motoring with keel up?

[bob]

ahoy! - still adjusting to having a swing keel, in my mac25 -- i'm considering some fairly shallow anchorages -- is it ok to motor with the keel up?(sails down) thanks, bob

 

[Dan McGuire]

Motor with Keel Up

If I am motoring any distance at all, I raise the keel on my MAC 23 for the simple reason that it reduces drag and increases the speed slightly. I also raise it when I am going into an area where it might drag.

 

[Greg S.]

Keel down

I leave the keel down anytime I'm in water deep enough to do so. I only lose a third of a knot or so motoring, and the boat is way more stable. I've heard stories of folks who motor with thier keels up having the winch line break, causing the keel to swing violenlty down and come to a rapid stop at the end, knocking a hole in the boat. Plus, it takes all kinds of strain off the winch, winch line and keel.Greg

 

[Keith Nuttle]

Keel down

There is a advantage to leaving the keel down. It is what I all ways considered as sailing by the braille method. You always know when the water gets to shallow.

 

[GregS]

HUH?

Greg what boat is that where the keel falls out of it ? I know mine does a lot better with keel down, and almost a necessity when the wind is howling.