Catalina 22 fixed Keel

[Gene Berkland]

Hello Experts!I am a novice sailor that recently purchased a 1970 Catalina 22. The boat has a fixed keel. I would like to trailer the boat and am interested in knowing if the fixed keel can be replaced with a retractable type keel. Has anyone out there done this? I am very interested in knowing if this can be easily done. ThanksHappy Sailing!G. BerklandSan Diego, CA

 

[tim]

buy a new trailer

lay out the cash on a new trailer with rollers and a long tongue extension. try the triad trailer web site at http://www.sailnet.com/triad/models.htm . the draft wont be that important if you have the appropriate trailer. j 22 are launched off roller trailers that have an adjustable keel pad( draw 43" or so). it wont be cheap but you will be sailing and the cost in better recouped in the trailer than retrofitting an older boat(which you probably cant do anyway) good luck.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Not worth it

You'd probably end up spending more than the boat is worth to retrofit a retractable keel. Better to sell this one & hold out for one if that's what you really want. But I liked Tim's suggestion of getting the right trailer for your situation.LaDonna

 

[Randy]

Trailer pictures

I own a 22 MKll with a Capri fixed fin keel and I woundnt think of changing keels.....A fixed keel will out perform a swing keel 2 to 1 off shore and by the looks of your address, I'd think thats what you use it for... I also build custom trailers....Drop me a line and I'll send you a couple pictures of mine on the trailer... Randy windward@softcom.net

 

[Joseph Massimino]

I'd like to know how you make out.

I have a 1973 C22 with a fixed keel. I might have to move it around if they raise the docking fee's where it rests now. Please let me know what kind of trailer you end up with. As for replacing the fixed keel with a swing keel, forget it. You could get a boat with a swing keel on a trailer of that same age for peanuts compared to the time and effort, not to mention cost of modifying the hull you have and buying a trailer.