SHNOOL

If you are trying to get a keel feel, in a smaller boat though...

Try a Capri 165 keel, or a Capri 14.2 keel, or a Precision 15 keel.  There are all small trailerables that are easily launched, and responsive, but are still self righting (to a point) with lead.

I am pretty sure the Capri 142, and Precision 15 keels are still made.

That being said, as far as I know, there's no insurance as such for anything other than major regattas.  Even at those, I'm not really sure how the organizers could be liable for jack squat.  I was under the distinct impression that sailing, perhaps more than any other pursuit, is all about assumption of risk.

You haven't ever seen one of these signs have you? 

Honestly, you guys get hung up on the danger board, and ignored that the boat needed "cocking?"

I hazard to think how that process goes, and "what's it rate?"

As MANY have said... a lot of these small boats have lazarettes that open to all of below (potential swamping), including both sides on my Capri 25.  A reasonable thing to do as the wind pipes up (or in my case always), is to lock those doors down while sailing.  If water gets down in there, it adds to the weight above the waterline quickly.... and can continue into the cabin.

Hatchboards in, lazarette's latched, reef... and for Christmas sake, dump the traveler, then dump the sheet... reef when it pipes up....

the P18 and P21 are really nice trailerable cruisers.  Tom Scott DID write the book on the P18 and it's a great read to anyone looking at ANY trailerable.  He solved tons of problems and customized his boat to his own liking.  He also talked about sailing characteristics with the P18 that applies to many small trailerables..

If you are REALLY worried about stability you can get a sailing slug like a Com-Pac.  They are heavier, more stable, and slower.  The com-pac 19 and 23 are bigger than a car can tow (1500 pickup recommended).  They are sturdy little boats though, but sail like it too.  Oh as another option the Capri 18 (which is really a 20) is a solid little sailor too, faster than a Com-pac, but not by much.  It's a fixed wing keel though... a little harder to broach, and also a slug.

Something interesting about Portsmouth... when the wind completely dies.

http://www.katiekat....cyRebuttal.html

Feel free to shoot the messenger - um virtually.

Not trying to hijack here... just wondering if there is any merit to this.

Our club has used both PHRF and Portsmouth for our Very mixed fleet of trailerables over the years, that include keelboats that are 18 to 27 footers.  I know the club decided that PHRF wasn't quite cutting it for them, but that was many years before me, and I have no idea what drove the switch.