Marc,

The BIG advantage of a "non-fix" keel is in transportation. Yes, you
can get a little closer to shore, but if the shore is not soft sand and
you do not have bottom paint that matters - you still swim (or wade).

Another small advantage to a swinging board only (I do not have this) is
that it will be forgiving if it touched the bottom - lightly. If you
run it in hard, you can cause it some grief.

If it moves, it can break.

Fair Wind and Smooth Sea
Matt Colie S2-7.9 "Bonne Ide'e"

70's wrote:
I'm looking at buying a used pocket cruiser, something in the 22' range, and
I was wondering if I should get a swing keel, or a fixed one?
The lake in our town is big enough for up to 30' cruisers (yacht club
average), but has some shallow areas, but still lots of good deep areas.
I was told by an old salt that I should stick with a fixed keel, but I like
the attraction of a swing keel, to bring me in closer to shore.
I would just like to have a few experienced opinions.
Thanks to all.