I would like to change out my wing keel for a fin keel

DonC3222

DonC3222

.
Jun 14, 2007
20
Hunter -340 Milwaukee, Wi.
This may be a crazy thought, but I would like to change out my wing keel for a fin keel on my Hunter 340. The reason is that I like to race the boat on Wednesdays, and after many years of doing this I see the benefits of the fin for racing.
Is this possible, and would I mess up other sailing characteristics of the boat, or can everything remain the same with a new keel.
Also, where would I get a new or used keel? Is it practical or a ridiculous thought?
Anyone selling one?
 
victorhoisington

victorhoisington

.
Jan 22, 2008
296
Islander Freeport, 41 Ketch Longmont, CO
Wellllll... There are lots of things that affect success at racing from boat handling, skippering, tactics and equipment. While you should be able to swap the wing for a fin, it won't be cheap. Have you considered new sails, I've seen lots of people make this change and have great success, have you removed everything non-essential from the boat? Then of course we get to things like tactics, sail trim and boat handling, how many books have you read on the subject? have you taken any of the racing courses offered? have you prepped the bottom with the latest bottom preparations? have you faired your rudder to a perfect foil? ... There are a lot of ways to improve at racing some of which are cheap some that are more expensive.

And of course I've heard stories (I'm not a good or successful racer myself and have not done any of the above) of the old sailor who wins constantly with his old boat and baggy sails by having a better starting technique, knowing the local conditions (tide, current, winds) better than anyone.

While changing to a fin keel might help, it seems to be one of the more expensive options than most of the above.

However, it is an interesting project and could be fun to figure out how to make it work.

Good luck,
 
whatfiero

whatfiero

.
Oct 30, 2011
542
klidescope 30t norfolk
It would be a lot cheaper to buy another boat I have a hunter 30 with the wing and I win races New sails and a perfect bottom are the best improvement . the wing is a adaption on old American cup race boats if fared properly it will pull you up wind like a boss
 
DonC3222

DonC3222

.
Jun 14, 2007
20
Hunter -340 Milwaukee, Wi.
Thanks for the good advice. I bought a new jib 2 years ago, and I think I will start with replacing the main now. Sail trim and boat handling is top on my mind and is always a work in progress. I went to a full day seminar on it this winter and even after sailing for 25 year, I picked up things that I was missing.
Thanks.
 
Ted

Ted

.
Jan 26, 2005
1,272
C&C 110 Bay Shore, Long Island, NY
How many seconds per mile are you finishing behind the first place boat? As you probably already know, your PHRF rating takes into account that you have a wing keel. If you are many minutes behind (corrected time) the lead boats, there are other things to consider before before a keel replacement.
 
A

artboas

.
Jun 1, 2009
1,845
Hunter 49 toronto
DonC3222 said:
This may be a crazy thought, but I would like to change out my wing keel for a fin keel on my Hunter 340. The reason is that I like to race the boat on Wednesdays, and after many years of doing this I see the benefits of the fin for racing.
Is this possible, and would I mess up other sailing characteristics of the boat, or can everything remain the same with a new keel.
Also, where would I get a new or used keel? Is it practical or a ridiculous thought?
Anyone selling one?
Click to expand
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom