A 'daggerboard' is a retractable
keel used by various
sailing craft. While other types of
centreboard may pivot to retract, a daggerboard slides in a casing. The shape of the daggerboard converts the forward motion into a windward lift, countering the leeward push of the
sail.
Daggerboards are often longer and thinner than pivoting centerboards, thus providing a better lift to drag ratio. Daggerboards are usually found in small craft such as
day sailers, where their size is easily handled by a single person. Unlike centreboards, daggerboards are not usually ballasted, but are locked in place by a clip.
If a daggerboard is located off center, then it is called a
leeboard or a
bilgeboard.
The
Mirror Dinghy, for example, uses a plywood daggerboard.
External links
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Nautical terms for parts of sailing boats