How do I raise the Keel?
The keel can be raised quickly using the 6:1 block and rope lifting strop which is attached to the lifting points on the top of the keel and to the mast. When sailng the lifting tackle is stowed in a bag under the mast deckplate.
Can I sail in shallow water with the keel partly up?
Yes, we have found that if the keel is raised about half way you can still tack the boat as there is enough movement in the lifting strop to allow the boom to move from side to side. The rudder is lifting too.
Can I launch and recover the K1 on a trolley like a normal dinghy?
Yes, the K1 has a trolley with the boat supported by the gunwhales and keel on a central plate. Before launching take the weight of the keel bulb on the lifting tackle and the boat will float off like a normal dinghy, although it needs a few more inches of depth.
Is it heavy to pull up a slipway?
Despite the weight of the keel, by keeping the hull construction and rig light, the ready-to-sail weight of a K1 is not much more than typical single-handed dinghies and less than some, such as the Finn. The K1 also has a light weight alloy trolley to further save weight.
Should I sail the K1 upright like a dinghy?
No, the K1 is designed to sail heeled as the wind comes up. This way part of the righting moment comes from the keel bulb weight and part from the helmsman’s weight. The bulb is like an ideal crew - the more you heel the more righting moment it produces. You will still go faster in a breeze if hiking out but it is not as important as for a normal dinghy.
Can I capsize a K1?
Probably, if is windy enough, but unlike a dinghy which loses stability rapidly if it heels beyond 20 to 30 degrees, the K1 stability increases the more it heels. This makes it very forgiving on a gusty day when dinghies are capsizing.
Is a K1 easy to sail?
Yes, with the extra stability from the keel and the self-tacking jib, the K1 is simple to sail and very comfortable too.
Can you sail two up?
There’s room for two in the cockpit for cruising, but for racing the Class Rules specify one person only.
Is the K1 fast?
Yes, with its long waterline, the K1 is a quick single-hander and points high too. Downwind you can goose-wing the jib and run fast.
Can I sail a K1 at a dinghy club?
A few dinghy clubs do not permit keel-boats, but the K1 is designed to be used like a dinghy, this is not normally an issue. Please contact us if your club has any questions about the suitability of the boat at your club.
Can I have a test sail?
This can normally be arranged in the UK and other countries where we have an international dealer. Please contact the dealer to arrange this.
Is there an owner’s Class Association?
The UK has an active Class Association with a forum on Big Tent. To have a look google Big Tent then search the content for K1 Class Association which will take you to the public page. The membership secretary is Chris Queree and if you email him at cqueree@hotmail.com he will allow you in for a look around and see what members are discussing and other items about the K1. Please also see the K1 Class Flyer on the Documents page.
