The REVOLUTION in lifting keel
THE KEEL SERVANT (It. Patent) is an innovative lifting system for telescopic keels.
The mechanism is suitable for a wide range of sizes for telescopic keel systems, consisting of a fixed fin and a lifting bulb.
(PATENTED)
KEY features
• Excellent hydrodynamic functional configuration and weights distribution, in all similar to deep fin and bulb keel.
• Better performance and lower weight than a fin keel cruising configuration of equivalent or deeper draught.
• Electromechanical mechanism. No hydraulic system is required.
• The size of the mechanism is limited and fixed, there are no moving parts on sight, it suits conventional layouts without parasite bulk.
• The keel is assembled and dismantled like a traditional fin keel.
• The mechanism requires minimal annual maintenance.
• Lifting the keel can be made manually in case of emergency, with limited effort or with a portable electro-tool.
UNIQUE features
• The original patented system allows a perfect control of the position of the lifting keel both upwards and downwards.
• The keel is locked in any position (even intermediate) and can be controlled by the millimeter.
• The original slides and pads guiding system guarantees a very smooth movement without vibration and the end positions are locked preventing “peals” or noises during navigation and while anchored.
• The lifting keel fully complies with the standards of the Registers in case of grounding both in raised and lowered position.
• You can sail at any sail and motor speed with both lifted and lowered keel or in the intermediate positions.
• A digital display shows the exact position of the keel.



How it WORKS
The lifting mechanism is made up of a stem, driven by an electromechanical screw jack that works inside a jacket that is inserted and secured in the fix fin of the keel.
According to specific needs, the stem and jacket section can be rectangular or tubular, and the fix fin can be made in HR stainless steel or in cast iron.
The bulb is connected by a pair of flanges, one of which is integral with the shaft (sliding) of the mechanism and the other is inserted in the bulb itself during melting.
A fiberglass shell is screwed to the bulb and fits like a sleeve with the fix fin to form the aerodynamic profile around the sliding part.
The materials of all parts are carefully selected for sea water heavy duty conditions:
• Jack and screw:
· · stainless steel AISI 316 grade
• Travelling plate and nut, sleevs, pads, stoppers:
· · bronze EN 2.0980
• Shaft, jacket, flanges:
· · stainless steel AISI 304 grade
ADVANTAGES compared to a hydraulic lifting keel
Unlike other telescopic keels, The Keel Servant is a patented NON hydraulic system.
In addition to the typical benefits of a traditional telescopic keel, it offers countless additional advantages:
• it does not need a hydraulic system with its problems, possible oil leaks, need for expansive periodic maintenance, noise
• the required space inside the hull is relatively small and is fixed, with no visible moving parts (i.e. lifting cylinders)
• assembly is extremely simple. Only two 12V or 24V power cables, and the connection of the switchboard panel and of the control panel
• the fin / mechanism / bulb body constitutes a single unit mounted on the hull as a traditional bulb or fin keel with flange and stud bolts.
ADVANTAGES compared to a short fin keel
• Weight of the ballast reduced up to 20% compared to the classic keels for shallow draught.
• Much better performances in all sailing conditions.
• Better comfort in navigation or moored, lowering the keel.
ADVANTAGES compared to a standard fin keel
OF THE SAME MAXIMUM DRAUGHT
The Keel Servant telescopic lifting system has significant benefits comparing to standard fixed fin or bulb keels for cruising boats:
• Excellent hydrodynamic functional configuration and weights distribution, in all similar to deep fin and bulb keel.
• Improved righting moment, capacity to spread more sail area and therefore a more powerful sailing setting.
• A better hauling angle.
• Possibility to lift the keel when reaching, reducing the hydrodynamic resistance and increasing the speed with the same sailing setting.
• Possibility to lift the keel when sailing with the engine to reduce the resistance and fuel consumption.
• Less draught when up.
• All this, with a much better maneuverability and accessibility to ports and shallow water.