Lifting Keel vs fixed

[brendashrewsbury]

We are about to buy a Jeanneau Sunshine 35 (1988 / 89) and cannot decide between the lifting keel version or the fixed. We are in the happy position to have the choice of both.

The lines on the fixed keel version are so good - she looks like a fast boat. We think we may even race her occasionally.

Our dilemma - will the lifting keel version cost us performance or is it just something else to go wrong?

Which would you choose and why

[MalcolmP]

Sun Shine 35?

IMHO will come down to what will be the main use and where will you moor?

We have a shallow draft SO34.2 with beaching legs which have been great on the few times we have used them, a lift keel would be much simpler if you like drying out in anchorages like Ille de Brehat or Lindisfarne

The lift keel is more difficult to antifoul, both because of limited headroom and getting to the plate. There are maintenance issues with the plate as well

[brendashrewsbury]

Sorry - Sunrise 35. I got confused!!

The handicap information is useful. Only a small difference between the fixed and drop keel with the Sunrise. I am swinging (excuse the pun) towards the drop keel as I think the advantages outway the disadvantages.

[MalcolmP]

Jeanneau names are rather confusing think there are over 250....

Great boat, presumably you have seen:

alainmaignan.sportblog.fr/

Alain should finish his non stop circumnavigation in the next couple of weeks, seems to have stormed up the Atlantic

Malcolm