Should I lift the keel when running

[Telstar26]

I'll probably be sailing a Parker 21 lift keel next year.

When running in heavier winds, should I lift the keel? I know it'll be quicker, with less rolling and less chance of broaching, but what'll happen if I do broach?

 

[Bergman]

Unless your in a desparate hurry leave the keel down.

The speed gain isn't all that much and the tendancy to sail sideways without keel will tend to loose any gains from wetted area saving.

Don't know what'll happen if (when) you do broach perhaps you maight try it and let us know. I'd rather you did it than me.

 

[Skyva_2]

Why not ask on the Seal Association site at Seal web page , there are forums for each marque of boat.

 

[jhr]

My brother used to have a Parker 21 and I asked him just this question. His response, once purged of bad language, was that he suspected his AVS would be somewhat reduced, which might, in turn, intensify the effects of a broach. Or words to that effect. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ex-Gladys]

Most dinghies put some centreboard down as the wind picks up to reduce rolling....

 

[Evadne]

I dimly recall a "Learning from Experience" article a while ago. The main thrust was how difficult it was for people on the shore to see flares in broad daylight, when fired from an upturned hull. The boat got upside-down by pulling up the keel while under way, under power, but I don't recall which one it was.

 

[mirabriani]

probably an E Boat

Briani

 

[geoffatstanpit]

Welcome to our little fleet!

I race mine regularly but I normally don't have enough horsepower in the crew to pull the keel (550lb) up for the runs! It could reduce the tendency to broach but judging from the way she handles under power with the keel up (like a tea tray) you won't have much control. About a foot of keel down would be best, less resistance but with still a vestige of control.

Someone a bit down this thread suggested the SSA website. I'd have to agree as I'm the bloke they'd expect to answer such a Q.

Geoff

 

[Telstar26]

Thanks for the advice - will make sure I pop over to XChurch!

 

[Boathook]

Re: Should I lift the keel when running re Dave_white

Having a cat it is difficult to comment about a mono but a few years ago we rescued 3 people from a wayfarer? that had capsized whilst running with the plate up. The flares in daylight were difficult to see but the crew rescued said that they would use some plate in future unless racing !

 

[AngusMcDoon]

My son used to have a lift keel 7m boat. The keel comprised the entire boat's ballast.

The designer's rule was when at sea never ever lift the keel. It was bolted down securely before going into open water, and stayed that way. He said that if the keel was lifted, not only was capsize more likely, but the keel could drop back into its slot, preventing the boat from righting itself.

I don't know if this applies to your boat, but gives an example from another lift keel boat.