A centreboard (often called a lifting foil in a modern racing dinghy) is used to provide lift to counter the lateral force from the sails. This is required for sailboats to move in directions other than downwind, since the force of the sail is never closer than 45 degrees to the apparent wind.

Centerboards perform the function of a keel and keep the boat on course regardless of wind direction. Centerboards are primarily found on small trailerable vessels, which vary in length from 12 to 25 feet. Centerboards look similar to fin keels, but …

Aug 5, 2023 · Essentially, a centerboard is a retractable fin situated beneath the hull of a sailboat, extending downwards into the water during navigation. Its primary purpose is to counteract the lateral force generated by wind pushing against the sails.

A centreboard or centerboard (US) is a boat hull appendage which can be put up and down in the water. [1] It is used in dinghies and by other sailing boats in shallow water but in deep water it gives the boat stability .

On a sailboat, the difference between a daggerboard and a centerboard is how they are moved into position. A daggerboard is lifted and raised vertically (up and down) through a slot in the hull; a centerboard, on the other hand, pivots or swings into place. That was the short answer.

Mar 23, 2020 · A centerboard is a retractable appendage that pivots in and out of a slot (centerboard trunk) in the hull/keel of a sailboat. Having the ability to raise and lower the centerboard allows the the boat to operate in shallow waters when lifted, while maintaining good upwind sailing characteristics with the centerboard down.

Oct 15, 2024 · Learn the subtleties of centerboard adjustments beyond simply up and down and how to use it for close boat-on-boat situations. The centerboard, an often overlooked tool, can be effectively used...

Mar 21, 2025 · A device which is raised or lowered through the bottom of a sailing vessel, and is housed in a centreboard case. When lowered it increases the vessel's lateral area and its resistance to leeway. Centreboards have been used in China since at least the 8th century, but they were slow to spread to Europe.

Apr 8, 2024 · The choice between a daggerboard and a centreboard often comes down to the type of sailing and the waters navigated. Daggerboards are preferred for performance sailing in open waters, where depth is consistent and grounding is less of a concern.

A “centreboard”—also called a drop keel, or sliding keel—is a retractable keel midships that may be lowered to increase lateral resistance and prevent sideslip. A “skeg” is an aftward extension of the keel intended to keep the boat moving straight and to …