F-235 keel swap

[David Swingle]

I'm interested in possibly swapping my wing keel for a fin keel. The wing keel does not point well and I wouldn't have to worry about the transom in a grounding. I thought I saw an article on this, but can't find it. Any inputs on cost, logistics, used wing keel? Will another keel "bolt right up"? Pipedream? Thanks David Swingle

 

[Dan]

Fin Keel

I looked into this last year when I started working on my wing keel. Yes, I believe the fin keel would pretty much just bolt right up, however Beneteau told me that they are not available anymore so you can't just go out and buy one new. You could try contacting Mars metal in Canada and see if they will make a keel to fit the boat. I tried to get in touch with the boat designer who made a deep lead keel for an F-235 but he never returned my e-mails. I ended up repairing my wing keel and completely sealing it and fairing it out nice. Next time you have yours out of the water you might want to inspect the bottom of the wing and make sure that the three bolts that hold the wing to the fin are still in good shape. When I bought mine the wing almost fell off before I got it home because all three bolt heads had completely corroded away.Good Luck,Dan

 

[Steve C]

check this out

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beneteau235/message/345and thishttp://207.44.248.86/~kh/beneteau235/leif_beiley_keel2.htm

 

[Kelly Holsten]

Leif Beiley Beneteau F235 Lead Keel Mk III

As mentioned, Leif Beiley of Bravura Yachts is now on his second release of the Beneteau First 235 lead fin keel, this bringing more weight in the bulb and better lift from improved aspect ratio as well as better weight/drag ratio. The depth is increased over the original fin to 4'7, still relatively shallow draft although a big change from the wing for sure. There is more weight in the bulb area and the keel is now 907lbs. Additionally, the Beiley keel has much improved foil section.Lastly, gone will be the worries of the iron keel and rust-prone keel bolts (traditional keel studs and nuts).Take a look as this page for info (linked in previous post too). Also, be sure to bookmark the F235 site.http://207.44.248.86/~kh/beneteau235/leif_beiley_keel2.htmKelly Holstenhttp://www.beneteau235.com/

 

[Dan]

Price?

Has he mentioned how much these might sell for?