catalina30keelshortening (reductionofdraft)

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DanRichardson

I own a 1977 Catalina 30 with a fin keel and a 5ft.3in draft.I am contemplating cutting a foot or so off the keel in order to reduce the draft. The lead that is cut off could be epoxied into the bilge, thereby maintaining the same overall displacement. Does this sound feasible? Has anyone out there ever done this, or heard of it being done. Any major downside (other than some loss of upwind performance, which I am willing to accept in return for the reduced draft). Iwould much appreciate any thoughts on this idea.
 
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Richard4728

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Jun 3, 2004
80
- - Guilford, CT
I would suggest...

finding a winged keel that no one wants and swap out keels. Search the archives, its been done before. Moving ("a foot or so")the lead into the bilge would drasticly reduce the righting moment of the boat making it extremely tender. How would you cut it off(safely) anyway? Better yet sell your boat and buy a 30 with a winged keel. Cutting the bottom off your keel would make your boat mostly worthless if you ever think of selling it again. Don't do it.
 
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Acoustic

Catalina will sell you a wing keel

but do not cut your keel! You might even be able to find a hurricane damaged 30 for next to nothing and steel the keel off it. If it were me, where it's a 1977, I'd sell it and buy a new boat with shoal draft. A keel swap is expensive labor wise!
 
J

J

hard to believe

Yep, murphy is alive and well! you might want to consult with Catalina Yachts prior to surgery.They may be able to explain the righting moment you are about to destroy. There is a rating point of diminishing return for stability. BTW FWIW, I have seen those wing keels that have run aground. Just try to extract them from a muddy or sandy bottom once they dig in. The design is very similar to an anchor profile so the wing scoops up the bottom and settles nicely. This wont happen with fin or full keel. Best of luck. J
 
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Dave

Mars Metals for custom Keel

Dan, If You are REALLY serious about shortening your keel, check with Mars Metals. You can shorten your draft and retain your righting moment by keeping the weight down deep.
 
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beeltee

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Jun 5, 2004
7
- - Bridgeport, CT
Me too, me too...........

I've been kicking around the same idea. I have looked into Mars Metal Bulbs. I haven't made any definite move, as yet. If you decide to take the saw to your keel, keep me informed. I can't pull my boat for the winter because of the draft, but with a foot less........... Kevin
 
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