The word keel refers to the structure of the vessel, your sailboat. The lines that your sailboat makes above the water are because of the function of the boat that is below it, the keel. Understanding how a sailboat keel works ensures that you understand the importance of having it checked regularly for optimal performance. 

Non-Sailing Boat Keels

On more commercial cargo-size ships, the plate on the bottom of the vessel is shaped to match the needs of the boats. Because it holds more weight, a more flat plate is built at an angle to allow for more stability. On smaller vessels such as a ferry, it is often attached to the hull, the main part of the boat. Recreation powerboats usually are flats and may not contain a hull at all. 

Typically, the keel is the first component built on a boat and it marks the beginning of a ship’s life. 

What are Some Types of Keels?

All sailboats have a keel. On larger boats, it may be elongated and perpendicular to the deck of the boat. This allows for lift, controls any movement, especially side to side, and counterbalances weight. Best of all, it holds the ballast and helps to prevent you from capsizing. It can be moveable or fixed and may also retract and sometimes can be removed for more shallow water. 

The two most common keels are full and fin. The full keel is fitted for blue-water sailboats and is more stable than the fin. However, they are slower as they are harder to maneuver. The fin keel is a lot smaller and offers more resistance, which means your boat can go faster. 

The keel also helps to provide tracking ability to the boat, which is the ability to maintain a straight course. When a boat is under sail, the wind exerts a force on the sails that pushes the boat forward. The keel helps to counter this force and keep the boat on course, even when it is being subjected to strong winds or waves.

What is the Keel’s Purpose?

There are many things that affect how a sailboat will move whether wind force or viscosity. The wind helps propel a boat while the viscosity will slow it down. Gravity and buoyancy also play major roles in how your sailing experience goes. Gravity pulls a boat down while buoyancy will bring it afloat. 

Sailing keels use forward motion to generate lift, which will counteract these forces to keep the boat in a forward motion. It also keeps the ballast, usually located at the bottom of the keel, to keep the boat moving and not on its side. The best way for this to happen is to make sure that the sailboat is in enough water to prevent its keel from hitting sand, mud, or any other material that is covered by the water. 

The keel also helps to provide tracking ability to the boat, which is the ability to maintain a straight course. When a boat is under sail, the wind exerts a force on the sails that pushes the boat forward. The keel helps to counter this force and keep the boat on course, even when it is being subjected to strong winds or waves.

In addition to providing stability and tracking ability, the keel also helps to protect the boat from damage. When a boat hits a submerged object, the keel absorbs the impact and helps to prevent damage to the hull. This is especially important in shallow waters or in areas with hidden obstacles, as it can help to prevent costly and potentially dangerous damage to the boat.

The shape and size of the keel can also affect the performance of the boat. A deep, narrow keel will provide more stability and tracking ability, but it will also increase drag and reduce the boat's speed. On the other hand, a shallow, wide keel will provide less stability but will also reduce drag and increase speed. As a result, the choice of keel depends on the specific needs and requirements of the boat and its intended use.

Repair or Maintain The Keel Of Your Sailboat With Trained Technicians

As you can see, the keel of a boat is a major component in how it runs and if you stay afloat. After all, this is what keeps you and those on your watercraft safe. Maintaining your boat is important, and unfortunately, repairs can be too. With the help of Power Products Systems, our professional team of highly-trained technicians can help keep your boat afloat and running at optimal performance. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for repairs or maintenance, call 781-246-7401 today.