As water levels plummet in the Great Lakes and more people find themselves wanting to sail in the shallower waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Intracoastal and other scenic locales, large boats with shallow drafts are more in demand than ever.

The Seaward 46RK by Hake Yachts can sail in as little as 2 feet, 5 inches of water, but the lifting keel can be lowered to 7 feet ,6 inches for optimal performance. Twin rudders offer built-in redundancy and can be raised and lowered as needed while sailing. At the dock the rudders can retract out of the water completely so there is no need for antifouling paint on them.

A full-batten mainsail is standard but a roller-furling boom is available. With the standard self-tacking jib and a roller-furling code zero, the 46RK is set up for shorthanded sailing.

The on-deck setup makes this boat perfect for a cruising couple, but part of its beauty lies in being able to comfortably host a crowd as well. Belowdecks an en suite cabin forward includes a full-sized bunk (no toe-squeezing V-berth here), two double aft cabins and a second head. An amidships galley offers a spacious workspace and a large U-shaped settee.
Versatility is what the Seaward is all about. Like its smaller sisters, the 26RK and 32RK, the 46RK is available with a trailer and single-person mast lowering system. Imagine being able to take a full-sized cruiser on the road wherever you want to go. The boat is even available with a fishing package that includes telescoping outriggers, a swivel captain's chair and a large insulated fish box to store your catch.

Designer Nick Hake might really have just thought of everything.