I am contimplating purchasind a Hunter 460 with a Shoal Keel actually t is 11" shorter than the "Deep" keel (5'7" vs 6'6"". Has any one had experience with the Shoal Draft keel and if so how does it perform?
- Status
shoal draft wing keel
I have a Hunter 340 with a shoal draft winged keel which was the obvious choice for me because the waters along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi Sound and environs are very shallow. The deep keel performs better but would limit my coastal cruising. It depends where you sail and what type of sailing you do. ajp
I have a Hunter 340 with a shoal draft winged keel which was the obvious choice for me because the waters along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi Sound and environs are very shallow. The deep keel performs better but would limit my coastal cruising. It depends where you sail and what type of sailing you do. ajp
If......
..you do all your sailing in less than 6' then there is no choice for you. However, if your sailing is done in 7'+ then the fin is by far the better sailing choice. I had a 'wing thing' on my boat. Had a custom fin installed which added 11" of draft, but Oh what a difference to the sailing performance. She became a whole new boat Wouldn't dream of ever having anything else again.
..you do all your sailing in less than 6' then there is no choice for you. However, if your sailing is done in 7'+ then the fin is by far the better sailing choice. I had a 'wing thing' on my boat. Had a custom fin installed which added 11" of draft, but Oh what a difference to the sailing performance. She became a whole new boat Wouldn't dream of ever having anything else again.
Request for Alan
Alan, you indicated that you had a custom fin installed! Was that an 11' attachment that you had added to your shoal keel or did you have the whole keel replaced? Also is it possible to get the source you used. I would really appreciate it. If you would like to call my number is (310) 327-3840 name Rick. Also personal e-mail Rick@mmidirect.com Thanks
Alan, you indicated that you had a custom fin installed! Was that an 11' attachment that you had added to your shoal keel or did you have the whole keel replaced? Also is it possible to get the source you used. I would really appreciate it. If you would like to call my number is (310) 327-3840 name Rick. Also personal e-mail Rick@mmidirect.com Thanks
My Mod Keel
I replaced the wing keel with an entirely new fin the was designed and built by Mars Metal in Ontario, Canada. They were great to work with and did a fantastic job. This keel is so good that I've yet to loose a race to another Hunter regardless of size.
I replaced the wing keel with an entirely new fin the was designed and built by Mars Metal in Ontario, Canada. They were great to work with and did a fantastic job. This keel is so good that I've yet to loose a race to another Hunter regardless of size.
460 keel
Alan- What was the cost factor in replacing the original shoal draft keel? I have a 460 in Newport Beach, Ca.
Alan- What was the cost factor in replacing the original shoal draft keel? I have a 460 in Newport Beach, Ca.
Keel Cost
I caught a break at the time. Mars Metal had a mold for a custom boat that was able to be modified for my boat. That saved me about $5000. The cost of the keel after returning my old one as scrap was $4800. If they have a mold that can be used for your boat, figure about $1.00 per pound. If they need to build a new mold add $5000. If you can get a number of skippers together to place an order for more than one, the mold cost can be spread over the total number. At the time, I was hoping that it would all be worth the work and money. Let me just say that it turned out far beyond my best expectations at the time. Many local skippers that have sailed with me can't believe it's a Hunter.
I caught a break at the time. Mars Metal had a mold for a custom boat that was able to be modified for my boat. That saved me about $5000. The cost of the keel after returning my old one as scrap was $4800. If they have a mold that can be used for your boat, figure about $1.00 per pound. If they need to build a new mold add $5000. If you can get a number of skippers together to place an order for more than one, the mold cost can be spread over the total number. At the time, I was hoping that it would all be worth the work and money. Let me just say that it turned out far beyond my best expectations at the time. Many local skippers that have sailed with me can't believe it's a Hunter.
- Status