Outboards are great motor options for many boaters in various lifestyles, including those who boat in shallow water. However, you should learn how to safely use your outboard motor in shallow water and what precautions to take. The following four tips can protect you, your outboard, and your boat.

Measure Your Boat’s and Motor’s Draft

No matter how deep the water is at your boating destination, you should know your boat’s draft. Motors also have a draft. This is especially true for outboards since they’re outside your boat. However, most of the time, the outboard is shorter than the boat. If your outboard is shorter than your boat, you only need to know the boat’s draft. If it’s longer, you should measure both.

When you measure your boat’s draft, take different weights into consideration. A few extra passengers or pieces of heavy equipment can change the draft by up to several inches, which could make a big difference in shallow water.

Watch for Water Color Changes

Water surface color changes depending on the depth of the water since deeper water will absorb more light. Darker water is often deeper, while lighter water is often shallower.

However, if your boat is doing well in your current water, then you should stay there. Sometimes underwater plant life, waste, or other conditions can make water appear darker even when it isn’t deeper. You don’t want to accidentally run aground chasing deeper water.

Use a Hydraulic Jack Plate To Elevate Your Motor

Although your motor should have a longer draft than your boat, you can still use a hydraulic jack plate. A hydraulic jack plate attaches to the back of your boat to elevate your motor above the transom.

Elevating your motor gives it more range, especially in shallow water. It also optimizes the motor for better water purchase, improving efficiency and speed in shallow water.

Slow Down in Shallower Water

While a hydraulic jack plate will improve your speed in shallow water, you shouldn’t go too fast. Going through shallow water at unsafe speeds is dangerous for you, your boat, and your motor.

If you speed through shallow water and accidentally hit an even shallower patch, you could run aground. Running aground can hurt you if you’re unsecured in the boat. It can also rip up the bottom of your boat and potentially damage your motor. Always slow down to safe speeds in shallower water to mitigate this risk.

These four tips for using an outboard motor in shallow water help you safely navigate shallow waterways like rivers and get the most out of your outboard. If you want to purchase a small outboard for shallow water boating, consider the ePropulsion Spirit. This electric outboard is ideal for shallow water since it’s small, quiet, and emission free.