full keel

shipbuilding

Also known as: ballast keel

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

In shipbuilding, the keel is the primary structural component, acting as the backbone of a ship or boat. It runs lengthwise along the bottom of the hull from the front to the back. A "full keel" is a specific type that extends vertically downward from the hull, often weighted with ballast for stability and to resist sideways movement. Other types of keels include the centerboard, skeg, fin keel, and bilge keel, each serving distinct purposes related to stability, steering, and preventing rolling. The keel is crucial for the structural integrity of the vessel.12

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keel
…of main keel—properly, the “full keel,” or “ballast keel”—is a vertical downward extension of the boat’s hull, narrowly V-shaped; it is usually ballasted or weighted for stability and lateral resistance.
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…of main keel—properly, the “full keel,” or “ballast keel”—is a vertical downward extension of the boat’s hull, narrowly V-shaped; it is usually ballasted or weighted for stability and lateral resistance.
Read More