One of the sailboats I have spent a fair amount of time on had all of the
machinery and most of the tankage in the keel.  Access is difficult, but on
the other hand, other than a remote mounted oil filter and remote oil
changing pumps, there is not a lot of maintance needed on the sides of
diesel engines--in this case, injectors, engine filters and injector pump
was accessable from above.  This boat has gone well over 150,000 miles and
worn out two smaller engines.  The keel is not as agressive with a bulb as
in the Shannon--it actually is a NACCA foil and moves very easily thru the
water--most likely increasing the boat's effeciency. Origionally the
generator and 150 gallons of fuel, plus 200 gallons of water were also in
the keel.  When a larger generator was installed, it was out of the keel,
and another 200 gallons of fuel out of the keel was added.  The origional
generator was replaced with batteries in sealed cases.  I do think that
putting this keel weight low makes a lot of sense in increasing stability.

Bob Austin

Many PAE (Nordhavn) Mason sailboats had engine and generator in the keel
cavity. My only thought when considering a beautiful Mason was what would
happen if the keel filled with sea water?

Ron Rogers