How Shallow Can My Boat Run?

If you just bought a small skiff or jon boat, chances are you’re wondering: how skinny can I really go before I risk getting stuck or damaging my motor? The right equipment makes all the difference.

What Really Determines How Shallow You Can Go?

1. Boat Design – Flat-bottom jon boats and skiffs draft less water than V-hulls, making them better for skinny water.
2. Motor Height – A motor mounted too low drags the lower unit, requiring more water to run.
3. Boat Weight & Balance – More passengers and gear = deeper draft. Shifting weight forward can help.
4. Bottom Conditions – Sand flats are forgiving, but oyster beds, mud, or hidden logs can ruin a prop.

Average Safe Running Depth

• Most small boats with a standard outboard need 12–18 inches of water to run safely.
• With careful trim and balance, some can get on plane in as little as 8–10 inches.
• The real limitation? Your lower unit and propeller hanging down below the hull.

How a Jack Plate Gets You Skinnier

By raising your motor higher on the transom — without losing water pressure — you gain several advantages:

• Less Draft: Lifts your prop and skeg higher, so they don’t dig into the bottom.
• Better Performance in Skinny Water: Run safely in shallower areas without cavitation.
• Protection for Your Gear: Less chance of hitting rocks, logs, or oyster beds.
• Fine-Tuned Motor Height: Adjust up or down depending on load, water depth, or conditions.

Why On The Fly Jack Plates?

Unlike fixed manual jack plates, On The Fly Jack Plates let you make quick adjustments so you’re always running at the perfect height. That means:

• When the water gets shallow, raise it up and keep moving.
• When you hit deeper water, lower it for full bite and top speed.
• No tools, no guesswork — just smooth control over how skinny you can safely run.

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So, how shallow can your boat run safely?

• Without a jack plate: about 12–18 inches for most small boats.
• With an On The Fly Jack Plate: you can confidently run in water under a foot deep, while protecting your prop and transom.

 

At On The Fly Jack Plates, we help jon boat and skiff owners run safer, skinnier, and with more confidence in shallow water.

Email: jwood@ontheflyjackplates.com
Phone: 850-345-1523

Whether you’re asking “how shallow can my jon boat run?”, “what’s the best jack plate for shallow water?”, or just want advice on shallow water boating performance, we’re here to help.