Characteristics of Fin Vs Shoal Keel

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Dan D

Dan D

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Apr 6, 2007
55
Hunter 28 Leech Lake - Minnesota
We're deciding on a new boat after 5 years with a 92 MacGregor 26S. We need a faily shallow displacement because of the varying depths of Leech Lake, Walker, MN- where we find ourselves spending most of the summer. We are cruisers- not racers.

Reports seem to skow that the standard rig C- 27 seems suited to our needs- more cabin headroom, heavier displacement, a little easier to sail etc. My question is how well does the same boat sail when comparing the 2 keel choices- fin vs shoal?

It looks like the shoal at 3'-6" carries about 350 lbs more than the 4' fin. Is the shoal more tender? Does either point noticeably better? Any help here? Thanks, Dan
 
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catalina27

Ive never sailed a Catalina 27 shoal keel (there were actually 3 keel choices the 4' fin the shoal you mentioned was offered in the 70's and in the late 80's a wing keel was offered but I don't know the wing keel's draft or weight). I have only sailed my 1987, standard rig, fin keel and find it to be a very stiff boat and it points very well. I have also taken it through some very rough conditions (6 foot swells 35+ knot winds) and it handled very well with reduced sail. The boat handled those conditions very well and at no point did I feel the boat was in over its head or couldn't take it. Again I have never sailed a Catalina 27 shoal keel but I imagine it would be a bit more tender and not point as well as the fin keel. I personally prefer the fin for its performance and where I am the water is deep enough that the 4' draft dosent matter.

-Eric Altman
-Catalina 27 #6358
 
Dan D

Dan D

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Apr 6, 2007
55
Hunter 28 Leech Lake - Minnesota
I guess I really misunderstood- I thought the shoal keel was a wing configuartion.
 
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catalina27

-The 4 foot draft 2700 lbs fin keel was offered for the entire production run of the boat.
-The 3'5'' draft 3150lbs shoal keel was offered from the beginning of production through the early 80's
-The 3'6'' draft 2600lbs wing keel was offered in the late 80's

These specs can be found on the IC27A site in the Catalina 27 brochures section in the 1980 and 1988 brochures. http://www.catalina27.org/public_pages/c27brchr.htm

-Eric Altman
-Catalina 27 #6358
 
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Randy6414

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Jun 5, 2004
72
Catalina 27 Stone Harbor NJ
Shoal keel on Catalina 27

I have a 1984 model Catalina 27 with the shoal keel (and inboard diesel). I have found the boat to be stiff enough. It also points well and has a very easy motion in rough water.

I've never sailed a fin or wing keel 27, nor have I sailed my boat next to them, so I cannot offer a direct comparison. Conventional wisdom says the deeper fin is stiffer and should point higher, but the extra weight of the shoal keel has got to be a factor in keeping the boat upright. Also, the shoal keel is longer and wider at the bottom than the top, so the weight is down low, where it does the most good.

Our home inlet is nasty at times, and it is also shallow, so the reduced draft is very nice to have. And, we've been caught out in rough weather while on ocean trips with seas of 6-8 feet. I've never felt like the boat was being tested or even in danger.

Randy
 
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Big Windy

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Jun 2, 2004
1,077
Several Catalinas C25/C320 USA
Bottom line...fin keel points a bit higher than the wing. If you are mostly in shallow water, you need the wing, it'll do fine.
 
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