Shallow Draft

[robert sailor]

You missed this one Salty, yes CB included, when its up they loose pointing ability compared to when its down and they become a deep draft boat and point higher.

[SaltyMonkey]

No you made my point Robert, you get both shallow draft access + long keel stability.

As for wings, I believe people are expressing opinions without real experience, repeating what they ho hum read online. Depends on the bottom (mud, clay) and then maybe not (sand)

I have no issue with wings. I'm strangely attracted to wings, swings, and CB's.

I'm more concerned with $$$ and buying new.

[robert sailor]

Yes the CB's seem to have some things going for them but clunking back and forth in a rolly anchorage is not my favorite. Sometimes the layout is compromised to allow for raising and lowering the board. There are few if any made anymore as the design of shoal draft keels has improved plus they are not cheap. Wings just are not that effective except in the marketing dept. Now I am sort of attracted to some of those aluminum boats with CB's that you can beach. Cool part of those boats is that you can fly chutes downwind in some real breezes and never broach because they just slew around without a keel to trip over.

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

As for wings, I believe people are expressing opinions without real experience, repeating what they ho hum read online. Depends on the bottom (mud, clay) and then maybe not (sand)
.

Inability to list the boat when grounded is a big disadvantage. Grounded in Chesapeake bay is easy to deal with. The worse can happen is to call TowBoatUS.

[sailorboy1]

Unless you have sailed the same boat in both a shallow and deep draft version I think performance comparisons aren't worth much. My last boat was a shallow draft and it had great performance. My current boat is a deep draft and I believe it to be more stable and stands up a lot better during wind gusts resulting in less panic feelings and greater comfort.

To me the only reason to consider a shallow draft is because it is needed to really enjoy wherever you plan to do MOST of your sailing. In the end for me the difference between a 5'4" draft and a 6'4" draft hasn't changed anything about where I can sail.

BTW I've only ever grounded on my shallow draft boat, and it was a bitch to get it off.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

No you made my point Robert, you get both shallow draft access + long keel stability.

As for wings, I believe people are expressing opinions without real experience, repeating what they ho hum read online. Depends on the bottom (mud, clay) and then maybe not (sand)

I have no issue with wings. I'm strangely attracted to wings, swings, and CB's.

I'm more concerned with $$$ and buying new.

Let me dispel those opinions for you...

[sandy stone]

I have a Beneteau 375 with a shoal draft keel (5') and it sails very nicely. Without a doubt the deep draft version would sail upwind better, but it wouldn't be as practical for this area. Unless you are doing a lot of racing, I think you'll be happy with the shoal keel. I race mine, and I don't think the 6 sec/mi credit is enough, but I still have fun.
BTW, count me as another skipper who thinks wing keels are a gimmick. I think they add extra wetted surface, the wings cause eddies and turbulence (drag) when the boat is pitching in waves, and they truly are a pain in groundings.

[SaltyMonkey]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Let me dispel those opinions for you...

Looks like it rolled in the mud. Thanks for sharing. Carry on SA.

[Celestialsailor]

I think it rocked on a sand bar. Not the first one I've seen damaged.

[bobconnie]

We sailed our Junk rigged colvin schooner with 4ft 8 in draft around the globe, Never had a problem, don't like windward, or downwind sailin, so we never did it! Worked for us !!

[Stu Jackson]

Doesn't any new questioner ever read a book about sailboats?

Nigel Calder: Cruisers Handbook

and many others.

Guess it's always easier to ask on a Forum than doing some homework or research.

[Steve Pope]

Alloy CB best of both worlds.
Many NZ keeler designs have 1.8m draft as std and go to windward well, 1.7 is a tad less but shouldn't be an issue.

[Celestialsailor]

Well...I suppose it's better getting the input of many sailors on a forum in a few minutes of reading than it is one person input. writing a book.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Well...I suppose it's better getting the input of many sailors on a forum in a few minutes of reading than it is one person input. writing a book.

Yes, I suppose you're right.

What's the BEST anchor?

What's the best keel?

What's the best boat length?

How big a boat should I get for my FIRST boat?

What kind of automobile should I get for my first one, except for VWs?

Who should I marry, Mom?

Ask away...

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Yes, I suppose you're right.

What's the BEST anchor?

What's the best keel?

What's the best boat length?

How big a boat should I get for my FIRST boat?

What kind of automobile should I get for my first one, except for VWs?

Who should I marry, Mom?

Ask away...

Ha ha...you don't know how many times, I have said the same thing...especially since we have a search function that will bring up the 50 threads on the same topic.