Fin Keel -vs- Bulb Wing (376)

[xcyz]

I see that "standard" equipment includes bulb wing keel with the fin keel being a "option" by Hunter.

Let's hear your thoughts as to why it's not the reverse, how much more did the fin keel cost and what are the advantages for both?

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Actually usually shoal keels and winged keel cost more than fin keels because they don't protrude into the water as far, hence to provide the proper amount of ballast more material is required. A fin keel has a deeper draft and provides a better righting moment with less material. Perhaps they sell many more bulb winged keels and since the deeper fins are less popular, they are a special item. Sort of taking a stab in the dark on that concept. Of course the fin keel is a much more efficient keel - especially for windward performance and it provides less wetted surface and simply helps make the boat sail faster and more efficiently. But, if you sail where the water is skinny, the fin keel might not work for you.

 

[Hoomalie]

h376 FIN V WING

I had a H 35.5 with a fin keel (7 ft) which prevented me from entering some harbors at low tide.......a real bummer, When I purchased my 376 a wing keel was on the "mandatory " list.The price you pay going to weather is marginal compared to the inconviences of the wing. Tom

 

[Don12364]

My Deep Fin H376

From memory, at the time I bought my H376 new in 1996, both styles of keel were the same price from Hunters.
Having just come from a flat out racing past, I felt that I would always be disappointed in the performance of the shallow keel version. The frontal area of the shallow keel is prodigious and the boat is 450 lbs heavier (Weight of TWO persons!) So I went for the deep fin and, since then, I have grounded many times in unguarded moments because I still push it in the shallows to avoid the tidal currents. No damage or problems though!

I took the attached two photos when I was having the boat coated with "Cuprotect" an epoxy based manganese copper permanent antifouling in 2005.

Before buying I obtained photos of the deep fin (6'6" draft) and was pleased to see the deep fin also has a bulb and a small wing to the rear. Not unlike a dolphin's tail.

Here is the original makers leaflet. P1 & P2 attached herewith. The size of these files is much compressed by this web page so, if too fuzzy to be read, just PM me with your private e-mail ID and I will send them on.

 

[xcyz]

Um, It looks as if Hunter used various types/styles of keels. The fin keel on my recently purchased 98' 376 that I just hauled for survey and paint does not have a bulb or wing. That makes it at least 3 types of keels Hunter used on the same model boat.

 

[Rick]

RG I support all the above thoughts. On my 336, I have a shoal draft keel. It is winged but slightly different than the pic from Donalex.

Here is the one drawback I have with it and I see your waters are the west coast of California.

The winged keel is a kelp magnet! And kelp we got in our waters. It slides right down and then attaches itself on the wings. This creates a need for a backing manuever to clear it because it really messes the flow of water over the prop. And of course the speed loss if your sailing.

And our home port is San Diego! Ughhhh

That might be your biggest consideration.

 

[Don12364]

My boat is No. 37 and I remember Steven Cutsforth telling me they make the first 50 and review any changes thought desirable or necessary.
Removing the bulb and wing - but keeping the same weight - will raise the CofG but lower the cost! The H38 which followed the H376 had the same hull but a much less costly to build interior fit out.
However I do like the look of the sleek looking fin. You can see from the picture in the leaflet I posted that this was not in their minds originally.