Wayne wrote:

The two boats I have owned (Alberg 37 & Cape Dory 27) have had
modified full keels with the rudder hung from the keel -- lots of
protection for the rudder and prop. I went aground frequently in the
ICW, Chesapeake and Bahamas and never had any damage.

I am wondering whether fin keel boats tend to suffer damage when going
aground? Do they fall backwards onto the rudder in a falling tide?
Also, do they tend to have deeper keels for equivalent stability,
making them less suitable for the Bahamas?

Is this a paid-for political announcement


1- Do fin keel boats tend to suffer damage when going aground?
Depends very much on the boat and on the circumstances, but as a general
rule...
no.

2- Do fin keel boats fall backwards onto the rudder in a falling tide?
I've never heard of it, but I suppose it could happen.

3- Do fin keel boats tend to have deeper keels for equivalent stability?
No, if anything a fin keeler will have greater righting moment. They tend
to have higher ballast/displacement ratios and firmer bilge sections. Fin
keels do tend to be deeper than "full" keels (the Alberg designs you
mention are not really full keels) but that is more due to the fin than
for stability.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King