what is a yacht keel

What Does the Keel Do?

Beginner Sailing

But boats with “built-down” keels as described above tend to be slow-ish, so most modern sailboats use “fin” keels. These high-performance, low-drag appendages are usually cast in lead and bolted to the flattish bottom of the hull; some fiberglass boats have a stub molded into the bottom and the ballast is bolted to that. Most fin keels look like the wings of fighter jets, while others—those on America’s Cup yachts, for example—resemble abstract sculptures, and you wonder what holds them on.
Fin keels not only provide ballast, but are more efficient than built-down keels at preventing “leeway”—sideways movement of the boat caused by the wind on the sails. Leeway is a problem especially when the boat’s sailing “to windward,” or into the wind, and sailboats almost always make a little bit of leeway—maybe just a few degrees. But that’s enough to create an “angle of attack” between the water flow and the fin, which in turn creates a pressure differential between the two sides of the fin. This is just like the lift created by wind moving across an airplane wing, or blowing over a sail, but it’s happening under the boat. The keel is drawn toward the lower-pressure side, which, fortunately, is the windward side. Therefore the fin keel tries to pull itself, and the boat, into the wind, thereby negating almost all of the wind-induced leeway, leaving just enough to continue to create lift around the keel.

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What is a Sailboat Keel?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

The keel protrudes from the bottom of the sailboat hull. Sailboats utilize a long keel, skeg, or blade to keep a straight course under sail.

The keel is one of the most important parts of the sailboat structure, and it's often the first major piece to be laid down during construction. The keel is the backbone of the boat and often contains a significant amount of ballast to keep the boat stable. There are several types of sailboat keels.

Table of contents

How Sailboat Keels Work

In simple terms, the keel of a sailboat acts as a water foil to keep the boat on a straight course. The protruding keel of a sailboat serves the same function as a centerboard or a leeboard with additional structural integrity.

But why do sailboats need a long keel when powerboats use a flat keel? Sailboats don't always navigate with the wind directly behind them. If they did, there would be no need for an extended keel. In other words, sailboats can sail in almost any direction to the wind because the keel helps convert angled force into forward motion. Without the keel, strong side winds would simply push the boat sideways or flip it over.

Keels also provide additional stability and allow the boat to heel over without capsizing. Long, heavy keels reduce rolling in rough weather, and thin, sporty keels reduce friction and increase speed in lighter winds. Next, we'll cover the most common types of sailboat keels and their uses.

Sailboat Keel Types

Designers and engineers have perfected the design of sailboat keels over the years. Keel types vary between boats based on size and the intended purpose of the boat. Fixed keels, which are used on medium and large sailboats, include full keels, modified full keels, fin keels, bilge keels, wing keels, and bulb keels .

Traditional sailboats often utilize a full (or 'deep') keel. This long and heavy keel flows with the shape of the vessel and extends far below the bilge level of the hull. Full keels run the length of the boat, and they're typically deepest at the stern of the vessel. The rudder often runs deep and matches the length of the keel.

Deep keel sailboats are often heavier and displace more water than other boats of similar length. They often have a very deep draft as well, making shallow-water cruising off-limits in many cases. That said, deep keels offer an enormous amount of stability and seaworthiness. Full keels offer the most comfort in rough weather.

Deep displacement hulls are excellent in heavy weather. They're also quite stable at extreme angles, as the added weight and depth of the hull make knockdowns less likely. However, some full keel designs have a tendency to heel violently to a certain angle, which makes some sailors uncomfortable. The 'sweet spot' angle of a full-keel boat is often a bit more dramatic than some would prefer.

Modified Full Keel

The modified full keel is a slightly modernized version of the old-fashioned displacement hull. It runs long and deep like a standard full keel but stops short of the bow and stern. Modified full keels are common, and they likely produce less drag than traditional deep keels.

One benefit of the modified full keel is a reduction in heeling. These vessels offer good all-around performance, but they're not designed for shallow water. Like the full keel, the rudder runs deep along the length of the modified keel. Modified keelboats are quite comfortable at sea, but nothing beats a full keel.

Fin keels are quite common on modern boats, and they range in size in depth dramatically. Fin keels are generally mounted from the center of a round-bottom sailboat and extend several feet below the base of the hull. At their base, fin keels are usually no longer than 1/3 of the vessel's waterline length.

Fin keels generally offer superior windward performance compared to full keels. They can be designed to reduce heeling, which can improve occupant comfort in some weather conditions. Fin keels are often made of steel, filled with lead, or weighted down in some way. This additional ballast improves stability and balances the boat.

Speed is another major advantage of the fin keel design. Fin keel sailboats achieve incredible speeds thanks to reduced drag. Racing boats often employ fin keels, but the benefits aren't limited to competition craft. Adding a few knots of speed on a long voyage can shave days off your arrival time, which is why fin keel sailboats are popular for ocean crossings.

Fin keels often run as deep or deeper than full and modified full keels. Sailors need to keep this in mind, as running aground with a fin keel can damage more than just the bottom of the boat. Fin keels are designed for coastal and bluewater cruising. And while fin keels are suitable for bluewater sailing, they can be less comfortable than full keels in inclement weather.

Skeg Rudder Fin Keel

Some fin keels feature a skeg rudder. This type of rudder runs deep and often matches the depth of the keel. But unlike a full keel, a skeg rudder is often separated from the keel itself by a gap. Sometimes, the keel re-emerges right before the rudder. This offers additional protection for the rudder.

Spade Rudder Fin Keel

The fastest fin keel design utilizes a spade rudder and a long, thin knife-like keel. A fin keel with a spade rudder has the least amount of drag and therefore outpaces all other keel designs virtually. However, speed comes at a cost. Windward performance suffers, and so does rough water comfort.

Additionally, sailboats with these types of fin keel have no extra rudder protection. Any contact with the bottom can shear the rudder clean off. Rough water and debris are also quite unwelcome and sometimes pose a serious threat. That said, these boats are superior for racing and traveling on the clock.

A bulb keel can be considered a type of fin keel, but this design deserves its own category. Bulb keels are excellent for shoal-draft boats, as they reduce draft without sacrificing a significant amount of performance.

Bulb keels are shortened fin keels with a torpedo-shaped bulb at the base. The bulb increases the surface area of the fin without significantly increasing its depth and also stores the required lead ballast to maintain stability.

Additionally, bulb keels are less vulnerable to grounding than traditional fin keels. For one, they're shallower and less likely to touch the bottom in the first place. But unlike fin keels and full keels, they're blunt—that means they won't cut into the seafloor like a blade, and they're easy to free from the muck.

The concept behind the wing keel is the same as the bulb keel, but the execution is a little bit different. Wing keels are short fin keels with horizontal outcroppings at the base. From the front or rear, wing keels look like an upside-down 'T' mounted to the base of the boat. They're great for shallow water, and they offer reasonable stability and windward performance.

Bilge keels are indeed multiple keels. The bilge keel is perhaps the most brilliant shoal draft adaptation for fixed-keel designs. Instead of a single long keel in the center, bilge keel sailboats feature two short keel fins on either side of the hull. They're mounted at opposite angles, reducing draft and coming into vertical alignment when the boat heels.

Twin-keel boat performance varies widely, but these vessels can be impressively seaworthy. Grounding isn't the end of the world, as bilge keels allow the boat to rest flat on the mud without digging in. With twin bilge keels, there's no need to sweat it when the tide goes out.

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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What is a Boat Keel? & What Does It Do? – Detailed Explanation

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

Knowing the different parts of a boat is important for any mariner. If you look at your vessel exterior, one of the things that’s noticeable is the keel. But what is a boat keel and what does it do?

The keel is a horizontal structure at the bottom section of the hull, which acts as the boat’s main support. We’ll cover keel definition boat use and other relevant information.

Keep reading to learn more.

Table of Contents

The Boat Keel and What It Does

6. centerboard and swing, frequently asked questions.

The keel of a boat is a beam that acts as structural support for the hull and entire vessel. It has many types, and varying designs lead to differences in appearance, with some being longer and extending deeper into the water.

However, serving as support for the hull is not the only purpose of a keel on a boat. It also counterbalances a vessel, which helps to keep it in place and not be displaced by external factors. It is also partially responsible for moving a boat forward and aids steering.

The keel of a ship functions similarly to the keel on boat, serving as the backbone and ballast. It is often the first thing to be constructed on a ship.

Types of Keels

This type usually covers the entire length of the vessel and is one of the most common types used. This keel offers a high degree of safety, owing to its very stable performance along with the ability to run through sand without breaking off.

This is similar to the full keel but shorter, running less than 50% of the length of a vessel. This difference allows it to contribute to a boat’s ability to turn while also giving improvements to its speed. This type is commonly found in racing models.

This keel boat part is similar to the fin, except for the bulb attachment at the bottom, which resembles a torpedo.

The shape of the bulb also makes it less likely to be damaged by contact with rocks, and this type is excellent for cruising.

This design extends the length of the keel, making it similar in appearance to an airplane wing. This design allows a vessel to turn and maneuver more easily, but it is more susceptible to breaking or digging into the ground.

Instead of just one at the center, the bilge keel has one for each side of the hull. A vessel with this type of keel has less roll, which gives better comfort on the water. It also has a lower draft and allows easier anchoring on shallow waters.

These are two different types of keels but are grouped because of their similarities in design. These can adjust their length, making them usable for both deep and shallow water. However, centerboards only partially retract, while swing types have their entire length fully adjustable.

These have the advantage of adjustability but less performance, and they also have more components that require checking compared to fixed keels.

This is similar to the swing keel in that its entire length is connected to a hinge at the bottom of a sailboat but adjusts from side to side, starboard to port, and vice versa.

It can boost speed and maneuverability by wetted surface reduction and weight shifting. This is often used for racing vessels but is still considered experimental as there is a high rate of failure due to its reliance on hydraulics.

Hull and keel: what is the difference?

The keel hull confusion likely stems from the fact that the keel is often part of the hull. However, they are two entirely different things, since the hull is the main body of the boat while the keel is a beam that is connected to the bottom of the hull and may extend farther down from it.

Do all boats have a keel?

Most boats do, but not all boats, as flat-bottomed ones are the exception. The keel boat Lewis and Clark Expedition used in 1803 is a well-known example. This was a barge, a type of flat-bottom vessel that was a boat without a keel.

How is the keel of the boat different from the keel at the bottom of a ship?

Both ships and boats have keels that function in similar ways, but how they are constructed and even the keel shape are different. While most types of sailboat keel are fin-like in appearance, a keel ship needs to be much wider to be able to support the entire ship’s size.

Knowing what is a boat keel is a very important matter that you should no longer have trouble with. Now, you can move on to learning other major parts of vessels. Just remember to consider the draft and use a boat keel guard to safeguard your vessel.

Which type of keel is best in your opinion? Tell us all about it in the comments section below. We’ll be waiting to hear from you.

Remember to boat safely.

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Boat Keel: Enhancing Stability and Performance on the Water

Boat Keel: Enhancing Stability and Performance on the Water

The keel of a boat plays a vital role in ensuring stability, maneuverability, and overall performance on the water. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a novice enthusiast, understanding the significance of the boat keel and its various aspects can greatly enhance your sailing experience. In this article, we will delve into the different types of boat keels, their functions, and the impact they have on sailboats. So, let's set sail and explore the intriguing world of boat keels.

1. Introduction

Picture yourself gliding through the water on a sailboat, the wind filling the sails and propelling you forward. Amidst this exhilarating experience, the keel quietly works beneath the water's surface, providing stability and balance. Understanding the keel's role and its various types will not only enhance your knowledge but also help you make informed decisions when choosing a sailboat.

2. What is a Boat Keel?

The keel of a boat refers to a structural element attached to the bottom of the hull. It extends downward into the water and acts as a counterbalance to the forces acting on the sails and the boat itself. The keel provides lateral resistance, preventing excessive sideways movement (known as leeway), and reduces the boat's tendency to be pushed sideways by the wind.

3. The Importance of Boat Keels

Boat keels serve several essential purposes that contribute to the overall performance and safety of a sailboat. They provide stability by lowering the center of gravity, allowing the boat to resist tipping or capsizing. Additionally, keels enhance upwind performance, as they generate lift to counteract the sideways force caused by the wind.

4. Types of Boat Keels

4.1 fixed keels.

Fixed keels, as the name suggests, are permanently attached to the boat's hull. They come in various shapes and sizes, offering different benefits depending on the sailing conditions and the type of boat. Fixed keels provide excellent stability and are commonly found on larger sailboats designed for cruising and offshore sailing.

4.2 Retractable Keels

Retractable keels, also known as swing keels or lifting keels, offer the advantage of variable draft. These keels can be raised or lowered as needed, allowing the boat to access shallow waters where fixed keel boats cannot navigate. Retractable keels provide versatility and are commonly found on trailerable sailboats or boats designed for coastal cruising.

4.3 Wing Keels

Wing keels are characterized by their wing-like shape, with bulbous extensions on each side. They are designed to maximize lift and reduce drag, enhancing the sailboat's performance. Wing keels are often found on modern sailboats, especially those used for racing or high-performance sailing.

4.4 Bilge Keels

Bilge keels consist of two keels, one on each side of the hull. They provide additional lateral stability, allowing the boat to remain upright even when aground or in shallow waters. Bilge keels are commonly found on smaller sailboats, particularly those used in tidal areas or for coastal cruising.

4.5 Fin Keels

Fin keels are long, narrow keels that offer excellent performance and maneuverability. They are commonly found on modern sailboats designed for racing or performance cruising. Fin keels provide good upwind performance and allow the boat to make tight turns with ease.

4.6 Full Keels

Full keels extend the entire length of the boat, offering exceptional stability and tracking ability. They are commonly found on traditional or classic sailboats designed for long-distance cruising or offshore passages. Full keels provide a smooth and steady motion through the water, making them ideal for those seeking a comfortable sailing experience.

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5. How Keels Affect Stability

One of the key functions of the boat keel is to provide stability. The keel's weight lowers the boat's center of gravity, making it less prone to tipping or heeling excessively. This stability is particularly important when sailing in rough or windy conditions, as it helps maintain balance and prevents the boat from capsizing.

6. Keel Design Considerations

When designing boat keels, several factors come into play to ensure optimal performance and safety. Here are some key considerations:

6.1 Keel Weight

The weight of the keel affects the boat's stability. Heavier keels provide greater stability, but they may sacrifice performance. Finding the right balance between stability and performance is crucial, considering the intended use of the boat.

6.2 Keel Shape

Keel shape plays a significant role in determining the boat's performance characteristics. Different keel shapes generate varying levels of lift, resistance, and maneuverability. The keel shape should be tailored to the boat's purpose, whether it's racing, cruising, or offshore sailing.

6.3 Center of Gravity

The keel's position and center of gravity greatly impact the boat's stability. A well-placed keel ensures a balanced distribution of weight throughout the boat, reducing the risk of heeling or capsizing. Proper weight distribution also contributes to better performance and handling.

6.4 Ballast

Many boat keels incorporate ballast, which is additional weight located at the bottom of the keel. Ballast provides even more stability by lowering the boat's center of gravity. Common ballast materials include lead and iron, which offer density and weight to counterbalance the forces acting on the boat.

7. The Impact of Keels on Performance

Boat keels have a significant influence on a sailboat's performance. Depending on the keel type, they can affect speed, maneuverability, and responsiveness. Keels designed for racing sailboats prioritize performance and lift, allowing the boat to sail closer to the wind and maintain higher speeds. Conversely, keels designed for cruising prioritize stability and comfort, ensuring a smooth and predictable sailing experience.

8. Common Terminology Related to Keels

8.1 keeling over.

Keeling over refers to the act of a sailboat leaning or heeling to one side due to wind or external forces. This natural occurrence is countered by the keel's ability to provide stability and prevent excessive heeling.

8.2 Capsizing

Capsizing refers to the event of a boat overturning or flipping entirely. Capsizing can be caused by various factors, such as strong winds, improper weight distribution, or sudden shifts in weight. Proper keel design and appropriate sailing techniques significantly reduce the risk of capsizing.

8.3 Ballast

Ballast refers to the additional weight incorporated into the boat's keel to enhance stability. It counteracts the forces acting on the boat, such as wind and waves, preventing excessive movement and ensuring a safe and comfortable sailing experience.

9. Conclusion

The boat keel is an essential component that significantly contributes to a sailboat's stability, performance, and safety. Understanding the different types of boat keels, their functions, and their impact on sailing will empower you to make informed decisions when choosing a sailboat that suits your needs and preferences. So, whether you're an avid sailor or someone considering embarking on a sailing adventure, embrace the fascinating world of boat keels and set sail with confidence.

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Importance Of Ship’s Keel and Types Of Keel

The keel of a ship is similar to the spinal cord of humans. As the spine functions to keep our backbone upright by linking and supporting our body, the keel is the primary structural member and backbone of the vessel which runs along the centreline of the bottom plate around which the hull of the ship is built. It is the main longitudinal component of the ship to which every other main structural item is connected directly or indirectly.

Keel is a plate which runs longitudinally from stem to stern of the ship and has slightly more thickness than the adjoining plates as the ship sits on this area in the blocks during construction as well as in dry docks.

Related Read: Dry Docking of Ships – Understanding Stability And Docking Plan

Importance of Keel in Ship’s Operation

1) Under keel clearance: It is the vertical clearance between the deepest point of the ship in the water and the seabed. It is important to calculate the under-keel clearance of vessel to avoid grounding of the ship . Safe under keel clearance helps the ship to manoeuvre so that no damage to the hull occurs due to hull impact on the ground.

Under-keel clearance is calculated as follows:

UKC = (Charted Depth of Water + Height of Tide) –(Draft)

Charted Dept of water is the distance from chart datum to the seabed. Chart datum is merely a reference point from which all the depts on the chart are measured. Charted dept is not the actual depth of water. Actual depth of water will be from the waterline to the seabed, not from chart datum to the seabed. Therefore, seafarers need to add the height of the tide.

Related Read: How Squat, Bank and Bank Cushion Effects Influence Ships in Restricted Waters?

Charted Dept plus the height of tide will give the total dept of water, minus the draft of the vessel will provide under-keel clearance. On the basis of under-keel clearance, we can decide whether is it safe to go in the area or not.

2) Keel Laying: Laying the keel is the first part of a ship’s hull construction and the day is often marked with a ceremony known as keel laying ceremony. Keel related traditions from older times are said to bring good luck to the ship during the construction process and to the captain and crew during the vessel’s sea life.

It is attended by ship owners and shipbuilding dignitaries and is considered as a significant moment in shipbuilding process. Keel laying also has importance in many IMO conventions as it’s the date the construction of the ship starts.

According to SOLAS Chapter 5, ‘constructed’ concerning ship means a stage of construction where the keel is laid. Keel laying date is taken reference for various classification surveys, inspections, modifications, etc.

Related Read: Points To Consider While Preparing For Load Line Survey On Ships

Types of Keel

There are three types of keel namely flat keel, bar keel, and duct keel.

Flat Keel is a solid plate which is supported by frames running around the vessel. It is thicker than the adjoining plates and must be of full uniform thickness for 3/5th length amidship. It may gradually reduce towards ends of the ship and is most common in a majority of ocean-going vessels.

Flat plate keel may be fitted with the single bottom hull or with the double bottom hull. In single bottom hull construction, the flat keel plate forms an ‘I’ section with a vertical longitudinal centreline plate on top of it and a horizontal plate above the longitudinal beam. The vertical longitudinal beam is known as Keelson plate, and the vertical plate above it is known as the Rider plate. In double bottom construction, flat plate keel forms a strong ‘I’ section with the vertical plate commonly called the centre girder and the horizontal plate being part of the tank top.

Related Read : Designing A Ship’s Bottom Structure – A General Overview

A steel bar is placed at the centre of the keel called bar keel. It consists of a bar which is supported by frames running around the vessel. It was used primitively when shipbuilding changed from wood to steel . The bar keel is made up of a flat steel bar or a steel plate of depth and thickness built to classification society requirements. It is stronger and heavier than the flat keel. Steel plates on either side of the bar keel are known as garboard strake.

It is found mostly on single bottom hulls supported by solid floors with or without center keelson plate. It is less common on new ships and is more common on smaller vessels like ferries, tugs , and boats where grounding is more of a risk. Bar keel doesn’t provide sufficient strength for large ships as there is no direct connection between the keel and the floors. Hence flat plate keels have replaced bar keels on large vessels.

Duct keel is provided in double bottom hull ships and consists of solid plates welded into a box shape, forming an internal watertight passage running along the length of the ship, usually from collision bulkhead to forward engine room bulkhead. It is formed by two longitudinal girders which should not be less than 1.83 m apart.

Related Read: Understanding Watertight Bulkheads In Ships

Following are the advantages of Duct keel:

1) They are a higher strength compared to other types of the keel as they give excellent resistance to loads due to its box structure.

2) It allows protected cables, bunker pipelines, and ballast pipelines to run fore and aft beneath the cargo spaces. This allows the pipelines to be easily inspected even when cargo is loaded.

3) It is possible to carry oil and water pipes in the duct to prevent contamination, which could occur if the pipes passed through cargo tanks.

4) It acts like a cofferdam and is provided with a sounding pipe to detect any leakage.

It is very important to carry out duct keel inspection on a regular basis. Duct keels have bunker and ballast pipelines running along its full length and connecting to various bunker storage tanks and ballast tanks. Any leakage from these pipelines can cause severe problems and risk the safety of the ship. Hence it is necessary to carry out periodic inspections of the duct keel.

Precautions before entering Pipe Duct Keel.

1) Open the inlet and outlet ventilation flaps for duct keel. The flaps will be present on the deck near to the collision bulkhead at the start of the tunnel and near to the engine room forward bulkhead at the end of the tunnel.

2) Start the duct keel fan. It may be one in number or two depending on the size and volume of duct keel. The fan can be switched on from ship’s control centre or from the bridge.

3) Switch on the lights for pipe duct. This can be done from the bridge or from ship’s control centre. Enough illumination should be present before entry.

4) Open the entry hatch cover for pipe duct keel. Let it be open and allow it to ventilate for minimum 15 minutes for proper circulation of fresh air inside.

Related Read: Procedure for Entering an Enclosed Space on a Ship

5) Prior entry to duct keel, duty officer has to be informed. One person has to be present standby at the entry of duct keel to communicate with the person inside.

Inspections to be carried out in the duct keel:

1) One of the main problems in pipe duct keel is leakage from flexible coupling in bunker lines. In between Bunker pipeline are expansion joins or flexible couplings, whose purpose is to resist the ship’s flexing when ship is under heavy sea loads. During rolling and pitching, the flexible couple loosen and results into leakage of fuel in duct keel. It is important to check every flexible coupling visually during inspection and tighten them if found loose.

Related Read: Ship Stability – What Makes a Ship Unstable?

2) Visually inspect the condition of lagging over bunker pipelines. There are heat tracing lines under the insulation lagging to keep the bunker warm inside. These heat tracing lines can be steam lines or electric heat tracing lines.

3) Check the working of bilge alarms . There is duct keel forward bilge alarm and duct keel aft bilge well alarm. If any leakage causes overflow in duct keel, the bilge well will fill up and give alarm. Thus, it is important to make sure bilge alarms are working.

4) Visually check the condition of bunker remote valve. These valves are very critical and important as they are used to transfer bunker from storage tanks to settling tank. They are operated remotely and can be operated manually in case of remote operation failure.

After Inspection of Duct Keel

1) Make sure the bilge alarm floats are back to normal position and not stuck.

2) After coming out of pipe duct keel, switch off the fan as the continuous running of the fan may have the risk of burning the motor.

3) Closing the inlet and outlet flaps for ventilation is important. This is often forgotten, and during rains, water seeps inside the motor and decrease its insulation resistance and often results into the burning of the motor.

It is necessary to carry out an inspection at least once a month. As the duct keel is long, many ships have track and trolley arrangement to move along the duct. The trolley also aids to carry heavy things in the confined space. Make sure you lock the movement of the trolley with the help of a simple pin lock arrangement provided after use, or else it will keep moving freely when the ship is pitching and get damaged. There are also lights throughout the duct keel and not less than 50% of them should be from emergency switchboard. Duct keel has two accesses, one from the forward of the engine room and other from the collision bulkhead. The access hatch should always be closed when at sea.

How to Tackle Duct Keel Flooding?

Duct keel is a space which is not often inspected by the ship’s crew. A sounding pipe is usually provided in the engine room to ensure the duct keel is dry at all times. As it carries several pipelines for various purpose (Ballast, Fuel, steam etc.), a leakage in any of the pipe may lead to flooding of the duct keel and may cause serious stability issues if not corrected. There have been cases of the ship being capsized due to the flooding of the duct keel.

Following steps to be taken in case of duct keel flooding:

1. Never block the duct keel alarm

2. In case of major flooding, sound the general emergency alarm and invite manpower, inform the Master , Chief Engineer, and bridge

3. Keep checking the sounding of the duct keel frequently and measure the rate of increase in the level to asses the leak

Related Read: How and Why to Take Manual Sounding On Ship?

4. Keep a track on earth fault alarms and do not take them lightly as electrical wiring also passes through duct keel

5. If the leakage rate is manageable, a portable pump can be used to pump out the bilges from the duct keel to sludge or bilge tank, depending upon the content of the keel

6. To check the area of the leakage, ensure the bilge level inside the duct keel is kept minimum by continuous pumping

7. A responsible ship officer must go inside the duct keel and check for the location of the leakage

8. Ensure to ventilate the duct keel by supplying fresh air through provided fans. An oil leakage in the duct keel may cause hydrocarbon vapour to accumulate inside the duct keel

9. Ensure to take similar precautions of entering an enclosed space and keeping rescue equipment and breathing apparatus ready before the entry

10. Use the trolley to travel in the keel and to locate the leak

11. If the bilge inside the keel is at a higher level and human entry is ambiguous, the ship can be ballasted to increase the aft trim

12. The officer then can enter from the forward or from the mid, depending upon the accessibility and bilge level

13. Once the leakage is located, try to repair it at the earliest or isolate the point of leakage

14. If the line/valve/tank cannot be isolated, empty the tank content from which the leakage is happening

15. If the tank from which the leakage is connected, cannot be emptied or isolated, the ship should continuously monitor the duct keel sounding

16. It is always advisable to keep all the access manholes shut and tight as a small leakage may turn to more prominent leakage leading to ingress of water in the engine or pump room in no time

Provision of a bilge suction pipe shall be made to prevent the flooding of duct keel in the event of the pipe being severed or otherwise damaged through collision or grounding. In case of duct keel flooding, after getting the approval of Master and Chief engineer, open the bilge suction valve to tackle the emergency.

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What is Keel on Ships and Boat? Types of Keel Explained!

The keel of a boat is an essential part of the structure of a vessel. It keeps the vessel stable and prevents the vessel from being overturned into water. The keel of a vessel is typically found at the bottom of a vessel, mostly a fin-like structure, that rests on the seabed, progressing downwards from the hull.

It helps distribute the weight across the entire surface of the vessel and supports it to remain upright even during rough weather conditions in the sea. It also has an important role in terms of the steering of a vessel, and it is only a fact that the keel is a vital component of the hull.

The keel of a boat helps in the overall control of its navigation, primarily in terms of providing longitudinal stability by letting it move forward and backward without losing control of the vessel. Another component of the vessel, other than the keel, providing lateral stability is the ‘rudder’, which is also an essential part of the hull.

Mechanism of the Keel

The keel consists of a flat foot in the bottom center of a vessel with a flat edge. On either side of the structure lies the ballast stones, which are essentially two round weights. These ballast stones are connected to the keel with the help of an iron rod. The ballast stones consist of lead. Thus, the weight supplied by the lead balls in the ballast stones keeps the boat from capsizing.

The keel of a ship

The keel of a ship lay generally underneath the ship, all throughout its length. Just like how the backbone is to us human beings, so is the keel to a ship. It is the primary component of a ship. It is the first thing that is placed on the blocks during the construction of the ship .

Types of Keels on Boats

Bulb keels are relatively new to the craft and is found to be more practical and resourceful, carrying many advantages over traditional keels. The structure of a bulb keel is often a trimmed cone shape connected to the bottom of the boat’s hull.

The bulbous shape of the structure adds more lift, buoyancy, and stability to the boat compared to other traditional keels, thereby giving the boat more responsiveness and control. It also helps increase its speed and efficiency.

Since the structure is made out of fiberglass or aluminum, it is usually lightweight. This gives them a better edge at having the options of both horizontal and vertical attachment to the hull.

Ballasted Keel to Full keel:

Unlike other keel structures, this one is weighted down using ballas stones usually made of lead balls, in order to achieve stability for the boat. It is commonly used in the making of sailboats. The ballast stones can be made of not just lead but even iron or concrete. The ballast stones provide stability to the boat by weighing it down and distributing this weight across the surface of the boat preventing It from capsizing over rough waters.

Fin keels, in recent times, are also widely used components in the structure of a boat. It is the least complex, in terms of structure but still holds great benefits. It usually comprises one or more number of straight fins, made of metal.

When found in sailboats and kayaks, they are vertical and when it comes to motorboats and small fishing boats , they are horizontal.

These keels are widely found to be used on sailboats. The fins go parallel to the center of the boat and using a pulley system, it is made to move up and down.

Twin Fin Keel:

They are similar to fin keels but it is a compact structure of exactly two fins. It is said to protect the boat from tipping over into the water by providing stability. Sailing boaters prefer the usage of twin keel sailboats as, it gives them great control over the vessel, making it easier to maneuver. They are best fit for all sailing conditions, be it rough or calm.

Bilge Keel:

A bilge keel extends to the seabed from the hull. It is a thin, long, and shallow structure also known as “keel fins”. In order to reduce the amount of spin, bilge keels are fitted to the bottom of the boat using twin hulls.

They also help with improved stability. This type of keel is often used in the structure of large vessels as it reduces the chances of the boat heeling or tilting from one side during unfortunate weather on the sea.

Foiling Keel:

A foiling keel is part of recent times innovations. They are made of carbon fiber. Unlike most types of keels, this kind is mounted on top of the boat.

Skeg or Centreboard Keel:

A Skeg keel is a hybrid structure made of two different types of keels. These keels are mounted in the front portion of the boat and consist of a daggerboard and a centerboard. They both function by preventing the boat from slipping forward and slipping sideways.

The skeg provides stability for the boat to go over rough waters. The amount of water over the top of the boat, also known as freeload is maintained relatively very low with the addition of a centerboard on the boat.

Types of Keels on Ships

It is the foremost type of keel constructed on ships made of iron. But they carry the disadvantage of not providing the big vessels with sufficient strength and stability. The keel consists of a bar placed in the center of the keel.

The bar keel is attached to either side of the hull and these ends are known as Garboard strake. The depth of a bar usually falls between 3 to 6 times its own width. Bar keels are mostly useful for vessels that are vulnerable to grounding, for example- ferries or boats.

Duct keels are also known as “box keels”. Throughout the length of the keel, it allows pipes and other services. These keels are mounted between the front portion of the engine room bulkhead and the aft of the collision bulkhead. Duct keels are placed in double-bottom hull ships . The structure of a duct keel is made of solid plates welded into a box shape.

These box keels then create an internal watertight passage running longitudinal to the length of the vessel. Access to a duct keel is usually done through a watertight manhole at the forward end of the machinery space.

Flat keels are a modern invention utilized across all types of sea vessels. The structure is made of a solid plate, supported by frames surrounding the vessel. They are flexible to be fitted onto vessels using both a single bottom and a double bottom hull. Flat keels must be of a full uniform thickness of exactly 3/5th of length, toward the center of the ship. It should also be thicker than the adjoining plates.

Keels are a vital part of any vessel, boat, or ship, large or small. It provides a vessel with stability and strength. Keels impart easy maneuvering capabilities for your vessel.

It protects the vessel from tipping over into the water, while also protecting it from slipping forward or sideways. The choice of keel used in a vessel determines its performance of the vessel. The right choice of keel can protect the vessel from having a compromised ocean capability.

New innovation provides pragmatic techniques and engineering that uses materials of high quality and capacity in the making of different types of keels. If you are unsure of the choice of the keel to be used on your vessel, consulting a professional is important.

About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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What is a keelboat?

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Learn To Sail , Sailboats

There is a pretty good chance that the sailboat you have in your mind is a keelboat. Your imagination most likely recalls a schooner, and that most likely is a keelboat.

So, What is a Keelboat?

A keelboat has a keel, a fixed appendage on the bottom of the hull that provides the sideways resistance needed to counter the force of the wind on the sails. The keel also carries ballast, usually iron or lead, the weight of which counteracts the force of the wind that causes a sailboat to heel, or lean over. On a modern boat, the keel is shaped in the form of an airfoil wing to generate lift, which helps it sail closer to the wind.

It is important to understand that not all sailboats are keelboats. In a typical marina it may appear as if all boats are generally alike but there are differences.

What is a Sailing Dinghy

Sailing dinghies are in abundance especially during the summer months when sailing schools have large groups of young sailors on the water. A dinghy is a small sailboat, usually under 20 feet long and open for most of its length. A dinghy has neither a keel nor ballast. To resist sideways movement it has a centerboard or a daggerboard that can be lowered or raised as needed. A centerboard pivots up and down within its trunk; a daggerboard slides up and down vertically. To resist heeling, sailing dinghies use live ballast — the crew sitting out on the edge of the boat.

What is a Multihull

Multihulls are boats with more than one hull, and have their origins in the craft used by indigenous Pacific Islanders. Their distant descendants, modern catamarans (two hulls) and trimarans (three hulls), can be very fast or very roomy, depending on whether they have been designed for speed or comfort.

The Difference Between a Monohull and a Multihull?

In case you are wondering what the inside looks like. You can see what a modern keelboat might look like compared to a multihull catamaran.

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Yachting Monthly

Digital edition

Why twin keels are making a comeback

Theo Stocker
March 20, 2019

French boat builders are leading the way with versatile new twin keel boats. Theo Stocker went to discover the appeal and how to dry out in style

Twin keels allow you to explore further afield

There are a significant number of sailors who prefer boats that can take the ground

Bilge keels can be a divisive topic. While it might seem like the majority of new boat buyers are in favour of fin keels, there is a significant undercurrent of sailors who prefer boats that can take the ground.

While fin keels offer a deeper centre of gravity, marginally less drag and more lateral resistance, making them theoretically better at sailing to windward, they are a relatively recent development and it’s not long since all yachts were long-keeled and could comfortably dry out on legs or alongside a harbour wall.

In the tidal waters of the UK, where drying harbours and half-tide creeks abound, the ability to dry out can vastly increase both your potential cruising grounds, and the cost and location of your home berth.

There are a wealth of shallow draft cruisers available on the second-hand market today.

Moody, Westerly and Hunter all produced enormously popular bilge keel models, while Southerly, Parker, Feeling, Ovni and Allures have been making lift keel and swing keel yachts for years.

Twin keels allow you to go further afield

Drying out opens up new cruising grounds

Latterly, it is the French centre-board yachts that have proved most popular for the adventurous sailor keen to get off the beaten track. That may explain why bilge keels have rather waned.

There are some new kids on the block, however, that are reinvigorating the concept.

Most notably, La Rochelle-based RM yachts offer a range of epoxy-infused plywood boats that can take the ground between their two keels and a weight-bearing rudder.

Hot on the heels of these French class leaders are Brittany yard Marée Haute and their Django brand, which produces lightweight GRP pocket cruisers from six metres up to 12 metres.

While they offer deep fin and lift keel options, it is their twin keeled versions that are currently proving most popular. So where better than Brittany to go for a test sail?

We went along to try drying out in the latest incarnation of these new and interesting twin keel cruisers.

BILGE KEEL OR TWIN KEELS?

There have been many design variations that come broadly under the term bilge keels. Strictly speaking, bilge keels are in addition to a long central keel, fitted near the bilge, where the hull turns from the bottom to the side of the boat.

Traditionally, these were non-structural, shallow and long, largely intended to reduce rolling. Twin keels, in contrast, replace the central keel entirely and the boat is structurally adapted to make these the main ballast-bearing hull appendages.

Some early twin keel moldings simply added two shallow-draught keels either side of the centreline, at right angles to the waterline and parallel to the centreline, but these boats often tended to sag to leeward when sailing upwind, and sometimes lacked the proper hull reinforcement at the attachment points.

More modern twin keels tend to be much better hydrodynamically aligned and, some argue, provide at least as much lateral resistance as a single keel, though in theory, more drag.

A boat with two keels will tend to be heavier because of the additional reinforcement needed to bear the loads of the ballast and of drying out, and will usually have a higher centre of gravity because of their reduced draught. Again, modern construction, narrow-chord keels and ballast bulbs all help to reduce these effects.

1 FINDING A SPOT

The art of drying out is all about finding the right spot to take the bottom. In an ideal world, you would find somewhere that is totally sheltered.

Luckily, when drying out you can tuck in much further than you normally would, but you don’t want any swell coming through that will lift the boat and drop her on her keels in the crucial moments that she is settling down, or refloating as the tide returns.

Most twin keelers will be designed to withstand some wave action on the keels, but you don’t want to push it. You then need to find an area of seabed that’s as level as possible. Despite the fact that you are suspending the boat’s weight at over a metre’s height, the wide set keels ensure she is very stable, so unless you are on rocks, you should be fine.

Finding a sheltered anchorage without too much swell is vital when drying out. Credit: Alamy

The type of bottom makes a difference too. Rocks will tend to be uneven and could damage the keels, although smaller stones won’t be a problem.

Gravel, sand or mud are ideal and will normally be pretty level. Hard sand is the ideal as you will then be able to walk to and from your boat with ease at low tide, but it’s worth having a pair of wellies on board for the inevitable muddy puddles that will be left as the water recedes.

Before you decide to dry out, it’s crucial to plan ahead. You might have enough water to get in on this tide, but you don’t want to get neaped if the tides are dropping off.

Similarly, have a look at the forecast. If the wind is forecast to change while you are dried out, check that the anchorage will remain protected.

Don’t forget to note the barometric pressure and general wind direction, which can have a significant impact on the predicted tidal heights.

While charts will help, local knowledge is king. Almanacs and pilot books will give useful advice for where to go, but ask other sailors too.

Locals may well know little spots that are well and truly off the beaten track.

2 ANCHORING

Once you have chosen where to dry out, you will need to anchor. If you are in an open bay with plenty of space, a single bow anchor will be fine.

It’s an odd feeling waiting for your yacht to go aground

If it is important which way you are facing when you dry out, however, such as on a sloping beach, in a narrow river, or if there are other boats around, you will need to lay both a bow and a stern anchor to control your position.

In drying harbours, there may already be moorings, often fore-and-aft, to stop the boat from swinging.

3 PREPARING THE BOAT

Legs being fitting to a yacht ahead of drying out

Fit any legs or transom support

You may need to rig extra gear to keep the boat upright. Some fin keel and lift keel boats will have drying-out legs.

Bilge keelers with reasonably long keels fore and aft will be stable enough fore and aft with no additional gear, but more modern twin-keelers often aim to create a tripod, between keels and a weight-bearing rudder or an additional leg.

The Django 770 has an adjustable transom leg. While this is weight-bearing it’s more of a stabiliser and should be set slightly short in a swell.

4 DRYING OUT

If you are in a place you are familiar with and have dried out in before, you should be safe to anchor or moor the boat securely and head ashore while the tide goes out.

If you are somewhere new, however, it is worth staying with the boat for the critical period that the keels are taking the bottom until the boat is securely aground.

It is worth staying on your yacht while it is drying out if you are stopping somewhere unfamiliar

This is particularly true if your boat has drying out legs, as the relatively small surface area of the leg could end up on a rock or a soft spot, and will need adjusting and tensioning to keep their boat comfortably upright.

5 HIGH AND DRY

If you are lucky, you will be able to walk ashore at low tide without getting your feet wet. If you are going ashore for a while, make sure you check the tides — you may need to carry the tender to the high-water mark if you don’t want to swim back.

It is a good chance to check your hull fittings

In most places, a pair of wellies will help when walking through mud, or over rocks. You may need to lower the bathing ladder to climb down from the boat, and to get back on when the tide is out.

Fabio Muzzolini is the sales director for Marée Haute, the Breton builders of the Django range of twin-keeled yachts

If you’re in a narrow river, low water is a good opportunity to have a look at exactly where the channel goes.

The boat will be very stable once dried out, but be careful about putting too much weight on the bow — it’s probably a good idea not to have more than one person on the bow when dried out.

A couple of buckets will also come in very handy.

Fill one of them up before you lose the water so you can wash your feet once you’ve walked back across the sand or mud.

The other bucket is for calls of nature, as you won’t be able to flush the heads.

6 REFLOATING

Afloat again and ready to sail

Waiting for the tide to return is the easy part, if all crew are back aboard.

As soon as the boat is floating, remove any drying-out legs or supports — these are remarkably easy to forget, but could cause real damage if left down.

Don’t forget to lift the bathing ladder too.

Retrieve your stern anchor first (you can do this when the tide is out if the conditions are right) and then weigh the bow anchor and you’re off.

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13 Popular Full Keel Sailboats Worth Considering

Full keel sailboats are very stable and durable - they are great for cruising long distances. But there are disadvantages too. Let's look at what models to consider, and why.

Here are 13 good full keel sailboats that are worth considering:

Nicholson 32

Island packet 380, folkboat 25, cape dory 36, vancouver 32, tradewind 33, endurance 50, westsail 32, hans christian 52.

First of all let's have a look at why you should even be preferring full keel sailboats to a more traditional, widespread classical fin keel design.

Full Keel Advantages

As with everything, there are plenty of pros and cons on each side. Full keels generally provide better handling if the weather gets tricky, they track better, provide more stability downwind, and generally stabilize the boat movements better.

Furthermore, they are way more robust, thus less prone to damage. Running ashore isn't as big of a deal as it is with a fin keel and your rudder and propeller will be more protected with the mass of the keel in front of them.

Full Keel Disadvantages

With more mass and drag comes less speed. Plus the large surface area underwater holding the direction will result in a wider turning radius, which might be annoying in smaller spaces.

Fin Keel vs Full Keel: Pros and Cons & When to Choose Which

Fin keel advantages.

The largest advantage of fin keels is their speed. They also provide better maneuvering and a better turning radius.

Fin Keel Disadvantages

It is inevitably more prone to damage though, wear and tear will be a way bigger issue than a full keel. They won't have your back when a gust comes since the water-resistance to the side will be smaller.

It seems then that for serious longer passages, liveaboards, and long-term sailing, full keels are better. As long as you don't care for speed as much, but are concerned about the boat having your back, this is the answer. So let's now look at the superstars of the full keel universe.

The very prototype of a long-distance tough cruiser. It has been with us since 1963 and happens to be among the first fiberglass boat models produced on a mass scale. Nicholson 32 went out of production in 1981 and it was a model approved for the 2018 Golden Globe Race, proving that even older Nicholsons are still standing strong due to their toughness and ease of repair.

They were supposedly as durable as if made out of steel. Though I'll leave up to you whether you want to see that as a marketing claim or reality, such a statement can not be made without some base.

Plus the newer models have a lot of interior space, are manageable for solo sailing, and provide a sturdy ride to take one around the world.

The story here is similar to the above Nicholson - meaning that we are looking at one long-lasting high-quality cruiser. Not just because of this specific model's build - Island Packet in general was always known for this. And it is among the very few companies that, in the modern era, keep making full keel boats.

In other words, you don't see many shipyards focusing on full keels these days, so if you want one and you would rather go with a new boat, Island Packet will be one of the stops you will very probably make when doing your research.

If you are looking for reliable cruisers, you will like this one, since cruising is what it was built for, even if it meant sacrificing some performance aspects. It has a wide beam, a lot of interior space, all of the amenities a comfy cruiser should have, such as a big refrigerator with a freezer, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. The long keel here serves as a comfort helper, since, as mentioned before, it adds to the stability and reduces motion.

Not to sound repetitive, but the word 'reliability' has to be mentioned again. It seems that boat builders who choose the full keel design have something in common.

But since this particular boat was born during the Second World War and has been going strong to this very day, what other words to describe it? It has the Nordic blood in its veins since it was thought into existence by the Scandinavian Yacht Racing Union and since it prefers just about everything over comfort.

The boat is very stable, not just because of its full keel, but also because of its insane 55% ballast ratio. For those who haven't come across this before, the ballast ratio is the ratio of the ballast weight relative to the boat weight. So for instance the nearly 9 tonne Bavaria 40 with its almost 3 tonne ballast has a ballast ratio around 30 percent.

Thus you can imagine that a boat that 'wastes' more than half of its weight on ballast is serious about rigidity. These are performance racer numbers. But of course, if you are designing a boat that has to withstand the Scandinavian storms, you don't have a choice than to go overboard with specs. So if this toughness is what you seek, look no further.

...although as far as I know, all Cape Dory boats have full keels, regardless of their length. Their 36-foot model is just their most popular one. Cape Dories are known for their sturdiness, ability to cross the oceans because of their stability, and relative ease of handling.

They were engineered by Carl Alberg, who was inspired by the Scandinavian Folkboat, where reliability is worth more than comfort, or the interior space. This boat rocks a heavy rig for hardcore traveling, but its 1.5-meter draft makes it ideal for coastal cruising as well.

What's quite interesting about this particular model is that during its lifespan it went through very few changes. Boats usually evolve, sailors' feedback is taken into consideration for upgrades, but Cape Dory 36 remained relatively unchanged inside or out. This is a big compliment, since the brand started out in 1963, stopped production in 1991, and sold its blueprints so that they could be built further. Talk about longevity.

Let's progress in technology! Just because a long keel is an old-fashioned or more traditional approach, it doesn't mean it remains monolithic in its ideology. There were innovations in the concept, such as cutaways in the keel, to reduce the biggest drawback of this design, the drag.

So it only makes sense that Vancouver, a company that had distinctiveness and innovation in its mission and vision, would take part in this. Their 32-foot model that begun its lifespan in the early eighties, had a deeply cutaway forefoot, plus a rudder that was wider the deeper it was underwater, meaning its widest point was at its lowest point. This was to increase efficiency, and rudder response.

Technicalities aside, this boat was very well made, no corners cut, no expenses spared. This resulted in quite pricey vessels, out of reach of many, but much time has passed since, so today it can be yours for around 40 000 USD and up. And since the build quality was so high back then, you can still enjoy a proper boat, usually at a higher quality than boats equal its age.

The great thing about Australian sailboat makers is that they design their boats for long passages. How else would they get off of the continent? Freya 39 is a good example of this since it has not only circled the globe many times but also won the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race three times consecutively. And that's a famously hard race.

The boat is built like a tank, with thicker fiberglass walls than you would find in its rivals. Despite that, its owners claim to have crossed over two hundred miles per day on it, a figure that is well known when it comes to this model. Which sounds plausible with its 7.8 kts of hull speed.

Its construction makes her one stable boat since it has been noted that during races, it was able to carry a spinnaker longer than its competitors, well into the 30 knots of wind speed.

The only drawback here is that if you fancy it, since it is so highly valued, and in demand, it will be tricky to find one to buy. And once you do, prepare to pay around 60 000 - 90 000 USD for it.

This one comes with a story attached to it. Once upon a time, a naval engineer Nick attempted to sail around the world. Halfway through, his boat gave up, which meant a lot of trouble for Nick, but he exited this disaster with a pretty precise idea for what his next project would be. He set on to design a boat that would be so sturdy that his sailing misfortune would never repeat.

Out of this incident paired with a smart brain, Wylo 2 was born. To make sure his design stands, after putting this boat on the water, he proceeded to live on it, while circling the globe a few times.

Others, seeing this success, bought his designs and they became quite widespread. As you might have guessed, this boat has a lot of space for living, for storing equipment and provisions, so it is comfy to live on, not only for your body but because of its sturdiness, for your mind too. These designs have accomplished some astonishing feats in all corners of the world, so if you put your trust in this design, you won't be making a mistake.

If I said this boat is sturdy and ready for just about any destination, I'd really be repeating myself now. So while that's true, let's talk about what's special about Tradewinds 33.

It has a rather small cockpit, so on-deck dinners while watching the sunset with the whole crew might be a bit improvised, but the space saved is used for an impressively spacious interior as well as a nearly flat deck. So moving about is a pleasure.

For liveaboards, this is a good idea, since storage space will be plentiful. Plus it's an elegant looking boat, with a forestaysail as a default setup. So rock on.

Time for a larger boat. So that if you want something that won't lack anything you might wish for, including space, I have something for you too. All Endurances are full keels, so if you fancy a smaller model, there is a way.

Even though it is relatively new, (you will find models from around 1995) it will make you feel like a medieval pirate, with its old-school helm, wooden interior, and a spacious aft cabin that has large windows facing back!

It is a proper bluewater cruiser, built in South Africa based on a famous Peter Ibold's Endurance blueprint. It sleeps a whole family, so if a circumnavigation with a few friends is what you seek, this is one for you.

If you are up for some single-handed sailing, pause here for a bit. Small sailboats are usually nimble, on the top of it, this one is also quite sturdy and stable, as full keels are.

You won't find much space below the deck, so don't expect to have a party of more than around two people, but at least it's a good looking interior, with charming round windows and many of the usual amenities.

They say that Mason sailboats are premium quality for a non-premium price. I wonder whether them being built in Taiwan has something to do with it.

Here is a quote by an owner of a 1986 model that says it all: "I am absolutely captivated by the boat and am not objective at all in my feelings toward her. The general construction is of the highest standard. Like an Irish hunter, she is a workhorse and a lady-maybe not quite as fast around six furlongs as a racehorse, but for the long pull, through timber, brush, and over walls, she is really something."

Now although this owner admits subjectivity, this boat indeed was built with quality in mind. Sturdiness too - not only is its fiberglass hull properly solid, but it also features longitudinal stringers to add further rigidity.

There is a lot of brightwork, which might sound nice at first glance, but since it requires quite a lot of maintenance, some owners even said they could do with less wood if it meant less upkeep.

All in all though, when it comes to getting a lot of boat for not a lot of money, this is it.

Does it make sense to even praise how heavy and sturdy this boat is built? Probably not at this point. Just know it ticks all the boxes. It is made of 12 layered fiberglass for Pete's sake.

The design was based on ideas of the Norwegian engineer Colin Archer, who made his boats such that they could withstand the northern seas. Pair that with the fact that the interior here is surprisingly spacious with 6 ft 2 in of headroom and you've got yourself one comfortable circumnavigator.

The issue stemming from the heavy build and a full keel, which is a slower pace, applies here more than usual though. This boat is absolutely reliable, but don't expect winning speed races.

Sadly, Westsail 32 was in production only for some 9 years. Sales were booming, they made over 800 boats, but bad business practices and cash flow issues resulted in its demise.

Not the author, the boat. If beauty and elegance are what you are after, this one will catch your eye. Just as was the case with Mason, these boats were produced in Taiwan. But since the goal of the engineers was to create the 'ultimate cruising sailboat' and they spared no expense, expect to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for these boats, even though decades old.

The gorgeous classical design paired with the high build quality makes these exclusive pieces of work, plus quite a modern one since they ceased production in the 90s. So if you don't mind the higher price mark and are looking for something relatively new, that will, thanks to the build quality, last you for many years to come, this might be your choice.

Full keel sailboats are sturdy. Not only is that because of the full keel which itself provides a lot of structural integrity. But also because the choice of putting the full keel in means you are building something that prefers ruggedness and reliability over anything else. So it is logical that the rest of the boat will be built in the same fashion.

So if you don't mind sacrificing the few knots of extra speed, if you don't mind the smaller pool to choose from, if you want a boat that will have your back in pretty much any situation and place you will choose to go to, if you want to sail the Scandinavian design, go for it.

Arthur Rushlow

What a great page. Both my wife and I sailed Faulk Boats out of Canada prior to our moving to Florida. Once we arrived in Florida we had a Soveral 26 built we raced for three years prior to my returning to College and now 5 degrees later I am an Anglican Bishop with no boat.

You may also like, 5 surprising advantages of a full keel sailboat.

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Diagram of full keel and fin keel sailboat