Tandem keels

[Jerrard]

Hello to readers - does anyone have any experience / ideas / views on these keels. I'm interested in an Etap 26i with a tandem keel - the first time I've encountered this design. Any input appreciated.
Thank you

 

[rjp594]

Hello, yes I have an Etap 24i with a tandem keel, that is basically the same as on the 26i, and am very happy with the balance of performance to shoal draft that it gives. While it certainly won’t be quite as fast or close winded as the deep fin version, unless you sail side by side with one, or are racing, you are unlikely to find it an issue. I believe one of the magazines, maybe PBO, did a comparison test some years ago. I would say it gives similar performance to a shallow fin but with less draft. The Etap 26i is a great little boat and if draft is a concern, I would certainly recommend the tandem keel.

 

[Jerrard]

Hello, yes I have an Etap 24i with a tandem keel, that is basically the same as on the 26i, and am very happy with the balance of performance to shoal draft that it gives. While it certainly won’t be quite as fast or close winded as the deep fin version, unless you sail side by side with one, or are racing, you are unlikely to find it an issue. I believe one of the magazines, maybe PBO, did a comparison test some years ago. I would say it gives similar performance to a shallow fin but with less draft. The Etap 26i is a great little boat and if draft is a concern, I would certainly recommend the tandem keel.

 

[Jerrard]

Hi - thank you for your reply. I wonder why the only tandem keels seem to be on the Etap boats - does that say something against the keel or maybe Etap have the sole design rights.
Good to hear your positive feedback.
Best wishes

 

[Crowblack]

Sadler Yachts, used the Warwick Collins designed tandem keel, Bavaria used their own take on the tandem too.

The Etap tandem is slightly different to both of those.

 

[KevO]

I’ve got a Sadler 34 with a Warwick Collins wing.

 

[jwilson]

A few Bavarias and Hunters also had tandem keels as an option. Owners generally say they sail well enough. Nothing beats a deep fin for windward performance, but for many people shallow draught is important.