Can any of you techno types give me clear text/definitive answer/advantage to underwater dynamics of a bulb/wing keel vs. deep fin. I realize the added weight at the end of a short fin adds stability/righting but what is the clear advantage upwind or when reaching? Thanks
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Alan
The advantage..
...is clearly with the fin keel. The 'wing thing' has nothing to do with hydrodynamics. AC boats have nothing in common with the bulb keels on production boats. As you said, the bulb and wing simply moves the CG lower than a standard shoal draft. The 'wings' have the wrong shape, too much wetted surface, high drag and create huge end plate vortices. I dumped my wing thing for a true racing fin.
...is clearly with the fin keel. The 'wing thing' has nothing to do with hydrodynamics. AC boats have nothing in common with the bulb keels on production boats. As you said, the bulb and wing simply moves the CG lower than a standard shoal draft. The 'wings' have the wrong shape, too much wetted surface, high drag and create huge end plate vortices. I dumped my wing thing for a true racing fin.
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Carl Reitz
Stick in the mud
Two additional things to consider in keel selection: From what I've seen, wing keels make grounding in soft mud a much bigger problem than fin keels. The wing creates a suction cup effect. See the recent article in Sept Sail Magazine on boat handling approaching a mooring. Article points out long (long not deep) keels make boat handle better at slow speed and moderate breeze.
Two additional things to consider in keel selection: From what I've seen, wing keels make grounding in soft mud a much bigger problem than fin keels. The wing creates a suction cup effect. See the recent article in Sept Sail Magazine on boat handling approaching a mooring. Article points out long (long not deep) keels make boat handle better at slow speed and moderate breeze.
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Steve O.
not that easy
As with everything, there are compromises to be made. For racing, a deep fin keel is definetly preferred, the main advantage being that they will point higher. But what if your marina or launch ramp only draws 4 feet of water? So you have to decide what your performance criteria is, and go from there.
As with everything, there are compromises to be made. For racing, a deep fin keel is definetly preferred, the main advantage being that they will point higher. But what if your marina or launch ramp only draws 4 feet of water? So you have to decide what your performance criteria is, and go from there.
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Alan
2' extra draft ..
.. is hardly a good reason to keep a poor keel. How much sailing do you do where 2' extra draft means not docking in a marina? I have never regretted increasing my draft, in fact if I had it to do again I would opt for an additional foot over my current 6'. The reason most skippers will not go for the better keel is that they simply don't know what they are missing. It's hard to try and imagine how much better your boat will perform. It simply has to be felt to be believed.
.. is hardly a good reason to keep a poor keel. How much sailing do you do where 2' extra draft means not docking in a marina? I have never regretted increasing my draft, in fact if I had it to do again I would opt for an additional foot over my current 6'. The reason most skippers will not go for the better keel is that they simply don't know what they are missing. It's hard to try and imagine how much better your boat will perform. It simply has to be felt to be believed.
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John E. Benz
Keel-Wing or Fin
Alan I fully agree with you regarding the pointing ability of the wing versus the fin keel. I have a 37 Legend and while it point well it could be better. I'm curious how you replaced your keel, where did you get the replacement and what about the costs? Were there any other modifications necessary or is it a matter of looseing the keel bolts droping the old keel and replaceing with the new keel?
Alan I fully agree with you regarding the pointing ability of the wing versus the fin keel. I have a 37 Legend and while it point well it could be better. I'm curious how you replaced your keel, where did you get the replacement and what about the costs? Were there any other modifications necessary or is it a matter of looseing the keel bolts droping the old keel and replaceing with the new keel?
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Jim
Keel came with boat
Hunter's vision 36 series had this keel, short fin w/ bulb and wings(lets) as standard. Incidentally, the vision series had free-standing masts and were only produced, I believe, 1990-1995.
Hunter's vision 36 series had this keel, short fin w/ bulb and wings(lets) as standard. Incidentally, the vision series had free-standing masts and were only produced, I believe, 1990-1995.
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Alan
New Keel
My custom keel is a direct replacement for the wing thing. Unbolt, cut bonding material and remove. Insert new keel. Of course there's a little more to it but that’s the simple answer. I had it made by Mars Metal, who currently make Hunters keels since Bob Henderson joined the team. Pointing is not the only gain with the fin. With less drag the boat is faster (very noticeable in light air), the righting moment is higher so the boat is stiffer and a dramatic reduction in leeway. If you are interested, contact Kevin Milne at Mars Metal in Ontario, Canada. 1800 381 5335
My custom keel is a direct replacement for the wing thing. Unbolt, cut bonding material and remove. Insert new keel. Of course there's a little more to it but that’s the simple answer. I had it made by Mars Metal, who currently make Hunters keels since Bob Henderson joined the team. Pointing is not the only gain with the fin. With less drag the boat is faster (very noticeable in light air), the righting moment is higher so the boat is stiffer and a dramatic reduction in leeway. If you are interested, contact Kevin Milne at Mars Metal in Ontario, Canada. 1800 381 5335
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