Sailboat Keel Types: 10 Most Common Keels Explained

If you want to watch one video on keel types and just get it, this one is for you. Keels don't have to be confusing; simply classify them the right way. I've made clear diagrams for each type.
Get the diagrams here: improvesailing.com/keels
Make your sailing dream a reality today with my eBook! Find the special KZbin promotion here: improvesailing.com/fast-track...
There's a simple way to explain sailboat keel types, and I think I figured out how. We'll go over full keels (long keel), modified full keels, fin keels, bulb & wing keels, bilge keels, centerboards, daggerboards, leeboards, and canting keels. We'll discuss each keel's properties and function, as well as advantages and disadvantages.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:27 Six most common keel types (overview)
2:34 What does a keel do? - Keel functions explained
5:25 Full keels
6:06 Modified full keels
6:34 Fin keels
7:30 The difference between skeg and spade rudders
8:04 Bulb keels
8:33 Wing keels
9:11 Bilge keels
10:01 Lifting keels (centerboards and daggerboards)
10:57 Leeboards
11:42 Canting keels

[@sab0403]

Great video man, drop the music to like 35% of current volume and you're golden :)

[@leoantonio]

No. Remove it completely. It’s so annoying. It’s a scourge across KZbin. I wanted this information so badly but I simply could not stay past 30 seconds. It’s absolutely maddening and senseless to have music going behind this.

[@GESEPPI19]

I like the music. It creates a calmness. Great video!

[@loupipeline]

I honestly didn’t notice the background music until I read your comment lol

[@mrbritannia3833]

@@leoantonio The average person with an attention span of about 20s-3m finds music relaxing and helps them continue watching.

[@edrosenberger6947]

For bluewater cruising, I like comfort and safety more than speed, therefore a modified full keel with a skeg rudder is my preference. For better maneuverability in a marina, a bow thruster is a big help. The only annoying thing was needing to go back several times and replay due to the 'music' blotting out your voice. Thank you for these keel instructions!

[@bestvideos4ever1]

some people just naive as its gets, what exactly safety wise does a full keel give except of a big bulky space where you hit things without worrying it fell off you bottom ! my choice is a twin-keel or double keel, its best overall. its in middle of tringle safety and comfort and a bit speed. for a living boat can't go better. a Full keel usualy about 2 meters unter watter, so safety in coast region is huge problem running on ground. besides if you do, then you either fall one side or another, makind you boat lying sidewise on a coral rife or ground near cost.

[@inventiveowl395]

​@@bestvideos4ever1 Full keel gives you the option to heave to or lie ahull reliably. Which are both important safety techniques for open ocean sailing. That said, both can be done with other keel designs, but full keel is generaly the best for both as it offers the most lateral resistance - which is also great for rolly anchorages but comfort is mentioned in the video. Compared to your keel choice, full keel protects the rudder (as most twin keels are paired with spade rudders, no skegs to be found) from impacts and loose lines in the water. Also, full keel hull might point better to windward which is a safety factor for sailing in places where you have a shore that you could run aground on straight to leeward - but that can't be said wihtout comparing two specific boats, hence the 'might'.

[@averagejoe1943]

Cat videos, production values skyrockets!!!🤣🤣🤣 needed a good laugh! Awesome video, second time watching your video.

[@TroyaE117]

Well-explained indeed. For me, modified full keel is king !!!

[@brianmercado1842]

Well done. Good information for the beginner sailor. Thank you.

[@lenovotablet1241]

Some very important details were left out here. Maybe mostly important that the keel also creates lift in a very similar way as the sail does. Another left out fact about winged and bulbed keels is that their main purpuse is not so much the added weight for countering heeling but rather to reduce water flow from the high pressure side of the keel to the low pressure side of the keel as this unwanted flow creates vortices and induced drag which slows the boat down. I highly recommend the book "The physics of sailing explained" by Bryon D. Anderson which goes through all this and more in very fine detail including lots of equations to prove the physics behind it all.

[@jezmo8813]

Thanks for the book recommendation, just bought a copy.

[@bobdevos9729]

Because sailboats have masts they generaly have a high metacentric point. To compensate this, the boats are usually outfiited with a weighted keel to lower the center of gravity.

[@SailProMarina]

read my reply above regarding the loose hinged keel

[@Sebastian-hh4lj]

There is a better book IMHO, namely SEAWORTHINESS by C. A. MARCHAJ.

[@jerrysmith3515]

I think your video was very informative. I did not know the different effects on sailing that each type of keel made. I also want to say that you have a voice that doesn't make the video seem boring. Thank you

[@thesharpiefp]

Lots of great information, great format and the humour is a great part of keeping interest. The music I must agree with others is more of a distraction than anything else. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing more great videos.

[@roamingtheblue]

I'm looking at smaller monohulls at the moment and trying to get all the info I can get. This was bloody helpful, thanks!

[@michaeltroster9059]

Excellent video explaining keels. Only negative factor is background music which adds nothing to video.

[@stevie_tv3198]

I'm currently sailing on a volvo 70 and I have to say, performance wise canting keels are phenomenal. They easily increase speed by 2-3 knots and provide much stability and less heeling as well.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

Great starter video for beginners. The "comfort speed maneuverability" triangle is excellent. Wing keels seem great unless you run aground at which point it can turn into an "anchor" and make it difficult to pull the keel out of sand or mud. Of course this should never happen...

[@dropkickjim]

Thanks!!! This is great info. And very well presented . Cheers from the US !

[@andrewgriffiths94]

great video, thanks for making it!

[@beebester4106]

I've been waiting for this exact video to come my way and here it is. I'm just learning about sailing and all the different keel types had me baffled. I live off a huge tidally influenced river the Columbia. Wondering what would be best type of sail boat for my area. Very helpful.

[@papasierra2497]

Following because we're also in this area and are in the same boat - pun intended.

[@MattFrisian]

I enjoyed watching. Looking forward to more!

[@ImproveSailing]

Thanks Matt, appreciate it. Are you from Friesland?

[@MattFrisian]

@@ImproveSailing Hoi! Yes, but now living in USA.

[@thatgirl3960]

It’s difficult to concentrate with the music, either way, great video. Thanks for the content.

[@Nozzall]

Great video and you explained things well. I notice that many people said you left things out and I hate being one of those people but, I'm going to be one of those people. Bolt on verses integrated keels. Most new bolts come with bolt on keels which are much more prone to breaking off. The integral keels are built in as part of the hull making them much more stable and safe, important if you are on a blue water boat.

[@atem_yg]

I would like to add the "multiple keel" category for catamarans and trimarans. Also explain the roll at 3:30. The center of mass of the keel MUST BE below the center of buoyancy of the ship in order to be stable in roll. Also also, is it possible to make a similar video about sail types ?? Good video, keep it up !!

[@wolcottwu756]

Enjoyed and learned - thanks!

[@thecontrarian3654]

Thanks for this video. Learned a lot from it. 👍

[@ImproveSailing]

You're welcome, thanks for leaving a comment!

[@brianhibbs7553]

Nice video Floki! Very good information.

[@colinmarshallmccraw2648]

superb commentary.. only wanted to see about a lifting keel but ended up watching the lot.😄

[@cliffmainor4255]

Nicely done, sir!

[@Joe-oe4lo]

Very cool video, I never realised there were so many types of keels😄

[@OtterLakeFlutes]

I "feel" it much better now. I was thinking, off-hand, the fin keel just "pressed against" the water sideways to counter the sail wanting to roll the hull over in the opposite direction, but it's actually, also (mainly?) pulling down and wanting to sort of "center" or "right" the boat at all times. Thank you.

[@codysmith7755]

The production value of this series comment was hilarious! never seen one of your videos had to check more out just because of that statement 😂

[@brotherjim3051]

One of my top ten channels.

[@robertcratchet1634]

Awesome video, thanks for posting!

[@velocita8842]

Well done....Very informative!

[@PFCranssen]

Well done!! Thanks

[@bencoss7003]

Hey I appreciate the video very informative don't change the thing you explain things well and I am definitely one of those beginners that is 101 for dummies and you made it quite clear for me to understand, PS I've seen your doppelganger here in Arkansas I see him quite often

[@ImproveSailing]

Haha I seem to have lots of doppelgangers here, btw in Dutch doppelganger is 'dubbelganger', I think it's where your word comes from!

[@olelaustsen8657]

Great explanation, really appreciated it :)

[@abdelhakimbenbachir3893]

Thanks for sharing 👌that’s was very helpful

[@user-qy3yj3qu3m]

Thanks for the information so I have to look for comfort and a full keel 😎

[@waylonk2453]

What a funny guy! I learned a lot about keels, too.

[@johnclark1925]

Great channel. Thanks for posting.

[@moniquelevesque8756]

Thank you that helped me immensely, we are looking to buy a boat shortly.

[@Hoireabard]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@ImproveSailing]

Thanks for the comment, and you're welcome!

[@funtimegames]

I'm so glad my full keel days are done. Once you sail a fin it's hard to go back. At a certain point the enjoyment comes from sailing fast and well.

[@coldnorthadventures5905]

Fast vs safety l choose safety.

[@wigglypaw]

hahaha love your comment! I went from a sailfish, to a day sailer to a racing skiff to a ocean 42 Irwin, back to my little little yellow styrofoam picnic going shore to shore (across a mile of lake)love bug. I would always take my mom with me, and she would trail her hand in the water shouting “wheeee”, as I tried to keep it upright and forward. Someone with a beef chopped it up and sunk it in the shallows. I waS so heartbroken. Now, at 70, I am thinking of getting a oday again.

[@Valeriolopes1967]

Thank tou for great informations! Nice vídeo!

[@kerstinshadow2210]

Very informative.

[@sailingspark9748]

I have owned three types, a SeaSprite 23 with a modified Full keel, a GP14 with a centreboard/lifting keel, and A montgomery 17 with a Hybrid keel/centreboard with the centreboard housed in a smaller "stub" keel beneath the boat. I prefer the Modified Full keel for just going for a sail, the SS23 would put her rail down and just go. No muss, no fuss, and very few surprises that can be inherent in other less stable designs.

[@srileo]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@jacobmccoury7891]

master class in sailing

[@Edwinbraun20]

Very good information. Great job

[@Adventure_Bum]

Very informative- thank you

[@martyb3783]

Very informative!

[@GreenthumbsGarden]

Thanks, great informative video

[@rwdyer2263]

This was great! My girlfriend benefited quite a lot from your delivery method and the info presented. Well done, sir! She said you have nice eyes!!

[@SaltyReflections]

Lots of great info. Thanks!

[@bastiandoen2583]

really nice video :) also, I love your facial expression, you look very much like one of my best friends :D

[@Suzuki_Hiakura]

3:20 That joke was quite funny, subbed for that. Hoping to learn a lot watching you (^-^)

[@hankwhite4111]

Informative..great video

[@jeffdickerson19861]

The intro alone made me subscribe.

[@hotsauce1646]

Een Nederlander !!! Gaaf ik woon op Aruba en ga over denk ik ( hoop it ) 3 of 4 jaar een boot kopen om op te wonen . Dank je voor de tips

[@davidjackson2115]

Good info thanks. I would like to cut out my long keel, split it in two to make into twin bilge keel for beaching and shallow waters. But time is an issue its 23cm wide, would have to drill it to find out whats inside.

[@demetrisdemetrious8702]

Excellent post! My query here is fin keel difference between shoal & deep given that I will be sailing most of the time in the Mediterranean, but would like to do the crossing of the Atlantic one day. Obviously one is deeper than the other, but sailing windwards, and ocean sailing in bigger waters, Is there that much difference? Shoal keel 1.60 & deep keel 1.90 Appreciate any advice Thank you

[@24hourtravellers]

Best video explaining Keels. 👍💪

[@tuskybristler4321]

Also remember some full keels are bolted on and some are "fully encapsulated" within the hull of the boat I believe this is the best design as you can never loose your keel.....it cant snap or be knocked off

[@martinmccullough5788]

Nicely done Sir

[@thisiswater9231]

I don't really even know how to sail really, found myself on here somewhat accidentally, and caught myself grinning for most of the video and watching it to the end. Funny guy. Thanks! P.S. Also, useful info.

[@westunicornirl982]

Very informative

[@dananewc66]

Great vid. Thanks.

[@bahamasking2063]

Very nice video. My sailboat has a wing keel.

[@captainhml3868]

My favorite is the full keel cutaway forefoot. My Cape Dory Typhoon has one. Sooooo comfortable.

[@Stuwy2]

we have a long fin (as in wide, not deep) on ours and with all things it is a compromise but it serves us well. Most long term cruisers and liveaboards will spend 90% of the time at anchor or in a slip if they have a few more pennies so at anchor comfort is also a very large consideration..

[@joseortiz5965]

Awesome information

[@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431]

Great humour. Agree the volume of music can be a tad lower. You are definitely entertaining to watch. Do you have sailing basics?

[@normancook4620]

You know there are THREE categories of underwater appendages: KEEL Types which you covered in the current video ( bravo!) Also, there is the CENTERBOARD category( also used with KEELS) and the then the DAGGERBOARD category.....yup that's it, right? The total of sailing total history in three (3) groups REALLY? JUST 3, is the complete advancement of the underwater design excluding hydro foils which lift the boat. You did a great job presenting the many variants and issues of speed, shoal draft and a touch on safety. But really, with all the developments in sails and rigging it's taken hundreds of year's to address speed with SAFETY! NOW there is finally a FOURTH ( 4th) division of underwater appendages.... SCABBOARDS are the latest division of lateral direction stability that offers All the benefits of speed and performance , but most importantly SAFETY. As you pointed out in your video keels are fixed fins ( with in some circumstances LIFTING, that is to say Can be cranked up/ lifted over a period to provide for shoal draft but more so, not quickly to provide for safety for the crew, hull, or standing rig from shock. Typically, other than FULL KEELs impact with a submerged object causes much substantial damage and potential sinking due to breaching of the hull. CENTER- BOARDS like Leeboards rotate aft to relieve the impact, however, this moves the center of effort aft effecting helm and altering& negating the blade/foil. SCABBOARDs are a completely different mechanism, but offer the instant SAFETY of a CENTERBOARD without the rotation and alteration of the FOIL shape while maintaining the Hi-Aspect section for speed & performance. SCABBOARDs can be controlled to adjust the wetted surface dependent on the point of sail. Additionally, unlike CENTERBOARDS SCABBOARDS are not serviced below the waterline rather like DAGGERBOARDS they can be removed from above deck. However, unlike DAGGERBOARDS they do not extend above deck obstructing movement not adding windage. SCABBOARDS , a FOURTH division! Want to learn more? Let's talk [e-mail]

[@rogersmith8339]

Sitting on my Rival Bowman 40 at present, I would add that the patent Scheel keel should have been mentioned as it is a brilliant compromise.

[@AwangYudiAryadi]

Saya sudah klik tombol jempol dan subscribe. Aku senang dengan penjelasan di videomu. Terima kasih banyak. Slam dari Indonesia.

[@airborneranger-ret]

Very nicely done

[@jaysmith378]

VERY GOOD! - Sod off if I'm in a hurry, eh? Lol... Excellent video! Two questions: Q1: Canted bilge keels? (Keels could alternatively be used as ballast(s) with batteries inside as the ballast. Q2: What about low profile/horizontal sails? Seems counter-intuitive but someone I know wants to do it with a low 'X' profile of sails, bilge keels, and structure. Q2(A): Any advantage to catching wind off the top of the water?

[@rosegoldlifehacks]

Great video 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Buses2Bikes]

I've seen on some larger sailing ships and motor yachts a type of hull with a "hybrid" dual keel design. A mix of Bilge Keel and Full Keel. They look like humps that run 3/4's of the hull's length under water. They are rounded and look like bulges. Have you seen this design before? I would think they add ballast under the waterline and add stability almost like a catamaran's dual hull.

[@bahamasking2063]

I have never seen that keel design before.

[@stevewilliams7727]

Enjoyed to watch... I do have a question. Like many out there I'm looking for a bluewater boat to cruise possibly an Atlantic crossing however there is a 1000 opinions on which draft depth is better. If I had a full keel vs other types For example if I looked at a 10-14m sloop or ketch with full keel what is the minimum draft it should be or if I had other type of keel what am i looking for?

[@jaysonlima9271]

Don't focus on draft and keel type as much as what kind of condition the vessel is in. I've done a hand full of long passages on my fin keeled girl (pictured in avatar) and can give advise on keeping them comfortable (storm sails are your friend to keep the roll slow) but focus on material condition first then comfort, then accessories

[@benitocamelas7634]

Excelente tu video, muchas gracias Voy a acondicionar un Lightning quiero suprimir la orza abatible por una longitudinal más corta , que me sugieres?

[@GodschildinNC]

Nice, I am looking at making a small(14ft) boat with bilge/daggerboards. I think this design will give good performance, while not taking a lot of space inside the boat.

[@SailProMarina]

If you are looking to build a phenomenal little sailboat and want virtually FREE video Tutorial on it , Check out Allan Mullholland and his channel WAVE ROVER. He just built an awesome micro blue water sailboat

[@mllawhorn5584]

Any tips for a decent search engine to find sailboats by keel type? Looking for active manufacturers of modified keels. Thanks

[@daleharris3896]

I intend to design a keel on a multi directional track that will split and maybe be telescopic I haven't any idea if it exists or if it will be any good but;. I think it will cover all the bases and sea state conditions. If it splits I will be able to motor in very shallow water and still have control.

[@rl53]

I love Dutch barges & think they are very handsome boats, if they could cruise well & I could afford a boat they would be my choice hands down, esp for the shallow English waters.

[@bilelayedi8194]

Great, thanks

[@ImproveSailing]

Very welcome

[@sarahvegangarden4822]

Shane Acton sailed Super Shrimp, an 18' yacht, around the world in the 1970s. It had a double keel, which I guess must have been a bilge keel. He loved that he could bring it up onto the shore and stand it up on its double keel.

[@daleyoung87]

Great video. You didn't mention shoal draft keels.

[@avancalledrupert5130]

I liked and subscribed at go watch a cat video .Pluss you covered bilge keels . Most you tubers leave them out. Like yea let's not talk about the only boats that don't need slip fees and can live in the estuary for free. If a boat falls over when the tide goes out what use is it 🤷 Great video mate .

[@fishermanextrordinaire]

Thanks mate

[@bbraonain]

I wish I could find a list of boats by keel type. I have tried to look for this but have not had much luck.

[@ImproveSailing]

That's actually a really good idea for a resource on the website. I'll look into it.

[@pikethree]

I agree absolutely, it's what I want to know first, not all the other stuff e.g CC or stern cockpit etc. Then I want length waterline LWL. After that it's the design of the boat and comforts. But Keel FIRST. Yacht sales websites mostly don't even look at the keel type you have to trawl through the info to find a diagram hopefully that shows detail. Sometimes it's completely neglected.

[@marklapierre5629]

Thank you.

[@666devilknight]

Well, honestly, the keel doesn’t counter heel. The ballast does. The keel counters leeway. It’s kind a sail, but under water, creating lift in the opposite direction of the sail. Since water is a lot denser than air, the keel only has to be a fraction of the size of the sail, to balance the forces created by the sail. Also, the reason fin keels don’t have to have as much area as a full keel is the efficiency of its ‘airfoil’ shape; which allows it to create better lift.

[@6moonbeamz]

Music is too loud. You've got good content, why put music to distract it?

[@chriswalden9457]

Indeed, one of my common complaints.

[@shadroid]

Funny, I didn't even notice there was music until after I was finished watching, read your comment and went back to see what you were referring to.

[@pedroferro2624]

Ótimo vídeo

[@louisseaman8455]

Nice video, but are you sure about the weight of the keel being the determining factor in a boat's speed? It's been my understanding that wetted surface had more to do with the speed since a larger surface creates more drag. I see later in the video you do make that point...

[@peterthompson3790]

Super voice and presention style , like it Peter T England

[@ImproveSailing]

Thanks Peter, I appreciate it.

[@camhawkes5361]

Could you explain. The weighted keelson and swing down center plate variety? I have a 1972 New Zealand built kestrel 18f trailer sailor. I would like to know what you think of it. I can send the original sale brochure if you like.

[@richmeister1960]

Thank you

[@bertmacdonald337]

Kraken Yachts said, "hold my beer'' !

[@user-po7xn8ri7r]

What in your opinion would be the best keel for sailing in the aegean sea?

[@Snurre86]

thank you

[@trailingarm63]

Great video. Loved your English! (Better than most natives!)