C&C 34...possibility to shorten keel?

[CC34colorado]

Good afternoon, 1st time poster.

We've got a C&C 34, fin keel that's 5' 11". Short of switching to a centerboard keel, it has come to our attention that there is another keel configuration, a shorter fin version length ~5ft. However, I am having a heck of a time finding any information on it.

Any chance anyone has any information on a shorter keel for this particular boat? Or perhaps could point me in the direction of some info?

Thanks, any info is very much appreciated.
AG

 

[Stu Jackson]

Welcome to our ittle corner of the world!

Have you tried a Google on C&C sailboat user groups? Usually there is an association or website for boat-specific models and manufacturers who are "specialists" in their brands and sizes, in addition to this general forum. You may be in luck here in that some of our respondents are C&C owners. Good luck.

 

[Tim R.]

Try the manufacturer. http://www.c-cyachts.com/dynamic/default.aspx

BTW, shortening that keel will likely result in poorer upwind performance.

 

[RAD]

Try this link

http://www.marskeel.com/keel/info.php

 

[Ron20324]

Hey, AG, I just came back from Ft Myers. RAD has the right link. A few years ago there was a magazine article about shortening a keel and used the MARS company. They used a chain saw to cut the lead, and made a pattern of the new bottom of the keel. I recall MARS made some wings that fit the profile and they were both bolted on the remaining keel stub.

 

[bffatcat]

Shortening Keel

I would think carefully before you alter a naval architects original design. Some things to think about before you do this are. Windward performance, previously mentioned, Tenderness in a breeze, and finally resale value. Seems like a big expenditure for less than a foot of draft.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

I don't recommend this modification. First of all, shoal keels (even of the same boat design) will have a different foot print, in most cases. Shoal keels are usually longer fore and aft and require more lead (that is why often a shoal keel has an upgrade charge on a new boat). A deeper keel extends deeper, hence affecting the "righting arm" ratio (between the center of buoyancy and gravity) with less material. The shoal keel does not extend deeper, so to to maintain that same righting moment of the boat, more lead has to be added (or whatever ballast is used - but lead in the case of a C&C) and so it will be more mass and more mass requires a different footprint where the keel attaches to the hull.
Of course, you can cut it off and add wings, but wings are worth a darn performance wise. You can get a much more efficient shoal keel fin keel that is consistent with C&C expected performance. If you are sailing in a skinny water area, I think it might make sense to change boats.