Lift keels on bigger yachts - views

[Sea Change]

Our previous boat was lift keel, 33ft. I'm in no hurry to buy another! The keel clonked in certain conditions, and the shallow rudder led to a very heavy helm. We never used the drying out ability whilst cruising, because it would take a lot of planning including a recce to check the suitability of the drying spot on the previous tide. It was handy for doing antifouling and anodes though.

 

[mrming]

Last boat was swing keel, I switched to a fin keel when going bigger, despite sailing on the East coast and having a tidal mud berth. The shallow draft was handy, but I decided a fin keel was simpler. I can see the attraction in North Wales if there’s hard sand to dry out on and the boat can sit flat without needing legs.

 

[ridgy]

I have a 32 foot lift keeler and am very fond of the facility.
Not for drying out purposes, but for getting up rivers e.g. the Ribble or Mersey, and over sand bars it's a great to have that option.
Mine is a very simple arrangement that lifts straight up and down with an electric winch so nothing to jam.

 

[tomsis]

So many excellent perspectives. It feels really like quite a balanced debate. I think I’m swing the trade off as being complexity vs extra mooring options. We don’t need to go super fast upwind and I’d hope with a boat with a good sailing reputation she would at least be okay.

On the mechanism - It’s got twin canted rudders, but sits on the stubby bit of the keel when she dries. It’s a simple puppy system into a winch to raise her.

Hmmmmm

I see spell check got the better of this post!