Long keeler
A long keel is a sailing yacht in which the ballast keel extends over almost the entire length of the underwater hull from bow to stern .
Long keelers almost exclusively have S-shaped frames , which creates a smooth transition from the hull to the keel fin. In most cases, the rudder blade is attached directly to the keel (more precisely: the stern post), in contrast to the freestanding rudder of modern yachts.
Older wooden and cruising yachts often have a long keel.
There
- a flat, elongated lateral plan is hydrodynamically less effective than a deep lateral plan of the same area and
- greater resistance occurs due to the larger wetted surface (friction),
Long keelers can run less height on the wind and are usually slower than comparable short keelers . Also, long keelers are usually heavier than short keelers of the same length, since the weight of the ballast is more evenly and usually less deeply distributed under the water surface than with the keel bombs of short keelers. In order to achieve the same righting moment as with a short keeler, the ballast proportion (approx. 50% of the total weight of a long keeler) must be higher.
Langkieler have the reputation of being more stable than short-course Kiel, but may also at long Kiel band under heavy heeling weather helm occur that causes a strong pressure on the rudder or even an accidental change of course. Particularly moderate long keelers with attached rudders are problematic here, such as the archipelago cruisers , since the rudder is close to the axis of rotation of the ship and therefore has a low lever arm.
Most long keelers are considered very seaworthy. This is mainly due to the more balanced movements and the greater range of stability. Colin Archer's designs based on lifeboats are legendary . The deficits in speed and height close to the wind can, however, also be relevant to safety if you have to avoid a storm or cross a coast in an onshore wind (“ Legerwall ” situation).