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Paul Cassel

wrote:

Now that people have shown the benefits of a Shoal Draft, what are the
benefits of a longer draft say 6 - 7 feet?

Less drifting off your heading when close to the wind. Less heeling
angle. Both if all other things remain equal.

In theory, a centerboard or swing keel will address both issues and I
almost bought one. Later, while in a boatyard for a minor refit, I saw a
centerboard boat (Hood designed) which had its centerboard box fouled
with barnacles, etc. Thus the centerboard would not operate.

I heard the boat guys saying how much it'd cost to put things right and
that cured me from having a similar design. Of course, to be fair, the
design was ok, but the guy let the boat sit on a mooring for years in
tropical waters.

-paul