Fin Keel vs. Full Keel

[bob perry]

I just hope you don't drive. Not in my area at least.

[keelbolts]

I ride a horse.

[akabilk]

Shannon 43' wheelhouse.

I'm only new here but not new to boats. The centerboard issue goes on and on and so do a lot generalities.

I'm sure the core of the issue regarding centerboards on a cruiser is good design and construction.

I do like Shannons but boy, they are not cheap!

Almost 75% of Shannons have a keel/centerboard configuration. Experienced owners have chosen a centerboard because of the reduced draft benefits. Depth of water is a real issue in practically every part of the world. Carrying over 6' foot of draft on a vessel precludes many of the pretty cruising places like the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, the Chesapeake, northern Europe and many others. The centerboard design and engineering on a Shannon is perfect for exploring. For instance, the centerboard and its pin on a Shannon can be removed without hauling the boat. The lifting mechanism is a simple-to-use and easy-to-maintain cable lead to winch in the cockpit. There are no complicated hydraulic arms holding the board down on a Shannon, so the board is free to swing up if the bottom is encountered. Once again, the keel/centerboard design on a Shannon has been real world tested and proven since 1981.
Sailboat keels and centerboards

[keelbolts]

I gather centerboard trunks can be a problem, especially on wooden boats, but I've always thought they make sense if you're planning to sail to a place with shallow water. Close as you can come to the best of both worlds.

I've never sailed with leeboards, but that also sounds like a good idea. Herreshoff designed a couple of boats with leeboards.

[wggmn]

Yes, a Barquentine would be hard to sail solo...

[Domenic]

It's simple; Full keel wil hold a course...you can leave the helm. They don't turn well in tight spots.

Fin keels will hold a course, but you can't leave the helm. They turn on a dime.

Older boats, 1980 back; most have lead keels. Before 1980 most builder over built the hulls.
My boat is a Columbia 28. Her hull is 1.25" to 1.5" of fiberglass. They were called tanks. Not good for a long cruise solo. You can't leave the helm, she will turn faster than a duck.
A great single handed boat is "The Little Maid of Kent," by Wm Atkins. I have yet to see one in FG. These are made of wood.
I would not suggest a fin keel for solo.
My Columbia need three people for deep water.

[Dick Pluta]

I went from one extreme to the other. Pearson 30, fin keel, balanced spade rudder to Islander Freeport 41, full length keel, barn door rudder hung on aft end of keel. Couldn't be more different.

The Pearson went like stink. Fast and fun but, before I bought an autopilot, the Pearson was no fun to singlehand. No tweaking the sheets. No wandering around the boat checking the slot or just enjoying.

The Islander, on the other hand, barely needs an autopilot. Tighten the wheel lock and take care of business. She's no racehorse but the comfort factor is infinitely greater.

Two times in life, two different boats. Neither is better, just different and I wouldn't give up my time with either.

Dick Pluta
AEGEA