C-22: Swing Keel vs. Fixed?

[Tim McDonough]

Hello! I'm beginning some research into the Catalina 22 -- I used to own a Tanzer 22 and am thinking of jumping back in. I'm hoping the C-22 veterans might answer a basic question I have about the choice of keel -- does the fixed keel have a performance advantage over the swing keel? Is there any major difference in performance or convenience? I've been told the swing keep can present maintenance issues -- or worse with small kids around the cockpit.Thanks for whatever wisdom you might pass along!

 

[Timm R]

Maintenance

Yes any moving part will require more maintenance.Where you keep your boatwill dictate convenience.If you will be keeping it on a trailer go swing keel.Takes me about a half hour putting it in ,taking it out.Kids in the cockpit won't affect it one way or the other.The winch is just inside the cabin,the locking pin under the seat.

 

[TedsSailingPage]

C22 Fixed vs. Swig

Fixed keel performs better than the swing.If you have deep water and a slip or mooring, than the fixed keel would be OK. If you have shallower water and trailer a bit, then the swing keel is the way to go.If you keep up with the maintenance on the swing keel, it will be fine.Regards,Ted

 

[David Williams]

Swing Keel

I am pleased with my swing keel. Catalina has a good design for the keel hangers. You will need to check the torque on the bolts periodically, and once in a "blue moon" replace the winch and cable. The real draw back to the swing keel, is that the cable tends to hummmm. The advantage is trailering and shallow water sailing. David