Devlin's 25' Surf Scoter - Keel question

[Hugh M.]

The study plans for this boat show the keel about 10" deep. The keel looks nice on the lines drawing with its shapely cut-away, but it won't be seen when in the water. It seems that most planing craft have little, if any, keel at all. I suppose it helps in low-speed tracking, I don't think high-speed will matter much because of the counter rotating Volvo outdrive.

I know, another amature tinkering with a proven design... :( but maybe it could be shallowed by half to 5" to reduce drag, lessen turbulence to the props, and lower trailer height?

Oh, and there is the matter of the steadying sail. Would the sail be useless (or dangerous) without such a deep keel?

Any opinions?

Thanks!

-Hugh

[Tom Lathrop]

Hugh,

I have opinions about the keel but I think you would be far better off to ask Sam Devlin if it can be reduced in depth. The boat has considerable depth and should handle pretty well without the keel but tracking in tough conditions are certainly improved with it. In addition, there is the prop and shaft protection and outboard lower unit protection in an area where is lots of debris in the water, or so I'm told.

[On Vacation]

Tom, a point of note here. Many of the older sportfish boat in the Oregon Inlet area have shaved their keels down and actually increased steerage in the following sea conditions. I can't say if this is from the shaving or repowers, but may are built now without the large ones. Only a comment and no endorsement.