06-24-2009, 05:28 PM
I have been able to defeat the tide using a very small pontoon and motor. There is a less drag without feet in the water and a smaller surface contact to slow you compared to ODC type. Tubedude's comments are right on as usual, especially about timing the tides and moving diagonally. We don't have much danger from predators in the maximum shin deep flats that go for miles in the gulf coast for Corpus Christi area. More trouble with wind than tides and sometimes have to pause because of weed fouling the prop. That's because one can troll across the short distances of dredged and natural channels with high power even against the strongest tides, but fighting wind and waves takes some planning. Fins don't work because too shallow, and oars can only work WITH an angle favoring the wind or tide. Don't like walking the shallows because of sting rays. A small anchor or small shallow running drift sock is usually the best way to work an area. Highway overpasses provide some calmer areas where dozens of boats gather.
Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote revrusty]Not talking 'bout 'Bama. In a shallow draft craft like my new ODC 420, can I expect to not be at the mercy of tides in coastal bays? Here's why I ask: In my old U-boat, I was belly button deep in the water, and my big butt was a drag, making the going a lot slower. Last summer I took my float to Norfolk, VA, to cross a channel and reach a wadeable flat. When the tide went out, I had to "walk" way up the channel, then kick as hard as I could to diagonally cross back before being swept out to sea. Don't want to risk that again, but the ODC seems a lot faster. Anybody have experience at defeating a tide in an ODC type craft?[/quote]
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Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote revrusty]Not talking 'bout 'Bama. In a shallow draft craft like my new ODC 420, can I expect to not be at the mercy of tides in coastal bays? Here's why I ask: In my old U-boat, I was belly button deep in the water, and my big butt was a drag, making the going a lot slower. Last summer I took my float to Norfolk, VA, to cross a channel and reach a wadeable flat. When the tide went out, I had to "walk" way up the channel, then kick as hard as I could to diagonally cross back before being swept out to sea. Don't want to risk that again, but the ODC seems a lot faster. Anybody have experience at defeating a tide in an ODC type craft?[/quote]
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