The backbone or foundation of any vessel is it's keel. The keel determines the overall strength and survivability of the vessel.

On a sailing vessel the keel has additional significance.

1. The Keel is as important as the rudder in determining the course or direction of the vessel. A proper keel resists the winds efforts to slide the vessel across the water sideways.

2. The keel must be heavy enough to counter balance the rolling effect of the wind on the sail. Without enough counter force the wind will tip the vessel over sideways capsizing it.

There are three basic types of sailing keels:

Daggerboard

A slot is inserted in the middle of a vessel to allow the daggerboard to be dropped through the center of the vessel. The daggerboard is usually made of a steel blade and it's depth in the water can be adjusted allowing for operation in shallow water with reduced sail.

External

A weighted assembly that is attached externally to the building keel. The building keel is the part of the vessel that the vessel is built on and, actually gives the vessel it's structural strength. The external keel is a weighted assembly that is attached after construction. The added weight resists being blown over. An external keel can be either of a blade design or snubbed off to allow use in shallow water or shoals.

Internal

Is one in which the keel, either blade or shoal design, built into the vessel's shape. It is then filled with steel or lead shot. In order to lose this keel you'd have to rip the entire vessel apart. This keel can also be of blade or shoal design.

Moral #1 To ensure safe sailing place the weight of the Word of God deep inside and with-in your vessel!

Styles of KEELS:

Blade or Dagger

When properly designed works with the sail to develop forward thrust and added control in deep water. It has the added advantage that when forward speed increases it resists tipping even more, allowing you to tack tighter into the wind.

Shoal Draft

Is a shallow water keel and relies on dead weight to keep the vessel upright in strong winds. It's chief advantage is that it allows you to operate over reefs, shoals, and other shallow waters. This is great if you are going to do a lot of island hopping... (? are churches Islands of God's Truth?)

Moral #2 The Word of God is sharper then any two-edged sword... Make the Word of God your blade for running in deep spiritual truth. (Now the Bereans were MORE NOBLE... They searched the Scriptures DAILY.) This requires a deep and secure port, and, Jesus is our safe harbor.

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessolonians, for they recieved the message with great eagerness AND examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11

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