The Benefits of a Ketch The sails on ketches are smaller. These sails are easier to operate and hoist on a bigger boat, which is why many elderly sailors favor ketches. Using only two sails at once gives you more alternatives for dealing with diverse sailing circumstances, such as heavy winds. Less rigging is needed on a ketcher-so there's less chance of getting tangled up. Ketchers have flat bottoms, which allows them to sail close in to shore if necessary. This is not possible with a schooner or a full-rigged ship because they have curved shapes instead. Ketches are best for small inland waters because they can't go very far from land. Ketches were popular in the United States until the early 20th century. They're still found today in coastal areas where they're used as fishing boats, scows, or workboats. In conclusion, ketches have some advantages over other types of sailing vessels due to their size and design. These ships are perfect for inland waters because they can stay close to shore while keeping their crew safe and dry. They also have fewer chances of getting stuck in mud or becoming trapped in riptides. As for disadvantages, ketches are not suitable for large bodies of water because they won't be able to sail far away from land.