Sadler 26-bilge of fin?

[ninnes]

Does anyone know if the Sadler 26 bilge keeler is significantly less seaworthy or points less well than the fin keeled version? I would expect a degree of difference but for east coast coastal sailing is it a real difference considering their overall seaworthy reputation? Racing is not a issue to me. Drying out might be.
Your thoughts/experiences would be much appreciated.
Ta

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[philip17]

We have owned a bilge keeled Sadler 26 for 7 years and during this time we have never been dissapointed with her ability to point up. Sadler 26's excell when the wind is forward of the beam and love a f4-f5 apparent and in these conditions they leave other bilge keelers behind and catch up bigger fin keelers.
We sail from the walton backwaters so in our opinion a bilge keeler is essential as it is so shallow around here.
In conclusion the benefits of a bilge keeler far outway the slight improvement in pointing ability if sailing the east coast, a good set of sails and sail trimming will easily compensate.
Good luck if you decide to buy a BK Sadler 26, they really are a super boat.


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[MADFISH]

Or you could buy my Hunter Horizon 26 B/K that I am having to sell (Boo Hoo! Second child on its way!)

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[Oldhand]

If one makes the assumption that a Sadler 26 performs similarly to a Sadler 25, then the fin keeler's performance is far superior in all conditions and is wicked to windward. My guess is you will be happy with a twin keel 26 until a fin keeler sails past you. I raced my fin keel 25 and it could point high enough to force the best Sigma 33's to pass to leeward. It scared me stupid on beats down to the Needles on Round the Island races becuase we were always cross-tacking with much larger boats.

Another negative for the twin keeler is the joy of antifouling between the keels...

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