Hi to all those who remeber me. Back to ask advice again. Gone off the idea of a full keel and on to a bilge keel. Although these aren't all that common around America can anyone give me any tips on any bilge keel boats that are quite spacious and have 6ft headroom, good sea handle ability etc. Need to be a live aboard for two so somewhere between 26-30ft ish please. All views welcome as always. Been to see few boats so we're getting there for all who know our story. Looked into some RYA Courses and just getting them sorted at the moment so things are coming together at last! Thanks for all those who give time even to read this. S & M
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Get Lead Keels
Recommend lead keels vice iron. The iron keels require maintenance that would be compounded when the boat sits on the tidal flats (causing damage to the protective barrier coat) and also when one has to work on the "inside" of the keel, that is, the area facing the centerline of the boat. The additional cost of the lead keel would more than be offset by the decreased work required for the iron option. For info on bilge keel boats, types, etc., I'd recommend seeking out some English boat sites. Following some of the links should get you more information. Although it would probably not meet your requirements, budget, etc., the (European) Legend (same as USA Hunter) have started manufacturering some boats with bilge keels.
Recommend lead keels vice iron. The iron keels require maintenance that would be compounded when the boat sits on the tidal flats (causing damage to the protective barrier coat) and also when one has to work on the "inside" of the keel, that is, the area facing the centerline of the boat. The additional cost of the lead keel would more than be offset by the decreased work required for the iron option. For info on bilge keel boats, types, etc., I'd recommend seeking out some English boat sites. Following some of the links should get you more information. Although it would probably not meet your requirements, budget, etc., the (European) Legend (same as USA Hunter) have started manufacturering some boats with bilge keels.
Westerly
As a kid my dad had a Westerly Windrush 25(English built). Sturdy boats. Very well built. Had alot of leeway as expected when going to windward, but no big deal if you ran aground. We used to beach her and do the bottom. There is 30 footer for sale here where I keep my boat for 9 grand kinda of alot for the shape she is in, at least in my opinion. But sure would be a fun project.
As a kid my dad had a Westerly Windrush 25(English built). Sturdy boats. Very well built. Had alot of leeway as expected when going to windward, but no big deal if you ran aground. We used to beach her and do the bottom. There is 30 footer for sale here where I keep my boat for 9 grand kinda of alot for the shape she is in, at least in my opinion. But sure would be a fun project.
Hunter bilge keels+ photos
I am just taking delivery of a new 356 with bilge keels. Over here in the UK Hunter offer the option of iron bilge keels with the 306,326and the 356. Lead is not an option I believe due to the malleability and the angle of the keels + size and weight.See the link to the photo archives below for pictures of the kels on my boat (when it was on show at Southampton Boat Show last month) The 326 was tested over here with bilge keels and performed as well as the shoal keel version.
I am just taking delivery of a new 356 with bilge keels. Over here in the UK Hunter offer the option of iron bilge keels with the 306,326and the 356. Lead is not an option I believe due to the malleability and the angle of the keels + size and weight.See the link to the photo archives below for pictures of the kels on my boat (when it was on show at Southampton Boat Show last month) The 326 was tested over here with bilge keels and performed as well as the shoal keel version.
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