Swing keels when taking the ground

[gunnarsilins]

I asked about bilge keels a few weeks ago and got a lot of good response. But some people suggested that a swing keel would be more suitable for my cruising plans; canals and drying out along tidal coasts in different areas like the North sea, Scotland/Ireland, Brittany and northern Spain.
Since then I had a closer look on the Southerlies and found the 105 quite suitable. But I´m a bit concerned over how vulnerable the boat will be when drying out. Can she take some pounding if the sea is choppy and what will happen if the bottom is less than perfect, with some gravel, stones or pebbles.
It would be quite tiresome and complicated if one always was forced to anchor off in deep water, take the dinghy ashore at low water, investigate for a perfect spot to dry out on, wait for the next high tide, move the boat to the spot....

Also, any suggestions to other swing keel boats, size 33-35 feet and suitable for long distance cruising, preferably with a deck saloon or wheel shelter. The Ovnis are too expensive.

 

[tyce]

parker 325 might fit the bill

 

[andy_wilson]

The Southerlys have a very broad cast iron grounding plate which will shrug off imperfections on the bottom. I'ts contact with the ground is fairly assured due to the twin keels at the back. However there is still the chance of a large rock or mooring tackle just off to the side coming into contact with the moulded hull.

However, anyone who grounds any boat in any sort of swell runs the risk of damage, the forces are huge, but probably feel worse than they really are. Further, it is not good sea-manship to take to the ground without having first inspected the berth. Unless it is a known expanse of good clean sand, or mud, without mooring sinkers etc. to spoil things, there is always a risk.

When I booked to dry in Brixham a few years ago I asked the HM the type and condition of the berth. He advised it was a purpose made concrete pad, couldn't give me the height above datum, and suggested I inspect it on the previous low tide, then stand watch to ensure that no other boats sink in the berth, cars drive over the quayside, or even supermarket troyeys get dumped there!

 

[boatmike]

I would support what Andy says here Gunnar. The swing keel on the Southerlies is a superb piece of engineering designed by Rob Humphreys that is one of the best I have seen. It not only provides a seriously over engineered mechanism that will be very difficult to damage but also provides a great deal of ballast even with the plate up. It will take any pounding you care to give it when taking the ground but as Andy suggests you need to be sure the ground is free of big rocks etc. but you need to do this with any boat taking the ground.
As I have said before, there is no perfect boat, and the Southerly is not a blue water cruiser, but sensibly used it is a seaworthy boat.
The only other thing I would say about swing keel boats is try to avoid drying out on gravelly bottoms where small stones can sometimes jam the plate. Having said this, when the Southerlies keel is wound right up it seals better than most and rarely gives trouble. If I were after a boat to do what you want it to do, especially inland waterways, the Southerly would certainly be on my short list. Good luck in your search. Oh by the way, do look at Northshore Yachts website (Southerly builders), its fairly informative

 

[chasroberts]

Hi Gunnar

Most of what Andy says is perfectly correct but Im unsure about his reference to "twin keels at the back" refers to as with the keel up there's nothing lower than the level of the grounding plate. (that's the whole idea). Also fully endorse comments re drying out in unknown bottom conditions but that goes for any boat that takes the ground.

We've had our 105 for five yeqrs now and are still very happy with her. We brought her down to the Med through the French Canal system without any real probs whatsoever and the 1.6mt difference in draught between keel up and keel down proved invaluable in the years we had her on the East coast of England.

If you'd like any more specific info please feel free to pm me.

Regards

Chas

 

[Niord]

I had a Southerly 105 for 15 years. No problems when taking the ground even in a slight swell.
One point to watch is when grounding on softish bottom - haul the keel right up as in will dig in to the ground and can impose severe strain on the hull if the boat is swung by the wind/tide with the keel stuck in the bottom.
Dried out on stony groung without problem - somewhat noisy though.
Brilliant yacht for exploring and dtying out on sunny beaches.
sails fairly well too.
If you go for it make sure that the engine is the Bukh 36 hp - never failed me.

 

[kengill]

One particular problem I discovered in St Peterport.

I'd left the keel to swing up if I touched - and sure enough I did. What did not account for was that in touching a rock bottom the keel dug in with its point and as the tide dropped and the keel swung up the boat moved forward and touched the walkway in front - fortuneately a good bit of wood was there and no harm done. but I moved the boat back a few feet when the tide came in!!