Does anyone know if the 5'7" keel on a 1991 Catalina 34 can be changed to the wing keel? I know the rudder would also need to be changed or cut down. Has anyone ever heard of this being done? Thanks, Don
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Yes, Don, sure
Suggest you post here on the C34 website, they're experts: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?board=11.0 Do a search on the word "keels" -- there are a few posts that pop right up. Stu C34 IA Secretary
Suggest you post here on the C34 website, they're experts: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?board=11.0 Do a search on the word "keels" -- there are a few posts that pop right up. Stu C34 IA Secretary
Yes. You can either change or cut down your keel
Several C-320s have changed between fins and wings (Some one way, some the other), at least one C-380 has done the same, so you should be able to change your keel from a fin to a wing. As an alternative, Mars Metals in Ontario will custom manufacture a bulb for your boat. You let them know that you have a C-34T (or whatever), give them a tracing of your keel, they tell you where to cut the old keel off, and then you drill holes and bolt a bulb onto the shorter stub, fair the joint, and go sailing into thinner water than you could previously. I read a review on this in Practical Sailor several years ago, so apparently it works, and is probably a less expensive option than a complete keel retrofit. Steve Alchemist C-320
Several C-320s have changed between fins and wings (Some one way, some the other), at least one C-380 has done the same, so you should be able to change your keel from a fin to a wing. As an alternative, Mars Metals in Ontario will custom manufacture a bulb for your boat. You let them know that you have a C-34T (or whatever), give them a tracing of your keel, they tell you where to cut the old keel off, and then you drill holes and bolt a bulb onto the shorter stub, fair the joint, and go sailing into thinner water than you could previously. I read a review on this in Practical Sailor several years ago, so apparently it works, and is probably a less expensive option than a complete keel retrofit. Steve Alchemist C-320
Stay with a Catalina designed keel
If I had to change the keel, I'd go with the factory mfg. wing keel. Some day you'll want to sell this boat. As a potential buyer, I would shy away from other than a factory mfg. keel. The custom modified keel may in fact be better than original equipment, but you're going to have to prove that to a potential buyer. Another consideration would be sell the boat and get one with a wing keel, or look for a 34 owner who wants a deep keel boat. When all is said and done this might the the least costly way to go.
If I had to change the keel, I'd go with the factory mfg. wing keel. Some day you'll want to sell this boat. As a potential buyer, I would shy away from other than a factory mfg. keel. The custom modified keel may in fact be better than original equipment, but you're going to have to prove that to a potential buyer. Another consideration would be sell the boat and get one with a wing keel, or look for a 34 owner who wants a deep keel boat. When all is said and done this might the the least costly way to go.
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