sailboats with swing keel

9 Popular Boats With Lifting Keels (With Pictures & Prices)

If you are looking for a sailboat, you might want to consider one that features a lifting keel.

Lifting keels allow you to explore shallower waters, reduce drag, or other advantages when the keel is lifted.

Here are the boats you should check out first!

Table of Contents

What is a Lifting Keel?

As you probably know, the keel of a boat is the longitudinal structural device on the bottom of your hull.

On a sailboat, the keel serves as an underwater fluid machine that helps to minimize the lateral motion of the vessel that is under sail, as well as acting as a counterweight to the lateral force that comes from the wind on the sails which can cause it to roll to the side.

A lifting keel, sometimes known as a centerboard, is a keel that retracts into the hull of a sailboat or pivots and allows for certain advantages.

A lifting keel’s main function is to provide a lift to counter the lateral force that is created by the sails. This allows the sailboat to move other directions other than downwind.

Because these keels lift into the hull, you would be able to take your vessel into shallower waters.

In addition, a lifting keel is ideal for:

• Moving the center of resistance.
• Reducing drag.
• Removing the boat from the water and trailering it.

Centerboards are different than other types of keels, such as a ballast keel, because they do not contribute to the overall stability of the vessel because they are not as heavy and instead they only provide lateral resistance.

Great Boats with Lifting Keels Under $30,000

If you are looking for a boat that features a lifting keel and all that comes with it, you are in luck!

Below, I have compiled a list of great boats that feature a lifting keel.

1. Parker 235 Mini Cruiser

The Parker 235 Mini Cruiser is a small sailboat that should be great for sailors who would like to trailer their boat and explore multiple destinations.

This sailboat exhibits excellence both afloat and while onshore. This features high performance due to its long waterline, stable hull, and a deep low center of gravity.

This boat features a custom boat trailer and is easy to launch and as well as to trailer.

This boat is 23’ 5” in length. Despite its smaller size, there is no compromising with the internal accommodations. The boat featured 2 berths, a galley, and a head compartment.

This boat also has a lifting keel which reduces the draft by 3’ 6”.

This boat can be found used at a price of around $20,000.00.

RELATED: Common Problems With Parker Boats .

2. Hunter 22

The Hunter 22 sailboat is a perfect small daysailer that features the capacity to stay aboard overnight. This vessel is ideal for up to five passengers and features a large cabin.

This boat is 21’ 4” in length and is easy to launch, rig, and trailer when needed.

This boat features a lifting keel that reduces draft by 2’ 6” when lifted up.

This boat has a starting price of $29,990.00.

3. BayRaider 20

The BayRaider 20 manufactured by Swallow Yachts, is a small open sailboat that is ideal for families or sailors who are looking for something stable and safe.

This boat has features that make it ideal for beginner sailors including the ability to keep the ballast tanks full for added stability.

This vessel also features a two-masted ketch that gives an advantage over a single-mast rig because it allows for a quick reduction of sail.

This boat is almost 20 feet long and is light enough to be trailered or handled by one person.

This boat features a lifting keel that reduces the draft by 3.8 feet when lifted.

This boat has a starting price of $27,750.00.

4. Catalina 22 Sport

Catalina strives to encourage sailors who are interested in racing with the Catalina 22 Sport. This boat is small and measures at 23’ 10”.

This boat also has a cabin that features berths for up to 4 adults. This boat is a great choice for those looking for speed and easy maneuverability while still offering the ability to stay aboard overnight.

This boat has a lifting keel that reduces the draft of the boat by 3’ 2” while lifted.

This boat has a starting price of $23,550.00.

5. Marlow-Hunter 15

The Marlow-Hunter 15 is a safe and versatile daysailer for families or individuals who new to sailing. This boat was designed with sailing novices in mind and features high sides, a contoured self-bailing cockpit, and a wide beam that was built for comfort.

These safety features will allow peace of mind for parents and brand new sailors.

This vessel is also easy to trailer, rig and launch.

With a length of 14’ 6”, you can fit a crew of up to four onboard but this boat can also be handled solo.

This vessel features a lifting keel that reduces the draft by 3 feet when lifted.

This boat features a highly affordable starting price of $10,123.00.

Models Between $30,000.00 and $100,000.00:

6. feeling 326.

The Feeling 326 was manufactured between the years of 1987 and 1999. This boat is a cruising sailboat that is 32’ 6” in length and comes with 2 cabins, 6 berths, and 1 head.

This boat is great if you plan to go out for long journeys with multiple people.

Even though this boat is an older model, you should still be able to expect quality sailing from them.

This boat also features a lifting centerboard that reduces the draft by 2’ 7”.

Depending on the year and the seller of the vessel, these boats are selling for an average price of between $30,000 and $45,000.00.

7. Norseboat 21.5

The Norseboat 21.5 is the largest model in the Norseboat line with a length of 21’ 10”. You can get either a Cabin or an Open model for this boat.

You can customize this vessel based on your needs and other factors. You can construct a standard or semi-custom Norseboat.

This boat features a lifting centerboard that reduces draft by 2’ 4” when lifted.

Depending on the layout and chosen options, this boat has a starting price of $37,490.00.

Boats Over $100,000.00:

8. alubat ovni 365:.

From the manufacturer Alubat, the Ovni 365 combines their experience in centerboards and high performance to create a vessel that is both comfortable and high performing.

This boat is great whether you are traveling upwind or downwind. This boat is great for both long trips or for simply cruising up and down the coast.

This boat is 39.17 feet long and features a galley as well as a front and rear cabin.

This boat features a lifting centerboard that reduces the draft by about 5.18 feet when lifted.

Depending on the year and specifications of this vessel, the price could range from $100,000 to $300,000.

9. Southerly 42 RST

Southerly makes a mono-hull 42 RST that is an offshore deck saloon sailboat that was built for cruising. This boat has a length of 42’ 2” and could be equipped with either 2-3 cabins, 4-8 berths, and comes with 2 heads.

This boat is great for taking multiple people out on the water. While these are no longer in production, they were made between the years 2007 and 2017.

This boat has a lifting keel that reduces the draft by 6’ 1” when the keel is up.

Depending on the year and the condition, this boat could cost a minimum of $250,000 but if often over $300,000.00.

10. Gunfleet 43

The Gunfleet 43 is a top of the line vessel with many options for customization. This boat is large and luxurious with a length of 44’ 1”.

This boat features a standard layout with either 2 or 3 cabins, or you could get a custom-built version that also has 3 cabins.

This vessel offers high-end luxurious features that are ideal for long trips and even vessels that you would consider for living aboard.

This line features an optional lifting keel that would reduce draft by 4’ 4” when lifted.

This luxurious and custom-crafted vessel has a large price tag of over $800,000.00.

Keel Types and Performance:

The lifting keel is not the only keel that is available for your vessel. Each keel type is built for a different type of performance.

Some of these keel types include:

• Fin Keel with Spade Rudder
• Fin Keel with Skeg Rudder
• Lifting or Swing Keel
• Twin or Bilge Keel

Make sure before you buy your vessel, you consider the type of performance you are looking for on your vessel and research the ideal keel for you.

This can help you when selecting which boat to purchase and will help you get the maximum performance and use out of your vessel.

If you do not buy the boat with the proper keel type , then you will not get the necessary performance needed. Some keels are made to be more stable, some are made to be more versatile, and some such as the lifting keel is made to be able to be optional depending on what type of activity you plan to achieve in your vessel.

A lifting keel is a great option for those who are looking for shallow draught, speed, efficiency, and the ability to plane your vessel early.

The lifting keel is not ideal if you are planning to use it to offer additional stability. If you are looking for additional stability, you will want to look at different and heavier keel options.

If that sounds ideal for you, you will benefit from one of the many daysailers or overnight vessels that offer a lifting keel listed above.

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My Cruiser Life Magazine

What is a Swing Keel? Advantages & Vs Centerboards, Lifting Keel, Canting Keels

Swing keels are an often misunderstood sailboat feature. They stand unique as a capable offshore sailboat with good windward performance – but they also can provide access to places that few other sailboats can venture.

What is a swing keel, and what makes it so unique? Let’s look at a few examples and weigh the pros and cons.

Table of Contents

Swing keels versus centerboards, swing keel versus lifting keel, swing keels versus canting keels, bilge keels, shoal draft cruisers, daggerboards, advantages of swing keel yachts, disadvantages of swing keels, is a swing keel right for you, faq – questions about swing keel sailboats.

What Exactly are Swing Keels? And What Are They Not?

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about what a “swing keel” is—so let’s start by clearing a few things up. Swing keels are a rare feature found on larger cruising boats. It’s an expensive and specialized item that a boat buyer has to seek out if they want one!

A swing keel is a weighted fin keel that pivots up into the hull of the boat. It can be adjusted from a deep-keel design for optimum sailing performance to a flat-bottomed boat with no keel at all for “drying out” on a sandbar or motoring in extremely shallow water.

In short, a swing keel sailboat gives you the best of all worlds—excellent sailing performance, even upwind, and shallow water access to get in and out of virtually any anchorage or marina in the world.

To be effective, these yachts have very heavy keels. You cannot lift them manually—a proper swing keel requires an electric or hydraulic lifting mechanism. The keel is shaped like an airfoil for maximum performance and is cast out of lead or iron. They usually weigh as much as a couple of automobiles.

Swing keels are effective for two reasons. First, they are ballasted, so they provide righting momentum and stability for the yacht. Secondly, they are shaped like an airfoil, so the water moving over them creates a hydrodynamic force like a regular fin keel does.

There are currently only two major manufacturers of true swing keel yachts— Southerly (now owned by Discovery Shipyards in the UK) and Sirius Yachts from Germany. In 2020, Jeanneau announced a new swing keel version of their Sun Odyssey 410. However, it’s unclear as to precisely what type of keel it features.

The confusion isn’t helped by many sailors using multiple terms interchangeably. The truth is, swing keel sailboats are so rare that most sailors have never even seen one in person! Additionally, some manufacturers use many terms to misdescribe their products as swing keels, adding confusion and taking advantage of the ill-informed.

First, and perhaps most importantly, a swing keel is not a centerboard. The two may look similar, but their likeness ends there.

Centerboards are extremely common on small sailboats, especially trailerable sailboats . A centerboard sailboat has a flat bottom and a simple board that pivots back into the hull.

The centerboard itself is usually lightweight and lifted with a simple cable and winch system. More often than not, it’s a flat board made of fiberglass. The effectiveness of a centerboard comes entirely from the pressure of the water moving over it since its light design does not provide any righting momentum of its own.

Some larger and very capable cruising boats do have centerboards. However, these boats are usually fitted with internal ballast to improve the boat’s stability beyond what only the centerboard could provide.

There are many monohull fiberglass boats with centerboards, some of 40 feet or more. Usually, the centerboard option is a less common option from the factory for people who want to use the boat in very shallow water. On bigger boats, the board is usually retracted into a ballasted stub keel that doubles as the centerboard trunk.

The Gemini 105MC Catamaran has a pair of centerboards, each of which can be lifted with its own winch. This setup enables Geminis to operate in shallow waters, even by catamaran standards. The Gemini is a lightly-built coastal cruiser from the US.

Some other interesting examples are the Alubat Ovni and Allures aluminum sailboats made in France. These two companies produce different takes on the rugged “go anywhere” sailboat. To that end, they focus on using a centerboard to reduce the draft to make beaching the boat easy. Both of these boats are capable world cruisers.

Lifting keels look like a conventional fin, bulb, or even wing keel, but they have one significant design difference. Using a high-power motor, they can lift vertically up into the hull. This allows the yacht to have a conventional ballasted fin keel that adjusts in draft.

With this arrangement, the yacht can squeeze into shallow slips or even shoaly anchorages. But, with the keel fully extended, it has upwind sailing performance similar to a full keel version.

Lifting keels are very rare since the cost of manufacturing the lifting mechanism is so expensive. Plus, the interior of the boat must be designed to accommodate the trunk the keels lift into.

Compared to swing keels, lifting keels are more susceptible to damage from a hard grounding. A swing keel will simply pivot and retract partially. A lifting keel, in contrast, can easily damage the tracks and lifting mechanisms.

Another term that is often batted around is “canting keel.” A canting keel is found only on the most cutting-edge ocean racing boats. They swing not aftward, like a swing keel, but instead side to side.

Why would you ever want your keel to swing to the side? Their purpose is to flatten out the boat when sailing upwind. By getting a flat-hulled racing yacht to sail level, its hull will perform better and overall speed will be increased.

Other Shallow-Draft Designs to Consider

The list above is just a few ways that boat builders have found to reduce the draft of a sailboat. Depending on the purpose, there are other ways to do the job.

Bilge keels boats are most common in the UK. They are sometimes called twin keels because they feature two shorter keels mounted at slight angles below the hull. The main advantage of a bilge keel is that the boat can be allowed to “dry out” in areas of big tidal swings. In other words, the boat can stand on its own after the tide goes out.

Boat design is all about the give and take. While one buyer might want the ultimate in offshore performance, another might say they want a decent sailing boat that can fit into their slip—which only has four feet of water on the approach. What to do?

If yacht designers were allowed to draw their boats without considering shallow areas, most would attach deep, high-aspect-ratio fin keels. Then the boat would be limited to areas with seven or more feet of water. In some parts of the world, like The Bahamas or the Chesapeake Bay, that limits the number of places they can visit.

So boat builders often make at least two conventional keel versions of a boat. One has the best performance characteristics and a deep draft. The other has a slightly reduced draft and a few design tweaks to make it work. Often, the amount of ballast will be increased to compensate for the change in lateral resistance.

A fixed keel shoal-draft version of a sailboat does have a few advantages over other options. It is just as sturdy as any other keel design and has no moving parts or expensive lifting mechanisms.

Small boats that use centerboards have a few other options. Leeboards are a traditional design that uses pivoting boards mounted on each side of the boat. The classic Herreshoff Meadowlark is a good example.

Daggerboards are similar to centerboards, but instead of pivoting, the boards move directly up and down. Also, like centerboards, the daggers are not ballasted.

This arrangement is used on many sailing dinghies, like the Sunfish. For bigger cruising boats, they are popular on performance cruising catamarans like the Maine Cats, Outreamers, and Catanas.

Simply put, a swing keel yacht will allow you to go places that nothing else will. If you eliminated lightweight centerboard designs from your list of options, there are very few shoal-draft ocean-going sailboats to choose from.

Most centerboard designs are inadequately designed for bluewater sailing. Those built heavier and mounted on larger vessels tend to be mounted in stub keels. While they certainly have a shallower draft than other similar-sized vessels, they are still a far cry from “shoal-draft.” As a result, the list of true bluewater centerboard boats is extremely short.

Swing keels are robustly designed, heavy enough, and stable enough to handle ocean crossings. At the same time, they fold up to access very shallow water. That allows the skipper to get into pretty much any anchorage or marina—even places that other sailboats can’t get into.

There are also times when sailing that the variable draft feature will have its plusses. When sailing downwind, for example, having the keel in the fully lowered position makes little sense. By reducing draft slightly, you might be able to sail fast under spinnaker.

It also enables some swing keel sailboats to be dried out. This is standard practice in some harbors with big tide swings. In other places, it means that you can perform maintenance on a sandbar in the right conditions. And that means fewer trips to the boatyard!

Maybe one of the neatest tricks that will make those with fixed keels jealous is what happens if you run aground in one of these boats. First off, bumps are unlikely to damage the keel. The keel swings on its pivot point. The skipper can then just reduce draft a little, and carefully proceed.

It’s not all good news, of course. If swing keels didn’t have some minuses, chances are there would be a lot more of them out there.

While sailing performance is very good on these boats, it does not match a hull with a full-depth fixed fin keel. The design of the swinging keel does not allow for the same distribution of weight, so the balance of the boat will always be a bit different.

The system required to raise and lower an enormous and heavy keel is not trivial. It is a complex system made up of expensive parts. Experienced boaters will immediately understand the problem with this. It means that it will break one day, and when it does, it will be difficult and expensive to repair.

Routine maintenance is not a burden, however. Beyond checking the hydraulic level, keel threads, and swing keel cables occasionally, there is little to do.

The other significant disadvantage of this system is the initial purchase cost. These boats target a very niche market and only sell a few boats a year. As a result, they’re hard to find, which means that good examples are expensive to purchase. If you’re building a new yacht, then a swing keel system is a costly option.

There are also slight day-to-day considerations with a swing keel. As with any complicated boat system, the keel lifting mechanism will require occasional maintenance. The entire system will likely need to be overhauled by the yard every 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the interior of the yacht must be designed to accommodate the lifted keel. Southerly often solves this by featuring a raised salon area where the central dinette sits higher, on top of the keel enclosure.

While swing keel sailboats are pretty rare, this is no lack of information available about them. The trick is to make sure that the boat you are looking at and talking about is indeed a swing keel and not something else.

Luckily, one of today’s most experienced and knowledgeable cruising couples has several decades of experience on Southerly swing keel sailboats . Paul and Sheryl Shard of the Distant Shores television show have documented their experiences extensively. They have cruised Europe, the Caribbean, and North America and made at least five Atlantic crossings various Southerly sailboats.

Clearly, these boats are not for everyone. Most people don’t need the extra expense or complexity of a swing keel. But if you want a boat that can access shallow water while at the same time not sacrificing offshore or sailing performance, then swing keels should be on your shortlist.

Are swing keels good?

As with all things boating, the answer is, “It depends.” Swing keels are an expensive feature to add to any boat, and as such only well-built boats will bother putting it in.

A swing keel is a good option if you’re looking for a shallow-draft sailboat that does not sacrifice sailing performance. And unlike most centerboard-equipped designs, these boats are bluewater-capable and very robustly built.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Which Sailboat?

Catalina 22 Review

The Catalina 22 is the most commercially successful sailboat of all time and is one of the 5 inaugural members of the American Sailboat Hall of Fame.  Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts  designed the Catalina 22, which was Catalina’s first production boat.  Since 1969, Catalina Yachts has built and sold over 16,000 Catalina 22s.  Catalina continues to manufacture this boat to meet continued sprightly demand.  Continued market demand and production of a family cruiser and racer of this size contrasts with the next two models up in Catalina’s line, the Catalina 25  and the Catalina 27, which are no longer produced.

The Catalina 22 is an excellent day sailer, racer, and weekender.  She has classic Catalina lines and port light configuration that many sailors find timeless.  Although Catalina has updated the Catalina 22 throughout its production run, early boats remain modern-looking and attractive by today’s standards.  Many sailors will prefer the lines of the earlier boats over the lines of the most recent.  With its light displacement and available swing keel, the Catalina 22 can truly be considered a trailer-sailer by any modern standard.

Unlike many builders of sailboats available on the used boat market today, Catalina remains in business, and continues to manufacture and source parts for the Catalina 22.  Catalina 22 owners benefit from  Catalina Direct , which makes buying many  Catalina 22 specific parts  very convenient.  As an aside, it’s worth noting that Catalina Direct is a dealer for Catalina Yachts and is not run by Catalina, the manufacturer.  With the vast majority of Catalina 22s still afloat, the boat has a huge user base and a very active owners’ association with racing, the Catalina 22 National Association .  Many owners of the Catalina 22 report that the plethora of information available from other owners, that the manufacturer was still in business, that a version of the boat continues to be manufactured, and that spare parts were readily available, were key points influencing their decision to purchase a Catalina 22.

EVOLUTION OF THE CATALINA 22

Catalina produced the original Catalina 22, called the Mark I, until 1995.  In 1973, a fin keel was offered in addition to the swing keel.  In 1976, a stronger heavier mast was introduced.  In 1986, Catalina introduced the “New Design”, which saw revisions to the rigging but not to the sail dimensions, aluminum trimmed port lights replaced with smoked plexiglass, interior layout changes, addition of a separate fuel locker and battery compartment, moving the forward hatch aft of the foredeck to the cabin house, and addition of an anchor locker.  In 1988, a wing keel option was offered in addition to the swing and fin keels.  In 1995, Catalina introduced the Catalina 22 Mark II, which included revisions to the hull above the waterline, cabin house and port lights, interior layout, pop-top, and offered additional interior options.  In 2004, Catalina introduced the Catalina 22 Sport.   For the Catalina 22 Sport, Catalina redesigned nearly the entire boat except for the hull, keel, rudder, and sail plan, which were left the same so that these boats could compete in one-design racing.

Catalina introduced an additional 22 footer, the Catalina Capri 22, in 1984. This boat has a different underbody from all of the above Catalina 22 boats and is not eligible for Catalina 22 one-design racing.  Catalina continues to manufacture this boat, today called the Catalina 22 Capri .

CONSTRUCTION

The build quality of the Catalina 22 is good for its intended purpose as a daysailer and weekender for inland and protected waters.  The hull is solid hand-laid fiberglass.  Some Mark I models had plywood stringers, which can rot.  The deck is fiberglass sandwich with a plywood core.  The hull-to-deck joint is Catalina’s preferred shoebox design, but only fastened with screws and chemical adhesive which are sufficient for the boat’s intended cruising grounds.  Interior fit and finish is excellent for this size and class of production boat.  The interior is a molded fiberglass liner.  Interior woodwork is an attractive and durable marine ply with teak veneer with some solid teak pieces for structural loading.

All standing rigging is stainless steel.  Catalina 22s built before 1977 had a lighter, weaker mast, and lighter gauge standing rigging.  These early boats were not designed to carry a headsail greater than a 110%.  A few of these earlier boats suffered mast failures when carrying a larger genoa. In 1978, Catalina fixed this issue on all new Catalina 22s by installing a stronger, heavier mast and heavier gauge rigging that could support the greater loads associated with larger headsails.

Minor blistering was an issue on some earlier Catalina 22s, which was a common issue for boats manufactured during that period.  Hull blistering issues are hit and miss, with some Catalina 22 owners reporting never having any.  Due to the long production run and improvement of fiberglass technology during this time, blistering issues were reduced in each successive year, and were nearly non-existent by the mid-1980s.

As with all early Catalina boats that had aluminum trimmed port lights, leaking is a common problem.  Catalina Direct offers a Catalina 22 specific  kit to reseal these port lights.

On Mark I boats, the electrical panel was installed on the side of the aft dinette seat where it can be damaged by kicking when moving about the cabin and by water intrusion between the hatch boards.  Some owners install kick plates over the electrical panel to protect the switches.  Due to the relatively simple electrical systems on the boat, moving the electrical panel to a better location is only a small project.  For the New Design, Catalina moved the panel to the shelf in the port side of the hull.  Catalina moved the panel again for the Mark II model, placing it beneath the companionway steps, which returned it to the same location issues as the Mark I boats have.

Early Catalina 22s came from the factory with through-hull plumbing fittings secured only by single hose clamps, instead of two.  This is of course easy to fix if not done already.  Early boats also had gate valves installed for through-hulls, which was common at that time.  Gate valves should be replaced with proper seacocks.

The Catalina 22 is a masthead sloop with a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of around 18 (depending on keel), which puts her traditionally in a medium-cruiser class.  The mast is deck stepped with a compression post below decks to support the mast.  The mast is supported by one set of spreaders and one set of upper shrouds, and two sets of lower shrouds.

Some Catalina 22s came equipped from the factory with boom vangs, while others did not.   Catalina 22 specific boom vang kits are available from Catalina Direct.  All boats came with an adjustable mainsheet traveler.  The jib car tracks are very short, but this is not likely an issue for the vast majority of sailors who will rarely adjust the location of their jib cars anyway.  A small winch and clutch is installed on each cockpit coaming to manage jib sheets. No halyard winches were installed from the factory, but clutches were typically installed at the aft end of the cabin house so as to be accessible from the cockpit.

Catalina has deliberately never changed the dimensions of the rig during the entire production run so that any Catalina 22 regardless of year can compete in Catalina 22 one-design racing.

KEEL AND RUDDER

The vast majority of Catalina 22s were delivered with a swing keel.  Over the production run, Catalina introduced two additional keel options, a fixed fin and a fixed wing.  The fin keel has a draft of 3′ 6″ and provides 765 lbs. of ballast.  The wing keel has a draft of 2′ 6″ and provides 708 lbs. of ballast.

The Catalina 22 swing keel warrants its own discussion.  On earlier boats, the swing keel was cast iron and in later boats, cast lead. Beginning with the Mark II model, all swing keels were encapsulated in fiberglass.  The swing keel weighs 452 lbs. and serves as all of the ballast for the boat. The heavy weight of this swing keel prevents many of the annoying banging noises associated with unballasted swing keels. The keel can be raised by way of a simple and reliable manual winch system located below the companionway steps. Little effort is required to operate the winch.

The swing keel pivots from a down position to an aft-and-up position on a 1” diameter cast bronze rod hung between stout cast bronze hangers mounted to the underside of the hull. When down, the keel provides a 5′ draft, which is very deep for a boat of this size.  When the keel is fully raised to its horizontal position, the Catalina 22 has a draft of only 2′, which is of course handy for gunkholing or if the water gets shallow when exploring. In the event of a grounding, the keel gently swings back and away rather than getting damaged or causing damage to the hull as can happen with fixed keels and vertically lifting (not swing) keels.  When the swing keel on the Catalina 22 is fully lowered, the keel orientation is high aspect and has a symmetrical foil shape, similar to modern race boats, so that the boat points to weather extremely well and tacks on a dime. When completely raised, only a small part of the keel is enveloped in the hull, with the rest protruding. Therefore when the keel is fully raised, the keel orientation is very low aspect, making for nearly a full keel configuration, enabling the boat to track well with little helm attention, even when sailing downwind.

Catalina recommends that Catalina 22 swing keel hardware be inspected every two years if in a salt water environment, and allows for longer if in fresh water. However, some owners in fresh water environments report never inspecting their swing keels after thirty years of use and have no problems.  Catalina also recommended a retrofit be performed on earlier Catalina 22s to reduce the side-to-side movement of the keel along the pivot pin, which could cause the keel to wear through the pin.  If not already done, owners should perform or have this retrofit performed.  A retrofit kit is available from Catalina Direct.

Despite the early swing keels being cast iron, Catalina did not typically install a sacrificial anode on Catalina 22s at the factory.  Catalina 22s should have a sacrificial anode installed, especially if in salt water, although owners of fresh water boats without sacrificial anodes have reported little corrosion.   Sacrificial anode kits , including the drill bit necessary to go through the cast iron, are available from Catalina Direct.  Catalina 22s produced from 1995 onward had the cast iron keel encapsulated in fiberglass, which further reduced potential corrosion issues.

The Catalina 22 has a transom hung rudder commanded by a tiller.  Mark I boats came with a kick-up rudder that may avoid damage if grounded, and can also be secured up when in shallow waters using the factory-installed rudder rigging.  New Design and later, boats were delivered with a solid rudder instead of the kick-up model.  The solid rudder can provide better sailing performance but can be damaged when the keel is raised in shallow waters because the rudder extends beyond the depth of the raised keel.

SAILING CHARACTERISTICS

The Catalina 22 has a very flat canoe body and beam carried well aft resulting in excellent initial stability, and low wetted-surface area contributing to speed.  The boat has a relatively deep forefoot, which prevents the flat body aft from pounding.  Catalina 22s are stiff, and if knocked down, right themselves quickly.  The swing keel is the least ballasted of the boats and is the most tender.  The fin keel is the most ballasted and most stable version.

All three keel configurations sail well on any point of sail.  Catalina 22 owners consistently refer to the boat as “forgiving”.  The swing keel performs the best to windward due to its deep and high-aspect orientation when lowered.  Due to its extremely low-aspect when raised, the swing keel can also perform the best running with the wind.  The fin keel performs better on all points of sail than the wing keel.

The Catalina 22 easily achieves hull speed in light-medium airs.  Many Catalina 22 owners report preferring to reef when winds reach above 10 knots, while others report never reefing even with much higher wind speeds.  The boat has a tendency to round up into the wind when over canvassed, which can count as a safety feature.

Unlike smaller day sailers, the cockpit of the Catalina 22 provides a very secure and dry ride.  The cockpit is large (larger than its bigger sister, the Catalina 25 ) with a moderately deep sole and wide benches.  Leaning against the bulkhead at the forward end of the benches provides an excellent lounging position facing aft.  The coamings are moderately high, which add to a sense of security when seated.  The benches are long enough for sleeping when overnighting or weekending.

On Mark I boats, the cockpit sole slopes forward so that scuppers are necessarily located at the forward end of the cockpit.  On any boat with cockpit scuppers located in the sole, keeping the scuppers free from debris, especially when the boat is not being used, is a common maintenance concern.  Clogged scuppers can lead to cockpit flooding in heavy precipitation, and eventually flooding below decks.  The scuppers drain through plumbing connected to a y-fitting and then a through-hull fitting beneath the companionway steps.  Catalina Direct offers a kit to install additional scuppers in the transom of the boat to aid the factory installed scuppers.  With the New Design, Catalina began installing scuppers that drain through the transom.

Beneath the port cockpit bench is a relatively large lazarette, accessible from a hatch at the aft end of the port bench.  The lazarette is not big enough for sail storage but works well for storing lines, bumpers, and other equipment.  On Mark I models, this lazarette also functions as a fuel locker, which is functional because the locker is not open to the interior of the boat or the bilge.  The lazarette is vented to the outside by cowlings on the side deck.  The sole of the lazarette slopes downward to forward so that fuel fumes can accumulate in the lazarette.  Some Mark I owners report that fuel fumes can seep through the bulkhead at the forward end of the lazerette into the cabin.  For the New Design, Catalina improved this design so that the fuel tank was separated from the lazarette and vented to the cockpit.  Some Catalina 22s came equipped with a manual bilge pump mounted in the port lazarette, with the pump handle accessible from the cockpit.

A boarding ladder hung from the transom on the starboard side was optional.  While boarding ladders are an easy fit to most any boat, a Catalina 22 specific boarding ladder is available from Catalina Direct.

Moving forward from the cockpit, the side decks are necessarily narrow.  For a boat of this size, the side decks are excellent.  Many boats of this size eliminate side decks all together, especially newer designs, requiring sailors to cross over the cabin house to access the foredeck, which is disastrous in appearance.  Butler maintained the boat’s good lines and proportions by keeping side decks, even if narrow.  Some owners remove their lifelines, which generally looks attractive, and in this case makes moving along the side decks easier.  Considering the limited effectiveness of the lifelines due to their low height, their removal may add to safety aboard on any Catalina 22 unless small children will be aboard.  Due to the size of the boat, there is always some rigging to hold within arms’ reach.

The foredeck is a good size for managing a foresail and includes a sufficiently secure bow pulpit.  On Mark I boats, there is a large hatch in the center of the foredeck, which opens to the v-berth below.  On New Design boats, this hatch was moved aft to the forward end of the cabin house, which improves the foredeck for sail handling.  On Mark II boats, this hatch was changed from solid fiberglass to smoked plexiglass.  Due to the rising sheer line of the forward end of the deck, the plywood core in the foredeck is prone to rot if the watertightness of the foredeck fittings is not maintained.  Many owners have addressed rotted cores with various techniques that involve removing the rotted core from below decks.  Addressing this issue from below leaves no adverse blemishes on the foredeck.

Mark I Catalina 22s have no anchor locker.  Many Mark I boats are fitted with an anchor holder mounted on the bow pulpit.  For any Catalina 22 not already outfitted with one, anchor holders are available from Catalina Direct.  Catalina introduced an anchor locker with the New Design.

The Catalina 22 has Catalina’s traditional wide companionway with three hatch boards.  With the hatch boards removed, the interior of the boat is greatly opened.  This companionway is an excellent place to stand while under sail from which all operations of the boat can be observed and guests in the cockpit tended with food and beverages.

Headroom is limited at 4′ 4″, which owners report is great for their children.  In 1973, Catalina began offering the pop-top as an option, which swings up on 4 stainless steel struts and increases headroom to 5′ 7″.  Catalina modified the pop-top for the Mark II model, replacing the struts with a hinge at the forward edge, making it easier to raise.

Below decks, there is a wide but short v-berth forward with a removable central insert at the aft end.  On Mark I, New Design, and Mark II boats, beneath the central insert is a large storage area open to the salon.  Many owners keep port-a-potties in this space and some install marine heads.  Some Catalina 22s were delivered from the factory with marine heads installed in this space.  Also beneath the v-berth are two smaller storage areas.  The aft end of the v-berth can be enclosed with the factory-installed curtains, which offers some privacy if used as a head area.

On the New Design models, there is an icebox to port a centerline sink between the aft end of the v-berth and the forward dinette seat back.  To starboard there is a two burner stove and a drawer beneath.  Some owners remove this stove, leaving a deep shelf for storage.

Aft to starboard is a settee long enough for sleeping.  On the Mark I models, aft to port is the dinette, which can seat two adults and two children.  Outboard of the starboard settee, and the dinette to port, are shelves built into the hull.  There is storage beneath the starboard settee, the dinette seats if on the Mark I model, and the port settee if on the Mark II model.  On the Mark II model, the port settee continues aft beneath the cockpit, making the port settee long enough for sleeping.  Aft of the starboard settee is the “Captain’s Quarter Berth”, which is uncomfortable as a berth due to low headroom.  Most owners use this space for storing whisker poles, boat hooks, camp stoves, oars, and similar long and flat gear, or mounting radios and other equipment.  The aft most end of this quarter berth is accessible from a hatch in the cockpit.

For Mark I and Mark II boats (but not the New Design boats), Catalina offered a galley that would slide out from under the quarter berth for use.  On Mark I models, the slide-out galley included a sink, two burner stove, icebox, and storage drawer.  On Mark II models, the galley was smaller, and only included a sink and single burner stove.  The icebox was moved to and became an integral part of the companionway steps.

For the Mark II models, Catalina made the interior more spacious by widening the hull above the water line and widening the interior by 10″.

VENTILATION

The Catalina 22 has no opening port lights, but none are necessary.  Ventilation on the Catalina 22 is excellent.  The large forward hatch funnels air into the cabin when under sail.  At the dock, owners report that a box fan can be placed in this hatch to effectively force air throughout the cabin.  The pop-top opens the entire salon dramatically. The large companionway contributes to this openness as well.

AUXILIARY POWER

The Catalina 22 is powered by an outboard motor hung on the port side of the transom on an adjustable mount.  Long shaft motors are preferred.  A 5 h.p. motor is more than adequate for pushing the boat even in rough conditions.  Many owners report having Catalina 22s equipped with less powerful motors without issue.

With a maximum displacement of 2490 lbs. or less depending on keel model, the Catalina 22 is easily pulled without a powerful truck as a tow vehicle.  The light weight also enables the Catalina 22 to use a single axle trailer, although the trailer wheels should be of the 5-lug type.  The swing keel and relatively flat bottom also mean that many powerboat trailers can be easily modified to support the Catalina 22.

USED CATALINA 22 MARKET

Catalina 22s can be found on the used boat market typically ranging anywhere in price from $2,000 to $22,000, mostly depending upon age and condition, installed equipment and upgrades, and whether or not a trailer is included in the sale. However, derelict project boats occasionally pop-up for much less. Due to the ubiquity of the Catalina 22, it is always easy to find one for sale on Craigslist, Sailboat Listings, Sailing Texas, and other venues, and there are a plethora on Yacht World. If shopping for a Catalina 22, make sure all swing keel maintenance has been performed or be prepared to do it. Check early boats with aluminum trimmed windows for leaks, which was common but easily repairable. Check for foredeck core rot, stringer rot, and hull blistering, which were hit and miss problems on earlier boats. Otherwise, there is nothing special to consider with these boats that you would not for any other boat.

Special thanks to Jeremy Smith for his contributions to this article.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Catalina 22 Mark II Brochure

Catalina 22 Sport Brochure

Catalina 22 National Association

Catalina 22-Specific Parts Available from Catalina Direct

Catalina 22s Available for Sale on Craigslist, Nationwide

FAMILY CRUISING (SAILING AWAY) ON A CATALINA 22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u18jt3hq6Q

CATALINA 22 RACING

LAUNCHING A CATALINA 22

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6 thoughts on “ catalina 22 review ”.

Had no idea that a Catalina was that affordable! Definitely going to get a yacht someday soon!

Excellent review. The only suggestion that I can make is that a matrix that compares the various features and problems of each model and age boat would be extremely helpful. I will use this review as my guide for the purchase of a Catalina 22. Congratulations on a very professional job.

Jim Vaughan Grass Valley, Ca

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Great informative article! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge!

Great review that I will keep going back to for more research on things I had to skip over. I’m a senior age guy and have spent my life boating and commercial fishing but never sailing. I’m definitely going to buy a Catalina 22. This boat was recommended to me by my sailing instructor Gary of Outercape Sailing in Wellfleet Massachusetts. I live in Provincetown Massachusetts with a great harbor and Cape cod Bay. I’m so thankful for all this information. Thanks Peter Cook

Thanks for all the help. I am looking to purchase one right now but on all sites they are minimal at best. Can’t blame the people for not wanting to get rid of one unless trading up. Thanks again.

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Biggest Trailerable Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Many sailboats up to about 27 feet in length can be trailered safely on American roads. These vessels are limited by weight, beam, and overall height.

In this article, we'll go over ten of the best large trailerable sailboats on the market. These vessels feature comfortable cabins, excellent sailing characteristics, and they all meet the requirements for towing on U.S. highways.

The best and largest trailerable sailboats are the Cal 20, the Catalina 22, the O'Day 240, The Islander 24, the Moore 24, the Cal 25, the Helms 25, the MacGregor 26, and the Nor'Sea 27. Most of these vessels can be towed behind a well-equipped truck or SUV.

We sourced information and vessel specifications for this article from sailboat manufacturers and record books. We also considered the opinions of sailors who own these vessels and sail them regularly.

Table of contents

What Makes a Sailboat Trailerable?

Trailerable sailboats must meet certain requirements in order to operate on American roads. The primary limitations are width (beam), as the vessel and its trailer must fit in regular traffic lanes and through tunnels. Another consideration is weight, as the vessel should be light enough to be towed by a 3/4 ton or 1-ton pickup truck.

Generally speaking, there's not a specific limit to boat weight in order to be towed. That said, most single and tandem-axle trailers can't exceed about 3,300 pounds per axle. With that in mind, the upper limit for a trailerable sailboat is around 7,000 to 8,000 pounds.

Keel type is an important factor to consider, as it determines how high off the ground the boat has to ride on the trailer. The majority of trailerable sailboats have a centerboard or swing keel that retracts for towing and beaching. Some vessels have shorter displacement keels or fin keels.

The maximum allowable for a trailerable sailboat is 8 ft 6 in. This is because these dimensions are the maximum limit for standard trailers on American roads. A larger boat can be transported on the road, but only as an oversize load.

In practice, very few trailerable sailboats have a beam of exactly 8 ft 6 in. The majority of large trailerable sailboats have a beam of between 7 1/2 ft and 8 ft 3 in. This makes it easier to negotiate tunnels and tighter traffic lanes.

Overall Length

The maximum trailer length for standard trailers is 65 ft, but it's nearly impossible for a trailerable sailboat of this length to meet the width requirements. In practice, the longest trailerable sailboats are around 30 ft in length or shorter. The average is about 20 to 25 ft.

In most states, the maximum height for a trailer load is 14 ft. This necessitates that the mast folds down and that the keel and vessel height combined doesn't exceed 14 ft. You must also take into account the height of the trailer, as a tall boat may not be able to clear highway overpasses.

10 Largest Trailerable Sailboats

Trailerable sailboats come in all shapes and sizes, including some large and roomy configurations. The vessels we chose range in length from 19 ft to 27 ft, and they offer the best accommodations on the market. Here are ten of the best large trailerable sailboats.

1. West Wight Potter 19

It's impossible to write an article about trailerable sailboats without mentioning the West Wight Potter 19. This vessel is perhaps the best and most capable in its class, and it offers surprisingly comfortable accommodations for a lightweight trailerable sailboat.

The West Wight Potter 19 is easy to sail fast and features a roomy cabin with a sink and space for a head. It's considered a pocket Cruiser, and it is very popular in coastal areas. Due to its lightweight construction, this fiberglass sailboat is trailerable behind an SUV or half-ton pickup.

The West Wight Potter 19 has positive buoyancy material throughout the whole, making it effectively unsinkable. Additionally, the mast and rigging collapse and set up in minutes. These vessels were produced up until recently, so they're common on the used market.

• Lightweight
• Rigs up fast
• Roomy cabin
• Relatively slow

The Cal 20 has been around for decades, and this capable racing boat is ideal the coastal cruising and sailing in semi-protected waters. That said, it's also quite seaworthy, as several have participated in TransPac races between San Francisco and Hawaii.

The Cal 20 is known for its low-profile cabin and easy trailering. At 20 ft in length overall, the Cal 20 is well within limits for trailering on American roads. While not the lightest trailerable sailboat on the list, a well-equipped pickup truck should tow it without issues.

The Cal 20 isn't the boat to choose if you're looking for the most spacious accommodations. That said, the cabin is functional, and the boat excels in handling. It's fast, safe, and agile, thanks to its long and thin profile. It's also a joy to sail in all kinds of weather conditions.

• Easy to sail
• Stable in high winds
• Spartan cabin
• Deep draft from the fixed keel

3. Catalina 22

The Catalina 22 is one of the most famous large trailerable sailboats ever built. It's one of Catalina's most popular models, and it was a big hit in the 1970s and 1980s. The Catalina 22 has a spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin with a wide companionway and a comfortable V-berth.

The Catalina 22 is a centerboard boat. This means that the keel retracts into the hull for trailering and lowers down easily using a system block-and-tackle or a crank. The vessel is 7.67 feet wide, making it easy to tow on typical American highways.

The vessel is still produced today, and over 15,000 have been built since 1969. This makes it one of the most popular sailboats ever, and hundreds are available on the used market for reasonable prices. Thanks to its superior handling and excellent design, the Catalina 22 is one of the best large trailerable sailboats available.

• Well-designed cabin
• Affordable iconic sailboat
• Minimal headroom
• Finicky companionway hatch

4. O'Day 240

The O'Day 240 is one of the more seagoing trailerable sailboats on our list. It's beamy and stable, and it handles well in rougher weather conditions. It has a surprisingly comfortable cabin for its size and measures just 24 feet in length overall.

The vessel's wide beam contributes to its stability. However, with a width of 8 ft 3 in, the O'Day 240 approaches the upper limit of trailerable dimensions. The vessel weighs more than comparably sized boats, so you'll need a more powerful vehicle to tow it.

The cabin of the O'Day 240 stands out. It features a V-berth, berthing aft, a galley, and space for a head. There's ample headroom throughout the cabin, which makes the O'Day 240 ideal for extended coastal cruising.

• Stable Spacious cabin
• May be too wide for comfortable trailering
• Unusual cabin design

5. Islander 24

Islander is known for its larger sailboats (28 feet and larger), though it has produced a few excellent trailerable models. We chose the trailerable Islander 24, as it's known in the sailing community for its speed, comfort, and easy handling.

The phrase "they don't build them like they used to" applies to the Islander 24. When this vessel was designed in the early 1960s, boat manufacturers used more fiberglass and produced thicker hulls. This practice is costlier and made the boat weigh more. But it produced stronger vessels that last much longer than their flimsier contemporaries.

This fiberglass sailboat is thoughtfully designed and is well-suited for coastal cruising in the 21st century. It features stronger construction than similar models, and its keel design encourages stable and comfortable sailing.

• Strong hull and deck
• Stiff sailing
• Great windward performance
• Small cabin
• Heavy trailer weight

6. Moore 24

The Moore 24 was the first in a new class of vessels called the ultralight displacement sailboat. It has the handling characteristics have a large keelboat but the dimensions of a coastal cruising trailer-sailer.

From the outside, the flush deck of the Moore 24 looks like it couldn't possibly accommodate a cabin. Closer inspection reveals that the vessel has a roomy cabin that resembles that of much larger boats. It features a galley, a head, a V-berth upfront, and attractive paneling throughout.

The Moore 24 is a pocket cruiser by all definitions. It's

an excellent choice for those looking for a trailerable and seaworthy sailboat. Though a bit taller than some other models, the vessel is still well within limits for on-road transportation.

• Excellent handling
• Large cabin
• Heavier than many other 24-foot sailboats

The Cal 25 is essentially a stretched version of the Cal 20. It features the same basic hull design with the iconic flush deck and streamlined cabin. However, it's faster, offers superior accommodations, and it's more seaworthy.

The Cal 25 is known for its stiff handling characteristics in high winds. This is primarily due to its 1,700-pound lead keel, which keeps it upright and tracking straight. However, this does increase the overall weight of the vessel, which is an even 4,000 pounds dry. Thankfully, this is within the towing capacity of most standard pickup trucks.

The interior of the Cal 25 resembles the cabins of larger boats. In other words, it doesn't feel cramped. There's a large sitting area across from the galley and partitions separating the V-berth from the rest of the cabin. Overall, the Cal 25 is an excellent compact sailboat for racing or cruising.

• Good accommodations
• Marginal headroom in some areas

8. Helms 25

The Helms 25 is a compact vessel with a true swing keel. Unlike a centerboard, which descends through the hull straight down, a swing keel swings down on the hinge and occupies less space inside of the vessel. With the removal of the centerboard trunk, the Helms 25 retains its trailerable properties while freeing up living space in the cabin.

The Helms 25 is long and fast but not particularly tall. It fits well on a trailer, and its rounded hull doesn't pound in choppy water. The cabin is comfortable and features a small but usable galley, a table with two seating areas, a V-berth, and additional berthing aft.

Some versions of the Helms 25 also feature a separate head area between the V-berth and the central living spaces. The Helms 25 strikes the perfect balance between comfort, seaworthiness, and trailerability. It's safe and fun to sail and sells on the used market for affordable prices.

• Spacious cabin
• Long, narrow, and shallow
• Not ideal for offshore sailing
• Too long for some trailers

9. MacGregor 26

The MacGregor 26 is larger and more modern than most of the sailboats on our list. As a result, it takes advantage of recent design developments that make it an excellent large trailer-sailer. At 26 ft overall, the MacGregor 26 is also one of the fastest vessels on our list.

At first glance, the dimensions of the MacGregor 26 seem unusual. The hull shape resembles a bathtub, and the vessel's high profile is notable. These characteristics make it stable and easy to handle, and they also give it exceptional headroom in the cabin.

The McGregor 26 came in numerous configurations, which are designated with letters such as '26D' and '26M.' These include various cabin window orientations, colors, accessories, and interior layouts. Some versions of the MacGregor 26 came with a dual rudder setup, which is uncommon in its size range.

• Modern design
• Excellent headroom
• Unusual shape

10. Nor'Sea 27

The final trailerable sailboat on our list is also the most capable. The Nor'Sea 27 is a true offshore sailboat with accommodations that rival any mid-size cruising sailboat. the Nor'Sea 27 is a full-keel displacement sailboat that's designed for stability and motion comfort. It's one of the beefiest sailboats that still fits on a trailer.

The Nor'Sea 27 features standing headroom throughout the cabin. It has a head, galley, and berthing area forward that converts into a table. The cabin is lined with attractive wood paneling, and the entire vessel has a very high level of fit and finish.

The Nor'Sea 27 is built for cruising, and it's ideal for longer voyages and offshore passages. If you're looking for a true cruising sailboat that stores well on a trailer, you can't go wrong with the NorSea 27. Due to its size and capabilities, you'll need a larger vehicle to trailer this vessel safely.

• Biggest cabin
• Full-size accommodations
• Offshore capable
• Too large for SUV towing
• Slow to rig and disassemble

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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The ADVANTAGE of a SOUTHERLY

The southerly swing keel system opens up a world of possibilities denied to most yachts.

Today, there are over 1,100 Southerly Owners worldwide who can testify to the remarkable versatility of the Variable Draft Keel system (swing keel) which fulfils most people’s idea of the perfect yacht: one that has a deep draft for powerful sailing performance, yet a shallow draft for exploring shallow creeks and inland waterways. Southerly’s have covered many thousands of miles, including transatlantic and round-the-world voyages.

Deep Draft Performance

The Variable Draft Keel provides a deep draft which gives a greater stability due to the increased righting moment. In practice the boat is stiffer, carries her sail better and carves her way efficiently to windward in any seaway. The Variable Draft Keel’s aerofoil shape is highly efficient – and allows you to point high (30°) with minimal leeway.

Shallow Draft Freedom

At the touch of a button, the keel can be raised, to sail in very shallow waters. This means you can extend your cruising grounds considerably. Raising the Variable Draft Keel, gives you access to many locations both for pleasure and for safety.

“It delivers the best of both worlds…When you’re out in the ocean, you want a boat that can handle waves and big seas. But the best part of the cruising life is at the edges where water meets land. The Southerly will take you to both of those places. With the keel down, you’ve got 11 feet under you and all the pointing ability that goes with that. So it’s a deepwater boat but also one you can dry out. It can go places most cruising boats can’t ever go. So the world is very, very opened up” – Read full article: Southerly 540 Wins Cruising World Boat of the Year for Best Full Size Cruiser

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Catalina 22

For those to whom price is all-important,--the catalina 22 is appealing but it's lacking in performance..

In its 10th anniversary issue in 1980, Sail magazine named the Catalina 22 the boat that had represented the breakthrough in trailer/cruisers in those 10 years. There is no denying the popularity of the Catalina 22: more than 10,000 of the model we review here have been built, and that doesn’t include the Sport models now being sold. For many buyers, the Catalina 22 is their first “big” boat and an introduction to the Catalina line. Many remain with Catalina and buy up within that line.

Catalina is the largest sailboat in the US in dollar volume, and the firm is one of the lasting success stories in the industry. It foregoes national advertising in favor of local dealer-sponsored ads, and has remained a privately owned company while the trend has been toward conglomerate-owned boatbuilding.

Like all manufacturing boatbuilders today Catalina builds boats to a price, making the most of volume buying of materials and hardware, long-lived models, a high degree of standardization, and all the cost savings of high volume production. The Catalina 22 was the first boat built by Catalina.

The Catalina 22 that we are reviewing here was in production from 1969 until 1995, when the Catalina 22 MkII was introduced. During this more than quarter-century of production, several incremental changes were made, with several significant upgrades in 1986, when a wing keel version was introduced.

The boat has been replaced by the Catalina 22 Sport. Introduced in 2004, the Catalina 22 Sport is still in production and it closely adheres to the original boat’s dimensions, and weight.  Although the post-’95 boats have resolved many of the problems we find here in the original, they did so at the expense of a feature that racers admired—a lighter weight hull. So, although it might not have all the improvements of later models, the one we look at here will hold a certain appeal to sailors in areas that are home to active C22’s fleets, as well as to sailors looking to start sailing for under $5K, and aren’t afraid to put a little sweat equity into the boat.

Just as it was when the boat was first introduced, the Catalina 22 is a common landing spot for those who are just beginning to dream of an escape. It is to Catalina’s credit that the 22 continues to sell and continues to be many sailors’ first boat. And perhaps one of the biggest selling points of all, is the broad and consistent support in the form of other owners. There really isn’t anything that can’t be fixed on these boats, and dialed in, they can be fun to sail. One need only drop in on the website for Chip Ford to get an idea of what’s possible with this boat.

Construction

It’s hard to argue with the construction of a boat after 10,000 have been built, but we do. In these early boats the hull-to-deck joint— a plywood reinforced hull flange is joined to the deck with a rigid polyester “slurry” and self-tapping fasteners. This not our idea of ideal construction. The same type of joint is used on larger boats, although we are less concerned because obviously the structure is for a much smaller boat. Larger boats like the Catalina 30 also used this method, and the C30 has enough loyal followers to earn it a spot among our recommended 30-footers from the 1970s.

Catalina 22 has remained essentially unchanged from the day it was introduced in 1969. Only the pivot for the swing keel version was changed about boat #250 and then, according to a Catalina statement, it was done for production purposes. Later a pop-top option was added and now 90% of the boats sold have this feature.

Catalina takes credit for pioneering the one-piece hull liner that has become standard in most high volume small boats. However, it should be noted that the liner is basically a cosmetic component, not a structural member, and the hull must get its strength from the hull laminate and bulkhead reinforcement.

The swing keel, also chosen by 90% of the buyers, is cast iron and, when retracted, remains substantially exposed (accounting for more than half of the 2′ draft of the shoal draft model). It is a rough 550 lb. iron casting of indifferent hydrodynamic efficiency, but you can order templates for fairing quite easily.

The swing keel is hoisted with a simple reel winch located under a vestigial bridgedeck with its handle passing through a plywood facing. We’d guess that Catalina owners soon become conditioned to its presence, though it can trip those stepping up or down through the companionway.

The drop keel of the Catalina evoked a number of observations from owners in the PS boat owners’ questionnaire. Several note that the keel hangar mounting bolts loosen or seize.  Another reports he had to replace his wire pennant twice. Replacing the pennant requires hoisting the boat high enough to have access to the top of the keel.

As with all Catalina-built boats, decor is a major selling point. The line, including the 22, is attractively appointed. They create a highly favorable impression which has to encourage sales, especially for first time boat buyers.

In fact, the Catalina 22 outside and inside is one of the most visually appealing small boats we have seen. It has enough trim and finish to look pretty. Similarly, her hull and rig, although dated, are well proportioned. It is about her performance and livability that we have the most serious qualms.

Performance

By any objective standard the Catalina 22 is hardly a sprightly performing small boat. There have been too many compromises to performance: trailerability, shoal draft, cockpit space, low cost, and interior accommodations, as well as giving her a placid disposition for novice sailors. The boat needs a genoa jib, a smoother, and more efficient swing or fin keel shape and some hardware of even the most modest go-fast variety. Even then the prognosis is that she will remain a rather tubby boat in an age when much of the fun of boats is in their responsiveness, if not speed.

With almost all the Catalinas having been built with the swing keel, the appeal has been her shallow draft for trailering. Yet even with 2′ of draft with the keel hoisted, the boat has too much draft for beaching. Given the tradeoff in performance, the difficulty of maintenance, and loss of stability, one hopes that indeed buyers of the swing keel 22 have made good use of it for trailering.

The deck of the Catalina 22 is a decidedly unhandy working platform. The sidedecks are narrow and obstructed by jib sheets and blocks. The three shrouds per side effectively block access to the foredeck, and complicate headsail trim and passage of the jib across in tacking. In fact, so difficult is it to go forward on the 22 we recommend getting rid of the lifelines. They are already too low to offer anything but token protection and they anchor near the base of the bow pulpit where they give no protection. Instead, handrails should be installed on the cabin top.

Ironically for a boat as popular as the Catalina, the boat incorporates the most incredible amount of wasted space we have ever seen in a sailboat large or small. In a size where stowage is at such a premium, there is a cavernous unusable space. The entire area under the cockpit and most of the area under the port cockpit seat (except where the gas tank sits) is all but inaccessible. The loss of this space limits stowage to scuttles under the berth bases.

The convertible dinette which seats only two with elbow room is a vestige of the 22’s design era and the vee berths forward form that combination of bathroom and bedroom that is common on a daysailer of these dimensions. The alternatives, here, have their shortcomings.

The easy solution is to relocate the head to the cockpit when you finally decided to retire for the night.  Otherwise, the settee on the starboard side, and even that berth is shared with the optional galley facility that in use takes up about half the berth area. The Catalina 22s now have a pop-top as standard; most of the cabin top lifts 10″ on four pipe supports. Most owners we have heard from seem to like the system, particularly those in warmer areas. Headroom at anchor is pleasant but we’d rather see room for stowage, sleeping, etc. as well.

One safety point in these older models that is worth raising is the stowage setup for the portable gas tank for a transom-mounted outboard auxiliary. The tank sits on a molded shelf (part of the hull liner) in a seat locker at the after end of the cockpit. This puts a portable gasoline tank inside the cabin.The locker is vented but it is not isolated. This arrangement can allow fuel can to make its way unimpeded to the inaccessible low point right under the cockpit. This design flaw has been corrected in later versions and if you have a boat with this arrangement, we recommend securing all portable tanks above deck until it is fixed.

One of the Catalina’s better features is her cockpit. It is long (7′) and comfortable, a place where the crew can sit with support for their backs, a place to brace their feet, and with room to avoid the tiller. It is unobstructed by the mainsheet that trims to a rod traveler on the stern.

Conclusions

Many boat buyers shop for a boat of this type with price foremost in mind. They probably will get no farther than their local Catalina dealer, where they can get a boat that is the same size and similarly equipped as boats costing far more. It’s apt to be a boat identical to many of those sailing on the same waters. Better still, they are more than likely to have sailing friends who not only have (or had) a Catalina but belong to one of the most widespread and active owners’ class associations in the sport. The whole package has a powerful appeal, especially to a newcomer seeking moral support.

For performance, accommodations and even construction they might do better at a higher price, but with Catalina’s proven staying power through decades of change, they understandably turn to the 22.

At a weight of about 2,500 lbs. loaded for the road plus a trailer, the Catalina 22 can be hauled by most cars. If anything but a jaunt to the boat ramp is envisioned, however, it’s big enough to recommend SUV with a trailer package.

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11 comments.

Still a useful review! FWIW, I was shopping for a Catalina 22 Sport at the Annapolis Boat Show last fall and Catalina was saying that they were close to $50,000 with common options and the wait time for a new one was 6 months. I realize that this is a small boat in the range of what is on the market at that boat show, but my goodness, were those sales people blasé about selling a boat to me. Ended up with a 5 yo boat for about half that much money. Unfortunately, she is still on the hard until spring in the Chesapeake!

Nice review of the Catalina 22. Out first boat was a Capri 22, which I was told was the “hot” version of the Catalina 22. It has a deep draft keel (6-7’?) and out-pointed every other boat on the lake. We slept aboard once….no fun!

This is a totally misleading article, focused entirely on exaggerated flaws. This article should really be written by someone who has actually owned a C22, and spent more than a cursory time sailing one. IMO, they’re great boats, and a ton of fun can be had with one – but only if the self-gratifying snobbism is left at the dock. The boat is squarely in the sweet spot of carrying costs and sailing fun.

These are great boats for beginners and sailors that want an uncomplicated boat to day sail and overnight on. I have taught ASA beginner classes on the C22. Also one of the popularities of this boat that was not touched on in this article is it’s one design racing class. Large fleets continue to turn out for weekend and national regattas.

No mention is made of stepping the mast. At 77 years of age and somewhat physically fit can I handle it?

Thanks, Bill Tucker

If the C22 is without a roller furler on the jib – stepping the mast is pretty light work. Check YouTube for videos on mast stepping a C22 – there are many good tricks and techniques to be learned. It can be stepped very easily by 2 people, or even just 1 person with a small bit of experience. On boats with a roller furler, stepping the mast is still not hard, but the roller furler acts like a 100 lb wet noodle, so it adds a bit of planning. I have a roller furler – but still, with the proper tricks, it can be done alone. Don’t be discouraged by this article – and I should add, almost all of the criticisms made only apply to the very early models, and the C22 additionally underwent a substantial redesign in 1986. Personally, between the 2, I favor the post 1986 boats, known as the “New design.”

IMO, it’s the best bang for the buck in sailing. It’s no small pleasure to know that as you enjoy the same wind, water and sun as the larger boats, you’re spending thousands less a season than literally everyone else. I could afford a larger boat, but for me – the smaller the boat, the bigger the experience one gets out of it. I’m in it for the love of being on the water. If you’re interested – check out the C22. https://forums.sailboatowners.com/forums/catalina-22.59/

i have a 2005 Sport I’ve owned since new. I’m old and gray, but yes, it’s doable to raise and lower the mast (I have hank on sails). I had a fella build me an folding A-frame that helps. I use the vang and jib halyard, attached at the top of the A-frame, to “lever” the mast up and down under control. I can also use the A-frame with my trailer winch and the halyard.

I love my Sport. Racing is getting behind me, so I’ve “comforted” it up a bit. I have a bimini (installed backwards so it folds forward out of the way for docking and getting underway). I added a “downhaul” retriever line up by the headstay. I attach the line to my genoa/jib so when it’s time to douse, I just “haul the sail down”. That holds it to deck, with the sheets pulled back safely, so that I don’t have to go forward. Winches were moved to the cabin top (helps with halyards, led aft), with ratchet turning blocks at the old winch locations. I can usually hand trim using the ratchet action. Only heavier winds require the winches. Backstay is partial spectra line for adjustment, and the traveler has controls in the cockpit.

I can single hand it all day.

I think the review was pretty harsh. These boats hold up well and sail to their rating. And the OD Class is awesome.

With a chain and a pulley using the main halyard, yes.

Fun to read this review. My parents got one in the mid-’70s and I “inherited” her. My wife and I spent our honeymoon cruise on her, later we packed our 3 kids and a dog in there for a 5-day cruise, and then I fixed her up again for a 25th anniversary honeymoon-reprise cruise. Not a fast boat, but to learn to sail and cruise? Perfect. And growing up cruising in such tight accommodations made the trimaran I have now gravitated towards (a reaction to sailing slowly?) quite tolerable. A perfect starter-boat. Mast-raising is easy if done carefully and slowly with appropriate gin-pole and some “baby-stay” guy wires: the trick is to get the baby-stays to rotate around the same point as the mast-base so they are tight all the way up. Or to have some help keeping the mast straight during raising.

The review does focus on many negatives, but missed the wicked weather-helm under some conditions. It took me years to realize I could simply move the center-of-effort aft by raising the swing-keel some, which helped immensely, despite seeming counter-intuitive (raise the keel to help upwind performance in high-wind conditions? Huh?). Don’t be scared off, but do inspect, for eg, the plywood cores for saturation and rot on older boats, and for signs of separation of the deck from the hull at the bow: I installed a turnbuckle from foredeck to the bow-ring to take the forestay tension when I fixed ours up. Cheers all.

That’s a great tip about the swing keel – makes perfect sense. A minor adjustment can make a difference in that regard.

Way back in about 1978 or so I made a new friend, Tony, that had purchased a Catalina 22 and was docked a few slips away from my dock, at the time, on lake Ontario at Wilson Boatyard in Wilson, NY, I was living on my new Challenger Ketch. Early one nite I noticed Tony on his Catalina 22. Tony was about 60 years old and knew almost nothing about sailing. We talked and he asked me to teach him how to sail his new 22″. We practiced sailing almost every nite with the evening offshore wind. He eventually got up enough confidence and courage to sail across Lake Ontario to Toronto Harbor on the North shore of the Lake where he and his 3 lady guest stayed on the boat and in a motel for a few days. Tony loved his Cataliona 22′.

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• Tech Blog /

What are the pros and cons of different keels?

We all sail for different reasons, in different cruising grounds and use our yachts differently, so it makes sense that there is no one-size-fits-all keel design. At Sirius, however, we like to make the perfect yacht for each individual owner. One of the ways we serve our customers is our choice of keels – at least six different options for each model. It’s one of the ways we stand out – or should that be stand up?

We offer three styles of keel: fin, twin and lifting swing keel. All of our keels excel in many ways, but every design does have drawbacks – this is not unique to Sirius, but the keel affects the way you use the boat, so it’s important to choose the right one for you.

These are the keels we currently offer:

Standard Fin (310 DS, 35 DS, 40 DS) Performance Fin (310 DS, 35 DS, 40 DS) Medium Fin (310 DS, 35 DS, 40 DS) Shallow Fin (310 DS) Shallow Twin (310 DS, 35 DS, 40 DS) Performance Twin (35 DS, 40 DS) Lifting Swing Keel (310 DS, 35 DS, 40 DS)

Does the choice of keel compromise ocean capability?

For Sirius yachts, absolutely not. It’s important to realise that choosing one keel style over the other does not affect the yacht’s righting moment or compromise its ocean-going capabilities at all!

Whichever keel you choose, deep or shallow, twin or fin, they all have the same stability. This is achieved by putting more weight in the bulbs of the shallower keels as the shorter lever can be balanced with higher weight. Most of the blue water cruising and circumnavigations in Sirius Yachts have been made with twin-keel or reduced/shallow fin keel yachts.

Does keel choice affect performance?

As our shallow keels are heavier the weight dampens the yachts’ motion at sea, but as a downside, you have more weight to move with sails or engine. Once you’re moving there isn’t a difference but when tacking or gybing, or when not steered well, you will lose a bit in sailing performance. The shallower draught yachts also lose a few degrees to windward compared to their deeper keeled sisters, but they are still good all-round performers. Our customers with racing backgrounds always try to go for a keel as deep and light as their sailing area permits, either with a single or twin keel.

Pros and cons of fin keels

The standard keel on our yachts is a fin keel. Most sailing boats today use a fin keel because it gives a good all-round performance on all points of sail. By keeping the ballast lower it gives the most comfortable motion. The main downsides are that the draught (the depth of water required to stay afloat) is the greatest, and it’s very important to avoid running aground on a falling tide. Fin keel boats cannot dry out without additional support, either from a harbour wall or by fitting a pair of beaching legs. Some fin keel yachts are not built strongly enough to stand on their keels when out of the water, so they can’t dry out alongside a harbour wall and they need to be kept in a special cradle when stored ashore to avoid the risk of the hull deforming under its own weight. By contrast, all Sirius yachts can stand on their keels for any length of time with no problem at all.

We offer four types of fin keel. The standard fin is available on the 310 DS, 35 DS and 40 DS and is fully cast-iron. It offers the best value, good performance, and excellent responsiveness. It is the deepest of our fixed-keel options, so if you want less draught you may want to look at our other fin keels.

We also offer a performance fin keel for all our models. This uses a cast iron fin with a lead bulb at the tip (bottom). The structural strength of cast iron means the fin is the slimmest profile, but lead is denser than iron so the same volume of lead will weigh around 1.4 times more than cast iron, giving more righting moment. The heavier, softer lead down low has less volume in the bulb so achieves a slimmer profile with less drag and therefore better performance.

A lead bulb is also safer if it hits something. Lead can absorb 60% of the energy in flexing and deformation so that only 40% of the force will be transferred to the laminated structure of the keel reinforcement. A lead bulb is very forgiving and easy to reshape and will not start to rust where the coating is damaged. We can use less volume of lead than iron, and achieve better stability than a wholly cast-iron keel. We can also reduce the depth of the keel and retain excellent stability. However, lead is more expensive than cast iron and the bulb must be attached very securely to the iron fin, so this option does cost more.

If you want less draught, we also offer a medium fin. This reduces the draught of the 310 DS and 35 DS by around 40cm/1ft 4in and 55cm/1ft 9in on the 40 DS. Like the performance fin, it uses a cast iron fin with a lead bulb. To retain the keel’s grip in the water it has to have a longer chord (the distance from fore to aft). While this gives the boat better directional stability, it does make her a little less responsive and a little slower to manoeuvre.

On our 310 DS, we offer a shallow fin option – a special version for very shallow cruising grounds. This fin keel offers the least draught of any of our fixed keel options at 1.15m/3ft 9in and draws 10cm/4in less than the twin keel version. The keel has a significantly longer chord (2.24m/7ft 4in compared to 0.7m/2ft 3in of the standard keel) so she has the reassuring directional stability of a long-keeled yacht but with better manoeuvrability.

Pros and cons of twin keels

Our twin keels are the most popular option. About 70-80% of all Sirius Yachts are delivered with them – and on the 40 DS it’s 90%. Some folk still believe there is a big performance penalty with twin keels. In the past this used to be true but it’s no longer the case with modern twin keel designs, from Sirius at least. We have conducted many two-boat comparison tests, often battling for hours, by ourselves, with owners, and for sailing magazines and we have found that there may only be one or two boat lengths of difference at the end of a long windward leg, if at all. At the end of many of these comparison tests, the crews could not point out which of the boats had the twin keel.

If you cruise tidal areas, twin keels will reward you time and time again. Not only do they give you a shallower draught than the typical fin keel, they also give you the ability to dry the yacht out, whether that’s for a motion-free night’s sleep, to explore cruising grounds others cannot reach, or just for cheaper mooring and maintenance costs.

We offer two styles of twin keels; performance and shallow draught. Both options have a cast iron fin with a lead bulb. The performance keels have a deeper draught and a thinner chord so they act and feel a bit livelier when sailing and manoeuvring. The shorter keels have a longer chord, but give you the ability to navigate shallower areas. Like all keel designs, twin keels do have some downsides. They are more expensive than fin keels, and when you’re sailing fast in choppy seas at a steep angle of heel, you can occasionally get a slapping sound when an air pocket is caught and pressed out under the windward fin. Lastly, we’ve yet to meet an owner who enjoys antifouling between the keels. Thankfully it only has to be done once a year and with twin keels you might get away with doing it less frequently. A twin keel yacht can be kept on a drying mooring, where fouling is reduced because the hull spends more time out of the water. And when you’re off cruising it’s easy to give the bottom a quick scrub while the yacht is dried out.

Our yachts will happily sit on their keels on a hard surface, like a drying grid, or for winter storage but on softer surfaces we use the rudder for additional support. The rudders on our twin keel yachts are specially reinforced for this: we use a Delrin sheave to take the weight of the hull and the tip of the rudder has a wide, foil-like foot to spread the weight.

A lifting swing keel

We are one of a few manufacturers to offer a lifting swing keel. There’s a lot of confusion with the term ‘lifting keel’, it seems to encompass all yachts that have centreboards, variable draught, lift-keels or swing keels. To us, a lifting keel boat should have all the ballasted weight of the boat in the keel, and that keel needs to be retracted into the hull.

Technically, a lifting keel is a keel that can be lifted or lowered and gives the boat the ability to dry out when the tide goes out. A lift-keel is a ballasted keel that raises and lowers vertically. A swing keel has a ballasted fin that has a single pivot point and the keel swings up into the boat. There are other variants of design, for example some have a lifting keel to reduce the draught of the vessel but they cannot dry out on it, others have a ballasted keel and ballasted grounding plate. All these examples have a keel that does two things: keep the boat upright and stop her sliding sideways. Our swing keel is designed with a NACA profile to give the most efficient performance.

Centreboard yachts have a centreplate to provide grip in the water and reduce leeway. The plate may carry only 15-20% of the ballast but the rest of the yacht’s ballast is within the hull and/or in the grounding plate. This is called an “integral keel” and is more common as it’s less complicated to build. The lower a yacht’s ballast is located, the better her stability, the more comfortable her motion and the better she stands up to her sail area. The most efficient place for the ballast is as low down on the deepest keel possible – this is why race boats have deep skinny keels with large torpedo-shaped bulbs on the bottom, but they don’t make practical cruising sailboats.

Our keel designs have more weight in the tip (bottom) – using a bulb on the fin and twin keel design and flaring the lower sections on our lifting swing keel yachts. You don’t have this with centreboard and integral keel yachts.

It might be surprising, but a lot of owners come to us thinking that a lifting swing keel is the best option for them. Sometimes it is, but about 98% of customers who approach us because we offer swing keels end up sailing away on a twin-keel Sirius.

The downsides of a lifting keel

A lifting swing keel does give you more cruising options. It will lift should you run into something and, of course, it gives you the shallowest draught. But that difference is only 40-50cm (1ft 4in to 1ft 8in) less draught than our shallow twin keel option. The lifting keel increases the complexity of the build and the final cost of the yacht; it also sometimes limits the internal layout and engine drive options, and you need to have twin rudders too. Twin rudders make the boat less manoeuvrable in a marina – you can opt for a third central rudder which does improve the handling, but again comes at an extra cost.

On the lifting swing keel, 40 and 310 owners are restricted to the use of a shaft drive, which is less efficient and you have to accept a bit more noise and vibration. When drying out, the drive is more vulnerable to damage, whereas it’s totally clear when taking the ground on twin keels. With twin keels, you also do not have to worry about something sticking out of the beach or stones lying around because the hull is high above the ground. With the hull up high, you do not have to dig a hole in the sand and slide down on your stomach to check or change your anodes as you would on a swing keel.

Sailors who are attracted to the idea of a lifting swing keel should carefully consider the pros and cons to compromise the least. When owners understand the repercussions of choosing a lifting keel yacht, many of them feel it restricts their options too much. They could have a lifting keel or they can sail with twin keels, dry out, have better close-quarters handling and save money in the process. Unless you need the shallowest possible draught – 0.75m (2ft 5in) on the 310 DS, 0.9m (2ft 11in) on the 35 DS or 0.95m (3ft 1in) on the 40 DS – a twin keel might well be a better option.

How are the keels attached?

The design of the keel is important but the way they are attached is just as important, if not more so. All of our fixed keels are through-bolted. Every keel has a wide flange at the root (top) of the keel and the flange sits into a reinforced recess in the hull. The flange and the recess work together to spread the loads of the keel/s into the yacht’s hull. The keels are bonded and bolted to the hull. We use up to twelve 20mm and 24mm bolts (per keel) and these go through rolled stainless steel backing plates inside the hull to spread the bolt loads evenly into the fully laminated keel grid which goes all the way up to the chainplates and also carries the mast support.

For our lifting swing keel, we laminate a substantial keel box as part of the hull to accept the keel and the hydraulic mechanism needed to retract the keel into the hull. Unlike most other boatbuilders we don’t use a grounding plate to take the weight of the yacht, our yachts sit on the length of the leading edge of the keel. Integral keels with the majority of the ballast in the grounding plates move the ballast (weight) from low down in the keel to inside the hull. This negatively affects the stability as the more weight you have lower down, the better.

We also don’t like grounding plates because they bring the hull in contact with the ground. By leaving 10-15 cm (4-6in) of the keel out of the hull when it’s retracted, most of the time the hull is kept clear of the beach and anything that could damage it.

The problem with too much form stability

With only 15-12% of their ballast in the centreboard, most lifting-keel yachts cannot rely on keel weight for stability so their hulls need to be designed with extra form stability instead. This means the hull sections have to be much wider and flatter. A flat-bottomed hull is not what you want for a comfortable ocean cruising yacht; it isn’t sea-kindly or easy to steer in waves and gusty winds conditions. We don’t make that compromise at Sirius. With all the ballast in the swinging part of our swing keel design, we can use the same seaworthy, ocean-capable hull shape designed for our yachts with fixed keels.

If you don’t know which keel would be best for your Sirius, contact us to discuss the type of sailing you intend to do, where you want to sail and what your cruising aspirations are.

General Manager – Torsten Schmidt SIRIUS-WERFT GmbH Ascheberger Straße 68 24306 Plön/Holstein

Fax: 0049 – 4522 – 744 61-29

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• Digital Edition

Jeanneau SO410 review: lift keel opens up options

• Toby Hodges
• October 21, 2021

With its lift keel option, the Jeanneau SO410 has a potent trump card: It has the draught of a Class 40, yet can also nose into the shallows. Toby Hodges was intrigued

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

If you sail in tidal harbours or shallow waters, your choice of midsize new production yachts is more limited than you may realise. While most manufacturers offer a shallow draught version of their fixed keels by adding more weight to the bulb to compensate for the reduction in righting moment, this is not a compromise all sailors are willing to make. Jeanneau, on the other hand, has long offered a lift keel on its smaller models, yet by doing so on something the size of the new Jeanneau SO410, it has established a clever niche.

The Vendée yard certainly didn’t follow the status quo when it developed its eighth-generation Sun Odyssey line three years ago and the Jeanneau SO410 adds to a string of innovations for this latest range.

First came the groundbreaking bow and hull shape, together with the walkaround deck design on the SO440 and SO490. Now comes this lift keel option, which is technically a hinging ballasted keel. It is a similar concept to that employed by Pogo for its performance yachts, yet Jeanneau is the only large scale cruising yacht manufacturer to offer such a system.

Consider the fact that the standard draught of a Jeanneau SO410 is a conservative 2.25m and the shoal keel version just 1.6m deep. Alternatively, this lift keel version reaches down to 2.97m/9ft 8in, which is the draught of a Class 40 race boat and a substantial difference in potential pointing ability. Then, at the push of a button at the helm, this swings up to reduce it to just 1.37m/4ft 5in.

This €20,000 option is therefore a prospective game-changer for those wanting to sail efficiently to windward. For example the owner of the test boat, which is the first lift keel version of this model in the UK, wants to sail regularly from Falmouth to the Isles of Scilly with his large family. So he wants to cut passage times when sailing against the prevailing westerlies yet be able to tuck into the coves on arrival.

We had a brief opportunity to sail his new boat with agents Atlantic Yachts in Plymouth before it was handed over the following day.

Jeanneau SO410 under sail

The SO440 and SO490 were the forerunners for this modern trend in hull shapes and first impressions of the Jeanneau SO410 are of another contemporary, powerful, aggressive-looking design.

This Marc Lombard interpretation continues and refines that full bow, chined and chamfered look – elements which help give maximum internal volume yet keep the wetted surface narrow. The forefoot and first 0.5m below the dreadnought bow is also noticeably dry.

Chines help create volume and stability, while twin rudders give the beamy hull plenty of grip. Photo: Josh Tarr

A bow thruster is an option most owners reportedly take and while that sounds like overkill for this length of boat, I can understand why. The light, voluminous bow gets taken by the wind easily when under motor, which makes manoeuvring tricky, particularly in reverse.

Typical British summer conditions greeted us in Plymouth Sound, with 15-20 knots westerly winds that were really puffy under the dark clouds. It was the first time the boat had sailed, so I was surprised and impressed with how quickly and easily the Jeanneau SO410 found its groove. It never felt pressed and was easy to maintain good speeds (very close to the polars in fact).

We averaged 7 knots beating and 9 reaching. It was also a fun yacht to sail off the wind, deep reaching with the swell, where we nudged 9.5 knots with the Code sail. I was left wanting more, which is always a good sign.

The bowsprit integrates the bow roller, an option needed to keep the anchor clear of the reverse stem. Photo: Josh Tarr

Worthy of note were the form stability of the hull shape and the ability this keel gives you to point high to the wind (tacking through 70°). It remained very light on the helm, yet with enjoyable and direct control. Marc Lombard is a veteran designer of race yachts around this length, so the performance and handling of the SO410 should perhaps come as no surprise.

The grip of the deep twin rudders and deep keel gave me plenty of confidence to sail around the moored yachts in Cawsand Bay. Sailing heeled and powered up on the wind is addictive. The mainsheet and genoa sheets are on neat bridle systems and while the latter allows for adjustment to lead the sheets inboard for tight pointing, the lack of a traveller option means it’s almost impossible to trim the main to a similar high angle.

The deep swing keel lifted. Photo: Josh Tarr

Managing the sheets from the two aft winches is a little fiddly. You need to pre-plan tacks to ensure the new working genoa sheet will be on the correct winch, swapping it with the German-led mainsheet. However, a real benefit the ramped side deck design brings is the option to stand outboard to work the winch yet with the security of over 1ft of bulwark to brace against.

Both sheets on the test boat had clutches, which allow you to free up the winch, but can cause issues for genoa sheets during tacks if accidentally left on. We also found these sheets consistently snagged the forward mast base cleat during tacks, so moving or covering that cleat would be prudent.

The winches and pedestals are positioned right aft to maximise cockpit space, leaving a compact space behind the helms. However, you do have the option to either sit athwartships, or take the unique position of sitting facing forward with your legs outstretched on the side deck.

The resultant cockpit size is impressive, as is the protection afforded by the deep coamings and large sprayhood. There is no stowage for sheet tails so bags would need to be fitted to keep things tidy. Elsewhere, deck stowage is adequate in two shallow bench lockers, a quarter locker and a sail locker.

Jeanneau SO490 down below

The SO410 offers plenty of accommodation options, from two cabins and one heads to three cabins with two heads, and it is arguably the excellent proportions and the amount of space it provides in all areas that help it stand out from the competition.

Spacious, light and airy in the main saloon with a practical C-shaped galley. Photo: Bertrand Duquenne

This space allows for the inclusion of a proper navstation, ample aft cabins and an impressive en-suite owner’s forecabin. The slab topsides between the upper and lower chines helps create the beam in the galley, saloon and forward cabin.

Rectangular berth in the huge forward cabin. The lift keel version angles this berth. Photo: Bertrand Duquenne

Below decks has a modern apartment feel and I liked the fabric on the bulkheads and neat stowage solutions throughout. The central galley configuration, which has a practical C-shape for working at heel, is one of the main differences over the old SO409. It includes a deep fridge and ample stowage.

The door to the forward cabin has been offset to allow space for the keel box, which removes the option of a convertible double berth in the saloon. The central chaise longue is a great feature and makes clever use of the keel box. A very comfortable seat in the heart of the boat, it also extends out flat to make a nice child’s berth. The manual pump for the keel ram is mounted below and there is a spy glass for checking the ram position.

The forward cabin has an intelligent layout too. By angling the headboard and berth against the forward bulkhead it creates room for a proper rectangular berth (as opposed to a typical V-shape) as well as a good en-suite heads and shower compartment offset to port, which is the same size and configuration as the aft heads.

There is also plenty of space and light in the near identical aft cabins, which have low berths, modest stowage, and large side access panels into the engine room. The curved and fiddled joinerwork, notably the central stowage unit between navstation and galley, provide good support when walking around at heel. Dampeners and spacers are used on the soleboards to prevent some creaking, but unfortunately much of the plywood endgrain has been left exposed and unsealed.

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The SO410 has a smart modern hull shape which offers good sailing manners and behaviour, and has been used wisely to create an appealing accommodation layout. It’s another versatile model from Jeanneau, and one with an added twist – a proper trump card option. If you want a 40ft+ production yacht with shoal draught but deep keel performance, this is the only option. It will allow you to effectively take the competition at the traffic lights and claim the inside track, then when you get to your destination you’ll be able to pick the best parking place too.

Sailboat Keel Types Compared: Pros and Cons of 13 Types

There are various keel designs, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. For instance, full keels provide better stability and tracking, making them a popular choice for long-distance cruisers. On the other hand, fin keels enable sharper turns and quicker reactions, which appeal to racers and those seeking a more nimble experience. Choosing the right keel type for your sailboat depends on your sailing preferences, cruising goals, and intended destinations.

A sailboat's keel plays a significant role in its overall stability, performance, and comfort. It helps you maintain balance, steer your boat, and improve your boat's sailing efficiency. Sailboat keel types impact not only the performance and handling of your sailboat but also its suitability for different sailing conditions.

Let's compare 13 different keel types, and discuss their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their practical applications.

• The keel types that are known for their comfort and seaworthiness are full keel, bilge keel, wing keel, Scheel keel, and fixed keel.
• The best keel types for speed are canting keel, bulb keel, and wing keel.
• For improved maneuverability and agility , the best keel types are swing keel, centerboard keel, and daggerboard keel.
• The keel types that provide the most stability are bulb keel, fixed keel, and fin keel.

On this page:

Pros and cons of 13 types of keel, canting keel, centreboard, daggerboard, lifting keel, scheel keel.

If you're curious what these keel types look like, here's our illustrated guide on sailboat keels .

Full-length keel : Full-length keels run the entire length of the boat. They offer excellent stability and are popular among offshore cruisers who require a solid, rugged sailboat. Full keeled boats are better suited for heavy weather, but they may be slower due to their weight and drag.

Fin keel : Fin keels are thinner and generally used for racing, as they provide a good balance between speed and stability. Their reduced drag means faster speeds but might be less stable compared to full-length keels in heavy seas.

Bulb keel : A bulb keel features a heavy, rounded weight at the bottom of the fin keel. This extra weight lowers the boat's center of gravity and provides additional stability without significantly increasing drag.

Canting keel : A canting keel is a high-performance feature that can pivot from side to side, allowing the boat to maintain optimal stability while heeling over on its side to maximize speed in racing scenarios.

Centerboard : This keel type features a retractable board that can be lowered for sailing upwind and raised in shallow waters. Centerboards are often found on smaller boats and dinghies.

Swing keel : Swing keels operate on a hinge, swinging up and down to adjust the boat's draft. They balance the benefits of a larger keel with the convenience of a shallow draft for docking and beaching.

Wing keel : Wing keels are similar to bulb keels but with two small wings on either side of the bulb. These wings increase the effective surface area, offering better stability and shallower draft capabilities, ideal for coastal cruising.

Bilge keel : Bilge keels are found on boats with two smaller keels on either side of the hull rather than a single central keel. This design is most commonly used in tidal waters and on small fishing boats, allowing the boat to sit upright when grounded during low tide.

Daggerboard : Similar to a centerboard, a daggerboard is a non-weighted, removable board that slides vertically through a slot in the hull. This type is also commonly seen on dinghies and smaller sailboats.

Fixed keel : Fixed keel provides good stability and is less prone to damage than other keel types. However, it can limit the boat's ability to sail in shallow waters and may make it more difficult to trailer the boat.

Lifting keel : A lifting keel can be raised or lowered, providing both the benefits of a deep keel for improved stability and performance and a shallow draft for easier access to shallow waters and docking.

T-keel : T-keels provide improved stability and upwind performance, which can be desirable for sailors. However, their larger draft and vulnerability to grounding should be considered when deciding if this keel type is the right choice for your sailing adventures.

Scheel keel : This offers unique benefits, and it could be an excellent choice for your sailboat if you prioritize stability, shallow draft, and efficient upwind sailing. However, you should consider the potential drawbacks, such as decreased speed and increased maintenance, before making a final decision.

Pros of full keel

A full keel has several advantages that make it an appealing option for many sailors. First and foremost, it offers exceptional stability , which is particularly important when you're out at sea for extended periods. With a full keel, your sailboat can better resist the forces acting on the sails, ensuring a smoother and safer journey.

Another significant benefit is the durability of a full keel. Because of the large surface area and the way it's constructed, full keels tend to be very strong and resilient, making them perfect for long-distance cruising. Additionally, this type of keel provides excellent tracking , helping your sailboat stay on course in various conditions.

Lastly, full keel sailboats are less likely to be damaged when grounding , as the keel's large surface area allows for better weight distribution. This characteristic can be especially useful when navigating shallow waters or exploring uncharted territories.

Cons of full keel

Despite the many advantages of a full keel, it also has some drawbacks. One of the most noticeable disadvantages is its effect on sailboat performance. Full keels tend to be less maneuverable than other keel types, which can be a drawback in tight situations or when you need to make quick adjustments during sailing.

Another downside is the increased wetted surface area, which leads to higher drag and slower speeds when compared to other keel types, such as fin keels. This reduced efficiency can be a concern, especially for those who prioritize performance and speed on their sailing journeys.

Additionally, full keel sailboats may be more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces , such as crowded marinas, due to their reduced maneuverability and larger turning radius. This can make docking and mooring more complex, particularly for inexperienced sailors.

Pros of fin keel

Fin keels hold several advantages for sailors. First, they offer improved performance. A fin keel's streamlined shape cuts through the water more efficiently, allowing sailboats to reach higher speeds with less drag. Moreover, fin keels generally provide better upwind performance than other keel types.

Their maneuverability is another significant benefit. Fin keels allow sailboats to turn more quickly and easily, making them nimble in tight spaces and responsive to the helm. Additionally, they typically have a reduced draft, meaning they can navigate shallow waters more effectively than boats with deeper keels.

Lastly, fin keels are popular for their ease of maintenance . Since they're typically bolted onto the hull, routine inspections and potential repairs are relatively straightforward and accessible.

Cons of fin keel

Despite the benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider when it comes to fin keels. First, they tend to have less stability than full or bilge keels. Their slender design and reduced weight can make them more prone to sudden heeling, which some sailors may find uncomfortable or disconcerting.

Another potential issue is structural vulnerability . If a fin keel strikes a submerged obstacle, such as a rock or shipping container, it may suffer damage or even become dislodged, which could pose a significant risk to the integrity of the boat. This stands in contrast to more robust full keels, which can better absorb the impact of groundings or collisions.

Lastly, fin keels are sometimes considered less comfortable for cruising sailors. Due to their design, boats with fin keels can experience more motion (both side-to-side and up and down) in rough seas, potentially leading to discomfort or seasickness for the crew.

A bulb keel is a type of sailboat keel that features a streamlined fin with a bulb-shaped weight at the bottom. This design aims to improve the boat's performance, especially in racing conditions. In this section, we will explore the pros and cons of bulb keels.

Pros of bulb keel

Stability : The main advantage of a bulb keel is its ability to provide excellent stability. The bulb's weight is concentrated at its lowest point, which lowers the center of gravity of your sailboat. This design helps keep the boat upright and stable when sailing, especially in strong winds.

Performance : Bulb keels contribute to a sailboat's overall performance by reducing drag. The streamlined shape of the fin and the placement of the bulbous weight make it easier for your boat to glide through the water, increasing your overall speed and agility when sailing.

Upwind sailing : A bulb keel allows your sailboat to sail more effectively upwind. By reducing leeway and maintaining a consistent course, your boat can navigate better through a variety of wind conditions.

Cons of bulb keel

Maintenance : One potential downside of a bulb keel is the increased maintenance required. The bulbs can be more prone to collecting marine growth, which may necessitate regular cleaning and antifouling treatments to maintain peak performance.

Depth : Bulb keels, due to their design, have a deeper draft than other keel types. This means that your sailboat might struggle in shallow waters or require extra diligence while sailing in areas with submerged obstacles or coral reefs.

Pros of canting keel

Canting keels are a popular choice among performance-oriented sailors due to their remarkable benefits in several areas. They offer increased stability and enhanced performance , especially when sailing upwind. This type of keel allows the boat to maintain a more upright position when healing, reducing drag and improving your overall speed and efficiency on the water.

Moreover, canting keels are adjustable , which allows you to alter the keel angle depending on the wind conditions and desired performance. This flexibility can make a significant difference in how your boat performs on the water. Another advantage of canting keels is their improved handling characteristics , which make them easier to maneuver in various conditions.

Cons of canting keel

Despite the many advantages, there are also some notable drawbacks to using a canting keel. One significant downside is their complexity and cost . These keels often require sophisticated engineering and systems, which can drive up the overall price of your boat and may require more maintenance and repairs over time.

Another potential issue with canting keels is their increased vulnerability to grounding . Since the keel can extend deeper beneath the boat, there is a higher risk of hitting obstacles or running aground, especially in shallow waters or unknown territories.

Lastly, canting keels can contribute to changes in the boat's handling characteristics , particularly when sailing downwind. While their adjustability may enhance upwind performance, it may also lead to instability and increased difficulty controlling your boat in heavy downwind conditions.

Pros of the centerboard

A centerboard is a movable keel that can be retracted or lowered to provide stability and balance to your sailboat. Here are some benefits you can enjoy with a centerboard:

• Shallow draft : With a centerboard, you can easily navigate shallow waters and get closer to shore. This is particularly useful for exploring coves, anchorages, and beaching your boat.
• Adjustable performance : By adjusting the position of the centerboard, you can fine-tune your sailboat's performance based on the current sailing conditions.
• Easier transport and storage : Retractable centerboards make it simple to trailer your sailboat and store it in tight spaces without worrying about a fixed keel's height or depth.
• Grounding protection : In case of accidental grounding, a centerboard can help minimize potential damage by absorbing the impact instead of transferring it to your boat's hull.

If you're torn between centerboard, swing, and fixed keels , here's our in-depth article on their pros and cons.

Cons of the centerboard

Despite the advantages, centerboards also come with some drawbacks that you should consider:

• Less stability : When compared to fixed keels, centerboards offer less stability, especially for larger sailboats. This may lead to reduced performance in rough waters or strong winds.
• Maintenance : Centerboards require regular maintenance to ensure they remain functional and efficient. This may include cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the related components.
• Complexity : The moving parts and additional mechanisms in a centerboard system can be more complex than a fixed keel, potentially increasing the likelihood of mechanical issues.
• Reduced interior space : Depending on your sailboat's design, the presence of a centerboard trunk may limit the available interior space, impacting your comfort and storage options.

The swing keel is a type of sailboat keel that essentially pivots on a hinge or bolt, allowing the keel to swing up or down as needed. This feature grants a sailboat with a swing keel the ability to adjust its performance and stability depending on the sailing conditions or water depth. Let's discuss the pros and cons of swing keels in detail.

Pros of swing keel

Versatility : The swing keel's ability to pivot grants your sailboat the capability to navigate shallow waters and safely beach your boat without getting stuck. This is advantageous for exploring coastal areas and coves.

Adjustability : Swing keels provide the opportunity for better control over your boat's performance. By adjusting the keel angle, you can find the right balance of stability and speed tailored to your sailing experience and conditions.

Trailerable : A sailboat with a swing keel can be easily trailered and transported, as the keel can be retracted, reducing the boat's weight, draft, and overall dimensions.

Ease of maintenance : Swing keels are often easier to maintain and repair, as they can be retracted for inspection or servicing without having to haul out the entire boat.

Cons of swing keel

Reduced performance : A trade-off with the swing keel's versatility is that it generally doesn't offer the same level of performance as a fixed keel sailboat, especially when it comes to upwind ability or pointing.

Additional complexity : The presence of a pivot point and moving parts can make swing keels more prone to wear or damage. This can lead to additional maintenance requirements or repairs if not properly cared for.

Increased weight : Given the swing keel's construction, materials, and additional hardware, it can add extra weight to your boat compared to other keel types. This may affect your boat's overall performance.

Potential leaks : Like any keel with moveable parts, a swing keel can introduce the risk of water ingress if the seals or hull are not properly maintained.

Pros of wing keel

The wing keel is an innovative design that has gained popularity among sailors due to its unique features and benefits. One of the main advantages of this keel type is its shallow draft . The horizontal wing allows the keel to have a larger surface area without going as deep as a fin keel of the same size, making it ideal for sailboats navigating shallow waters.

Another benefit of the wing keel is its relatively good upwind performance . While not as efficient as a fin keel, it still performs well in many sailing conditions, offering a great balance between maneuverability and stability.

The ease of grounding and recovery is another plus for the wing keel. Since it has a relatively shallow draft, you are less likely to hit the seabed when navigating shallow waters. Furthermore, if the boat does become grounded, the wing keel design makes it easier to refloat.

Cons of wing keel

However, the wing keel is not without its drawbacks. The most notable disadvantage of this design is its reduced pointing ability compared to fin keels. The wing keel may struggle to sail as close to the wind as a similarly-sized sailboat with a fin keel, which can be a disadvantage when racing or sailing in tight spaces.

A wing keel sailboat may also be prone to increased leeway due to the lower depth and surface area of the keel. This can make the boat more difficult to control in strong winds or challenging sea conditions.

Another issue to consider is the maintenance and cleaning of the wing keel. Due to the horizontal wings, it may be harder to access and clean the keel properly, leading to increased fouling or potential damage.

Bilge keels are an interesting combination of two smaller keels mounted on either side of the hull, which provide stability and added performance benefits in certain conditions. In this section, we will explore the pros and cons of bilge keels on sailboats.

Pros of bilge keel

• Shallow draft : Bilge keels allow you to access shallow water areas, expanding your cruising options. The dual keel design keeps your boat stable in shallow waters, making it ideal for exploring remote destinations, such as tidal estuaries or hidden coves.
• Low maintenance : Compared to other keel types like fin keels or lifting keels, bilge keels require less maintenance. They are sturdy and simpler to maintain due to their fixed position.
• Self-righting : With bilge keels, your sailboat has a natural ability to self-right after a capsize. Their wide footprint provides additional support and stability, reducing the chances of a full capsize.
• Beaching ability : Bilge keel boats can safely dry out on the beach or tidal flats without tipping, making it easier for you to conduct maintenance or give the hull a thorough clean.

Cons of bilge keel

• Reduced performance : While bilge keels offer stability and shallow draft benefits, they can reduce your sailboat's performance in certain conditions. They create more drag, causing your boat to be slower and less agile than boats with fin keels.
• Heeling angle limitations : Due to their wide footprint, bilge keel sailboats experience a larger heeling angle, which could make sailing at high speeds or in strong winds challenging.
• Less upright stability : Bilge keel boats may be less stable when sailing in extreme conditions, as the dual keel design provides less leverage for the boat to lean on compared to a deep fin keel.

Pros of daggerboard

A daggerboard can enhance your sailing experience in several ways. First and foremost, it provides improved maneuverability . With a daggerboard, you can navigate through shallow waters more easily, making it ideal for exploring coastal areas and inland waterways.

Another advantage is the ease of maintenance . Daggerboards are simpler in design compared to other keel types, making them easier to maintain and repair. Additionally, they are easily retractable, allowing you to adjust the draft of your sailboat depending on the depth of the water, avoiding running aground or hitting underwater obstacles.

Daggerboards are also typically lighter in weight compared to other keel types, which contributes to better sailing performance, particularly in light wind conditions. It is also worth noting that their simple design often results in lower production costs for boat manufacturers, resulting in more affordable options for you, the buyer.

Finally, daggerboards are popular on trailer sailers due to their retractable nature, making it more convenient for you to transport your sailboat on a trailer over land when necessary.

Cons of daggerboard

Despite the various advantages, there are a few downsides to consider when it comes to daggerboards. One notable drawback is their limited righting moment . This means that sailboats with a daggerboard are generally less stable and more prone to heeling or even capsizing in rough conditions. If you frequently sail in choppy waters, this could be a significant concern for your safety.

Another downside is the space occupied by the daggerboard case inside the cabin of the boat. This can reduce the available living space, especially on smaller sailboats. In addition, daggerboards can be noisier than other keel types when sailing due to water noise around the daggerboard case.

Lastly, the lack of keel protection in boats with daggerboards makes them more vulnerable to damage by underwater obstacles. While the retractability feature might mitigate this risk somewhat, it is still essential for you to remain cautious when navigating shallow and uncharted waters.

Pros of fixed keel

A fixed keel offers numerous advantages that can make your sailing experience more enjoyable. First, fixed keels provide better stability as they have a lower center of gravity, resulting in a more comfortable ride. This is particularly beneficial when sailing in rough weather or choppy seas.

Moreover, fixed keels offer improved upwind performance compared to other keel types. The deeper draft allows the boat to generate more lift and point higher into the wind, making it faster and more efficient when sailing upwind. Additionally, these keels are low-maintenance since there are fewer moving parts to wear out or require replacement.

Lastly, fixed keel boats tend to have better handling under power . They can make precise turns and handle well in reverse, allowing for easier maneuvering in tight spaces and marinas.

Cons of fixed keel

Despite their advantages, fixed keels also come with some drawbacks. One of the main concerns is their depth , which limits the boat's ability to access shallow waters. This may restrict your sailing options, especially near shorelines or in tidal areas.

Additionally, fixed keel boats can be less maneuverable at slower speeds compared to boats with swing keels or centerboards. This can make tight turns more challenging, especially in crowded harbors or narrow waterways.

Finally, fixed keel boats are generally heavier and harder to trailer , as they require a higher towing capacity and specially designed trailers to accommodate the boat's deeper draft. This added weight can make transportation more difficult and lead to higher fuel costs for road transportation.

Pros of lifting keel

A lifting keel is a type of keel that can be raised or lowered, allowing you to adjust the depth and balance of your sailboat. When properly utilized, a lifting keel can provide a number of benefits to enhance your sailing experience.

• Versatility : A lifting keel allows you to sail in shallow waters as well as access ports and harbors with limited depth. This is especially useful for exploring coastal areas and navigating tidal waters.
• Improved performance : By adjusting the depth of the keel, you can optimize your boat's performance in various sailing conditions. This can result in better speed, stability, and upwind performance.
• Easier transportation : With the ability to raise the keel, transporting your sailboat on a trailer becomes more manageable as it reduces the overall draft and height of your boat.

If you're choosing between swing or lifting keel , here's our more detailed guide on their pros and cons.

Cons of lifting keel

While a lifting keel offers several advantages, it is essential to be aware of some potential drawbacks before choosing this type of keel for your sailboat.

• Maintenance and complexity : Lifting keels typically require more maintenance due to the moving parts involved. Extra care is needed to inspect and maintain the keel's lifting mechanism, which might include a winch, cable, or hydraulic system.
• Added weight : The lifting mechanism adds weight to your boat, which can have negative effects on performance and fuel efficiency.
• Potential weaknesses : The structural integrity of a boat with a lifting keel can be compromised if it is not designed and engineered properly. This could lead to stress points or even failure in extreme situations.

Pros of T-keel

T-keel is a unique design that has its advantages to consider. First, it offers improved stability . With a heavier weight concentrated at the bottom of the keel, your sailboat will resist heeling, maintaining a more upright position in strong winds. This added stability allows for better control and a smoother ride when sailing.

Another pro of the T-keel is its powerful upwind performance . The shape and design of this keel allow for a low center of gravity while minimizing drag. This combination helps your sailboat efficiently point into the wind, allowing for a quicker upwind speed. This increased performance can make a difference when racing or navigating through tight spaces.

Cons of T-keel

However, T-keels are not without their drawbacks. One potential downside is that T-keel boats tend to have a larger draft than other types of keels, meaning they require deeper water for sailing. This can restrict your ability to sail in shallow waters around bays or near shorelines, limiting your access to certain areas.

Another drawback of T-keels is that they can be more prone to grounding due to their design. If you accidentally run aground or hit an underwater object, the T-keel may be more likely to experience damage or become difficult to dislodge. This can lead to costly repairs or complications when trying to free your sailboat.

The Scheel Keel is a unique keel type that was designed by naval architect Henry Scheel in the 1970s. This keel offers a compromise between performance and stability, making it a popular choice for many sailboat owners. In this section, we'll discuss the pros and cons of the Scheel Keel to help you decide if it's the right choice for your sailing needs.

Pros of Scheel keel

Shallow draft : One of the main advantages of the Scheel Keel is its shallow draft. This allows you to navigate in shallower waters, making it easier to access more anchorage spots and enjoy cruising in coastal areas.

Stability : With its wide, flat bottom, the Scheel Keel provides good stability, making your sailboat feel more secure and comfortable in various conditions. This can be especially beneficial for less experienced sailors or those who prefer a more stable ride.

Efficient upwind performance : The Scheel Keel is designed to improve upwind performance without sacrificing stability. This means you can sail more efficiently and at a better angle to the wind, which can be a noticeable advantage in many sailing situations.

Cons of Scheel keel

Potential for decreased speed : Due to its wide, flat bottom, the Scheel Keel can create more drag, which may decrease your overall speed in comparison to other keel types. While the Scheel Keel offers improved upwind performance, it may not be the best choice for you if maximizing speed is your primary concern.

Maintenance : The unique shape of the Scheel Keel can make it more susceptible to damage, particularly if you frequently sail in shallow waters or near shorelines with rocks and other hazards. As a result, you might need to pay closer attention to the maintenance and repair of your keel.

Limited availability : While many sailors appreciate the benefits of the Scheel Keel, it's not as widely available as some other keel designs. This could make it more difficult for you to find a sailboat with a Scheel Keel or to have one retrofitted to your current boat.

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