Mike and Don,
I like the term "keel" over heel...but who cares.
Linton McKenzie said it best...
"Picture trying to steer a battleship down a creek".
With that in mind...you understand that the shorter the keel that you can use and control...
...the less chance of hitting the bank.
The deeper you cut...the higher the lift...but the trade off is less control of the graver.
You find that balance of depth of cut and control with practice, but when it all comes together for you...
...celebrate it here!...
Tim