Secondly, when a strong wind pushes the boat sideways, the keel produces the drag or force that keeps the boat from moving sideways into forward motion. It varies in shape from flat to long, often extending down into the water from the bottom of the sailboat. It has a smaller surface area, which makes it hydrodynamically more efficient. However, this type of keel is hard to free in case the boat gets stuck into the muck. It is also impossible to sail at higher speeds due to its large wetted surface. Fin keels provide ballast and are extremely efficient in preventing leeway, which is the sideways movement of the boat due to the wind. In order to sail efficiently, it is essential that boat owners learn and understand how the keel interacts with the sail. Typically, a deep fin keel is made shorter and then connected with a torpedo-like bulb made from lead material at the bottom of the keel. The word “keel” originates from Old English cēol (ship’s prow), Old Norse kjóll (ship or keel), and from Middle Dutch kiel (ship). In addition, the sailboat keel provides counterbalance and lift which help your boat perform better. This force, called righting moment, is stronger when the keel is heavier and deeper. A boat or ship which is made with a full keel rides smoothly while traveling in the water, providing great directional stability. The wing keel –This type of keel is used in racing boats and high performance vessel or crafts ,keel is just like tail of an airplane ,it helps in improving efficiency and keeps the draft minimum. It is also protected by keel-guard. How do you make a living on the road? In deep waters, it glides over and through the water waves efficiently and easily. Instead, the longitudinal pair of plates are attached to the sides of the hull, which helps keep the boat from rolling. In essence, the basic purpose of the keel is to convert the sideways motion of the wind into forward motion. Conversely, racing yachts usually have thin, deep keels and heavy bulbs for better performance. Long keel design. The cracks are only physical indications of the damage caused. The centerboard keel contains a base keel, which has an internal centerboard that rotates downward to create a deeper keel when sailing. Hundreds of years ago, ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and other ships sailed around the world without keels. Keel is also called as back bone of a ship as it is the main part of the ship. However, this type of keel does not perform as well as a single keel and is therefore used for sailing instead of racing. If you want the flexibility of cruising and exploring shallow waters, the lifting keel is the answer. The keel may also have hydrodynamic and counterbalancing purposes on some sailboats. This particular keel by design covers at least half of the boat´s length. If you are planning to sail over shoal waters, a bulb keel may be appropriate.  Sometimes, they are not as shallow as other special full keelboats, however. The full keel is a narrow, V-shaped structure that extends downwards from the boat’s hull and ballasted (weighted) for increased stability and lateral resistance. Depending on the year and the condition, this boat could cost a minimum of $250,000 but if often over $300,000.00. Freeing port An opening in the lower portion of a bulwark, which allows deck water to drain overboard. This is yet another alternative that may be used in shoal waters. A hull is the watertight frame or body of a ship or boat, exclusive of its deck, propulsion system, fittings and rigging. Did you find wrong information or was something missing. Bar keel, Duct keel, Flat plate keel. There’s less friction enabling more forward motion energy, which is converted to speed. 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