I think one of the 2002 issues of Wooden Boat Magazine had a design article
by Ted Brewer in which he gave some reasons for preferring keel stepped
masts. Don't recall what they were though.

"Parallax" wrote in message
om...
I have heard ppl say they would only have a keel stepped mast on an
offshore boat. Why? A well built deck stepped mast is as strong as a
keel stepped one and easier to put up or down. If either loses a
stay, it is coming down in a hurry? I fail to see the reason for this
odd preference.