Quote:
Originally Posted by Miu Miu
Thanks again Mike! I haven't seen that page before, I'll be using it from here on :-) did you see the link from JJ77- what do you think of the fins there?
I am starting to look at some modified full keel as well, but I'm leary of fins....I'll take a look At the Valiant 40. I think that for me though the full keel gives me a feeling of more security. I like the stability and low turtle possibility, also I'm nervous that if when sailing a fin keel a random log floating in the water will come along and roll down the hull, damage the fin and knock my prop off....I just think I'm personally better off with all of those things protected in a nice heavy full keel. If anyone has any good information to sway me the other way please share it, I have limited knowledge and am trying stay as safe as possible.
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I have to admit that none of the true fin keels on that page do it for me Miu Miu, but I'm sure many would disagree with me (and for valid reasons). But there are some great modified fin/skeg designs listed there that I have considered at one time or another. The Corbin 39, the Pacific Seacrafts and the Valiants are all great
boats. I seriously considered a Tartan 37, a
Pearson 368 and the Contessa 32. I even looked at a
C&C Landfall 38 (not my cup of tea in the end). I would have looked hard at a Passport 40 or a Southern Cross 39 if they had been available, and in my
price range.
There have been some excellent suggestions. High ballast to
displacement ratio makes me feel comfortable as well. A long, encapsulated keel gives great protection from grounding and flotsam that could damage your
rudder or prop. A fuller keel helps protect against the cantilever damage that can result from a hard hit. And of course a long keel allows the boat to track well and settle
on the hard. The flip side (for me) is that entering a strange marina strikes fear in my tender heart.
You've got a love, and an eye, for the traditional wineglass full-keel
boats. The Babas, Albergs, Tayanas, Hans Christians and Hardins make my heart go pitter-patter. First thing, above all, is you gotta love your boat. If that's what turns your crank, then go find one. They are out there.