Keel alteration

[Before the Bell]

Has anyone dared alter their original keel. I remember the early 80ties when the Aussies were coming up with some funky bulbous and winged keels that gave them the edge to finally de-throne our boys from the states. I have a 70ties Hunter and was considering adding either a bulbous bottom to my keel or wings. Am I crazy? Would even a slight alteration damage what the marine engineers/designers calculated? Any marine engineers with knowledge of these dynamics or any opinions from experienced veterans appreciated, thanks.John

 

[Tillerjock]

keel reconfiguration

HiIt really all depends on why you want to modify your keel and what you want your new keel to do for you.. There's no free lunch it's all trade-offs. I replaced a keel on a 23 foot beneteau went from a shallow draft wing to a deep fin. It made a world of difference going to weather which was what I wanted and it also added a degree of stability. Let me know what you're thinking of and I'd be glad to give you an opinion.