[sab30]

I have narrowed my boat search to 2 boats..problem is the one at the better price has shoal draft 5'0 but it is newer, priced better with the options I want. The other boat is older higher price but has a full keel. Question is this..sailing in the Pacific Northwest will I notice a huge difference on a 35' boat with a 5'0 shoal draft compared to 6'?? I have been cautioned that with the tides, weather etc to stick with a full keel.

..I plan on coastal sailing for the next year or two to bring my skills up to a level Im comfortable with. Then it will be an "bluewater boat"