I'm looking at a 1984 Hunter 31 which has everything I'm looking for except that it has a Shoal Draft Keel instead of a Deep Keel. Is there a big difference in pointing ability between a Hunter 31 with a Shoal Draft Keel (4'0") vs a Deep Keel (5'3" I think). Is it the difference between being able to race the boat and only being able to cruise with not-so-great pointing ability? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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ted jensen
small differences
i have a 35.5 with wing keel, i have sailed both, only noticed small differences in the two. ive only been sailing a couple of times when i thought i would like the deeper keel, and have been out a few more times when i was glad i had the extra foot under me. the wing is more versital, the fin performes better.if the price was right i wouldnt let it bother me.
i have a 35.5 with wing keel, i have sailed both, only noticed small differences in the two. ive only been sailing a couple of times when i thought i would like the deeper keel, and have been out a few more times when i was glad i had the extra foot under me. the wing is more versital, the fin performes better.if the price was right i wouldnt let it bother me.
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Jay Hill
Shallow Water Sailor?
I have the shoal keel version and have not actually sailed a 31 with deep keel but have seen both on the hard side by side. The shoal draft keel is roughly 3 feet longer (fore and aft) and IMHO helps make up for the one foot shorter. Pointing is not perfect as tacking is roughly through 110 degrees but does not make the leeway I thought it would; not tight to the wind but does track very well. Of the 48" draft, only 14" is the hull, the rest is keel. If you'll be in lots of shallow water, I recommend the shoal keel as you will not lose THAT much performance. If no shallow water, get the fin. Racing? You can still race the shoal, especially with PHRF of 178. I'd get bigger jib and rig for monster spinnaker. H31 is very fast (comparatively) in light air.
I have the shoal keel version and have not actually sailed a 31 with deep keel but have seen both on the hard side by side. The shoal draft keel is roughly 3 feet longer (fore and aft) and IMHO helps make up for the one foot shorter. Pointing is not perfect as tacking is roughly through 110 degrees but does not make the leeway I thought it would; not tight to the wind but does track very well. Of the 48" draft, only 14" is the hull, the rest is keel. If you'll be in lots of shallow water, I recommend the shoal keel as you will not lose THAT much performance. If no shallow water, get the fin. Racing? You can still race the shoal, especially with PHRF of 178. I'd get bigger jib and rig for monster spinnaker. H31 is very fast (comparatively) in light air.
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Tim Op't Holt
Shoal draft fine
I have an 85 H31 with a shoal keel. It points well to about 90 degress off the wind. Most of my sailing is in 12 feet of water or less. I'm very pleased with it's performance.
I have an 85 H31 with a shoal keel. It points well to about 90 degress off the wind. Most of my sailing is in 12 feet of water or less. I'm very pleased with it's performance.
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steven f
sailing reality
I had the same issues to deal with when I bought my 33. The deep keel does point better but here on the west coast of FLA the waters are thin. I asked myself what kind of sailing I REALLY do the most, race or cruise. I cruise and occasionally race. The shoal draft has allowed me into more places the deeper keel wouldn't. I've sailed the 33 with both keels and found the differances slight. When I need to beat into the wind with my shoal draft I realize it's limited so I sometimes use my motor to assist. Off the wind there is minimal differance (I couldn't tell). Also I noticed that a good set of sails on a shoal draft boat will make up the differance. A baggy set of sails with a great keel will not let you point well either so you pick. Good luck.
I had the same issues to deal with when I bought my 33. The deep keel does point better but here on the west coast of FLA the waters are thin. I asked myself what kind of sailing I REALLY do the most, race or cruise. I cruise and occasionally race. The shoal draft has allowed me into more places the deeper keel wouldn't. I've sailed the 33 with both keels and found the differances slight. When I need to beat into the wind with my shoal draft I realize it's limited so I sometimes use my motor to assist. Off the wind there is minimal differance (I couldn't tell). Also I noticed that a good set of sails on a shoal draft boat will make up the differance. A baggy set of sails with a great keel will not let you point well either so you pick. Good luck.
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Steve Beynon
Deep has its problems
We have a 33 with a deep keel. We have found 2 major drawbacks. 1 We often run aground getting in and out of marinas that were built recently. This is because the great lakes are down 2 feet from what they have been for quite a few years. 2 We used to have a 22' swing keel boat and we miss being able to get into a lot of great coves that we could get into with a foot+ less keel.
We have a 33 with a deep keel. We have found 2 major drawbacks. 1 We often run aground getting in and out of marinas that were built recently. This is because the great lakes are down 2 feet from what they have been for quite a few years. 2 We used to have a 22' swing keel boat and we miss being able to get into a lot of great coves that we could get into with a foot+ less keel.
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Bob Rutland
Go Deep.....
go for the deep keel! i own a H31 deep keel and love it! it's fast, points well, easy to tack, and is very stabel (especialy in heavy weather).what more can you ask for? sure you might bump the bottom every now and then, but the performance and stablity is worth it. Good Luck, Bob S/V Lady Di II
go for the deep keel! i own a H31 deep keel and love it! it's fast, points well, easy to tack, and is very stabel (especialy in heavy weather).what more can you ask for? sure you might bump the bottom every now and then, but the performance and stablity is worth it. Good Luck, Bob S/V Lady Di II
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Alex
Go Deep for sure
I sail my 4 feet draft H-29.5 , and I wish I had the deep keel version , an option available only on later models. It tracks beeter , point better, roll less.
I sail my 4 feet draft H-29.5 , and I wish I had the deep keel version , an option available only on later models. It tracks beeter , point better, roll less.
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