Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 13, 2026

Keel depth

Keel depth is the depth of water from the water surface to the keel of a vessel, the deepest part. The keel establishes a commonly defined reference point to measure to.

Last revised
Jul 13, 2026
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Keel depth (sometimes given as Depth to keel) is the depth (or draft) of water from the water surface to the keel of a vessel, the deepest part. The keel establishes a commonly defined reference point to measure to.

Keel depth is useful for determining safe operating depth in shallow water.

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