When people start researching sailboats, length is the first number they notice. In practice, though, draft is what most affects where you can actually take the boat.
What draft is
Draft is the distance between the waterline and the lowest point of the hull. On a fixed-keel sailboat, that point is the bottom of the keel. If a sailboat has a 1.90 m draft, it needs more than 1.90 m of water to stay off the bottom.
The draft on a spec sheet is measured with the boat in its design condition. With full tanks, crew and provisions, it can increase by a few centimeters.
Draft of MJ sailboats
| Model | Length | Draft |
|---|---|---|
| MJ 34 DS | 10.50 m | 1.75 m |
| MJ 38 DS | 11.66 m | 1.90 m |
| MJ 44 DS | 13.48 m | 2.10 m |
| MJ 60 DS | 18.40 m | 2.65 m |
Why draft matters
1. Where you can anchor
Many of the most beautiful coves are shallow near the beach. The shallower the draft, the closer you can anchor and the more sheltered spots you can choose from.
2. Marinas, channels and bars
River mouths, sandbars and marina channels have limited depth, and some can only be crossed at high tide. Before choosing a boat, check the depths at your home marina and at the places you plan to visit most.
3. How the boat sails
The keel is not just weight: it works like an underwater wing that stops the wind from pushing the boat sideways. In general, a deeper keel produces more lift and helps the boat sail better upwind. That is why larger ocean sailboats tend to have deeper drafts.
Draft and tide: the everyday check
Charts show depth relative to a reference level, usually close to the lowest tide. To know how much water you really have, consider:
- the tide at the time you will pass or anchor (use the tide table for the nearest port);
- a safety margin under the keel, larger if there is swell or a rocky bottom;
- the boat's load, which can increase the draft.
How to choose
- Sailing mostly in bays, coves and shallow islands? A draft under 2 m, like the MJ 34 DS (1.75 m) or MJ 38 DS (1.90 m), gives you more freedom.
- Planning ocean passages and long seasons aboard? The performance and space of the MJ 44 DS (2.10 m) or MJ 60 DS (2.65 m) are worth the extra planning at shallow entrances.
Want all the numbers side by side? See the full model comparison or the guide 34, 38, 44 or 60-foot sailboat.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sailboat's draft?
Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of the boat, which on a sailboat is usually the bottom of the keel. It tells you the minimum depth of water the boat needs to float without touching the bottom.
What is the draft of MJ sailboats?
MJ 34 DS: 1.75 m. MJ 38 DS: 1.90 m. MJ 44 DS: 2.10 m. MJ 60 DS: 2.65 m.
Is a deeper draft worse?
Not necessarily. A deeper draft limits the shallow areas the boat can reach, but it usually improves upwind performance and stability. The right choice depends on where you plan to sail.
How much water do I need under the keel?
Always add a safety margin to the draft and account for the tide at that moment. The right margin depends on the type of bottom, the swell and how accurate the local chart is.
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