Fin keel vs wing keel grounding

[James]

I have a small keel boat now, and have been wanting to move up to a larger boat. I have been working my way through the pro's and con's of different sizes. I know nothing about a wing keel except what I have read and the theory behind them. What I have not read anything about is what the "special considerations" are with a wing keel when grounded?? The only thing I have been told is that you 'have to come off level.' That sounds fine if you motored onto the ground with no tilt but what if you where healed over and find bottom?? I know my area well and have only grounded a boat once in 15 years so I know it is possible. Thanks to all for the intelligent replys.

 

[bruce cornell]

grounding

with a wing, you can't just lean the boat over to get off the hard, and if you try, more stress is placed on the keel/hull area and will drag like a anchor if pulling sideways is attempted. straight keel may sink into mud in outgoing tide, wing may not, and if it does sink, may hold the hull over too long and allow incoming tide to swamp the boat. have seen swept back wing keels rip hull on leading and/or trailing edge of keel....thoughts, if nothing more....

 

[James]

Thanks Bruce

Thanks Bruce, Some really good points to consider. The idea of the keel acting like an anchor was especially worthy. Something to think about in new territories.