Keel Types

[boristhespie]

What type of keel is more stable for ocean going, fixed, swing etc?

[tspeer]

The deepest, heaviest one.

[PAR]

Relatively shallow draft craft were used to discover land over the horizons of past. Deep, high ballast ratio, fin style, appendages are a reasonably new idea in yachts used well off shore.

As a general rule, most venturing into deep water use fixed, deep fins, but this isn't the qualifier as there is quite a bit more to a craft's "sea keeping" abilities then a fixed keel. A boat's intended use sets the design stage and many compromises will be made by the designer and accepted by the owner, before the craft is built. Some of the issues addressed during the design phase will effect the yacht's ocean going qualities. Keel types have their good points and bad, like most everything else in yacht design.

Stability is a function of many factors, the appendage type being one, hull form being another. A deep heavy keel is a good way to go, but some of us like to surf and get into shoals, so . . .

[boristhespie]

How are swing keels for ocean voyages. Keels like those on the Southerly range or Alubats Onvi's etc. Is having a swing keel the best of both worlds or simply something else to go wrong.