[Jeff_H]

Sure there are lots of centerboarders and keel-centerboarders that can work where you are. Occationally you may sit on the bottom but if you have 4 feet of water you should be OK most of the time. Most keel-centerboarders are older designs form the 1960''s but there were a variety of K/Cb boats made right into the 1980''s.
Have fun learning,
Jeff