270 /260 wing keel

[ray wells]

does anyone have any feedback on a 260 keel version ? I know the advantages for water ballast but have heard nothing on the wing keel version. I will be trailering less than 200 miles a year. thanks for any help

 

[Scott Blahnik]

Don't trailer the keel

I've ordered the keel version, and from everything I've been told, it's really difficult to trail-requiring a deep ramp,and it's too heavy. I plan on keeping it in a slip.

 

[Richard Gottlieb]

I love it

I own a 270 and I was albe to trailer it with a Dodge Durango w/ a 5.9 l V8 engine. If your not going to be trailering a lot I think that it is superior to the WB 260 based upon my personal maxim that "water should stay on the outside of the boat and people on the inside." Moreover, I feel a lot safer on turbulent water knowing I have a lead keel to stabilize the boat and I draws only 3.5'. And I can keep it on the trailer in my backyard in the off-season. So, I get the benefits of a keeled boat without the headaches associated with having to "rent" a lot and jack stands and can do off-season maintenance at my liesure.

 

[Alan]

swing vs. fixed keel

I have a 94 h26 that I bought this past spring and a friend has a 260 keel (before they called it a 270). The keel version while the same wieght is more stable due to the lower center of gravity. In the same waters I need to reef about 5 knots earlier or heel becomes uncomfortable for guests. It is also easier to install a shower in the keel version. I have the swing keel not for trailering, I don't, but because with all appendages up it draws 1'9" and my two five year olds and their older sister can walk to the beach. Where I sail it can get quite shallow also. Good luck