn.

To determine the depth of the river, check the color. If the color changes suddenly, this indicates a change in depth. Brown or white means the bottom is very close to the surface. On the other hand, blue or green means you are in a deep area. Other signs of shallow water include uneven surfaces or eddies.

We hope these simple tips help you expertly navigate shallow water so you can reel in plenty of fish! If you have any questions or you want to buy a new vessel, reach out to Portland Marine & Electronics in Clackamas, Oregon. We proudly serve those in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington too. We are here to help you with all of your marine needs this spring!