Catalina 22 swing keel

[Petes Cat]

I have recently acquired a 95 Cat 22 swing keel version. I have it docked at my house on a lake and the lake is dropping quickly due to drought like conditions.
Is it possible to allow the boat to settle into the muck if the lake keeps dropping? Will this potentially damage the trunk or the lead keel.? Thx

 

[BigEasy]

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Is it possible to allow the boat to settle into the muck if the lake keeps dropping? Will this potentially damage the trunk or the lead keel.?

Why take the chance, put it on the trailer until conditions improve. If it gets stuck, you're not going to be able to retrieve it until the water level rises.

 

[Petes Cat]

Thanks, but that would be obvious.. I don't have a trailer or access to one. The question remains can the boat settle in the soft mud/dirt without damage?
thx

 

[...3TacksontheWater]

Thanks, but that would be obvious.. I don't have a trailer or access to one. The question remains can the boat settle in the soft mud/dirt without damage?
thx

I think the only answer would be "It depends". I'm guessing you're on Lake Pontchartrain and it's a relatively smooth bottom. I'd recommend that you retract the keel and snug it up with a line tied around the hull so that when the boat re-floats the keel cable and pivot bolts are not stressed unduly. You'll also need to play out your docking lines as she lowers with the water level.

George

 

[dlochner]

If the bottom is soft, there shouldn't be an issue. If it is hard, rock or gravel, the dangerous time is when there is just enough water to float the boat. Any wave action or inconsiderate boater throwing a wake will cause the boat to bounce off the bottom potentially damaging it. Difficult to say how much damage, could just be a few gelcoat scratches or chips or it could be more.

Do raise the centerboard and have fenders or tires to cushion the hull if it lays over on its side.

Once the boat is on the bottom and stable, it should be ok until the water starts to come up again, then you risk flooding and bouncing off the bottom again. Safest option is to put the boat in deeper water or haul it.

 

[BigEasy]

Thanks, but that would be obvious.. I don't have a trailer or access to one.

Might be a good time to buy a trailer, new or used, or as @dlochner advised, haul it out & store in marina yard. If low water is going to be an annual event, purchasing a trailer might be a good bet.