And Joe, more points,
Not ONCE, EVER, have I defended the iron keel. I have written here many times that it is the greatest disappointment I've had with my boat. I had committed to ordering the boat before I learned it had an iron keel. I was stunned. Yep, I still remember that sick, empty feeling. THERE, DARYL, I said it yet again! He just doesn't remember things that aren't on his agenda, like slamming the H34. OK, that said, MINE DOESN'T LEAK A DROP. Why? Design. And I know how to fix a damn leak and not just complain about them. Funny, why is it that I know when Daryl is writing something without looking for his name? One more thing. Design. I don't know anything about the 35.5 but a open transom is HUGE. It's a major plus. Back to keels. A wing keel is a major negative compared to a fin keel regardless of what the fin is made of. The fin will be faster. A 'wing' won the Americas Cup because of the 12 meter rule, in that draft was restricted to 5.5 feet or so, regardless of keel design. So, no restriction, no contest. The deep fin will be faster. OK guys, Rich says the 35.5 is faster in light air than the 34. Al says the 35.5 loves heavy air. These boats are very similar in design. How can both statements be true? I think the H34 is tender. But check out the mast height. You'd be tender too. And in light air? I've rarely been passed. Mostly by sleds. And back to the keel. I've gotten good at patching it up. Rust is very limited at haul-out. Modern materials are an even bigger reason for less rust on my boat than any skills I might have gained. So, if you don't want to go through a learning curve, just glass it in. End of problem. Hey, anyone here want to form a 'price club' to get a cut-rate on a bunch of new lead keels for the H34, from Mars Metals? I still want lead! While were at it, how about a group purchase of new carbon fiber masts? Or, we could,,,,
