Which are the two types of keels?

• A. Bar and Plate
• B. Fin and Floe
• C. Round and Flat
• D. Vee and Wing

Answer: (A)

Keel construction can be categorized by how the keel is formed, either as a bar or as a plate. A bar keel uses a long, solid or hollow bar running along the bottom of the hull, providing straightforward fabrication and a strong, continuous ballast member. A plate keel uses flat plates welded or bolted together to form the keel profile, allowing different cross‑section shapes and potentially easier manufacturing on certain hulls. The keel’s purpose is to provide lateral resistance and lower the center of gravity to keep the boat from sliding sideways and to help it track straight in wind and waves. Among the options, bar and plate describe two distinct fabrication approaches for keels, which is why they’re considered the correct pairing. The other terms refer to different hull shapes or generic descriptors that aren’t standard keel construction categories.