Cheasapeake Bay, Wing or Fin Keel

[Bob B.]

My wife and I have placed an order for a Catalina 310. It hasn't gone into production yet. We ordered it with the wing keel, 4 ft draft. My racing friendsare trying to convice me to go with theFin Keel, 5'9" draft, because they sayit will point better. We are buying thisboat to cruise, and don't know if I willever race it. If I go with the fin keel, how much better will the performance be? andmore importantly to us, how much of theChesapeake Bay will we lose with the extra draft? Any good cruising areas that really need the shallower draft?

 

[Gordon Myers]

Stay with a Fin Keel

If you are a die hard racing nut, then go with the fin keel. However if your primary interest is to cruse and gunk-hole the Chesapeake stay with the wing. There is a lot of in close in, back channles and slips that you wil loose in that 2'. Your talking about a 50% increase in draft. Six inches more draft than my 45' boat.The difference in performance is only noticed by the pros. It's like buying the same golf clubs that Tiger Woods uses. Do you think the clubs could make you a great golfer?

 

[Jane]

Wing Keel

I love cruising the Bay. And I often find mysef in less than 6ft. of water. You will miss out on a lot if you require 6 ft. It would be tricky making it thru Knapps Narrows (Choptank side drops to 5' 2"), Channel at Herring Bay is less than 6ft at times. Reed Creek off the Chester River is a beautiful spot but getting in is pretty tricky, very narrow and very shallow. Congratulations on the new boat.Jane"Echo" Hunter 29.5

 

[Bill Schaare]

absolutely wing

you will miss too much of the chesapeake with a finbohemia river, choptank, etc...the bay is not known for lots of water.I'm likely to buy a 310 in a year or so, see you out thereLuvin Life...

 

[Scott Laird]

Wing Keel

Go with the wing keel - even then, you'll probably run aground exploring the Chesapeake. There are three kinds of sailors on the Bay; those who have run aground, those who are about to run aground, and those who lie about running aground. I guess a fourth could be added; those who don't go anywhere. Have fun!