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Old 12-06-2006
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pigslo pigslo is offline
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center boards

I own a centerboard that draws 4 feet and 9 with the board down. I have taken the boat offshore and she sails like a demon upwind. 99% of the time, the board is almost up,( will drop the board down a foot or so to close up the hole and present a more fluid shape to the water). When in skinny water the board gets pulled all the way into the trunk. While a winged keel is probably a better way to acomplish shallow draft from a mechanical standpoint, those times when wanting to point up high are fun but I am not sure it is worth it. My boat was built with a 5 foot draft keel and no centerboard and I have considered that keel modification at times. I suppose the prevailing depth in your cruising grounds are a big factor in determining your decision.
Pigslo
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