I am interested in going from a shallow draft (5'11") to a standard/deeper draft (7'7") any thoughts? I have been looking for a 2003-2005 Beneteau 50, 2-cabin, (7'7" draft), classic main, 100 hp Yanmar for a couple of years with no luck. I have found a couple of shoal drafts and I am thinking about a keel change. Is this a realistic mod? Anyone done this? Anyone interested in going from deep to shallow and interested in a keel trade? I am interested in opinions....thanks.
Interested in changing keels on a Beneteau 50
- Thread starter bamagreg
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I had the keel changed from deep draft to shoal on a Catalina 28 so in theory I guess it is possible. But I don't know if the same applies to Beneteau especially one as large as that
Talk to these folks, they're the experts.
http://www.marskeel.com/repairs-modifications/draft-reductions
http://www.marskeel.com/repairs-modifications/draft-reductions
Yes, Jack, I understand the basics, but he's in Charleston, which means possible travel in the ditch or down south.
So, I was wondering why HE is thinking about doing it.
Thanks.
So, I was wondering why HE is thinking about doing it.
Thanks.
Stu,
LOL I KNEW you knew that! ;^)
For sure if water was not an issue we all would have deep keels. I'm assuming that he must have done the trade-offs in his mind, like we all do. Being in Charleston, one of the hotbeds of sailboat racing in the USA, I'd guess he wants to go try and spank the 'cruising' fleet at Charleston Race Week. A buddy of mine races his deep keel Beneteau 48 there and kicks butt.
Reason why.....
Faster, points higher, planning on blue water crossings, little to no ICW travel.
Faster, points higher, planning on blue water crossings, little to no ICW travel.
Bama,
On to your question. This has happened several times in the 367 fleet, someone that bought a short draft boat wants the deep keel to make the boat competitive. The first thing to check is if someone wants a swap. If you find someone you're golden. I'm not sure how best to reach out. Is there a owners group anywhere? Talk to Ward in B-USA parts and see if he hears anything? Dealers?
You MIGHT be able to sweet-talk B-USA in sending a letter/email on your behalf to registered owners, asking if they would be interested. Worth a chance to see.
If the keel is lead then Mars made it and its the best place to get one directly. Not going to be cheap, but yours is worth a buck a pound as scrap so you get quite a bit back. Check to make sure the bolt pattern WAS THE SAME between the boats.
On to your question. This has happened several times in the 367 fleet, someone that bought a short draft boat wants the deep keel to make the boat competitive. The first thing to check is if someone wants a swap. If you find someone you're golden. I'm not sure how best to reach out. Is there a owners group anywhere? Talk to Ward in B-USA parts and see if he hears anything? Dealers?
You MIGHT be able to sweet-talk B-USA in sending a letter/email on your behalf to registered owners, asking if they would be interested. Worth a chance to see.
If the keel is lead then Mars made it and its the best place to get one directly. Not going to be cheap, but yours is worth a buck a pound as scrap so you get quite a bit back. Check to make sure the bolt pattern WAS THE SAME between the boats.
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