Fin Keel or Shoal Keel

[RobGallagher]

Originally Posted by tvicknair

Well, I suppose I have never sailed in seriously shallow water like the Bahamas and I question whether one foot of draft really makes a difference on a keel. I would like to ask people with experience in these areas, does it really make a difference? Logically to me, to make a difference I would assume the bottom is almost perfectly flat, no bumps of shifting sand to make you go aground. Furthermore, if the point of shoal keel is to avoid grounding, wouldn't putting wings on the keel, put the boat back at risk for grounding when going to windward? Perhaps this is only a concern at moorings?

I think, if I sailed chiefly in shallow waters, I would seriously consider a catamaran.

Cheers,

It all depends on where you sail and more importantly anchor, moor, or dock.

There is "usually" some deep water some where to tool around in. It's getting in and out places you like to sleep, eat, drink and be merry.

My Boat is on the mouth of the Mystic River in CT. There are is plenty of deep water channels and shallow areas in the sounds are well marked. However, there are places that I like to anchor that I would have to time the tides and my mooring field is 5 or 6 feet deep at low low tide. There are Channels that are I frequent that are 7 feet.

I decided that 6 feet or less is ideal for me. That is a judgement call. My current boat draws 5 feet.

I still manage bump ground once a year with 5 feet of draft.

If I purchased a boat that drew less than 3 feet I could have gotten a town mooring and saved myself some $$ over the years.

[JimsCAL]

NINE year old thread. WOW!! You think the OP is stiil aground?