Hi Dave and Jenn,
The keel question is perennial and will promote answers from proponents of each type of underwater profile. I have owned a multihull, a bilge keeler, a fin keeled yacht and am now on my third full keeler. My opinion clearly supports the full keel for comfort in a seaway, directional stability, especially when running in a largish sea, lower heel angles when reaching or close hauled and good protection against prop fouling. The full, moulded keel also makes for a far stronger, total structure.
I do not notice the marginal difference in pointing ability (I am a cruiser, not a racer....(unless there is significant inducement ie: Rum and a BBQ)).
The main drawback I experience is in the marina. Manoevering a boat with a full keel as compared to a fin keel is the same difference as exists on the road, between a large truck and a sedan. It takes much more room, reaction to the helm is much slower, reversing can be positively hilarious (for the spectator) especially when you are trying to pull a reverse turn into a mild current, against propwalk (
#@%/**#!!) and finally, it costs a little more to antifoul.
Hope this is of some help
David.
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