Swing keel

[mark alba]

I have a 22 with a swing keel. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a swing keel. Is this a good boat for the open ocean?

 

[Ed P.]

Depends Upon Intended Use

Hi Mark, As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages. All you really need to do is to find out if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for your intended use. Open ocean vessel... absolutely not. Not that it can't be done, but it's kinda like driving a VW bug in a Grand Prix. Other than that, the swing keel requires considerable more maintenance than a fin or wing keel.  On the plus side though, it's certainly a lot easier to get in and out of the water. If you want to trailer a lot and visit different sailing sites, the swing keel fits the bill. However, be prepared for a boat that's a bit more tender than a fixed keel and one that won't be able to handle as much wind as a fixed keel. Hope this helps. Fair Winds,Ed P.

 

[Brad Williams]

Yep, maintenance is the big downside of a swing.

As Ed suggests, the swing makes the boat a little easier to load -- not a really big deal over a wing, a lot better than a fin.A big advantage is if you sail in skinny water. You draw less water than either a fin or wing with the keel raised. You can get closer to shore -- probably be able to beach the boat in a lot of cases if you want to go ashore for overnighting or whatever.Good sailing,Brad