Difference Between a Ketch and a Yawl

[Straightrazor41]

can anyone tell me the differences and if possible any advantages to the yawl.

[triton274]

I have no first hand experience sailing either, but its on a yawl the mizzen mast is behind the rudder post, on a Ketch it is in front of the rudder post.

[Astrid]

On a yawl, the small mizzen sail is mainly for trimming and balancing the boat, thus minimizing the need to use the helm when sailing down wind. The mainsail and fore triangle is very nearly as large as that of a similar sized sloop-rigged boat and provides most of the propulsion.

A ketch on the other hand, has a larger mizzen sail and frequently a correspondingly smaller mainsail. The mizzen, while helping to trim and balance in a well designed ketch, is mainly for propulsion and allows for an overall shorter rig while maintaining a nearly equal sail area to that of a similar sized yawl or sloop.

[Straightrazor41]

Thank you both for enlightening me, a small yawl has just become available to buy and I honestly didn't know the difference.

[SkiprJohn]

I've owned a ketch and sailed aboard an Offshore 41 yawl. The yawl points higher because it has a similar rig to a sloop with high aspect marconi main and jib. The yawls small mizzen helps balance without over compensating with the rudder and it provides an aft mast on which to launch a mizzen staysail providing many more sail options than a sloop.
The ketch has smaller main and jib and makes up for that by a larger mizzen. Small easily handed sails for smaller number of crew and single handing. It can carry a larger mizzen staysail.
For windward peformance the yawl outdoes the ketch and for ease of sail handling the ketch outdoes the yawl. Both are fun.
kind regards,