The Care and Maintenance of Swing Keels

Captain Pauley on keeping this important system operating smoothly

Recently, a reader wrote to ask for advice on maintaining his swing keel, prompting this article. Before we start, let’s get something sorted out—the difference between a swing keel and a centerboard. Both swing up to allow for shoal draft and helping sail trim. Both swing down to provide more resistance to leeway. Both pivot on some sort of pin in the bottom of the boat.

A centerboard is usually a plate or a thin foil. It is ballasted enough to allow it to sink, especially in the case of a wooden centerboard. It doesn’t significantly provide much in the way of ballast. The centerboard case or trunk is usually a significant feature in the cabin.