When is a boat considered “aground”?

A boat is considered "aground" when it is unable to move because it has come into contact with the bottom, typically the seabed or riverbed. This situation usually occurs when the vessel is in shallow water and can happen at low tide or if the boat is not buoyant enough to float above the bottom. Being aground can affect maneuverability and can also pose risks, such as damage to the boat or grounding in an unsafe area.

In contrast, when a boat is anchored, it is held in place by an anchor and is still floating above the water, thus not considered aground. Similarly, a boat that is floating freely is also not aground since it is buoyant and can move with the currents or wind. Finally, a boat docked at the marina is secured and often different from being aground because it is positioned at a designated docking area where the water depth is appropriate for loading and unloading.