"Why I'll Never Own an Ocean" - the sequel - another short novel by Bob

[thoward]

But your reply raises a question. Why do you believe that the keel makes the boat roll more while drifting? Bertrams are notorious rollers (RLDT, according to Thudddd) and they don't have any keel. My thinking would be that it has more to do with hull shape, but that a keel would either reduce rolling or have no significant effect. What's your take on it?

I am sure some of it has to do with the enclosed bridge and the tower, not to mention the Gulf stream. But as she slides down the swell the boat is heavy and her undersides have lots of drag causing the boat to pivot. There are times when being a cork has its advantages. The ride will suffer a little but personally I would give up a couple hours of a bad ride for 6-8 hours of drifting comfort.

Do not get me wrong Hatteras builds a great boat with great componets. When we started looking at CCs I was surprised to see crap plastic handles and "finish" rings on $100K+ 26' boats. In the end, we bought the best ride but it cost us 10 MPH, he!! I am not sure we could ever go much over 56 mph anyway. It makes my eyes watter

[Avenger]

I thought it would have something to do with your particular situation i.e. the enclosed bridge. I can see where the keel would make it pivot when you're at a slight angle to the waves. Sounds like it can get uncomfortable, but hey, at least you don't have to spend a lot on chum!

In the end, we bought the best ride but it cost us 10 MPH, he!! I am not sure we could ever go much over 56 mph anyway. It makes my eyes water

See the thread on sunglasses.

[nor'easter]

I would think that the keel would dampen the rolling a bit. I would imagine the higher COG with an enclosed bridge and tower would be the biggest culprits.

[Boss Lady]

The keel will reduce the oscillations resulting from wave energy which causes the boat to roll, e.g. it has a dampening effect. The keel acts as a brake. A boat without a keel will continue to oscillate depending upon the location of the center of gravity. The type of hull shape also plays into this equation.

[thoward]

It is not the oscillations that is the issue it is the initial roll down the wave and into the next(full beam). It has been bad enough to take them over the gunwale. I hate getting my feet wet while fishing.......