Swing Keel vs. Fixed Keel

[Deborah Tobias]

Which keel type is best for Florida's shallow Biscayne Bay? I've heard the newer wing keel will really grab onto the mud. It seems the fixed keel would have less to go wrong and not take up any extra room on the boat. You'd have to stay in the channels...Any thoughts or input is greatly appreciated. Maybe it makes sense to just look for a nice used boat at a good price and go with the keel style that you get on it?

 

[Robert Fischer]

similar conditions

I sail on Long Island's Great South Bay which is similar in depth to Biscayne Bay. The wing keels only save you 6 to 12 inches in draft, and that is only when the boat is level. If you are heeled over the draft actually increases by several inches. With a fin keel if you are grounded you can heel the boat over to reduce draft. Go with the fin keel. A keel/centerboard might not be bad either. Good luck

 

[Dave LaPere]

swing keel

As an experienced sailor who learned to sail the Great Lakes before ever stepping a foot into salt water, my preference is a swing keel as it is adjustable in most situations provided you have enough keel exposed for the amount of sail and prevailing winds that you have. Sailing Lake Erie has always been a challenge on the US side as it is very shallow in many places,. Having a depth finder is a must , and if all else fails you can always lower the sails, secure the keel and motor with an auxilary engine (outboard) to wherever you want to go. YOU can even beach a swing keel provided you have a kick up rudder as well. The new Markll is an awesome choice.

 

[Peter Clancy]

Best Choice...

Having cruised and raced on Biscayne Bay for 30 years with different keel types, my choice would definitely be a swing keel, or a combination fixed/swing keel that would draw no more than 3-4' max retracted. Yes, I do think a wing keel on a heavier boat (I sail a Catalina 320 with the wing keel) could be more difficult to maneuver off a sandbar or mudbank. On a prior boat, my swing keel would warn me of impending shallows by starting to bump along the bottom. Get familiar with a Biscayne Bay chart as it is easy to learn where not to go in the Bay. 90% of the Bay has good depth. Good luck!

 

[Randy]

Fixed Wing Keel

I have a 22 Catalina with a fixed wing keel and sail Sarasota bay which is shallow. The water into my slip gets down to 2 1/2 ft at low tide and I have no problem. The boat is very stable in the water and is very fast. Much better than the retractable keels where you need to adjust constantly. I crew for a friend occasionally who has a 30' with a retractable keel.......I prefer my fixed wing.

 

[Dave LaPere]

PS on Swing Keel's

Just a PS on my earlier note. I read the reply concerning fixed wing keels , but I find that in shallow water geting hung up on Delta mud in the Sacramento Delta area can be a real chore to get it out. Yes they are very fast and track very well but with a retractable keel you stand a chance getting it out again and not spending your whole day doing it. Usualy if a retacable keel is stuck in mud it's a simple raising of the keel to float you free, and if not then a gentle nudge with and outboard in reverse works very well too. At least here in Calif and Mich.