Bad to keep Swing Keel down to fight rocking fm waves?

[Davenport]

I think those with swing keels keep it up when at anchor or dock, it seems safer.

But is this mostly wrong, is it bad to keep swing keel down to fight rocking fm waves?

I am lazy and stupid and want to delay repairs so I usually keep it safely up. But I wonder. - Davenport

 

[CrispyCringle]

I kept mine down all the time except on the trailer. Its not going to hurt it.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I left my centerboard down all the time. Marine growth was a larger concern than maintenance. I serviced mine the first year I had that boat

 

[rgranger]

I think the right answer is situational. For example, if you slip someplace with large tidal swings... or a strong Nor'easter might blow all of the water out of your slip, then you want to keep it up so you don't jam it into the pluff mud.

When I sleep out on the boat at anchor, I always leave it down.

 

[dlochner]

What you don't want to happen is having the CB bang around. If the CB is up, it may be less susceptible banging. The other concern is critter growth. Which way do you want the CB if the critter growth prevents or impedes movement?

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I'm not sure about critter growth, but more vegetation growth would occur with the keel down because there's more exposure to the sun

 

[JBP-PA]

I keep my center board up except when sailing. I get critters on the lift rope if I leave it down. At anchor, I sail around less if the board is up. I use a DIY rocker stopper if waves are an issue.