I/we are looking at a Beneteau 40.7. I think the serious race version has a keel that stretches to China (7'9"). That keel depth is great for racing but not so good for the possibility of cruising. The depth limits our ability travel to various Yacht Clubs due to the depth of their basins. (especially in late summer when the depth of Lake Ontario drops over 1'-2') If we selected the 40.7 with a keel that was not as deep...say 6'1", how much do you think our race performace would be affected? Thanks
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9 to 12 seconds per mile?
You could check with your local PHRF Committee for the rating difference of the shoal draft keel version 40.5 vs. the deep draft keel. I would guess that the shoal keel ( as you describe it as being 1' 8" less ) would receive a rating adjustment of 9 to 12 seconds per mile, but the actual performance decrease may be slightly more -- maybe 15 seconds per mile. J105's have been through this in their racing fleets with the shoal draft version receiving 6 to 9 seconds per mile, but in practice I don't believe that this is quite enough to result in a completely level racing field. The shoal 40.7 would still be a plenty fast boat even with the shoal keel. Actually, a naval architech could probably quantify the performance differences for you over a wide range of conditions and points of sail. That is what I would do.
You could check with your local PHRF Committee for the rating difference of the shoal draft keel version 40.5 vs. the deep draft keel. I would guess that the shoal keel ( as you describe it as being 1' 8" less ) would receive a rating adjustment of 9 to 12 seconds per mile, but the actual performance decrease may be slightly more -- maybe 15 seconds per mile. J105's have been through this in their racing fleets with the shoal draft version receiving 6 to 9 seconds per mile, but in practice I don't believe that this is quite enough to result in a completely level racing field. The shoal 40.7 would still be a plenty fast boat even with the shoal keel. Actually, a naval architech could probably quantify the performance differences for you over a wide range of conditions and points of sail. That is what I would do.
One Design?
I race on a 36.7- if you are EVER planning to race one design, or ever want to sell the boat at a later date---- get the fin keel. Shoal draft won't go to weather worth a poo, and that's what these boats do best. If you are looking for a PHRF boat, maybe find something with a friendlier draft or a swing keel or something. At the same time, if you race for fun only- who cares what it does to your performance... do it and have a nice time
I race on a 36.7- if you are EVER planning to race one design, or ever want to sell the boat at a later date---- get the fin keel. Shoal draft won't go to weather worth a poo, and that's what these boats do best. If you are looking for a PHRF boat, maybe find something with a friendlier draft or a swing keel or something. At the same time, if you race for fun only- who cares what it does to your performance... do it and have a nice time
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