I am considering a Freedom 21 with a shoal draft keel and wonder about the seaworthness of this design vs the fin keel in Buzzards Bay MA. I like the short keel for its ability to navigate the shallow waters in inlets and rivers on the Bay but am concerned about stability in the legendary Buzzards Bay winds. Any Thoughts or personal experiences with this type boat or keel?
shoal draft or fin keel
- Thread starter Jack B19783
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Sounds Like A Delightful Boat
Since you have some skinny water, it should suit you fine. I just would not worry about stability, etc. That is a good design from a respected designer and builder. They will do as much as they can to compensate by way of design and ballast. Besides, the free-standing rig will be very easy to handle. Rick D.
Since you have some skinny water, it should suit you fine. I just would not worry about stability, etc. That is a good design from a respected designer and builder. They will do as much as they can to compensate by way of design and ballast. Besides, the free-standing rig will be very easy to handle. Rick D.
Shoal draft is usually heavier
A shoal draft keel is usually heavier to make up for the lack of depth (and thus lever arm) through which it balances the sideways force of the wind on the sails. In any case, the threat to the stability of any keel boat is a broadside breaking wave. The wind cannot roll you farther than a "knock down" to 90 degrees. David Lady Lillie Shoal Draft h27
A shoal draft keel is usually heavier to make up for the lack of depth (and thus lever arm) through which it balances the sideways force of the wind on the sails. In any case, the threat to the stability of any keel boat is a broadside breaking wave. The wind cannot roll you farther than a "knock down" to 90 degrees. David Lady Lillie Shoal Draft h27
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