It depends a lot on how much you want to put in a boat. I paddle a 45 lb plywood pirogue. I weigh about 150 lb. The boat will support me in less than 3 inches of water. But the bottom cleance changes constantly so it may be necessary to get out of the boat if you hang it up on a rock. If there is a current it will carry the boat along and it takes some practice to steer the boat to the places where the boat won't hang up. I got a how-to-canoe video from the library that explained how it is done.

: Guys I have been looking into play boating.
: Question.
: What is the minimum depth of water a small playboat/kayak can use
: to get down a creek?
: We have a small creek by my home. I think it would be great fun to
: get a boat and the kids and I raft the creek.
: Most places it is 12" or more. But there are some areas
: through the ripples that it gets to 3 to 4" deep.
: Are there any boats that can be used in this capacity?
: Small slow creeks. Small kids. shallow draft?

: Interested in the sport
: Thanks
: Senker