Interior ballast versus full keel.

[Gary Guisinger]

I would like to hear some opinions as to the sea worthiness of internaly ballasted boats as compared to full keel designs. I am not asking for the obvious differences such as saving yard fees, or being able to trailer the boat, etc., etc. I am interested in the handling and general sea worthiness of the boats. thanx in advance,gary g

 

[Alan]

26 vs 260 (keel)

I have a h26 (water ballast), my friend has a h260 keel (updated 26 before they called it a 270). We reef my boat around 15 knots, his about 20 knots. I go a little faster to wind under 15 knots, he goes faster to wind above that. I can go faster on a beam reach and a run because the keel can be brought up (less drag). The full keel is somewhat more stable as it's center of gravity is lower (greater righting moment). However, properly trimmed, my boat is more than safe. I can lift the rudder and keel allowing a draft of only 1'9". My kids can walk to shore. alan

 

[Jack]

Keel

If you are sailing in salt water that is generally deeper than 5ft., I would opt for the fixed keel because of the stability issue. Also fewer issues to deal with. I would even go for the inboard. If you do that then you should probably look at a used 27-30 ft. boat.

 

[Dan]

keel boats

I just bought a Hunter 25.5 after an unfortunate grounding during a storm in my Hunter 22 with centerboard.The Hunter 22 is a centerboard boat with 1300 lbs of lead in the bottom of the hull. When I was blown up on the beach of a small island, the boat was being tossed around in the surf while sitting on the retracted centerboard. The weight of the ballast in the hull eventually caused the board to punch a hole in the centerboard trunk at the mounting pin that the board rotates on.I realize that this is a rare situation but it is my reason for not buying another centerboard boat to use for weekending along the Gulf and bays.Another thing to consider is having an inboard engine. In any kind of rough weather with my 22 I could never maintain control under motor alone. The waves would uncover the prop and cause me to lose steerage.I now have a 25.5 with shoal draft keel and inboard diesel. I lost a little in performance but gained a great deal in stability and safety.I hope this helps.Dan

 

[toomas]

Get what you want

Hi Gary,I've been sailing on keel-boats for the past 20 years and that's just great.Now, I want to be able to reach the shallow "power-boat-bays" and enjoy the very best parts of our archipelagoe i Stockholm, Sweden. And with the water-ballast and the retractable keel I get what I want. As others have said - it's not the best boat out in tough weather. When that happens - stasy in your lovely bay, lean back with a good book, a beer and wait for "pleasure-sailing-conditions". Just enjoy.Toomas