What is a flat plate keel?

What is a flat plate keel?

• A. Keel is perpendicular to the centerline of the hull
• B. Keel is parallel to the waterline
• C. Keel runs along the chine
• D. Keel is curved

Answer: (A)

A flat plate keel is a flat, straight plate that sits across the bottom of the hull, so its face is at right angles to the boat’s length. This transverse orientation—perpendicular to the centerline of the hull—gives the boat lateral resistance, helping prevent it from sliding sideways (leeway) in wind and waves. The plate is flat rather than curved, and it doesn’t run along the waterline or along the hull’s chine, which is why the perpendicular-to-centerline description best fits a flat plate keel.

A flat plate keel is a flat, straight plate that sits across the bottom of the hull, so its face is at right angles to the boat’s length. This transverse orientation—perpendicular to the centerline of the hull—gives the boat lateral resistance, helping prevent it from sliding sideways (leeway) in wind and waves. The plate is flat rather than curved, and it doesn’t run along the waterline or along the hull’s chine, which is why the perpendicular-to-centerline description best fits a flat plate keel.