2003 Carver 444 draft when full

[Piggy3]

First I would like to introduce myself (George) and my wife Tracy to this group , we look forward to learning many things about our new boat from this you all. We have purchased (new to us) a 2003 Carver 444. Manufacturer's draft spec is a draft of 3.5 ft. I've done some due diligence and tried to find out what this draft becomes full but have been unsuccessful so who else do I come to is you guys and girls. Can someone give me a number based on " full" ?
Thanks in advance

[km1125]

I doubt it changes by more than a few inches.

[Midnightsun]

Tend to agree, even 2 inches would be quite a bit, probably less than that. Welcome to CYO.

[Viper]

Welcome aboard. I agree, I don't think it'll change much. The only noticeable change you'd see is a list to one side if you don't distribute the weight evenly when you bring all your stuff on board or fill the fuel tanks to different levels. Congrats on your new 444.

[RobGunn]

You could always check it yourself. On a calm day when the boat is "empty" simply mark a line on the side of your boat at the waterline. Then once you are "full" mark that new point. Measure the difference. I doubt you will see much change.

[Tireless]

I have not noticed any change in the draft of my 44 CMY. I will normally load her down with fuel for a Georgian Bay crossing or a long trip. When loaded down you will notice a difference in your planing speed of about 1 - 1.5 MPH, but not your draft.

These boats are pretty heavy to start with so loading them up has little or no impact on draft. The water and fuel have really no impact on listing either, due to the locations of the tanks and the fact that they are on both sides of the boat. Your two water tanks will balance out, as they are connected and you should have a fuel transfer switch if needed. My fuel burn is so close in both engines, its a none issue.

I measured my draft on the hard and it is 42”.

Greg

[Viper]

Source of the post ....The water and fuel have really no impact on listing either, due to the locations of the tanks and the fact that they are on both sides of the boat....

I get the comment about the water tank in a two tank system but if you're saying that differing levels in your fuel tanks won't cause listing, I would not agree with that. I agree even fueling up doesn't change the draft that much in your typical leisure application but filling one tank more by tens of gallons will change the even weight distribution and cause a list, how noticeable the list is really depends on a few things including boat design. A list though still doesn't change your draft much if any.

[Tireless]

Viper, I will agree with you on that fuel level can cause listing. I guess I didn’t explain very well.

My experience is that fuel in my boat does not cause listing because I keep fuel levels balanced as best I can. I do this through consistent fuel burn in my engines and when I fuel up I make sure that my levels are the same. I agree if one side has more fuel than the other, then you will see that in the balance of the boat. If levels change on either port or starboard, I also have a fuel transfer switch, however, I rarely use this. The only thing that impacts my fuel levels to any degree may be the generator, but not that much.

Greg

[bud37]

Source of the post You could always check it yourself. On a calm day when the boat is "empty" simply mark a line on the side of your boat at the waterline. Then once you are "full" mark that new point. Measure the difference. I doubt you will see much change.

Actually this a a good idea......mark the waterline with something obvious then you can keep track as the season passes and will notice any changes as they will be obvious. If you arrive at the boat and it is showing low in the water, you can start a hunt to see why before trouble starts.......

I don't think you will see much change when the boat is loaded unless you start from bone dry MT.

[Cooler]

There is a mathematic formula published for your question. It is in an article published by one of the boat associations, but I can't recall. The thing I do recall is the draft is impacted far less than you would imagine it to be. You are not floating on the water, you are displacing area of water. Here is another quick way. In your slip, tape a ruler to the side of the hull starting at the water line. Throw a party, invite 20 people. Have each person write their weight ( anonymously ) on a sheet of paper, after explaining their role in this scientific experiment. When the first 10 people are onboard, check the ruler for level, and total of weight. Next 10 check again, and so on. Results will be two fold. You will see how little the boat draft will change, and you will also make a few new friends! er