Elan 36 short vs deep keel

[knuterikt]

I have found a used Elan 36 that I like.
Only one thing worries me this boat is a short keel version.
I have found out that this boat come with two keel versions. One deep (1,95 m / 2200 kg) and one short (1,40 m / 2500 kg). Someone told me that the version with short keel was more course unstable than the long keel version.
Do you have any comments to this?

TIA
Knut

[PBzeer]

Draft is usually a consideration of your sailing area, and/or, your planned use of the boat. Unless you are planning on making some long passages, I don't think the difference between the shoal and deep keel in this case is that much of a concern. That's simply my opinion though.

Regards,

[Gene T]

Deep draft boats sail better, that's why they make them. You will lose at least 5 deg of pointing angle. You will motor more and the boat will be more tender. It probably has a wing keel which will dig in and be difficult to get unstuck when you run aground. On the plus side you can cruise into more harbors. If you sail in an area with shallow water you have little choice.