Anyone have a 323 with the twin rudder/ lifting centerboard option? Will these boats support themselves on the hard? How is their performance?
Beneteau keel centerboard 323
- Thread starter Bill C320 Papillon
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I have a picture showing a 343 ,twin rudder, swing keel standing on a beach with the tide out but I would be plenty nervous if it were mine!
The boat handels well no need to drop the center unless you are working high into the wind or additional stability.
The boat handels well no need to drop the center unless you are working high into the wind or additional stability.
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My thought was how easy it would be to work on the bottom without a cradle, trailer bunks or stand pads in the way. If I were going to leave it on the hard for storage, I'd still want stands or something.
I have a lifting keel 323, which I am very happy with. I have never tried to let it "dry out," as is apparently common practice in England with the extreme tidal range of some mooring fields. However, I do recall seeing a reference somewhere (perhaps in a European brochure) that suggested that the rudders were designed to allow the boat to be stable when dried out. I will look around for the reference.
tweitz,
how does the centerboard raise and lower? is it it hard? is there a centerboard trunk in the salon that takes up space?
I really appreciate any info that you provide.
Bill
how does the centerboard raise and lower? is it it hard? is there a centerboard trunk in the salon that takes up space?
I really appreciate any info that you provide.
Bill
The centerboard (which Beneteau refers to as a lifting keel) is raised and lowered by a winch which is located in the center of the dining table. It is not hard, but it takes 100 turns up or down, using a regular winch handle. The trunk into which it retracts is located directly centered under the dining table, so it is not noticeable at all. It is not particularly troublesome from a leg room point of view either, and I am 6'4" tall. Here is a picture of the cabin when the boat was delivered, showing the winch in the center of the table. There are also a couple of pictures of the twin rudders and the arrangement.
Beneteau 323 centerboard performance
Looking at the 323 due to shallow inlet to my dock. How is the performance of the 323 centerboard compared to a 323 with straight keel??
thanks
Looking at the 323 due to shallow inlet to my dock. How is the performance of the 323 centerboard compared to a 323 with straight keel??
thanks
Beneteau 323 Lift Keel
Hi .. We are in the Uk on the river Deben .. We have a bar to get over at low water springs so we tend to wind the keel up as we cross over .. 100 turns with a winch handle .. If you run aground it just kicks up so you can wind it up and back off .. Sails very well as the keel is similar shape to a dingy only bigger and heavier .. You have 800 mm deep stub keel which the boat sits happily on with the twin aft rudders for support .. Very handy for a quick power wash and brush up .. The cente of the keel is hollow to allow the plate to rise up in the middle .. Going backwards is good fun .. We have learnt that the boat turns very quickly with the power OFF .. So start the manouver and then take the engine out of gear .. lack of prop walk will now let the boat turn .. It does work so practice in the open first .. You can also sail so we are told with the keel up .. On a reach or a run .. They can be sailed to windward but slip across the water .. Hope all that helps ..
Hi .. We are in the Uk on the river Deben .. We have a bar to get over at low water springs so we tend to wind the keel up as we cross over .. 100 turns with a winch handle .. If you run aground it just kicks up so you can wind it up and back off .. Sails very well as the keel is similar shape to a dingy only bigger and heavier .. You have 800 mm deep stub keel which the boat sits happily on with the twin aft rudders for support .. Very handy for a quick power wash and brush up .. The cente of the keel is hollow to allow the plate to rise up in the middle .. Going backwards is good fun .. We have learnt that the boat turns very quickly with the power OFF .. So start the manouver and then take the engine out of gear .. lack of prop walk will now let the boat turn .. It does work so practice in the open first .. You can also sail so we are told with the keel up .. On a reach or a run .. They can be sailed to windward but slip across the water .. Hope all that helps ..
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