Boat Data

Keel Types Explained

Keel type affects draft, stability, leeway resistance, grounding behavior, maintenance, and where a sailboat can operate.

Level
foundation
Read time
8 min
Sources
1

Keel Shape Families

Silhouettes can show major keel families without embedding label text inside the graphic.
Fin keel
A relatively narrow fixed foil, often paired with a separate rudder.
Bulb or wing keel
A fin with ballast concentrated lower or outward to manage draft and stability.
Full keel
A long keel structure with more lateral area and different handling characteristics.
Lifting keel or centerboard
A movable underwater foil that changes draft for shallow water, transport, or performance.

How to Compare Keel Records

Fixed keels

Fixed keels are usually simpler to document because the draft does not change underway.

  • Record fixed draft and ballast context.
  • Check keel-bolt, grounding, and fairing history during survey.
  • Variant differences still matter when builders offered shoal or deep options.

Movable keels

Movable foils require more context because draft, structure, and maintenance depend on the mechanism.

  • Record raised and lowered draft when source-backed.
  • Identify lifting keel, swing keel, centerboard, or daggerboard correctly.
  • Inspection should include pivots, pennants, hydraulics, cases, and stops where applicable.

Keel Fields to Compare

FieldMeaningBoatpedia use
Keel typeControlled term used for filters and model comparison.Prevents "shoal", "shallow", "wing", and source-specific wording from fragmenting search.
Draft valuesSource-backed draft for each keel option.Supports marina, cruising ground, and trailerability decisions.
Variant scopeWhich years or packages used the keel type.Prevents one option from being shown as universal for the model.
References

Sources and Method Notes

Boatpedia reference

Boatpedia reference standards

Public guidance for reading model facts, source notes, market context, and data caveats on Boatpedia.

Open source
Next reference
Boat DataBoat Measurements Explainedfoundation / 9 minLOA, LWL, beam, draft, air draft, displacement, ballast, tankage, and capacity describe different parts of a boat record.Boat DataSailboat Ratios Explainedworking / 10 minD/L, SA/D, ballast ratio, capsize screening, and comfort ratio are derived indicators. They help compare designs, but they are not complete judgments.OwnershipBoat Survey Prep Checklistworking / 9 minA survey prep checklist turns model data, documents, common issues, and ownership records into questions for a viewing or pre-purchase survey.