Deep or Shallow Keel

[vivianwhite]

Can anyone help me. I am considering purchasing my first sailing yacht, having owned several motor boats in the past, but I am on a learning curve with sailing. I have identified Beneteau 393's and Sun Odyssey 40's as the type of yacht I would like and eventually I intend to end up sailing in the Eastern Med. I have found a very nice 393 with a shallow keel (1.55M). What I would like to know is what are the advantages/disadvantages of a shallow keel vs deep keel? Particularly, is a shallow keel likely to heel over more? Also, is the depth of keel likely to reflect on the resale value of a yacht?

 

[billmacfarlane]

I can't imagine the keel type affecting the resale value of the boat. If you go for the shallow keel version, then you will probably sell it on to someone like-minded. I sail one of the few shallow keel versions of my boat in the UK, the reason being I need less draught for my marina which is 2m max draught. With my design I do notice a difference only if I look at my leeway using the GPS, and I lose a little sailing to windward in light airs. There's no difference in heel as far as I can tell, though both the Beneteau and Jeannneau rely more heavily on form stability rather than ballast, so I'd guess that you wouldn't notice any difference in heeling angle. With mine I've 43% ballast ratio as opposed to 40% of the deep keel. The advantages of shallow draught are obvoius, but in your sailing area you'll need to look at harbour and anchorage depths to see if you can gain any advantage of going for the shallower keel.

 

[jonjo]

I posted a similar question about 9 months ago with view to buying a yacht with a 2.2m draft. In the context of English Channel usage the replies supported the deep keel proposal.

There is a noticeable trend towards deeper keels in the new cruising designs released onto the market in the last 2 years. I view this as a market response to criticism leveled at many 90's vintage cruiser/charter models with shallow keels.

How does this affect resale value? Many modern buyers want the improved handling of a deep keel but in the UK this is probably cancelled out by those looking for cheaper mooring costs associated with a shallow keel.

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Deep or Shallow Keel it\'s a toss up.

Do you need either the reduced draught or better windward ability? If you don't really care that brings us to boat type. Some designs, I'm thinking of some American specimens, couple shallow draught with shallow rudder. They then add wide beam and a sporty ballast ratio. This can result in a boat that goes to windward "like a nuns chorus on ice". It's less than satisfying to sail a boat like that.

 

[chrisb]

the main advantage of a shallow keel is that it requires less depth of water to float in. i advise learning to sail first and the answer to your question will become self evident

 

[rwoofer]

I don't think a shallow keel would provide any advantages in the Med as it generally has much deeper water close to shore. If you are not hugely concerned about upwind performance then it won't have any disadvantages either.

Most modern shallow drafts have a similar righting moment, because the keel is a)heavier and b) has a larger bulb bringing the C of G down. So it really is down to leeway, as the only sailing difference.