being hard aground does have its advantages 1, you know the boat can't sink 2, you can walk home. you guys are awesome. your videos are so inspiring keep up the good work. Love ya, God bless you and you'rs.
A suggestion on your depth meter. Next time you are aground, use the offset function of the Raymarine depth gauge so that after the offset it reads 0.00. For example if you go aground and the depth reads 3.0, then offset by -3.0 then you always show the exact depth below the keels. Great Videos.
Another great installment, thanks. You do not need to wait or do a Haul out to check your depth finder. Just park yourself over a flattish sand bar approaching low tide. Then jump in and measure the depth from the sand to the hull, and compare that to the reading of your depth finder to gauge the / any difference. Then just back out before you touch bottom. So much cheaper!
Regarding the depth measure transducer to lowest point of boat . Go to settings menu of depth meter and check the offset. Correct offset in settings now you have the right depth.
I was moving my brothers Coronado 30 from Seattle to Portland, made it to Cathlamet and was warned to follow the chart. the entrance is a 120degree turn to head in from the channel, no problem. When I pulled out the next morning I cut the corner by 2 feet and spent the next 5 hours waiting for the tide to finish going out and come back in to refloat me. Several locals came by and offered words of encouragement " Don't worry, we get 2 or 3 of you guys in sailboats a week" it didn't help. Enjoy your week, we love watching you.
same thing always happens just outside the ballard locks in seattle. sailors in a hurry turn south too soon, not realizing that there is a massive sandbar that goes out almost a mile. one time i saw five grounded sailboats out there.....
The more I watch sailing videos, especially yours, the more I would love to do it....I think you guys are doing fine, and even though there is stress in learning, I can tell you are loving it...Thats why we do adventurous things, I am getting ready to buy another RV, so I will live the sailing life with you as I stare across the Grand Canyon.....Thanks for being you
Ken U can do it too If u buy thee yacht and have the ability to pay for living on board I have the experience and will keep U safe , just looking for someone who can afford it.
Looks like you guys had a few good learning experiences in a short amount of time. We hated the keys with all it's shallow water and terrible charts. We feel uncomfortable with anything less than 6 feet under our keel. I was sweating with you just watching that. Are you planning on upgrading your anchor anytime soon? I can't remember which one you have honestly, but newer, spade designs set MUCH better and hold more than older plow types. Also, not sure your exact situation when that first squall hit, but don't be afraid to sail through them. It's good practice to build your threshold for rough weather, and in our experience, they're never as bad as they look. Keep learning, keep smiling and keep sharing it all with us! Enjoy!
+Sailing Uma the squall happened right before we planned to drop the anchor, that's why our sails were down. Didn't feel like dropping the hook with all the lightning. We look forward to catching up with you guys soon. Safe travels to you both.
You're learning. Good for you. Been there through the storms and the anchor dragging. For some reason, I think I remember that I always had night watch when the anchor dragged. Oh, well. These are the times that teach you.
Yep, did it second time out in my current boat. Just managed to wiggle back out into the channel in reverse (full revs) and then take the correct line; pretending nothing had happened. And I never told anyone - until now. Great video as always.
New huge fan since you've bought the sailboat. We're starting our full time cruising in 3 weeks. I look forward the day we're at the same anchorage and I dinghy over to give you a huge pat on the back. We admire your fantastic attitude and spirit. Please always ignore the haters - you are doing a great job!
The sailboats I have owned had the depth sounding adjusted to depth below the keel. This is a setting in your depth gage. That way you know the clearance depth. You can check this by diving on the keel like you did.
Inlets channels fill in with drifting sand often. When in doubt you could use dinghy to check if channel is deep enough. You have depth finder on dinghy? If not get a cheap one
I'm sure there's going to be comments about them being inexperienced and that's why they hit bottom but that's called learning and you learn from your mistakes and learn not to repeat your mistakes. Good job Nikki and Jason! I'm so proud of you two!
Well if they did, they would have said we couldn't get a set on either anchor or both anchors. Staying up on shifts because the could't get a BITE, not BITES.. If you're not happy with your set, you put out a second anchor, you don't leave it "SOMEWHERE".
First let me say that watching your "trials & tribulations" at this early stage in your sailing adventures is very intriguing because just like the rest of us I'll be living vicariously through you and sharing with everyone I know, God Speed & Be Safe-CB3
Hi Guys, You are correct, you can calibrate the depth to account for the sensor depth below the water line. That way you will read the true depth at waterline. There is a keel offset adjustment in the Raymarine depth sounder. Easy to set if you have the manual. Good luck.
Many people have already suggested this but I haven't seen you respond. No need to wait till a haul out. Next time you're anchored in calm fairly shallow flat bottom conditions, plumb bob from the bottom of your keel to the seabed. Compare that to your depth sounding and adjust the offset if needed. It's very easy to measure how much water is under your keel and calibrate your sounder, especially in clear conditions. Thanks for bringing us all along. BTW I've been following catamaran Impi for a year now. I found them before I found y'all in your RV. It was interesting to see you connected to their son.
Jason & Nikki...one of the cardinal rules of sailing is...NEVER go into an unfamiliar harbor in the dark !!!!! You HAVE TO plan your passages (even the short hops) so that you have a "bail out" plan (to run for the safety of a marina, or familiar anchorage) in case of a problem...weather or mechanical !!! Remember this old saying... "It's one thing to get caught in it...it's another thing entirely, to go out looking for it" !!!
I had no idea those areas were so shallow in general wow what an adventure. You guys are learning so much. The importance of good teamwork is even more apparent here than in the RV.
Of all the differences between RVing and boating, having to time a departure or arrival to the twice-daily high tide might be one of the oddest things to get used to.
Just a thought. Set your depth sounder offset to water under the keel. Lastly stay out of shallow water, I always added a sizeable safety margin a account for waves and other boat wakes.
Just ran agroung in our new boat that we just got 2 weeks ago! We thought we had tonnes of room.....wrong! Haha. Happens to everybody. Happy sailing to the both of you. Love your channel!
Your videos are so well made and you are both very professional and informative behind the camera. I really enjoy your enthusiasm and the honesty when things go wrong as well as the beauty of sailing. Loving the videos and learning along with you both.
Hi, just a friendly suggestion, you could find the depth transducer under the boat in a flat anchorage. Tie a rock or dive weight to line or fishing line. Then from the transducer slide the line down till the weight hits the bottom. Pinch the line at that point and head up onto the boat and then you know what the exact distance from the transducer to the bottom is and compare it to the reading on the display.
As an avid fisherman who spends a lot of time out in the gulf, riding out squalls can be a great opportunity for fishing. If the squall is coming directly at you the fish will be running in front of it. If you've got some bait, hunker down and throw it out there; you never know. Sorry y'all ran aground but, having said that, it wasn't much of one. I think you handled it well. I've planted just about every boat I've ever owned. Anyway, its kind of fun watching you two take to the seas. The further you get into this, the more you'll like it. Keep up the good work.
Nikki and Jason, this is a great video as you guys show some of the realities of sailing, storms, shallow water, and potential for sleepless nights at some anchorages. Too many cruising Vlogs only seem to show the glamorous parts of the trip so really love your channel that is more based on real sailing adventure.
Suggestion: When sitting at anchor and NOT swinging, drop a weight from the bottom of your keel, to the sea bottom. Do both keels to sea bottom. THAT reading is what your depth finder SHOULD be displaying, if it is accurate. QUESTION ; Do you know where your sensor for the depth finder is located? In most cases, the sensor is mounted towards the stern of the boat, WHICH SUCKS because, if you start showing a dangerously shallow depth on your electronics, keep in mind... this means that your entire boat has ALREADY passed over the shoaling water BEFORE you depth finder sounds the alarm. LASTLY, be cautious using your engine in reverse to back off a grounding situation. If you do so, be sure to thoroughly check salt water intakes and filters to prevent overheating. Sand inside a water pump can chew apart the inpellar vanes very easily ! ENJOY !! b/Florida
for depth I just tied knots in my dink anchor every foot and dropped it down as close to the transducer as I could get. Ours was within 6" so we did not adjust the offset.
As probably mentioned already next time you hit bottom change the offset on your depth sounder so everything reads 0 feet. Then you know exactly what depth you are at below the keel. Enjoy watching your videos! Great job on learning how to sail!
Check to make sure that your depth sounder has been set to show you how much water is under your keel, that's what's important. You can set the adjustment to compensate for how far your transducer is up from the bottom of the keel. Your depth sounder manual should talk about this.
On my boat, the nav has a correction factor on the depth reading. It adds 2 feet to make up for where the sensor is placed on the hull. Captain Nikki looks cool under pressure though!
Guess we all watch and dream of the easy life of sailing, sun and relaxation.But not all days are sunny, and not all sailing is easy and relaxing.A lot of things I would have never thought of as such with anchoring, and what and where do I go when the storms approach. Great video, I'll keep watching.Thanks again for living my dream.
It's possible that the readings from your depth sounder are offset (this is a menu item on the display) to take into account your draft so are showing you the depth below the keel. That would account for the discrepancy between charted depths and the readings you are seeing.
A passing tropical storm or worse can change the depth readings in shallow waters. Often move sand bars. So for this and other reasons chart depths for shallow waters are not to be trusted. I have seen rip tides change a bottom depth by 2 feet in just a few hours. Florida waters are very susceptible to this, so many Florida boaters add strips of high impact plastic to their boats hulls to protect them from damage. With this stuff on my air boat I was able to bring it up on a dry ramp without worrying about doing any harm to my hull. So let us know how you made out through the night of split shift sleeping. We always did 4 hour shifts. We often set auto pilot on crossings with radar and course tracker warnings set on and get full night sleep. First couple times we kept getting up to check but after that as we learned to trust it, it became normal.
It is sad as I watch this video, that we lost a great baseball pitcher who's boat he was in ran a ground. He and two others were killed from the impact. Getting there safe is what matters. love your videos, be safe and enjoy the blessings of a beautiful world.
You know if you aren't sure of your depth sounder, you can use a lead-line, the old fashion way to check it and compare. I'm sure you know to put your small electronics in the microwave when it's lightening out.
Well, you've certainly come a long way. Considering when you first purchased the boat, to now, you're learning what sailing is all about. I'll agree with the Thermacell comments. Zip up the cockpit and it'll keep the pests away.
I've been binge watching this weekend, Between gaming and reinstalling stuff on my computer, but I digress. I'm surprised that Kent didn't point out that with the Mini-Keels and Skegged Rudder. Your boat has the ability anchor in shallow water and "Dry Out" with the Keels and Skeg sitting on the bottom. As long as you were at anchor and the settling was gentle. You should not have a problem with it sitting on the bottom at low tide. You guy are great very informative and entertaining. Love the beautiful cats too.
Yeah - I remember in the 80’s, I had to go all the way around the Sliver Banks from Port Canaveral to the BVI because I had a full keel - But it was wonderful! :-)
Awesome! Thanks for keeping it real. Do you know how many videos of people filming themselves only show them being perfect? That's why I watch, because your not perfect and we all can relate to that. Most people don't have the gumption to try something new. You are a inspiration. Keep up the great work.
Most depth sounders will measure differently on different sea bottoms..... grass vs. sand vs coral. Expect a few fluctuations (a foot or so) as you transition between them,. Also, scrub the sensor clean occasionally when you are snorkelling. But, really, plus or minus 2 feet is about as accurate as you can get. Best to always try to keep a few feet under the keels (accounting for low tide). Also - easy trick to figure out how accurate yours is.... = when anchored in shallow water, take a long boat hook, measure it, and use that to feel the sea bottom, measure how much pole went in the water and compare to the sounder :) This obviously only works if your pole is longer than the depth of the water. Final point = the most accurate depth sounders = forward looking sonar. That is all, FAIR WINDS !
I thought that was kind of weird. I've never used a plumb bob in water. Of course I've never had a boat that big either. You'd think the current or the speed at which you're traveling would effect the reading. I have a fishing boat so we just keep a stick to test depth. Also, as far as those charts are concerned, the bottom is always shifting. For instance, when they dredge out those water ways, they usually put the spoils on the side, hence, it gets more shallow when entering from the side. Its a good rule of them but the charts will never be accurate.
Hi Nikki and Jason love watching learned something form other sailors try finding climbing gear and an auxiliary halyard that will support your weight where when you are in shallow water you use the powered winch and you can see shallow spot and the sort t o avoid by being up the mast. Thanks for the videos!
I know this is an older video but your charts aren't wrong. The depth is based on mean lower low tide. (mllw) so it is possible to have low tides that are negative to your chart.
It wasn't a negative tide for the day, so the charts were not accurate and that is why we were surprised. That being said, sand does shift and the ocean floor does change. So perhaps that area hadn't been updated.
Never trust the charts and always give yourself some leeway with the depth. Use your depth finder more... you'll learn it's part of the process. Good job
Great Vid again. Shhhh it happens. I've seen some Cats with "Skid Plates" on the Keels and Prows just for that situation. Just think how it was for the Old Salts with NO accurate charts, GPS, or Radio. the only way they could check depth was to "swing the Lead" F.W.F.S.
Everybody has run aground where you did. I did warn you about how shallow it gets on the bay side, especially on a full moon , also when sailing on the outside there are reefs that pops up less than a foot off Key Largo. Sometimes they are marked with a pole with a white Clorox jug. Anchor away from the mangroves or the mosquitos will be terrible unless it is windy. Take a pole and brush in shallow water when you swim and clean the algae and barnacles from the bottom of the boat, they will grow fast in warm waters. Just a fun fact, you're are in the American Crocodile territory. Sail Safe.
People forget about the crocs and it's not widely advertised. We had been out kayaking all day down there and the rental place didn't tell us about the crocs until we came back in.
You guys are doing great... Showing little fear. I lives on a sailboat for 2 years mostly out of key largo. Got some storms I would really like to forget.
New Subscriber here, HI!! First, I am by no means a sailor. While watching your video and seeing how much trouble you were having finding a route out of shallow water it a cured to me had had you had a drone finding a route out of the shallows would have been much easier, safer, and who knows avoiding a major catastrophic event. Anyway just a thought, I'm at 3:28 in your video and enjoying my daily routine of sipping tea and another great live on board vblog! Cheers from the San Francisco Bay Area!!!
It may help to use your radar to track squalls instead of an Iphone, we use Radar to avoid them. Take a good radar course as it will help with navigation as well. Occasionally I find the RM Navionics charts don't line up with the radar in zoomed in settings. If your radar is set up correctly it will always be right and with paper charts you will know exactly where you are. Radar is also invaluable for collision avoidance, IMO more so and easier than AIS. It can also help you with anchoring, as judging distances to other boats can be very deceiving. If you can learn to understand Radar you will understand relative motion and bearings. Also and this really applies to 40+ft boats is where your GPS antenna is placed. If it is on the stern you have 40 feet of boat not taken into account on your chart plotter. The plotter may say you have entered the tight channel but in reality you are 40+ft into it or past it. This applies to the placement of Radars and Ipads as well. We have the opposite problem of being to deep to anchor. I don't know which I'd prefer. Cheers & happy sailing Rob
One good suggestion. Mount a HD CCTV camera below your radar. Point it ahead and put it on an HD 7" all weather LCD display. I am putting one on mine. It has color HD by day and infrared by night. When I am pulling into a channel, I will be able to see obstacles from a bird's eye nest view. One other sailor did this with an HD and you could make out the channel pretty well VISUALLY (which does not need updating like a chartplotter). Just a suggestion.. They also make WIRELESS ones.
Hi Guys, Check out the new Rocna anchors on line. Everyone raves how good they are. I plan to get a 33Kg 73Lb one for my Voyage 440 cat as well. The you can sleep much better.
Nice job. The more you go through here the better prepared you will be when off distant shores. By the way I msg you about a good place to eat when in the Marathon area.
Awesome Sauce! Yesterday on your Facebook page I asked for a new video and today you posted one. Yay! Wynns for the win! As a side not or more of a suggestion, I would love to see a longer video from you guys. Something around 45 minutes to 1 hour long. I just enjoy the cinematography and content so much that I crave more at the end of every video you post. I know this may seem like an unusual request but I suspect I am not the only one craving this. Give it some thought. In the meantime, I cannot wait until you post the follow-up video to this one.
Always try to find an anchor spot at low tide for that exact reason. If you can't, check your tide table to see what the larges amount the tide will drop by while you are there, and then check the area under your boat visually for obstructions and measure using a magnetic foot-by-foot measuring stick.
Is it crazy, that one of the first things I thought on this video was, wow! look at how much space!! (I've been watching RV videos for the past few days.... lol)
Everyone else is watching football and I'm just online watching you two. Totally worth it.
I'm doing the same thing. 😉
I am doing both
What is this "football" of which you speak? lol
It's the American variant of sportsball which leads to massive brain injuries in both its players and fans.
Me like sportsball
being hard aground does have its advantages 1, you know the boat can't sink 2, you can walk home. you guys are awesome. your videos are so inspiring keep up the good work. Love ya, God bless you and you'rs.
A suggestion on your depth meter. Next time you are aground, use the offset function of the Raymarine depth gauge so that after the offset it reads 0.00. For example if you go aground and the depth reads 3.0, then offset by -3.0 then you always show the exact depth below the keels.
Great Videos.
Another great installment, thanks. You do not need to wait or do a Haul out to check your depth finder. Just park yourself over a flattish sand bar approaching low tide. Then jump in and measure the depth from the sand to the hull, and compare that to the reading of your depth finder to gauge the / any difference. Then just back out before you touch bottom. So much cheaper!
Regarding the depth measure transducer to lowest point of boat . Go to settings menu of depth meter and check the offset. Correct offset in settings now you have the right depth.
I was moving my brothers Coronado 30 from Seattle to Portland, made it to Cathlamet and was warned to follow the chart. the entrance is a 120degree turn to head in from the channel, no problem. When I pulled out the next morning I cut the corner by 2 feet and spent the next 5 hours waiting for the tide to finish going out and come back in to refloat me. Several locals came by and offered words of encouragement " Don't worry, we get 2 or 3 of you guys in sailboats a week" it didn't help. Enjoy your week, we love watching you.
+David Butler ha, thanks for sharing :)
same thing always happens just outside the ballard locks in seattle. sailors in a hurry turn south too soon, not realizing that there is a massive sandbar that goes out almost a mile. one time i saw five grounded sailboats out there.....
The more I watch sailing videos, especially yours, the more I would love to do it....I think you guys are doing fine, and even though there is stress in learning, I can tell you are loving it...Thats why we do adventurous things, I am getting ready to buy another RV, so I will live the sailing life with you as I stare across the Grand Canyon.....Thanks for being you
+Ken Hollis thanks :)
Ken U can do it too If u buy thee yacht and have the ability to pay for living on board I have the experience and will keep U safe , just looking for someone who can afford it.
the joys of sailing. sleeping in shifts ... "you're in the navy now" :) nice adventure. thanks for sharing.
thank for the update, i think you two are the most genuine new sailors on RUclips.
Looks like you guys had a few good learning experiences in a short amount of time. We hated the keys with all it's shallow water and terrible charts. We feel uncomfortable with anything less than 6 feet under our keel. I was sweating with you just watching that. Are you planning on upgrading your anchor anytime soon? I can't remember which one you have honestly, but newer, spade designs set MUCH better and hold more than older plow types. Also, not sure your exact situation when that first squall hit, but don't be afraid to sail through them. It's good practice to build your threshold for rough weather, and in our experience, they're never as bad as they look. Keep learning, keep smiling and keep sharing it all with us! Enjoy!
+Sailing Uma the squall happened right before we planned to drop the anchor, that's why our sails were down. Didn't feel like dropping the hook with all the lightning.
We look forward to catching up with you guys soon. Safe travels to you both.
Gone with the Wynns Ha, Yeah I assumed you had a reason. Enjoy the Keys!
You're learning. Good for you. Been there through the storms and the anchor dragging. For some reason, I think I remember that I always had night watch when the anchor dragged. Oh, well.
These are the times that teach you.
Yep, did it second time out in my current boat. Just managed to wiggle back out into the channel in reverse (full revs) and then take the correct line; pretending nothing had happened. And I never told anyone - until now. Great video as always.
Ha, thanks for fessing up and making us feel better. :)
New huge fan since you've bought the sailboat. We're starting our full time cruising in 3 weeks. I look forward the day we're at the same anchorage and I dinghy over to give you a huge pat on the back. We admire your fantastic attitude and spirit. Please always ignore the haters - you are doing a great job!
The sailboats I have owned had the depth sounding adjusted to depth below the keel. This is a setting in your depth gage. That way you know the clearance depth. You can check this by diving on the keel like you did.
Inlets channels fill in with drifting sand often. When in doubt you could use dinghy to check if channel is deep enough. You have depth finder on dinghy? If not get a cheap one
I'm sure there's going to be comments about them being inexperienced and that's why they hit bottom but that's called learning and you learn from your mistakes and learn not to repeat your mistakes. Good job Nikki and Jason! I'm so proud of you two!
Only 2 kinds of boaters: ones that have hit the bottom and ones that will hit bottom someday.
Exactly. Well said.
The original version is forgetting the boat drain plug. First summer of having a boat and I am in the "not yet" camp.
Assuming they don't have another somewhere? Hmmm, interesting.
Well if they did, they would have said we couldn't get a set on either anchor or both anchors. Staying up on shifts because the could't get a BITE, not BITES.. If you're not happy with your set, you put out a second anchor, you don't leave it "SOMEWHERE".
Looks stressful but clearly you guys are super cautious and still learning. Nice job.
First let me say that watching your "trials & tribulations" at this early stage in your sailing adventures is very intriguing because just like the rest of us I'll be living vicariously through you and sharing with everyone I know, God Speed & Be Safe-CB3
Hi Guys,
You are correct, you can calibrate the depth to account for the sensor depth below the water line. That way you will read the true depth at waterline. There is a keel offset adjustment in the Raymarine depth sounder. Easy to set if you have the manual. Good luck.
Many people have already suggested this but I haven't seen you respond. No need to wait till a haul out. Next time you're anchored in calm fairly shallow flat bottom conditions, plumb bob from the bottom of your keel to the seabed. Compare that to your depth sounding and adjust the offset if needed. It's very easy to measure how much water is under your keel and calibrate your sounder, especially in clear conditions. Thanks for bringing us all along.
BTW I've been following catamaran Impi for a year now. I found them before I found y'all in your RV. It was interesting to see you connected to their son.
As each new condition shows up, you guys are reasoning them out well and safely. You two make a great team and are both interesting and fun to watch.
+Ed Rosenberger thanks!
Jason & Nikki...one of the cardinal rules of sailing is...NEVER go into an unfamiliar harbor in the dark !!!!! You HAVE TO plan your passages (even the short hops) so that you have a "bail out" plan (to run for the safety of a marina, or familiar anchorage) in case of a problem...weather or mechanical !!! Remember this old saying... "It's one thing to get caught in it...it's another thing entirely, to go out looking for it" !!!
I had no idea those areas were so shallow in general wow what an adventure. You guys are learning so much. The importance of good teamwork is even more apparent here than in the RV.
It's awesome to see the command that Nikki had at the helm. She's a natural.
She is the brain of the two.
Has anytime else noticed a resemblance to Audrie Hepburn?
I can see that resemblance a little bit.
Yes she is, and i think it is cool they have had a little role reversal with Jason do more of the RV driving.
She reminds me of Pee Wee Hermans sister. Guess he was kinda cute.
Of all the differences between RVing and boating, having to time a departure or arrival to the twice-daily high tide might be one of the oddest things to get used to.
3pm check-in and 1pm check-out, not that different. But I'm sure the tide time changes.
Becomes second nature after awhile...
Just a thought. Set your depth sounder offset to water under the keel. Lastly stay out of shallow water, I always added a sizeable safety margin a account for waves and other boat wakes.
I was at garden cove last weekend. Went aground in my Hobe Tandem Island. Wish you luck.
Good to check with the plum, check the equipment, yet all inlets, bays and the like will change depth with every storm. It is the nature of the seas
I have been watching you guys for over a year, and I am so excited for this new chapter. Good luck and I will keep watching!
Nice that you showed the uncertainties that you are dealing with as you learn to sail.
Two video posts a week would help me with my "Gone with the Wynns" withdrawals.
I am hoping for a full-length documentary! ;o) It's tough waiting for that one short video each week.
Just ran agroung in our new boat that we just got 2 weeks ago! We thought we had tonnes of room.....wrong! Haha. Happens to everybody. Happy sailing to the both of you. Love your channel!
Your videos are so well made and you are both very professional and informative behind the camera. I really enjoy your enthusiasm and the honesty when things go wrong as well as the beauty of sailing. Loving the videos and learning along with you both.
+buryitdeep glad to have you on board!
The Keys are super shallow in lots of areas. Ive had plenty of problems with new areas . You guys did good, keep yours eyes peeled and go slow.
Hi, just a friendly suggestion, you could find the depth transducer under the boat in a flat anchorage. Tie a rock or dive weight to line or fishing line. Then from the transducer slide the line down till the weight hits the bottom. Pinch the line at that point and head up onto the boat and then you know what the exact distance from the transducer to the bottom is and compare it to the reading on the display.
Every uncomfortable experience just adds to your overall confidence down the road. Great video as always.
As an avid fisherman who spends a lot of time out in the gulf, riding out squalls can be a great opportunity for fishing. If the squall is coming directly at you the fish will be running in front of it. If you've got some bait, hunker down and throw it out there; you never know.
Sorry y'all ran aground but, having said that, it wasn't much of one. I think you handled it well. I've planted just about every boat I've ever owned.
Anyway, its kind of fun watching you two take to the seas. The further you get into this, the more you'll like it. Keep up the good work.
+B1gHagar fishing while in a squall..
That sounds way advanced:)
Great snorkeling off of second channel marker south of Caesars creek across from the Ocean reef yacht club. :)
Thanks for sharing the problems as well as the pleasures of your journey.
It keeps it real.
Wishing you well.
+Allen Hare thanks for watching 😀
Nikki and Jason, this is a great video as you guys show some of the realities of sailing, storms, shallow water, and potential for sleepless nights at some anchorages. Too many cruising Vlogs only seem to show the glamorous parts of the trip so really love your channel that is more based on real sailing adventure.
LOL
Island Hopper
Suggestion: When sitting at anchor and NOT swinging, drop a weight from the bottom of your keel, to the sea bottom. Do both keels to sea bottom. THAT reading is what your depth finder SHOULD be displaying, if it is accurate. QUESTION ; Do you know where your sensor for the depth finder is located? In most cases, the sensor is mounted towards the stern of the boat, WHICH SUCKS because, if you start showing a dangerously shallow depth on your electronics, keep in mind... this means that your entire boat has ALREADY passed over the shoaling water BEFORE you depth finder sounds the alarm. LASTLY, be cautious using your engine in reverse to back off a grounding situation. If you do so, be sure to thoroughly check salt water intakes and filters to prevent overheating. Sand inside a water pump can chew apart the inpellar vanes very easily ! ENJOY !!
b/Florida
+Bruce Malo thanks for the tip, we'll double check our impelled today!
+Gone with the Wynns stinking auto correct: Impellors
for depth I just tied knots in my dink anchor every foot and dropped it down as close to the transducer as I could get. Ours was within 6" so we did not adjust the offset.
Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to make this!
As probably mentioned already next time you hit bottom change the offset on your depth sounder so everything reads 0 feet. Then you know exactly what depth you are at below the keel.
Enjoy watching your videos! Great job on learning how to sail!
You guys do the best sound tracks for your vids !!
Thank you for sharing your travel, I hope to be out there in a few years
What a crazy adventure! Thanks for sharing.
Check to make sure that your depth sounder has been set to show you how much water is under your keel, that's what's important. You can set the adjustment to compensate for how far your transducer is up from the bottom of the keel. Your depth sounder manual should talk about this.
Video quality is great guys. Appreciate the extra effort. Watching on 55" UHDTV
Fantastic content per usual. Surprised I hadn’t watched this episode before. I was on the edge of my seat when the depth wasn’t so deep.
On my boat, the nav has a correction factor on the depth reading. It adds 2 feet to make up for where the sensor is placed on the hull. Captain Nikki looks cool under pressure though!
Looks all to familiar. you handled it well it appears. running in shallow water is always stressful.
Guess we all watch and dream of the easy life of sailing, sun and relaxation.But not all days are sunny, and not all sailing is easy and relaxing.A lot of things I would have never thought of as such with anchoring, and what and where do I go when the storms approach. Great video, I'll keep watching.Thanks again for living my dream.
It's possible that the readings from your depth sounder are offset (this is a menu item on the display) to take into account your draft so are showing you the depth below the keel. That would account for the discrepancy between charted depths and the readings you are seeing.
Sorry, I think you know that already!
+Doug F yep, we need to measure ASAP
A passing tropical storm or worse can change the depth readings in shallow waters. Often move sand bars. So for this and other reasons chart depths for shallow waters are not to be trusted. I have seen rip tides change a bottom depth by 2 feet in just a few hours. Florida waters are very susceptible to this, so many Florida boaters add strips of high impact plastic to their boats hulls to protect them from damage. With this stuff on my air boat I was able to bring it up on a dry ramp without worrying about doing any harm to my hull. So let us know how you made out through the night of split shift sleeping. We always did 4 hour shifts. We often set auto pilot on crossings with radar and course tracker warnings set on and get full night sleep. First couple times we kept getting up to check but after that as we learned to trust it, it became normal.
so definitely she is the captain !
It is sad as I watch this video, that we lost a great baseball pitcher who's boat he was in ran a ground. He and two others were killed from the impact. Getting there safe is what matters.
love your videos, be safe and enjoy the blessings of a beautiful world.
Sailing looks so much fun! Your Channel is so much fun to watch! I hope you publish a book, I would love to read it!
You know if you aren't sure of your depth sounder, you can use a lead-line, the old fashion way to check it and compare. I'm sure you know to put your small electronics in the microwave when it's lightening out.
Well, you've certainly come a long way. Considering when you first purchased the boat, to now, you're learning what sailing is all about. I'll agree with the Thermacell comments. Zip up the cockpit and it'll keep the pests away.
That looks scary, glad your guys are ok.
I hope you guys are safe and prepared for this nasty weather we are about to see
Love the ocean wave lapping sound effects during the credits! Subtle...nice touch. ;)
I've been binge watching this weekend, Between gaming and reinstalling stuff on my computer, but I digress. I'm surprised that Kent didn't point out that with the Mini-Keels and Skegged Rudder. Your boat has the ability anchor in shallow water and "Dry Out" with the Keels and Skeg sitting on the bottom. As long as you were at anchor and the settling was gentle. You should not have a problem with it sitting on the bottom at low tide. You guy are great very informative and entertaining. Love the beautiful cats too.
Yeah - I remember in the 80’s, I had to go all the way around the Sliver Banks from Port Canaveral to the BVI because I had a full keel - But it was wonderful! :-)
Great video. As a wannabe sailor im learning a lot from you guys, thanks.
You guys have always looked great but now you look.......healthier. Great video.
Awesome! Thanks for keeping it real. Do you know how many videos of people filming themselves only show them being perfect? That's why I watch, because your not perfect and we all can relate to that. Most people don't have the gumption to try something new. You are a inspiration. Keep up the great work.
+will j thanks! We try to share it all, the ups, downs and silly mistakes :)
Great video! Glad there was no damage. Keep it up, learning more every day!! Charles
Most depth sounders will measure differently on different sea bottoms..... grass vs. sand vs coral. Expect a few fluctuations (a foot or so) as you transition between them,. Also, scrub the sensor clean occasionally when you are snorkelling. But, really, plus or minus 2 feet is about as accurate as you can get. Best to always try to keep a few feet under the keels (accounting for low tide). Also - easy trick to figure out how accurate yours is.... = when anchored in shallow water, take a long boat hook, measure it, and use that to feel the sea bottom, measure how much pole went in the water and compare to the sounder :) This obviously only works if your pole is longer than the depth of the water.
Final point = the most accurate depth sounders = forward looking sonar. That is all, FAIR WINDS !
Did you really use a plumb bomb @ 5:32? I just use a plumb bob. It's much safer and less noisy.
Depth charge for the win. Blast your way out!!
I thought that was kind of weird. I've never used a plumb bob in water. Of course I've never had a boat that big either. You'd think the current or the speed at which you're traveling would effect the reading. I have a fishing boat so we just keep a stick to test depth.
Also, as far as those charts are concerned, the bottom is always shifting. For instance, when they dredge out those water ways, they usually put the spoils on the side, hence, it gets more shallow when entering from the side. Its a good rule of them but the charts will never be accurate.
He mentioned using a plumb bob next time the yacht was hauled out so that he can accurately measure how far above the keel the depth sounder is
As usual great video and thanks for the adventure!!!
Hi Nikki and Jason love watching learned something form other sailors try finding climbing gear and an auxiliary halyard that will support your weight where when you are in shallow water you use the powered winch and you can see shallow spot and the sort t o avoid by being up the mast.
Thanks for the videos!
I know this is an older video but your charts aren't wrong. The depth is based on mean lower low tide. (mllw) so it is possible to have low tides that are negative to your chart.
It wasn't a negative tide for the day, so the charts were not accurate and that is why we were surprised. That being said, sand does shift and the ocean floor does change. So perhaps that area hadn't been updated.
you really caught the mood of that storm on camera - hard to do - nice job
awe, that was a good learning experience and looks like you pulled through it with style! awesome job you two!
Never trust the charts and always give yourself some leeway with the depth. Use your depth finder more... you'll learn it's part of the process. Good job
"It's just a squall, they come on ya fast and they leave ya fast." - Captain Ron ;)
Great Vid again. Shhhh it happens. I've seen some Cats with "Skid Plates" on the Keels and Prows just for that situation. Just think how it was for the Old Salts with NO accurate charts, GPS, or Radio. the only way they could check depth was to "swing the Lead" F.W.F.S.
Everybody has run aground where you did. I did warn you about how shallow it gets on the bay side, especially on a full moon , also when sailing on the outside there are reefs that pops up less than a foot off Key Largo. Sometimes they are marked with a pole with a white Clorox jug. Anchor away from the mangroves or the mosquitos will be terrible unless it is windy. Take a pole and brush in shallow water when you swim and clean the algae and barnacles from the bottom of the boat, they will grow fast in warm waters. Just a fun fact, you're are in the American Crocodile territory. Sail Safe.
I don't think anyone has mentioned it but if you wipe out any coral or sea grass and get caught the fines are unbelievable. The keys are treacherous.
People forget about the crocs and it's not widely advertised. We had been out kayaking all day down there and the rental place didn't tell us about the crocs until we came back in.
Island Hopper There is so much hatred in your comments they probably don't trust any advice you offer!
You guys are doing great... Showing little fear. I lives on a sailboat for 2 years mostly out of key largo. Got some storms I would really like to forget.
New Subscriber here, HI!! First, I am by no means a sailor. While watching your video and seeing how much trouble you were having finding a route out of shallow water it a cured to me had had you had a drone finding a route out of the shallows would have been much easier, safer, and who knows avoiding a major catastrophic event. Anyway just a thought, I'm at 3:28 in your video and enjoying my daily routine of sipping tea and another great live on board vblog! Cheers from the San Francisco Bay Area!!!
The gopro cover matching your swim suit is a nice touch! hahaha
Thanks guys..
I'm pretty sure who the captain of this boat is....Great to see your learning as you go, makes for some great video.
It may help to use your radar to track squalls instead of an Iphone, we use Radar to avoid them. Take a good radar course as it will help with navigation as well. Occasionally I find the RM Navionics charts don't line up with the radar in zoomed in settings. If your radar is set up correctly it will always be right and with paper charts you will know exactly where you are. Radar is also invaluable for collision avoidance, IMO more so and easier than AIS. It can also help you with anchoring, as judging distances to other boats can be very deceiving. If you can learn to understand Radar you will understand relative motion and bearings. Also and this really applies to 40+ft boats is where your GPS antenna is placed. If it is on the stern you have 40 feet of boat not taken into account on your chart plotter. The plotter may say you have entered the tight channel but in reality you are 40+ft into it or past it. This applies to the placement of Radars and Ipads as well. We have the opposite problem of being to deep to anchor. I don't know which I'd prefer.
Cheers
& happy sailing
Rob
We were using the radar as well. We check it all.
One good suggestion. Mount a HD CCTV camera below your radar. Point it ahead and put it on an HD 7" all weather LCD display. I am putting one on mine. It has color HD by day and infrared by night.
When I am pulling into a channel, I will be able to see obstacles from a bird's eye nest view.
One other sailor did this with an HD and you could make out the channel pretty well VISUALLY (which does not need updating like a chartplotter).
Just a suggestion.. They also make WIRELESS ones.
I would like to get the Flir when I get my cat but they are some bucks but well worth it.
+The Wind Catchers sounds cool, thanks.
Nerve wracking watching that! LOL Good job Captains!
Hi Guys, Check out the new Rocna anchors on line. Everyone raves how good they are. I plan to get a 33Kg 73Lb one for my Voyage 440 cat as well. The you can sleep much better.
+Rob Chevalier got a Mantua on order :)
education is not free, be safe I love your sharing please do continue.
You can offset your depth sensor so that 0ft is running aground. That way the depth isnt depth, but depth under the boat.
Nice job. The more you go through here the better prepared you will be when off distant shores. By the way I msg you about a good place to eat when in the Marathon area.
Best storm video yet. No campground fees for that boondocking site!
Wow, that tells how awesome to have cat with shallow draft! You can go places other can only dream of! Great video!
A little touch and go for sure. I thought the ocean was deep. Never knew you could be so far from land and run aground.
Forward looking sonar. It'll change your life.
OMG! Nail biting during this video and I was just watching! Brave...
Awesome Sauce! Yesterday on your Facebook page I asked for a new video and today you posted one. Yay! Wynns for the win! As a side not or more of a suggestion, I would love to see a longer video from you guys. Something around 45 minutes to 1 hour long. I just enjoy the cinematography and content so much that I crave more at the end of every video you post. I know this may seem like an unusual request but I suspect I am not the only one craving this. Give it some thought. In the meantime, I cannot wait until you post the follow-up video to this one.
+darling4713 it takes a long time to put together a solid video...wish there was more time in a day!
+darling4713 it takes a long time to put together a solid video...wish there was more time in a day!
Well you know you are doing something right when you leaving them wanting more.
Always try to find an anchor spot at low tide for that exact reason. If you can't, check your tide table to see what the larges amount the tide will drop by while you are there, and then check the area under your boat visually for obstructions and measure using a magnetic foot-by-foot measuring stick.
Also, try just using your throttles to maneuver in marinas as you can stop, spin, and continue.
+DaebakMonkey we always check the tide so we can get proper scope. Charts said we were food by a couple feet, oh well.
Is it crazy, that one of the first things I thought on this video was, wow! look at how much space!! (I've been watching RV videos for the past few days.... lol)