High deadrise high radius keel

Hello,

In regards to hull design I know that a lot of attention gets paid to deadrise angles, chine width, beam, etc. but I’m hoping that those of you with more knowledge than myself can provide some insight on another variable in hull design and give a brief explanation on the pros/cons or trade offs in a higher radius keel on a deep V hull design.

For example, almost every deep V (24*+ deadrise) boat I’ve seen, the hull comes to a true V at the keel. But the Bertram 20 that I’m restoring, has a high radius keel... there is no sharp angle where the hull sides meet though it has a deadrise angle at the transom of 26*.

So mainly hoping to be educated on the trade offs or why one design might be chosen over the other or where each design performs better.

Regards,

RMH

 

It makes for a little less draft with a single engine. It is a structurally better. It doesn't make a lot of difference performance wise.

 

A rounded "bluff" corner transition is much better than a sharp fine edge in composite that is subjected to floating debris etc.

 

Some used to say the rounded vee lent itself to chine walking, but for general sane usage, I doubt it makes any great difference.

 

Thank you