"Kenneth P. Turvey" wrote...
I've read numerous books that indicate a deeper draft for a boat makes it
more seaworthy.

I've also read that sailing the Bahamas or the Florida keys works out
better with a shoal draft boat.

So, I'm wondering the extent of this restriction. Is it reasonable to
visit the Bahamas with a deep (say 6 foot) draft small boat, or is the
water so shallow as to make this inadvisable? What about the Florida
keys? In general, for coastal cruising, is a shoal draft boat
preferable?

Many people have cruised those areas with deeper draft boats, but you'll be
able to get into a LOT more places with a shallow draft. 4 feet would be
ideal, though 5 feet would work for some people.

Also a consideration, a winged keel with a broad bottom will keep you out
of spots where a fin or shallow full/Scheel keel will be able to "plow"
through sand. I was kept out of a phenomenal anchorage south of Eluthera
because of this problem...

Draft is only 1 component of seaworthiness. A shallow draft in and of
itself should not be a problem in the Bahamas and Keys. Choose the whole
boat wisely!