Why a centerboard ?
A low draft is required for a true go-anywhere boat, without undermining upwind sailing performance. To possibly anchor in more sheltered areas, or gain protection from drift ice by being able to enter shallow waters where large floes cannot get in. This leaves the choice between a lifting keel and a centerboard. A swing or pivoting keel with a security device is best suited in case of collision or accidental grounding, the vertical lifting keel arrangement being far too vulnerable. An heavily ballasted keel weighting up to 10 times more than a centerboard requires a more sophisticated lifting device and also yields more inertia in case of a sudden shock with debris or marine life. Also with this last option it is not possible to navigate with the keel up and at anchor once the keel is lifted, the boat becomes rolly due to the significantly higher position of the center of gravity; not the case with a centerboard. During long cruises more time is usually spent at anchor than navigating. A real advantage of centerboarders is the ability to navigate safely with the board up; no keel broach effect reducing the risk of capsizing and moreover more pleasant and soft motions going downwind in heavy seas, well appreciated by any crew !< br />If this broach effect still sounds theoretical, a suggestion is to go and practice a few jibes on a Laser or equivalent sail-dinghy in a good breeze with both the daggerboard up or down and feel the difference, a likely wet but memorable experience ! The ability to dry up completely with the tide, not only opens up a large choice of additional moorings or small sheltered fishermen harbors, but also brings side advantages such as being able to perform maintenance work on the propeller or just clean the hull, without having to dive or haul the boat out of the water.On the flip side the ballast of a centerboarder being positioned higher in the hull bottom vs. a lifting keel, more ballast is required leading to an heavier boat. A hull bustle perfectly integrated into the Enduro 54 design allows the lead ballast to be positioned lower, as well as the engine and some fuel tankage, yielding a particularly low center of gravity for a centerboarder. For upwind performance, a long and thick (Naca profile) centerboard has been designed, extending draft from 4 to 12 feet in the down position.