Wing Keel versus Deep Fin (30')

[Bob Rose]

This question has to be one that has gone around since wing keels were invented!I have been looking to purchase a Catalina 30 and the ones I have been looking at (1988 on) have either the winged keel (3'8" draft) or the fin keel (5'2" draft). The big issue is what to get?! My intent is to do some ICW cruising, splitting half the time running outside the ditch between inlets, so stability and balance are critical, yet getting in to those tight anchors spots is also just as important. Can anyone provides an opinion on this choice? My instincts say shallow draft, as the wing keel certainly must perform well in ocean conditions. Maybe I just need a shovein the right direction. Have at it.ThanksBob

 

[robert taylor]

keel type

a fin will always get better performance than a wing. there will be a tighter turning radius, less leeway under sail, and less weight for the same righting moment. also if you do run aground, you can kedge the boat off by heeling sideways, with a wing keel, the wing gets deeper when heeled. 5'2" is not as deep as the barges that ply the inland waterways. however, when you are in 4 feet of water with 2" to spare, it is comforting to know big boats will go aground before they can hit you.

 

[Chris Burti]

On your specifications...Wing

A semantic thing, a Catalina wing is a fin keel shortend and extended aft slightly with the wing added to offset the loss of lift. So you are comparing a lower CG and more efficient foil against a compramise to cut draft.I sail in shoal draft heaven. I'm going out sailing tomorrow. If my 320 had a deep keel. I'd be working in the yard as the water is a bit low right now and I couldn't get out of my slip. Fin keel is only an advantage up-wind and the turning circle is non-factor. Mine will turn within its own length. If you are a highly competative racer, go with the deep keel. There the loss of efficiency is an aggravation. For most East coast cruisers, the advantage of a lesser draft far outhweighs the loss of a little upwind capability. Few are willing to tend to the sail trim well enough to even see a difference.

 

[Ron Brassord]

Wing Keel

Last year we bought an 88 Cat 30 with a wing keel. So far I can find little or no difference in overall performance vs. a fin. I forget we have a wing. Since we sail in SE florida, the 3' 10" draft is a big plus. The issue of grounding is much reduced, in that we were frequently on the bottom with our previous 5' and seldom with the wing. Off shore, I have no trouble staying with other 30 footers in various conditions, inccluding going to weather. I think the wing is a great asset for anyone coping with restricted depths, and would buy another without question.  Good sailing Ron B Lighthouse Point Florida

 

[Dan C30]

wing it

as previously stated, unless you are racing (and Im not sure even then) the only dif is upwind and minimum at that.