I have noticed some 30' to 34' sailboats that have center boards. Draft was 5'3" to 9'5". I like the thought of having 9'5" draft in deep water and yet having shoal draft. What are your thoughts about them?
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I like the thought of them but never owned one
While I think a centerboard would be a nice configuration, offshore work would worry me. If you have ever been caught offshore in severe weather, you appreciate a boat that is simple and strong. I have some reservations on centerboard boats. I almost purchased a Catalina 22 centerboard boat but found a better buy on a fixed keel hunter 25. Several owners had to redo the centerboards on several 22 including one who had lost the board completely. Three keel boats over 35 years and have never had a keel problem so I will probably stay with fixed keel boats. The real question is can a centerboard boat handle offshore abuse. I am sure their are some around that can ie Bermuda 40 etc that make it work.
While I think a centerboard would be a nice configuration, offshore work would worry me. If you have ever been caught offshore in severe weather, you appreciate a boat that is simple and strong. I have some reservations on centerboard boats. I almost purchased a Catalina 22 centerboard boat but found a better buy on a fixed keel hunter 25. Several owners had to redo the centerboards on several 22 including one who had lost the board completely. Three keel boats over 35 years and have never had a keel problem so I will probably stay with fixed keel boats. The real question is can a centerboard boat handle offshore abuse. I am sure their are some around that can ie Bermuda 40 etc that make it work.
There is difference between...
between a swing keel boat and a combination short keel center board. The swing keel boat carries all the ballast in the keel and in rough weather that weight can swing from side to side and threaten the integrity of the hull. On the other hand the short keel combo is a good design for trailerables and gunkholers. A short fixed keel carries the ballast while a swing center board enhances pointing. These boats are usually somewhat tender as they lack the leaverage forces to fight heel. A swing keel usually requires a crank winch to lift the weight while the centerboard has a line that can be pulled by hand. On some of those larger boats the center keel does not swing but it is lowered and raised by electric motors to the desired length. They have independent ballast weight for safety and are very seaworthy. Their price also averages 25%-30% over a fixed keel. I personally cannot see the expense and will always consider a full keel vessel to be safest.
between a swing keel boat and a combination short keel center board. The swing keel boat carries all the ballast in the keel and in rough weather that weight can swing from side to side and threaten the integrity of the hull. On the other hand the short keel combo is a good design for trailerables and gunkholers. A short fixed keel carries the ballast while a swing center board enhances pointing. These boats are usually somewhat tender as they lack the leaverage forces to fight heel. A swing keel usually requires a crank winch to lift the weight while the centerboard has a line that can be pulled by hand. On some of those larger boats the center keel does not swing but it is lowered and raised by electric motors to the desired length. They have independent ballast weight for safety and are very seaworthy. Their price also averages 25%-30% over a fixed keel. I personally cannot see the expense and will always consider a full keel vessel to be safest.
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